A program for connecting via ftp. FTP clients review - free ftp clients for Windows

It has been several years since WordPress was first launched, and all these years we fell in love with it even more every day. The essence of the attractive features it comes with is what makes it the other and most preferred open source platform available. The features of a Content Management System (CMS) that it offers are something you can't find elsewhere.

Don't you think the team behind WordPress is awesome as they provide tons of updates from time to time, thus helping to improvise user experience and high security. Although it comes with such a wide range of features, WordPress still has to add a number of features that will make it the most perfect platform for developers and end users. At this point, some of the factors that WordPress should take care of include allowing users to perform functions within the framework. One of the main functions is file management. The problem is that WordPress doesn't give you direct access to your files right now, which is not expected. However, people want to get free access to these files from servers.

So what could be the key to unlocking this access to your files? FTP can be one of the best options.

Now the question is, what exactly do we mean by FTP? Which are the best free FTP clients?

While surfing the internet, you may have come across terms such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP). In fact, the term itself suggests what it is. FTP is a connection that bridges the gap between a web server and a computer. It helps in uploading and downloading files. With FTP, you can connect your server and FTP, thereby further facilitating file transfer. In addition, the main purpose of this software is to allow you to edit, upload, rename, copy and delete files or folders on your WordPress site. There are some important aspects of FTP that you should keep in mind when working with it. This interface is not as user-friendly as you might think if you're new to it. In fact, people who are least familiar with the technical aspects may end up scratching their heads when using it for the first time. This may be one of the reasons why some WordPress users choose not to use FTP. But there are many people who really love FTP for the troubleshooting service it provides.

You can always use FTP to fix any WordPress related errors. One of the main errors that you can fix with FTP is white screen. Plugin incompatibility may be one of the reasons for this. With FTP, you can remove all plugins as it prevents access to the WordPress admin area It is important that you have the correct understanding of FTP clients for WordPress to find out if they fit into your file management needs.

Let's first learn how to implement an FTP client.

Make sure you have an FTP username and password when connecting to your WordPress site.

Remember the first time you started the blog, take a moment when you signed up for a web hosting account, this information will be available in your registered emails. You can always access this information on your cPanel web hosting or request support. They will contact you by email. With this information, you can connect to your website.

Let's take a look at some of the different types of FTP clients:

Cyberduck

It is an open source and cross platform FTP client. Cyberduck is easily compatible with Mac and Windows. The user interface that comes with Cyberduck makes file management easy. Also, another feature of Cyberduck is that there are no problems with downloading it. If you noticed, some cross-platform FTP servers may not be compatible with Mac, but when it comes to Cyberduck, this problem has been resolved. The best part is that it blends seamlessly with the Mac environment. In addition, it supports exclusive Mac features. These features include some of the storage of credentials in the keychain and file discovery inside search engines. Cyberduck seamlessly integrates with cloud storage solutions including Microsoft Azure, OpenStack Swift, and Amazon S3. This is why Cyberduck is one of the best free FTP clients.

FileZilla

If you are reading this, then you may be very knowledgeable about FileZilla. It is quite popular with WordPress and FTP users. It is a free open source FTP client and compatible with all platforms like Linux, Windows and Mac. Since it has been around since 2001, it is quite popular and is the oldest FTP client. It is easy to use and easy to handle. Some Windows users reported having spyware and adware enabled during FileZilla download, however there is a box where you can uncheck the box to avoid adware when installing FileZilla. But many users do not notice this.

Free FTP

The list of functions is listed in the Free FTP package. As stated there, the FTP client is free and one of the best. FreeFTP was developed by Coffee Cup, and is considered one of the most popular FTP for WordPress. FreeFTP is very easy to use, so it's pretty friendly for newbie interfaces. It is equipped with bookmarking function with support for FTPS, HTTP, SFTP and FTP. The combo bookmark is one of the highlights of FreeFTP.

