- The Best Free FTP Software app downloads for Mac: Cyberduck Fetch Transmit CuteFTP Mac Professional Classic FTP Plus CrossFTP ForkLift Yummy FTP Pro C.
- Explore the best FTP software for Mac. Browse our catalog of over 50 000 mac apps. MacUpdate is serving app downloads since 1997.
My point here is this: every IT professional and practitioner needs a good FTP client (and possibly server) in their corner. Whether you’re building a site or sharing files, FTP provides ease and capacity unavailable in simple computer-to-computer transfers. The popularity and long history of this protocol means there are lots of players in the game—FTP clients for Windows, FTP clients for macOS, FTP clients for mobile, free FTP clients and paid FTP clients—and the right one for you depends on the client’s features and your needs. We’re here to help you sort through the clutter with the following list. Don’t have time to read through top FTP programs? My top pick is the SolarWinds® Serv-U® Managed File Transfer Server solution if you need reliable, business-level capabilities.
Download FTP server software, 30-day free trial of Wing FTP Server for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux and Solaris.
Here you can jump ahead to FTP Client Software reviews:
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing FTP Client Software
File Transfer Protocol is necessary when you’re communicating with a server. It’s the FTP client software that initiates the request of the server. That’s typically relevant when you’re building or maintaining a website but could also matter when transferring large files that can’t be stored on RAM. (This latter use has become less popular with the rise of cloud computing.) For smaller data transfers, going machine-to-machine is still fine.
A note on security: FTP was developed before cybersecurity was the concern that it is today, so data is sent unencrypted. That might be fine if you’re just hosting whitepapers for download or transferring non-private information. But if you have any sensitive documents or your industry has privacy regulations, using an unsecured connection could be a PR headache at best and regulatory negligence charges at worst.
That’s why Secure FTP, or SFTP, was developed. (FTPS is another, less common, encrypted form of FTP.) In fact, FTP and SFTP are often used interchangeably now, though you shouldn’t assume this is the case when choosing your client; verify that you’re getting SFTP if you need it.
Why pay for a top FTP program when there are so many popular free versions? As we’ve noted previously in this blog, “Open-source is only free if your time is worthless.” That’s a bit harsh, but the message is important: open-source and free proprietary options aren’t going to provide the support and customization of a paid service and team. You’ll spend a lot of time learning, customizing, and maintaining the program yourself, and it still might fail sometimes. This should be foremost on your mind if regular, secure, and reliable data transfer is mission-critical for your business and not just tangential.
Best FTP Client Overall
With SolarWinds Serv-U Managed File Transfer (MFT) Server, you get all the business-level capabilities you need at the affordable price you’ve come to expect from other Serv-U product offerings like Serv-U File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server.
Like FTP Server, Serv-U MFT provides total control over your file transfers—even 3GB+ files—within your organization, over both web and mobile devices. It simplifies file transfer for users with single drag-and-drop features. I’d say the real advantage here is the intuitive dashboard that allows central control and customizable automation abilities (and the ability to look over activity logs as needed).
And of course, you get the crucial security features you need and expect for business functions, like Active Directory integration and authentication features. Files can be transferred over FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S protocols, over both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Designed to deliver reliable and secure file transfers, this file transfer tool focuses on helping you ensure regulatory compliance for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other standards that require secure data transfers. Serv-U MFT can take loads off your plate and keep your system running smoothly.
Serv-U MFT Server is designed to be easy to install and supports deployment on Windows and Linux® platforms.
Best Free FTP Client for Windows
Modelsim download for mac. WinSCP is like the Honda Civic of FTP clients—ubiquitous, relatively reliable, and affordable (free, in fact, because it’s open-source), all-in-all a decent option for a variety of users. It supports the SFTP protocol for added security and supports SCP (as the name suggests), as well as WebDAV and Amazon S3. WinSCP has an integrated text editor and allows for remote editing, which is then uploaded to the server automatically when saving, making editing a snap. And there are three portable versions, including one for Linux.
A few drawbacks: it’s built on Windows, so Mac users are out of luck. And if you use UNC to organize files on a LAN, WinSCP isn’t compatible with that either. Plus, some users criticize WinSCP’s odd keyboard command layout and the inability to customize shortcuts. (A minor gripe, but I bet it will annoy you after a while.)
