The Best 5 FTP Client for Windows and Mac (Includes FREE)

Transferring files to a remote server using FTP clients can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options fighting for your attention. But finding the right FTP tool shouldn’t be a struggle.

This guide will help you understand FTP tools and uncover the best FTP app for your specific needs. We’ll explore a diverse range of options, from the most secure FTP client to the best free FTP tools, and recommended FTP clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Whether you’re looking for the best web-based FTP client, the most popular FTP client, or simply a reliable FTP downloader, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in and discover the best FTP client for your workflow!

What is an FTP Client?

An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client is a software application that enables you to transfer files between your local computer and a remote web server. In the RunCloud context, an FTP client allows you to manage files on your RunCloud-powered servers securely and efficiently. Popular FTP clients include FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP.

When working with RunCloud servers, SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is the recommended protocol. It provides encrypted file transfers, ensuring your data remains secure during transmission.

Benefits of Using FTP Client

Easy File Management

Managing files across servers becomes easier with FTP clients, as most modern clients offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces for seamless uploads and downloads. These tools provide comprehensive file management capabilities, allowing you to handle multiple files and folders simultaneously while maintaining a familiar desktop-like interface.

The visual organization system makes it simple to track, move, and organize files across different server locations, significantly reducing the time spent on file management tasks.

Enhanced Security

Modern FTP clients prioritize security through robust SFTP encryption, ensuring all file transfers remain protected from potential threats. Implementing SSH key authentication and password protection provides multiple layers of security, making unauthorized access virtually impossible.

Efficient Workflow

FTP clients streamline your development workflow by offering quick file editing capabilities and real-time synchronization between local and remote servers. With features like automatic retry for failed transfers and smart bookmarking systems, these tools ensure uninterrupted work progress even during connection issues.

Developer-Friendly Features

Developers benefit from specialized features such as integrated file permission management and built-in text editors that allow quick code modifications without switching applications. These tools often include features like syntax highlighting and code comparison, making them invaluable for development work.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Modern FTP clients offer seamless operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring consistent functionality regardless of your operating system. These applications maintain a uniform interface and feature set across platforms, reducing the learning curve when switching between different systems.

The standardized protocols and universal compatibility make file transfers between different platforms smooth and reliable.

Suggested read: How to Edit Files on Remote Servers with SSH and Nano

Best 5 FTP Clients for Windows & Mac

When managing your RunCloud server, choosing the right FTP client is crucial for efficient file management and secure transfers.

Here’s a comprehensive review of the top 5 FTP clients that excel in both Windows and Mac environments.

Note: While it is possible to deploy websites using an FTP client, modern developers using RunCloud might find the platform’s built-in file management and Git deployment features more efficient for their workflow. Consider exploring these alternatives for a more streamlined development process.

1. FileZilla

FileZilla is the go-to FTP client for developers worldwide as it offers a perfect balance of power and simplicity that makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

FileZilla’s intuitive interface contains a dual-pane view that displays local and remote directories side by side, making file transfers as simple as drag-and-drop operations. It includes support for all major protocols (FTP, FTPS, and SFTP), powerful queue management, and the ability to handle files larger than 4GB, making it a versatile tool for any web development project.

What truly sets FileZilla apart is its extensive quality-of-life features that streamline the development workflow. The Site Manager allows you to store connection details for multiple servers, complete with encryption preferences and login credentials. At the same time, the synchronized directory browsing feature ensures you’re always working with the correct files.

Advanced features such as configurable transfer speed limits, filename filters, and remote file editing capabilities also make it a comprehensive solution for server management. The application’s remote file search functionality and directory comparison tools are particularly valuable when managing large projects, helping developers quickly locate files and identify discrepancies between local and remote versions.

Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, FileZilla provides a consistent experience with support for multiple languages and excellent handling of different character encodings. The application’s ability to resume interrupted transfers, coupled with its support for various proxy configurations and network types, makes it especially valuable in environments with unstable connections or strict network policies.

Ideal for: Both beginners and advanced users who need a reliable, feature-rich FTP client.

Suggested read: FTP vs. SFTP – What’s The Difference & Why It Matters

2. Cyberduck

Cyberduck is a powerful file transfer solution that offers an exceptional range of protocol support, including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and various cloud storage services – all in a single, elegant interface.

What makes it particularly valuable for website deployment is its seamless integration with both Mac and Windows operating systems, featuring native system capabilities such as Keychain support for secure credential management and Quick Look preview functionality.

It contains an intuitive bookmark system and supports creating connection profiles for popular hosting providers, which makes it incredibly easy to manage multiple website deployments across different servers.

One of Cyberduck’s most compelling features for web developers is its robust file editing capabilities and external editor integration. You can edit files directly on the server using your preferred code editor, eliminating the need for constant downloading and re-uploading of files during development.

The application’s synchronization feature is particularly useful for website deployments. It allows you to compare and sync local and remote directories with a preview of changes before execution. This helps prevent accidental overwrites and ensures your production environment stays consistent with your development files.

Cyberduck also offers advanced features like bandwidth throttling, file filtering, and support for large file transfers, making it ideal for managing website assets of any size.

Additionally, its integration with content delivery networks (CDNs) such as Amazon CloudFront allows developers to optimize their website’s global performance directly from the interface.

Whether you’re managing a small personal website or handling enterprise-level deployments, Cyberduck’s combination of a user-friendly interface and professional-grade features makes it an excellent choice for modern web development workflows.

Ideal for: Mac users who prefer a native-feeling application with cloud storage integration.

Suggested read: ​How to Use SFTP with FileZilla to Securely Transfer Files on RunCloud

3. WinSCP

WinSCP is one of the most reliable and comprehensive file transfer clients specifically designed for Windows users, with an impressive track record of over 226 million downloads. What makes WinSCP particularly powerful is its dual-interface capability, which offers both a graphical user interface and a command-line interface, making it adaptable to different user preferences.