FireFTP

FireFTP is a Mozilla Firefox browser extension. It can also be downloaded for free. The client comes in conjunction with TLS, SFTP, SSL and FTP support. The plugin can easily be launched through the Firefox browser as it comes with a much easier drag and drop functionality. If at any point file transfer is disabled, it will resume as needed and later.

CuteFTP

We thought it would be a great idea to add some of the paid WordPress FTP clients to the list - CuteFTP is one such option. CuteFTP is believed to have incoherent compatibility with Mac and Windows, but the price per year is different for both. The Windows version is expensive because it provides many more features than the Mac version. CuteFTP provides a wide range of features including protocol support and some of them include HTTP / S, SFTP and FTP / S. The most important feature of the Windows version that makes it stand out is the ability to exchange files between mobile and computer devices.

Direct FTP

Another paid FTP client is Direct FTP. In fact, this is the paid version of Free FTP. This Windows-exclusive FTP comes priced at $ 39. Select the preview feature to preview your changes before finalizing and saving this. In the snippet library, you can always add your favorite code snippet. An image editing tool and built-in text editor is one of the reasons people choose Direct FTP these days, even though it costs a few dollars.

Transmit

This paid FTP client is only compatible with Mac, not Windows. It's available at an affordable price of just $ 34. Speed \u200b\u200bis one of the reasons that makes it the preferred choice among users. Transmit 3 is one of the fast versions, but the latest version of Transmit 4 is also fast and safe. Some of the features that Transmit comes with include SFTP, Amazon S3 Cloud transfer, and FTP.

WinSCP

WinSCP is supposed to be one of the most advanced FTP clients for WordPress. It is considered simple and effective. The client comes with all the things that should be present in an FTP client. It is very reliable, lightweight and efficient, and also comes with support for WebDAV, SCP, SFTP and FTP protocols. The built-in text editor and clean user interface are some of the few features that make people choose WinSCP.

All successful work!

Hello dear readers of the blog site. In this article, I will digress from WordPress and give an overview of FTP clients that you can use to work with sites and remote servers from your computer and which you can download for free from the official sites, following the article links.

FTP client is

FTP client is a program installed on a computer that allows you to exchange files between your local machine and FTP servers.

Security of work is ensured by the SFTP protocol. In addition to its main purpose, the FTP client provides many more useful functions for working with sites and FTP servers. All FTP clients work in Windows environment.

For myself, I chose two ftp clients that are convenient for me to work. These are FileZilla and WinSCP. FileZilla is more convenient for me, WinSCP is considered safer. There are more programs in this overview, the choice is yours.

FileZilla

FileZilla is a free FTP client with great functionality. FileZilla is easy to learn, very user-friendly and quite secure.

With its help, you can establish a connection to the FTP server of your site, remember the connection in the site log and transfer files and folders from the computer to the server and vice versa. The connection speed is high. Data transfer jobs can be queued.

In addition, FileZilla has other functionality that is intended for both novice users and professionals.

FTP Commander

http://www.internet-soft.com/download.htm

FTP Commander is a multilingual FTP client. There are three windows involved, not two. The program is free.

The client is compatible with Proxy, Firewall, Sockets 4, 4.5 and 5. In terms of functionality, the program provides the solution of all the necessary tasks for an FTP client: synchronizing folders, deleting files and directories, transferring folders and files from a computer to a server.

• http://winscp.net/eng/download.php
• Transfer: http://winscp.net/eng/translations.php

WinSCP is a free FTP client that supports SFTP, FTP and SCP (obsolete) protocols. The program is free, in several languages. The translation is downloaded separately and installed in the client installation folder.