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for Windows
FileZilla might be the undisputed champ of open-source FTP clients if not for some unfortunate moves and PR. It works for Windows, macOS, and Linux, has drag-and-drop, tabbed interface, bookmarks, and remote editing as well as file search. Out since the early 2000s, FileZilla has racked up thousands of happy users and supporters.
But the program’s host, SourceForge, earned some ill will when it started bundling FileZilla downloads with adware or using deceiving tactics to get users to download unwanted programs. Some users even claimed malware was loaded onto their computers. Current versions still contain ads on update pages, so be careful. And in 2014, it was revealed that fake versions of FileZilla were loaded with malware that was stealing login credentials, so you should make sure you are downloading a legit version.
Best Free FTP Client for macOS
At first glance, Transmit might not seem like a standout. Like other competitive FTP clients, it supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, Amazon S3, or WebDAV protocols, and integrates easily with Amazon Drive, Backblaze B2, DreamObjects, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business, OpenStack Swift, and Rackspace Cloud Files cloud storage accounts. Transmit is also great for automated syncing.
What makes Transmit special? It does all this for macOS. In a field dominated by Windows FTP clients, this is easily the best FTP client for macOS. And as proprietary freeware, you get the updates and guidance of a paid service without spending a dime.
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for macOS
Cyberduck is another big name among the best free FTP clients, especially among FTP clients for macOS. (There is also a Windows version, but because Cyberduck was built on macOS, its features are macOS-leaning.) It supports FTP and SFTP, WebDAV, OpenStack Swift, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Microsoft Azure. Users love its simple and friendly graphic interface with drag-and-drop (for bookmarks too) and its support of dozens of languages. Cyberduck doesn’t have a built-in text editor but integrates with whichever your favorite is. And it allows for remote previewing of some files without downloading them.
However, that simple and easy user interface might not be sufficient for some power users. And though this is a free open-source program, it will prompt you for donations until you donate, which can get irritating.
Honorable Mentions
FireFTP is unique in that it’s not a standalone desktop program, but an add-on for the Mozilla Firefox browser (although the creators now recommend using Waterfox). This adds a lot of convenience for Firefox power users, but not much advantage for everyone else. If you prefer trees of directories and lists of files to a more dressed-up user interface, FireFTP’s two-pane display is for you.
CuteFTP is one of the most popular paid FTP clients on the web. Reviews tout its ease of use and simplicity. Standouts include the automation of file transfers and the built-in editor (Scintilla). Thanks to a feature called Tappin, you can easily share files between desktop and mobile devices. Available for Windows, CuteFTP is free to try and costs $59.99 standalone, with an additional $30 for a year of maintenance and support.
CloudMounter works a little differently because it’s not exactly an FTP client. It’s more like a direct connection to your FTP server as if the server were a removable drive. So instead of complicated software and interfaces, all you have to do is open up Finder. Few other FTP clients can say that they make it as easy as plugging in a thumbnail drive. CloudMounter is free to try and costs $29.99 (or an additional $10 for a “lifetime upgrades guarantee”). It’s primarily known for its macOS version but is also available for Windows and Linux according to its website.
One More Time: The Best FTP Client
The best FTP software depends all on your needs and budget, but I highly recommend looking at paid services to ensure regulatory compliance, security, and reliability. Check out SolarWinds Serv-U MFT for the most reliable option—and with all the security issues that can arise with transfers, you shouldn’t take that reliability lightly.
Related Articles
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Free Ftp Software For Mac
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Free Ftp Mac
FTP server lets you upload files via the file transfer protocol. To do this, you connect it with an FTP client and transfer the data from your local machine to a cloud or any other server. Being said that, there are a lot of freeware FTP servers out there in the market. Almost all of them are lucrative enough to catch your eye, but are they worthy enough to cater to your file transfer needs?
Here in this segment, we share some of the best Free FTP Servers available for Windows, Mac, and Linux that you can download to share files right away. We have kept a lot of technical things in mind while selecting them. So let’s get started.
Best Free FTP Servers
Please note that some of them might ask you to upgrade to a premium version, but it entirely depends on your requirements and the features that you want. You can choose any of these and go ahead with your file transfer quests.
1. FileZilla Server
FileZilla is an open-source server that promises to fulfil all your basic FTP server requirements. It’s even cross-platform, and that makes it popular among developers. You can control an FTP or a local server. Going to the technical part, you can choose the port from which the software listens.
