The 13 Best Free FTP Clients to Try in 2024

Transferring files to and from your web host or server is best done with what’s commonly known an FTP client, though the term is a bit dated because there are more secure alternatives such as SFTP and FTPS.

Fortunately in 2024, there are plenty of wonderfully built, free FTP clients that make doing all of this a breeze If you’re looking for a free FTP software, this compilation of the best free FTP clients will help you narrow your choices.

This list includes:

1. 1. Cyberduck
   2. WinSCP
   3. FileZilla
   4. Core FTP LE
   5. FileZilla Server
   6. FireFTP
   7. WinSCP Portable
   8. CoffeeCup Free FTP
   9. Classic FTP
   10. WinSCP Scripting
   11. PureFTPd
   12. CrossFTP
   13. SmartFTP

Keep reading to see the full list and learn why these free FTP clients made the cut.

13 best free FTP clients in 2024

Ready to see the top free FTP clients? Let’s dive in!

1. Cyberduck

Best for: Mac users

Mac users and designers can benefit from Cyberduck, which offers seamless integration with popular cloud storage providers like Dropbox and Google Drive. It supports a wide range of protocols, including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3. Cyberduck’s built-in text editor also allows for quick file edits.

Here’s what makes Cyberduck a top free FTP option:

• Seamless integration with popular cloud storage providers
• Supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3 protocols
• Built-in text editor for quick file edits

2. WinSCP

Best for: IT professionals

Windows users and professionals can rely on WinSCP for secure file transfer and synchronization. Whether you’re a system administrator or an advanced user, WinSCP provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the management of remote files. It supports both SCP and SFTP protocols and integrates seamlessly with PuTTY for secure SSH connections.

Here are some of the highlights of this free FTP client:

• Graphical user interface (GUI) for easy file management
• Integration with PuTTY for secure SSH connections
• Supports SCP and SFTP protocols

3. FileZilla

Best for: Beginners

FileZilla is an excellent choice for people who need a reliable and user-friendly FTP tool. It is particularly suitable for transferring files between local and remote servers. With its intuitive user interface, FileZilla simplifies the process of managing website files. You can easily upload, download, and edit files, thanks to its seamless support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols.

FileZilla has been one of the most popular FTP clients because it offers:

• Intuitive user interface
• Support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols
• A site manager for easy server management

4. Core FTP LE

Best for: Basic file transfer

Core FTP LE is an ideal choice for small businesses and individuals who require basic file transfers and FTP management. Its simple and user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, and it supports FTP, FTPS, SSH, and SSL/TLS protocols. Core FTP LE also offers scheduled transfers and file synchronization capabilities.

Here’s why Core FTP LE is one of the best free FTP clients:

• Simple and user-friendly interface
• Supports FTP, FTPS, SSH, and SSL/TLS protocols
• Scheduled transfers and file synchronization capabilities

5. FileZilla Server

Best for: Windows users

If you’re looking to set up an FTP server on a Windows machine, FileZilla Server is an excellent option. It provides an easy-to-use interface for server administration, allowing you to host files and manage user access effectively. FileZilla Server supports both FTP and FTPS protocols.

Here’s what Windows users get with this top FTP client:

• Easy-to-use interface for server administration
• Support for FTP and FTPS protocols
• User management with customizable permissions

6. FireFTP

Best for: Firefox users

FireFTP is a Firefox extension that caters specifically to Firefox users who need an integrated FTP client. It eliminates the need for a separate application and offers support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols. FireFTP also includes directory comparison and synchronization features.

So, why is FireFTP one of the best free FTP clients?

• Seamless integration with Firefox, no separate application required
• Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols
• Directory comparison and synchronization

7. WinSCP Portable

Best for: Portable devices

WinSCP Portable is designed for users who require portable file transfers on Windows systems. This version of WinSCP does not require installation and can be run directly from a USB drive or other portable storage devices. It supports both SCP and SFTP protocols and securely stores FTP session details.

Here’s why it’s a great option:

• Portable version of WinSCP, no installation required
• Supports SCP and SFTP protocols
• Securely stores FTP session details

8. CoffeeCup Free FTP

Best for: Web designers

CoffeeCup Free FTP is an ideal choice for web designers and beginners who need to upload and manage website files. With its simple drag-and-drop functionality, CoffeeCup Free FTP simplifies the process of transferring files. It supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols and also offers folder synchronization and remote file editing capabilities.

They offer a free version, as well as a full version for $40.

Here’s why CoffeeCup Free FRP is one of the best free FTP clients:

• Simple drag-and-drop file transfers
• Supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols
• Folder synchronization and remote file editing

9. Classic FTP

Best for: Individuals

Classic FTP is a user-friendly FTP client suitable for novice users and small businesses. Its interface resembles Windows Explorer, making it familiar and easy to navigate. Classic FTP supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols and offers features such as automatic file synchronization and transfer scheduling.

Here’s what makes Classic FTP a top free FTP client:

• Easy-to-use interface with a familiar Windows Explorer-like layout
• Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols
• Automatic file synchronization and transfer scheduling

10. WinSCP Scripting

Best for: FTP automation

WinSCP Scripting is an ideal solution for users who need to automate file transfers and backups. It provides a command-line interface that allows for scripted or batch file transfers. WinSCP Scripting supports scripting using PowerShell, batch files, or various scripting languages.

Here’s why this is a top choice:

• Command-line interface for automated tasks
• Supports scripting using PowerShell, batch files, or scripting languages
• Logging and error handling for reliable automation

11. PureFTPd

Best for: Linux users

Linux users and server administrators who need a lightweight and secure FTP server solution. PureFTPd is known for its simplicity and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for hosting files and managing user access on Linux servers. It supports FTP, FTPS, and TLS protocols and offers features such as virtual users, per-user permissions, and bandwidth throttling.

Here’s why it’s a top free FTP client:

• Lightweight and efficient FTP server
• Supports FTP, FTPS, and TLS protocols
• Virtual users, per-user permissions, and bandwidth throttling

12. CrossFTP

Best for: Cross-platform use

Users who need a versatile FTP client with cross-platform support can rely on CrossFTP. CrossFTP is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, making it an excellent choice for users who work across different operating systems. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3 protocols. CrossFTP offers features such as multi-tab browsing, site synchronization, and remote file search.

Here’s why CrossFTP makes it on this list of the best free FTP clients:

• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3 protocols
• Multi-tab browsing, site synchronization, and remote file search

13. SmartFTP

Best for: Advanced users

Advanced users and businesses who require a feature-rich FTP client with robust security. SmartFTP offers a wide range of advanced features, including FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3 support. It provides automation capabilities, file and folder synchronization, and remote file editing. SmartFTP’s interface is customizable and offers a dual-pane view for easy file transfers.

Here’s why this is one of the top free FTP clients:

• Advanced FTP client with robust security features
• Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3 protocols
• Automation, synchronization, and remote file editing

A note about these free FTP clients

All the FTP clients on this list offer a free version people can use for transferring files. Keep in mind that some of these free versions may have limits — they may offer a paid version that provides more features.

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