• Installation requires 10mV of disk space.
• WinSCP has two interfaces. One is reminiscent of Norton Commander, the other is a Windows file manager.
• WinSCP supports the USB disk formatting standard (U3 package) and is available for portable use.

https://www.globalscape.com/cuteftp

CuteFTP is a paid FTP client with a 30 day free trial. Full content of a standard FTP client over SSL / TLS.

http://www.coreftp.com/

Free FTP client with Russian language support. Supports secure SFTP and SSL protocols. Intuitive interface. Integration with the browser. Setting CHMOD rights. Other functionality of a standard FTP client.

https://www.smartftp.com/

19 megabyte FTP client, for Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / 2008/7/8. Support for 20 languages, including Russian. Simple and complete interface. All standard FTP client functions for working with remote servers. Proxy server support: CSM, SOCKS5, SOCKS4, SOCKS4A, Raptor, HTTP Proxy, Winproxy, Checkpoint FW-1, Raptor, Wingate.

conclusions

It is impossible to do without an FTP client in creating sites. To choose your FTP client, you need to try a few. I end this review of ftp clients with the recommendation of FileZilla and WinSCP.

No matter how actively cloud technologies are promoted, file storage, traditionally, is often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. Basically, FTP clients are as much a necessary category of software as regular file managers. Of course, there is no need to talk about "newbies" here: there was and is a well-established selection of programs both among paid and among free solutions.

This review will focus on free FTP-clients, not so much well-known as "motley". The greatest attention will be paid to such aspects as protocol support, security, interface, as well as additional functions (synchronization, caching, search and others).

FileZilla

FileZilla is a cross-platform multilingual client that is easy to use, supports basic protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and more, with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, tab support, directory comparison, synchronization and remote search. The program is regularly updated, which indicates the active status of its development.

The graphical shell is really convenient - it is not overloaded, as is usually the case in programs of this kind, with many panels. At the top and bottom of the window are the Messages Log and the Task Window, in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree view for local / remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

For a quick connection to the host, you can use the Quick Connect Panel, the transfer protocol is also indicated here, for example, sftp: // hostname or ftps: // hostname. But it is more usual to make a list of the necessary sources for connection in the Site Manager. In the settings, again, you can change the protocol (FTP / SFTP), enter credentials, assign local and remote directories that open upon connection, change the type of file transfer (more broadly, options are provided in the general program settings). In the Site Manager, as well as in the main window, you can create bookmarks during navigation.

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer control. Firstly, we mean a visual process of performing tasks, with the possibility of pause (for files not exceeding the 4 GB limit). Secondly, the client supports synchronized browsing, directory comparison, filters, caching and, as already mentioned, remote search - standard and necessary functions for navigation.

HTTP / 1.1, SOCKS 5, and FTP proxies are supported. Encryption is additionally available for FTP.

Summary

A simple client that will not satisfy the needs of a professional, but includes all the basic capabilities for working with FTP, SFTP, FTPS.

[+] Documentation in Russian
[+] Simple and user-friendly interface
[+] Cross-platform
[-] No command line (server) support

FTPRush

FTPRush is a once paid client that has recently added to the free list. Notable features include such a function as FXP - transferring files from one site to another "on the fly", flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of MS Office 2000-2003 panel), SSL / TLS / SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transmission ...

The appearance is more flexible than FileZilla, just look in the "View" menu or open the context menu of any of the areas. The following is provided: dragging, enabling and disabling panels, buttons, customizing column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock, it supports SFTP (moreover, options for configuring SSL are found in the corresponding section), SSH, insecure FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local / remote directories, add bookmarks. If you have multiple configurations, it is convenient to apply global settings, there is no need to reconfigure multiple configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities, and other advanced options are available. A number of options related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files are presented. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, Z-compression settings. Not to mention customizing hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is available through the Task Window. Not to say that it is ideal in the current implementation, but it performs its functions and, in addition, allows you to specify a script or an action from the list to be performed. To create scripts, a constructor is used, which is available in the "Tools" menu. Also in this section you can see the list of FTP-commands. Remote search can be found in the "FTP" menu section.

Perhaps the only point that causes criticism is the very low-quality translation into Russian.

Summary

As a result, we get a free product with the functions of a professional product.

[-] Poor interface translation
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] A large number of settings
[+] Support for secure protocols and encryption methods

WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source client that works with FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS (, protocol comparison table), scripting and command line support.

