What does FTP Client mean?
File transfer protocol or FTP is software that connects remote computer and host servers. FTP clients normally provide dual transfer of data between two computers over the internet network. FTP clients work on a client’s server access where the host computer is a client and the FTP server becomes the central server.
FTP Client is important for every website and every server. For this reason, BigRock provides users with secure FTP access. To know more about the varied features of BigRock, check out this BigRock review.
The best FTP client not only helps in faster downloads but also update files quickly. There is no need to log in to the server with this software. However, there are so many FTP clients available nowadays, how will you really choose the best FTP client?
One of the best ways to select an FTP client is to read comparison reviews and pick one that suits your need. Just like you would read hosting comparison reviews like BigRock vs GoDaddy and BigRock vs HostGator India to make an informed choice.
Freeware FTP software is free to download but with a limited set of features. Shareware software can be downloaded with a license and most websites prefer the same.
You can also purchase a shareware FTP client after the trial period is over. It’s often a confusion regarding best FTP client for windows or best MAC FTP client. Best FTP client provides an easy access to the Graphic user interface and functionality like upload, delete, copy, rename.
Looking for security is important if you are looking for the best FTP clients. The security feature should support encryption and proxy. FTP software interface should be clean and should be designed in a customizable way. It should help you to pause and resume downloads even if the connection is lost.
Which are the Best FTP Software and Best FTP Clients for MAC & Windows?
For faster download and quick updates, a robust FTP client is a must. Thus, here is a complete list of free and premium FTP clients that you can choose from. Comprising of the best FTP software for Windows platforms and the best FTP clients for MAC, this list is all you need to make a well-informed choice when selecting an FTP client for your website. Take a look!
1. Transmit 5 - File Transfer Client for macOS
Transmit 5 is the best FTP client for MAC. It’s popular among web developers as it features higher speed and folder syncing. Transmit FTP client helps integration to native macOS environment. This makes it simple for MAC users to access things in a better way.
It also lets you transmit short-cuts to save time. This FTP client supports SFTP, SSH and FTP connections. It also supports neat code editor that lets you edit files.
It provides standard and secured file protocol for file synchronization between local servers. It has other features like drag and drop, widgets on the dashboard, support automation and preview. It also comes with a portable version and supports bookmark synchronization.
The Transmit 5 FTP client is available in both – free and paid version. The paid version starts at $45.
2. Cyberduck – FTP Client for macOS and Windows
Cyberduck is the best FTP client for Windows, however, it also supports MAC OS. Cyberduck FTP client supports SFTP, WebDAV, open stack swift and Amazon s3.. It also supports backspace cloud files and Google cloud storage, which makes it easier to deal with sites.
Cyberduck FTP client has optimized options for bookmarking and organizing such as spotlight importer. This FTP client has a super graphical user interface for browsing files. The quick look feature lets you view the file and external editor lets you edit the files.
There are added features like notifications and synchronization. There is an interaction with system technology feature, which makes this FTP client quite popular. Cyberduck is perfect in versatility and speed.
3. FileZilla - The Free FTP solution
FileZilla is the best FTP software client for Windows and MAC both. It also supports Linux. It features a very intuitive user interface that supports different protocols. FileZilla FTP client supports FTP, SFTP and IPV6.
FileZilla is also compatible with tab and it supports simple login process too. Look wise, it is not that great. However, its features are truly good. That is the reason it’s the number #1 choice for professionals all across the globe.
The other features of this FTP Client include drag & drop, pause & resume, filename filters and comparison of two directories. FileZilla is the best free FTP client and perfect for all common operating systems. It is also great for those using WordPress website.
Want to create a site using the WordPress CMS? Check out this complete guide on how to make a WordPress website now!
4. WinSCP – Free SFTP and FTP Client for Windows
WinSCP is another good FTP client and also a free one. It supports FTP, WebDAV protocol, and SFTP. The software is the best FTP client for Windows. The UI functionality is similar to Windows UI in support.
WinSCP helps to copy files between two computers in an active and secure way. This FTP client supports integration with Windows and offers drag & drop feature.