Furthermore, you can even control how many users will connect to your Server at once. It consumes the computer’s resources efficiently as there’s also an option to select how many threads it can utilize. It comes with an intuitive user interface where one side of the screen displays your local file structure, and the other side is reserved for the servers file system. Here, you can even use drag and drop functionality to transfer files.
Fast connection bookmarks for frequent transfers and file updation, secure and simultaneous file transfers, and ability to transfer files over 45GB are some of the notable features that you get on FileZilla. One particular thing that might annoy you while doing your job is fifteen minutes timeout period, which means your connection gets interrupted every 15 mins, and you need to re-establish it again.
It’s entirely secure, and you can even auto-ban any IP address that keeps trying to log in with the wrong credentials. A lockdown feature can be enabled where you can put specific IP’s or a set of IPs to not log in via IP filtering. Unencrypted file transfer can be prevented if you disallow it. Complete user access control to provide read-write access and read-only access to specific users is also achievable.
Get FileZilla Server from here.
2. CompleteFTP
CompleteFTP is a free Windows-only FTP server. It is comparatively easier to get started with CompleteFTP for a beginner as it has built-in step-by-step guides that you can check out and learn different features that come along with this free FTP server software. You will find most of the settings are hidden inside menus, and the GUI is straightforward and easy to use.
Installation is simple, and you can get started in no time. It also supports secure and encrypted file transfer, comes with many customization features. The only con here is the visibility of features as most of them are hidden by default, But the guide comes in handy while you are trying something new.
It installs a trial version of the premium edition of CompleteFTP. After the trial expires, you may choose to upgrade it or run the free version. Details on activating the free version are available on their website. You must definitely try this one out as it provides more features in its free version than any other free FTP server software.
Get CompleteFTP from here.
3. XlightFTP Server
Xlight is another free FTP for a system that operates on Windows. It is light-weight, and you can choose a complete install or go along with a portable version. Similar to CompleteFTP, it also installs as a trial version to its premium subscription. You can always downgrade and run the free version after the 30 days trial ends, but it is only available for personal use.
It is more inclined towards power users and administrators in general. When it comes down to configuration, it can be a bit complicated for a novice. Xlight supports IPV6 and encrypted file transfers, and even remote administration control, though it is only available during the free trial.
Furthermore, you can control the bandwidth of the Server and enforce login limits on any IP address. Apart from this, it allows you to set maximum idle time and kicks anyone out who goes beyond the stated limit.
Many features such as support for LDAP authentication, support for active directory, and enforcing certificate requirements for a client to connect comes only with the premium version. If you feel the need for those extra features, then you can upgrade at any time after the trial expires.
Get XlightFTP Server from here.
4. Cyberduck
It is a free FTP software solution available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Cyberduck packs itself with easy to use interface and more straightforward functionalities. It misses some features that you might need in the future. It is best suited for occasional and quick file transfers, best suited for small and static web presence.
Ftp App For Mac
You get quick to connect options to file-sharing services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3 along with the remote servers. It also lets you integrate with the text editor of your choice to edit files directly, its a functionality that some popular free FTP serves such as FileZilla and others miss on.
Cyberduck comes with a cryptomator that encrypts all the files that you transfer and also blurs the directory structure, ensuring complete privacy from prying eyes. Here, no one else can make out on which directories were used for the transfer, even if they get their hands on the transfer information. It lacks server administrator tools such as user access and IP control.
Get Cyberduck from here.
5. ProFTPD
Inclined towards only Mac and Linux operating system, ProFTPD is a great option if you want a meaningful GUI instead of scrambling with a regular command-line interface. Do note that gadmin is required for connecting with the Server via ProFTPD. It is best suited for web servers.
Some notable features that go along with this free FTP server are activity logging, hidden directories, and files, IPv6, and module support. You can also use it as a standalone server with add-ons to add more features and maximize efficiency.
If you intend to go ahead with ProFTPD, then you ensure secure file transmission. Beware that it can give a hard time while configuration despite having a GUI.
Get ProFTPD from here.
Conclusion
Best Ftp Software For Mac
Free FTP Servers work just as good as the premium ones. If you are just starting out owning a small business and need to take care of uploading files, then you can select any of the FTP Server software from above, and you will be hitting the ground in no time. Do let us know on which Free FTP server software did you choose in the comments section below.