One of the primary features is the ability to choose an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is an imitation of an explorer pane (with remote access mode) with a left side pane and accompanying hotkey layout. If we talk about the second type of interface, then here, rather, there are analogies with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while the keyboard shortcuts are also close to the classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source / destination file comparison are among other possibilities. Many panels are customizable, you can pin / unpin them, remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is the least graphical client in the typical sense, here the device is somewhat different. The functionality will not impress an inexperienced user due to the fact that many options are hidden in the command mode - in the menu you can find an exit to the Putty utility, the command line and other special tools for working with the above protocols.

The declared support for scripts will be useful for automating data transfers or scheduling tasks (which will be of interest to advanced users). Quite detailed instructions for scheduling tasks in Windows through the command line in the manual.

As for FTP, the functionality is quite mediocre, and, moreover, there is no FXP function, which, for example, in FTPRush, is almost the main one. However, FXP is not supported on every server.

On the page with translations you can find partial Russification (80% done).

Summary

The client is intended for an audience of experienced users who primarily work with the SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols using a terminal.

[+] Management via console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Quite good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not quite a typical product in the FTP client niche, as it is mostly positioned as a "file browser" for Windows and Mac OS platforms. Supported protocols are FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3.

When launched, the program prompts you to import hosts from FileZilla, and the specified addresses will be bookmarked. The program uses a single-panel mode, for a desktop client in this case it is not optimal at all and causes only inconvenience. To download files, you must open a separate window, similarly - to view the queue of tasks. To change access rights, you need to go to the "Access Rights" tab of the "Info" section. All standard operations related to working with FTP are collected in the "Action" menu. You can see a search box in the program, but, as it turned out, this is a kind of filter by name, but not a search by file.

If the program cannot be noted with the convenience of FTP-mode, then, perhaps, someone will be attracted by some additional functions, including support for storage of cloud services, such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. There were no fine settings for integration with services. To export documents from Google Docs, you can choose a file format, in the case of Amazon - encryption settings, etc. Regarding functionality, again, nothing can be said about Cyberduck's protection: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive is much more intuitive in the original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative seems questionable here.

In general, due to the very simple interface, Cyberduck cannot be called the optimal client for working with the above services. However, as a file manager for viewing documents, it will do just fine. One can only hope that the developers will "tighten" the functionality in one of the directions - either work with FTP, or support for cloud services.

Summary

Despite support for FTP, SFTP, and other protocols, Cyberduck is only useful for uploading or downloading files, viewing documents on Google Docs, and other simple operations. That is, the most basic work with the declared protocols and services is provided.

[+] Unified interface
[-] Few settings
[-] Inconvenient file manager
[-] weak support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

This file manager is notable for its support for SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN, command line mode, FXP, and several types of proxies. LE is a free lite version of the client, PRO contains many additional features such as file encryption, zip archiving, synchronization, etc.

CoreFTP LE is old school. And, although the arrangement of the panels is quite intuitive, everything needs to be reconfigured for comfortable work. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, shift the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, and so on.

If we talk about the possibilities when working with FTP, the standard functions of CoreFTP include creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (upload, download and delete). Multithreading is not available in the LE version, however, a considerable number of options are open in the "Connections" section. In the Transfers section, you can enable compression - in the LE version, however, not all options are available.

The site manager is very flexible in setting, pleases the number of protocols and options for SSH, SSL / TSL. Security settings can be found in "Advanced File Settings". Proxies are not forgotten, FTP Proxy / HTTP 1.1 / SOCKS are available in the list. For advanced users, the "Script / Cmds" section will be of interest, although, apparently, the command mode is presented here more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and good functionality for the free version, with a lot of settings related to security, data transfer, connection.

