FTP Clients for Windows and Mac

FTP software is a must-have for anyone who frequently deals with websites, file servers, IT administration, and more. A capable FTP client makes sure to upload and transfer media files without any hassle. It would also work perfectly fine with third-party cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. 

1. Cyberduck (Windows and macOS)

If you are just starting out with an FTP client and don’t want to shell put money on it then look no further and go with Cyberduck. Cyberduck is an open-source free FTP client for Windows and Mac.  Pros

Cross-platform availability Open-source and free Support for third-party cloud storage servicesIntegration with Cryptomator to encrypt files

Cons

Lack of dual-panel mode

Price  Free to download and use. No strings attached.  Get Cyberduck

2. WinSCP (Windows)

As the name suggests, WinSCP is exclusive to the Windows platform. Don’t get disappointed with simple looks though. WinSCP is packed with useful features to get things done. Plus, it’s completely free to use. What’s not to love here? The software isn’t limited to FTP only. One can transfer files using SFTP, SCP, and even WebDAV protocols. WinSCP will continue to sync changes from the local folder to the remote one on the server.  Power users will appreciate the addition of command-line interface and scription support. It requires a learning curve but good to see the add-on here.  Pros

Multiple protocols support including WebDAV, S3, SFTP, SCP, FTPS, and FTPThe ability to create automatic rules to perform tasksFile encryption supportSupport for multiple languagesGood UI compared to CyberduckFree to download and use

Cons

No Mac availability Not available on Linux either 

Price Free to download and use.  Get WinSCP

3. CuteFTP (Windows)

Owned by Globalscape, CuteFTP is a must-have FTP client for power users. It’s expensive but the price tag is worth it for advanced users. The software has been around since 1990 (Yes, you head that right) and it’s one of the robust solutions to transfer files on Windows.  The software allows you to create automotive scripts so that it can continue to perform tasks even when running in the background, without your interference or intervention. For example, you create a rule for like when I make changes to the X folder on my computer, it should sync with the remote folder on the Y server.  Pros

Excellent UIPassword manager add-onCreate automotive scripts Send transfers with FTP/S, HTTP/S, and SFTPDrag and drop interface 

Cons

Subscription-based offering 

Price Free trial and after that it costs $59.99 per year.  Get CuteFTP

4. Transmit 5 (macOS)

In the last couple of options, we have talked about Windows-exclusive FTP clients. Now let’s talk about a couple of Mac-only premium FTP clients. Transmit 5 is one of them.  Transmit 5 will blow you away with one of the most eye-catching UI that matches perfectly fine with the macOS Big Sur. You can upload, move, and download all from one place, while also connecting to favorites like Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive.  I was sold on Transmit 5 for its blazing fast speeds compared to other FTP clients. The app also offers a dual-pane interface for an ease of use and file management.  Pros Cons

No one-time purchase option from the Mac App Store

Price 7-days of free trial and after that $45 as a one-time purhcase. Get Transmit 5

5. ForkLift 3 (macOS)

Pros

Dual-pane interfaceSupports transfers with SFTP and FTPMulti-rename tool to bulk group of files Dark mode support 

Cons

File transfer over 2GB failed a few times

Price Free trial available and after that $29.99 as a one-time purchase.  Get ForkLift 3

Manage Files With FTP Clients for Windows and macOS

Go through the list of apps above and start using an FTP client for Windows and Mac to better manage files. Beginners should stick with Cyberduck as it’s free, open-source, and available on both Windows and Mac. As you go ahead with heavy workflow, you can opt from paid solutions like CuteFTP and Trasmit 5.