sFTP Client vs ST Explorer
sFTP Client
sftpapp.comST Explorer
stexplorer.stivetec.comSide by side
| Figure | sFTP Client | ST Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · SFTP Client Software | 7.9 (#12) | 7.3 (#23) |
| Platforms | The maker provides desktop downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux, and lists a separate sFTP Client for Chrome. | The download page requires Windows 10 or 11 with WebView2; macOS and Linux are supported through Wails builds from source. |
| Purpose | sFTP Client transfers and manages files over FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV and cloud storage services. | ST Explorer is a native SFTP client with a Finder-style column view and built-in SSH terminal. |
| Support | The maker lists [email protected] for support and a UK sales line at +44 (0)1206 803 228. | The site links to GitHub to report issues. |
Plans
In their own words
sFTP Client
sFTP Client transfers and manages files using FTP, FTPS, FTPIS, FTPES, and SFTP. The desktop client supports macOS, Windows, and Linux, and an extension is also listed. Transfers can be scheduled or automated, queued, and resumed over SFTP. File tools include directory comparison, drag and drop, remote editing, connection logs, and key-file login for SFTP and SSH. It includes tabbed SSH terminals, supports TMUX and Screen sessions, and can open a terminal automatically when an SFTP connection starts. Port forwarding can connect a server and local device, including automatic forwarding on connection. The desktop client supports cloud services including Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Dropbox, Google Cloud Storage, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage, and Microsoft OneDrive. Connections can sync between devices or be shared with a team or individual; the maker says encryption happens locally before data reaches its servers. FTP is available on the free Basic plan, while other protocols and features require higher plans. A fully featured free trial lasts two hours before purchase.
ST Explorer
ST Explorer is a free native SFTP client for browsing and transferring remote files on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers icons, list, and column views, plus an integrated SSH terminal that supports multiple tabs on the same connection. Transfers include drag-and-drop uploads, clipboard uploads, server-side remote-to-remote copies, and a live progress panel. On Windows, files copied in Explorer can be pasted into ST Explorer using native clipboard integration. The site says host key pinning uses known_hosts with TOFU, and describes the app as having no telemetry or phone-home behavior. ST Explorer is open source under the MIT license and is approximately 12 MB as a single executable without an installer. The listed Free plan costs nothing; it specifies Windows 10/11 with WebView2, while macOS and Linux builds are available from source. SSH key authentication is supported. Stivetec makes the app and links to GitHub for issue reports.