[-] No scheduler
[-] Outdated interface
[+] Good functionality
[+] Advanced SSH, SSL / TSL and proxy settings

BitKinex

The list of features listed on the BitKinex website boils down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line will be support for FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP -\u003e SFTP, WebDAV-\u003e FTPS, HTTP-\u003e FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are shown on the page. It follows from them that BitKinex can also be used to create mirrors, as a download manager - that is, a very versatile client.

To create a connection, the “Quick Connect” start-up wizard is intended, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window”. Here are collected data sources for all kinds of protocols, each of which lends itself to careful configuration. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

Operations with files on the server are performed in another window - "Browse Window", which opens when connected to the source. This window presents a standard two-column manager. In the main area there are local and remote sources, on the left - a list of hosts, below - a list of tasks and a log.

Integration with Windows Explorer is possible, drag and drop is supported between windows, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. There are many file and folder operations available, such as compare, lock, change CHMOD permissions, and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features include synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

A universal manager for a wide range of protocols, with its own interesting ideology, flexible settings. It will interest users who work with many sources, experienced webmasters and system administrators.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Convenient grouping of sources
[-] Insufficiently intuitive interface

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, "casual" software, and the Free FTP client is no exception. In describing features, the word "easy" is often used. Nevertheless, not only FTP is supported, but also SFTP, FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to "Manage Servers", where the S-Drive account has already settled. The program quite obtrusively "recommends" to connect this service, it cannot be removed from the site manager.

Obviously, the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, since there is a built-in editor with autocompletion, code folding, highlighting and other conveniences. Alas, it is available only in the paid version and at the same time it takes up half of the workspace of the program and a separate section of settings. It can be easily removed from view by switching to "FTP View" mode.

There are few basic options, especially in terms of secure protocols. In principle, it makes sense that the novice user would rather prefer the insecure and more familiar FTP. The settings also contain proxy parameters, although you cannot select the type of connection, it is only possible to add the server (s) to the list. Notable features include the built-in ZIP archiver. Oddly enough, is there also a place for the PuTTY client - a "spare" in case CoffeeCup Free FTP is used by experienced users?

Summary

The CoffeeCup client is extremely easy to use as the functionality does not allow for confusion. Perhaps it will be useful for novice webmasters who need to edit HTML files on the server, or during the period of acquaintance with web technologies.

[+] The client is easy to learn
[-] S-Drive obsession
[-] Lack of search, synchronization and comparison of directories
[-] Built-in text editor

Pivot table

They are not something fundamentally new, but before the cloud took over the market, FTP servers were actively used for remote file storage. However, for solving certain problems, they continue to remain the uncontested option now, but in general, the demand for this protocol is decreasing. Only site owners, software developers, and system administrators remain staunch supporters of FTP.

The decline in interest in FTP among ordinary users is explained not only by the prevalence of cloud storage, but also by some inconvenience - to work with this protocol you need software called an FTP client. An FTP client for Windows, Linux or another operating system is a file manager capable of connecting to a server. By the way, you can establish a connection with an FTP server using the usual Windows Explorer, if it is configured correctly, but using special programs for these purposes is still much more convenient.

Not all FTP clients, however, are equally convenient. Some of them are more functional, others less; some are quite usable, the interface of others is not very convenient; some are completely free, others are distributed commercially. Which one should you give preference to? Perhaps the one that meets all your requirements. And to make it easier to make a choice, we offer a short comparative overview of the five best, in our opinion, FTP clients for Windows.

Perhaps the most popular and requested free FTP client. Flexible, simple and convenient, it supports all the basic functions for working with the FTP protocol. Application features include fast connection, setting speed limits, name filtering, resuming large files, multi-threaded download, authentication and encryption using Kerberos. The client supports the synchronization of viewing the progress of tasks, remote search, comparing catalogs, adding bookmarks.

Pros and cons

• Ease of use.
• Convenient interface.
• Automatic reconnection when disconnected.
• There is a Russian language.
• Built-in network configuration assistant.
• Cross-platform.
• Work in multi-threaded mode.

• There is no full implementation of command line support.
• No support for FXP protocol.