What truly sets WinSCP apart is its extensive automation and scripting capabilities, which are invaluable for developers handling repetitive deployment tasks. The integrated text editor allows for quick file modifications directly within the application, while its scripting support enables task automation through both the command-line interface and .NET assembly integration.

It contains built-in synchronization tools that make it easy to keep local and remote directories in sync. It also has strong security features, including support for various authentication methods and encryption protocols. Additionally, WinSCP’s portable version offers the flexibility to carry your configured environment on a USB drive, making it an excellent choice for developers who work across different Windows machines.

Ideal for: Windows power users who need advanced automation and scripting capabilities.

Suggested read: How to Edit Files on Remote Servers with SSH and Nano

4. Transmit (Mac Only)

Transmit is a premium Mac-exclusive FTP client known for its sleek interface and powerful features. It has earned a reputation for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It simplifies the process of transferring files between your computer and various servers, including FTP, SFTP, and cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Transmit’s intuitive dual-pane view provides a clear visual representation of your files, making them easy to navigate and manage. Additionally, its file sync feature allows you to synchronize files between different locations, including remote servers, local folders, or even between two local folders, ensuring that your files are always up-to-date.

Transmit offers numerous enhancements that streamline your workflow. You can easily organize and access your frequently used servers through its server management system, eliminating the need to manually enter server addresses each time.

Additionally, Transmit supports advanced features such as batch renaming, built-in key management, and the ability to view file information directly within the application, further simplifying your file management experience.

Ideal for: Professional Mac users willing to invest in a premium tool for the best possible experience.

Suggested read: How To Use SSH Keys with PuTTY on RunCloud

5. Classic FTP (Windows Only)

Classic FTP is a no-nonsense approach to file transfer which prioritizes simplicity and functionality over bells and whistles. It’s designed for users who want a straightforward way to upload and download files to their websites or servers without being bogged down by complex features.

The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and manage your files. Classic FTP’s strength lies in its reliability. It offers a stable and consistent way to transfer files, whether you’re a seasoned web developer or a casual user.

Classic FTP focuses on the essentials: uploading, downloading, and synchronizing files. It supports secure FTP (SSL) for added protection and works seamlessly with all popular FTP servers. While it might not have the extensive range of features offered by some other FTP clients, Classic FTP delivers on its promise of providing a reliable and simple way to manage your files. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a straightforward and efficient file transfer experience.

Ideal for: Windows users who prefer a lightweight, straightforward FTP client.

Suggested read: Why Authentication Using SSH Public Key is Better than Using Password & How Do They Work?

6. Wush (Bonus)

Wush provides a modern approach to file transfer. It replaces traditional methods in favor of a secure, peer-to-peer connection powered by WireGuard VPN. Unlike conventional FTP tools that rely on centralized servers for authentication and file transfer, Wush uses a decentralized system where each user establishes a direct, encrypted connection with the other. This eliminates the need for trusting third-party servers, ensuring the privacy and integrity of your data.

Wush takes advantage of the speed and efficiency of WireGuard, a cutting-edge VPN protocol known for its reliability and fast performance. It also leverages Tailscale’s DERP (Dynamically Encrypted Relay Protocol) for establishing secure connections, even through restrictive networks. This combination of technologies allows Wush to deliver fast and reliable file transfers, without compromising on security.

Additionally, Wush overcomes the limitations of traditional file transfer tools by offering a flexible platform. It’s not just about sending files, but also about creating secure connections for other purposes like remote access and execution. With Wush, you can establish a secure shell connection to a remote machine, facilitating remote work or managing your server infrastructure. This versatility, combined with its secure and efficient operation, makes Wush a compelling alternative to traditional file transfer tools, especially for those seeking a more modern and secure approach.

Ideal for: Technically advanced users who are looking to replace traditional FTP.

Suggested read: 5 Ways to Fix the SSH Connection Refused Error [SOLVED]

Which FTP Client Should You Choose?

First and foremost, your choice of an FTP client should prioritize security. When working with web servers, especially in a professional environment, you’ll want a client that supports SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) – this is non-negotiable.

For beginners, we strongly recommend starting with FileZilla. It’s like the WordPress of FTP clients – popular, well-supported, and user-friendly. Its interface might seem busy at first, but you’ll quickly appreciate having all those features at your fingertips.

However, if you’re using a Mac and prefer software that feels more native to your system, Cyberduck is an excellent choice. It integrates beautifully with macOS and offers a more streamlined interface. As you progress in your development journey, you might want to consider premium options such as Transmit (for Mac) or professional versions of other clients.

For Windows users who plan to do more advanced server management, WinSCP deserves serious consideration. Its automation features will become invaluable as you grow in your development career and need to handle repetitive tasks efficiently.

Suggested read: How To Use SSH Keys with PuTTY on RunCloud

Final Thoughts

In this guide, we have provided a list of popular FTP clients and explained what to look for when picking one.

But before you download any FTP client, you should note that RunCloud users have a significant advantage: you can manage your servers and make code changes directly through RunCloud’s intuitive dashboard without needing an FTP or SFTP client.

RunCloud’s built-in File Manager and Git deployment features make server management remarkably straightforward, allowing you to edit, add, or delete code right from your browser.

For modern web development workflows, RunCloud’s Atomic Deployment feature is actually a much better alternative to FTP. It ensures zero-downtime deployments, maintains deployment history, and allows quick rollbacks if needed – something traditional FTP clients can’t offer. By connecting your Git repository to RunCloud, you can achieve a more professional, secure, and efficient deployment process.

Start using RunCloud today!

FAQs on FTP Clients