Cyberduck is not an ordinary program for FTP connections; it differs from other FTP clients in a minimal set of functions and settings, being more of a file browser with support for remote data management on servers. Can be adopted by novice users. The application supports automatic resumption of transmission when the connection is lost, logging of actions, work with popular cloud storage (WebDAV, Cloud Files), integration with external text editors, encryption and synchronization of local directories with remote ones.

Pros and cons

• Maximum ease of use.
• Unified Russian-language interface.
• Cloud storage support.
• View files on the server without downloading.

• Few features and settings.
• Inconvenient single-panel mode.
• Obsessive requests to donate to the developer.

A very good free FTP client with support for FTP, SFTP, SCP, FTPS, scripts and command line protocols. When installing, it offers to choose between several interface modes, of which “Commander” is more convenient - a traditional two-panel, like in FileZilla. WinSCP supports remote file editing in an integrated editor, comparison and synchronization of directories, integration into the Windows shell. Outwardly, the program looks quite simple, however, it is focused primarily on experienced users, since its main functionality is available only in console mode.

Pros and cons

• Good functionality.
• Full command line support.
• Convenient interface in Russian.
• Flexibility of settings.
• Automation of tasks.
• Integration into Windows Explorer.
• Remote editing of text and configuration files.

• Not suitable for inexperienced users.
• There is no full support for the FXP protocol.

One of the oldest and most popular FTP connection software. Feature-rich and flexible, CoreFTP LE supports a wide range of protocols including SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, and IDN. It is also worth noting support for proxy and command line, among the program's functions are available fast connection, adding resources to bookmarks, filtering, resuming downloads, file exchange between remote servers. The built-in site manager stands out for its great flexibility of settings, there are many options available for SSH, SSL / TSL. In addition to the LE-version (lightweight), there is also a professional version of the FTP-client, which is distinguished by the presence of additional options - encryption, archiving in ZIP, etc.

Pros and cons

• Good functionality.
• Flexible settings.
• Command line support.
• Advanced SSH, SSL / TSL settings.
• Proxy support.

• A somewhat outdated interface.
• There is no Russian language.
• No scheduler.

Lightweight, simple and convenient FTP-client with a built-in text editor of the code, aimed, apparently, at novice webmasters. The application works with FTP, SFTP and FTPS protocols, support for all basic functions is implemented. Of the features, it is possible to note the automatic memorization of paths in recent sessions, the creation of bookmarks, the presence of a built-in ZIP archiver (offered for backing up sites) and the PuTTY client. You can enable proxy in the application settings. A built-in text editor is present, taking up almost half of CoffeeCup Free FTP's workspace. Its functionality is available only in the paid version.

Pros and cons

• Minimalistic interface and ease of use.
• There is a built-in terminal.
• The presence of a ZIP archiver.

• Few settings, unlikely to interest experienced users.
• Obsessive offers to connect the S-Drive service.
• Useless text editor in the Free version.
• There are no search, synchronization and directory comparison functions.
• There is no support for the Russian language.

Outcome

In addition to these five programs, there are many other FTP connection tools. They did not receive wide distribution in the Russian-speaking segment of the Internet, some due to the lack of language support, others because they are offered exclusively on a paid basis. Why pay when there are great free tools like FileZilla? If this program did not fulfill its purpose, it is unlikely that it would have been able to receive such exceptional recognition. If you are faced with choosing an FTP client, we recommend that you pay attention to FileZilla. It has everything you need to connect to servers, and even more, the rest of the FTP clients can be considered as an addition to its functionality.

The FTP protocol is rapidly losing its position among users who use file transfer among themselves on the Internet. But it is still useful for transferring files from computer to computer and is also consistently number one when uploading files to a web host. FTP has especially caught on among owners, developers, content managers of sites who work on Windows and who do not want to use SSH in any way.

Constant experience with FTP invariably leads every user to use an FTP application. After trying it once, nobody else gives up on the FTP application. After all, with it, saving time for transferring files is visible to the naked eye. And besides, why manually configure FTP transfer each time in a browser or in the command line, if the developers of FTP clients have long ago taken and automated the process of connecting to FTP and transferring files.

I must say that the standard Windows Explorer also knows how to connect to an FTP server, and use the FTP connection as if it were a folder with files on a network share. This is convenient in terms of a small number of files to transfer or receive.

Here are three of the best Windows FTP clients available for free.

Most users think WinSCP is the best free FTP client for Windows. It is worth agreeing with this. Despite its simple and easy-to-use interface, WinSCP contains a number of additional functions that can satisfy even the most demanding user needs.

In addition to FTP, WinSCP supports file transfer and remote file editing using SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV protocols. Regardless of which of the above protocols you use, inSCP can synchronize local directories with remote directories by pressing a single button or key combination.

WinSCP integrates directly into Windows, allowing drag-and-drop files and includes additional options in the Windows Send To context menu. WinSCP also has a built-in text editor that allows you to edit remote files (useful for customizing HTML, CSS, JS, etc.).

For advanced users, WinSCP has a command line interface and scripting support (batch files and .NET assemblies). Help for using scripts is located in the appendix and is available by calling f1... It is great for automating the tasks of receiving and transferring files.

Cyberduck is a simple yet effective FTP client that is best suited for periodic file transfers. The application can be useful for both experienced users and beginners getting acquainted with ftp. Cyberduck's interface has been simplified so much that even a child can figure it out. With Cyberduck, heavy and frequent file transfers can be made easier with a more complete interface.

This client is free and open source. It supports multiple protocols over FTP, including SFTP and WebDAV, as well as connections to Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, Amazon S3, and more.

Cyberduck easily integrates with any external text editor that's handy for remote editing web files. It also has a quick view feature that allows you to view files without downloading them. Local directories can be synchronized with remote directories.

The main feature of Cyberduck is its ability to secure transmission. It comes with a Cryptomator feature that encrypts file and directory names and smears directory structures. In other words, even if someone intercepts your transmission, they will not be able to see what you are transmitting.

The only downside to Cyberduck is the occasional donation request. You can hide it, but it appears again every time the app is updated.

In 2014, it was revealed that a fake version of FileZilla (versions 3.5.3 and 3.7.3) was being distributed over the Internet. FileZilla's evil twin has been modified to steal FTP login credentials and store them on a remote server.

FileZilla is distributed via a download from SourceForge, which also came under control after another incident involving the modification of FileZilla by inserting ad banners. While there are worse places to download software, we recommend staying away from SourceForge.

In addition, FileZilla has long been criticized for storing login credentials in plain text. In 2017, with the release of 3.26.0, FileZilla finally added password encryption, but it took more than a decade of user complaints to do so.

Still, FileZilla is a solid FTP client.

FileZilla is free and open source and supports FTP, SFTP and FTPS file transfers. File transfers can be paused and resumed, connections support both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and can synchronize local directories with remote directories.

The main features of FileZilla include directory comparison, customizable directory list filters (you can create your own filter conditions), remote file search (with flexible filters and pattern matching), bookmarks for easy access to frequently used ftp directories.

Important note on FTP and SFTP

One of the biggest disadvantages of FTP is that it is a simple text-based File Transfer Protocol. This means that the data is sent back and forth in plain text without human readability. This is a huge vulnerability as the login credentials are also sent in plain text!

If an attacker intercepts a login attempt, they will see the username and password of the account, not to mention the contents of the transferred files.

This is why you should use SFTP instead of FTP whenever possible.

SFTP, which is an extension of the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SSH), and which uses encryption to protect transmitted data (both credentials and file content).

Most of the services that support FTP connections also support SFTP connections. And when using an FTP client, the actual file transfer workflow is no different from the FTP transfer process. The only difference is that you choose SFTP over FTP when connecting.

Which FTP client are you using? Are there any other good FTP clients you can recommend? Or do you prefer a different file transfer protocol? Write about it in the comments below.