It also supports shortcut icons. WinSCP FTP client supports a feature known as Directory Synchronization that keeps two directories in sync in an automatic or semi-manual state. An integrated text editor helps in file editing too. Most features of the WinSCP FTP client are developer orientated. The decision of security remains with the owner.
5. FireFTP - Free FTP/SFTP Client for Mozilla Firefox
FireFTP runs in Firefox browser, as it’s not a desktop program. There are no added features like folder syncing and security, still, it’s a good FTP client you can use for free. It lets you upload and download files and has a good speed.
This FTP client is flexible and its interface is also simple. As FireFTP client is free, you can use it as your portable program too.
Mozilla offers this as an add-on so you do not have to download it separately. FireFTP is the best FTP client for MAC, Windows and Linux. The software supports different protocols including SFTP.
It has drag and drop support, file compression feature and proxy support. It also supports synchronization with IPV6 and file hashing. This FTP client is available in 20 different languages so you can choose according to the description.
6. SmartFTP – FTP Client for Windows
SmartFTP is a professional FTP client available for Windows. This FTP client is available in two different variants. It supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS in basic protocol. It also supports Amazon s3, Google drive, OneDrive, and web DAV. It lets you download and upload files and the speed is pretty good.
You can also use this FTP client in backup support and other advanced features. The protocol support is limited in the free version of this FTP client. A developer oriented text editor in this software helps in editing. It also helps in Syntax highlighting.
The visual compare feature lets you sync in two directories. It also offers other professional features being a smart FTP client. The professional cost of this FTP client starts from $79.
7. WebDrive - Best FTP Client to Connect to the Cloud
WebDrive is another amazing file transfer FTP client. You can access the client on all the cloud-based services and accounts. It can access Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and Amazon s3.
This FTP client has a clean and easy interface. WebDrive also supports advanced features like a backup utility, password encryption and uninterrupted downloads. It’s the best FTP for MAC and Windows platforms.
The client also works well for the IOS platform. It’s an ideal FTP client if you are a beginner. It also offers great features at an advanced level. The professional cost of this FTP client starts from $39.95.
Also, check out these exciting BigRock Coupon if you want to purchase Cloud hosting for your website. BigRock also offers domain name registration & domain transfer services, which you can avail at a discounted rate by using the BigRock domain coupon codes.
8. Free FTP – Fast and Efficient File Transfers
Free FTP is the most basic FTP client that you can download for your website or server. The interface of this FTP client is clean so you can use it easily even if you are a beginner. The browsing history is clearly visible so that makes your job easier. It supports SFTP, FTPS and FTP. It also supports server file management feature.
You can download the trial version for basic features. The full version of the FTP client supports features like image editing, bookmark synchronization, faster uploads and text editor. You can try the full version starting from $39. It’s a great FTP client for Windows.
9. WS_FTP Professional FTP Client Software
This is more of a professional Windows FTP client. It features drag & drop transfer, faster speed, scheduled transfer and file search. The best part about the WS_FTP client is its security feature. It offers grade security with SSH. It also supports 256 bit AES with open PGP file encryption for all the file transfers.
In the validated format, this top FTP client is better than other professional FTP software that are available. You can download the basic FTP client but it will have limited features. You also have an option of upgrading the FTP client with a professional upgrade fee. The plan starts at $49.95.
This FTP is best suited for those using Windows hosting or planning on purchasing a Windows hosting package. You can check out this list of the top 10 web hosting India if you want to buy Windows hosting. Also, don’t forget to use BigRock coupon to get amazing discounts on your first hosting purchase.
10. CuteFTP – Simple, Powerful and Secure File Transfers for All
Don’t go by the name, as this is the best FTP software which has an amazing interface. It supports many features like automated file transfers, built-in text editor and open PGP encryption. It also supports advanced features like price tag and extensions.
The CuteFTP client has a secured file sharing system called as Tappln. This feature allows you to share file between different computers and mobile devices that support Android and IOS. It’s a perfect FTP client for Windows and MAC. The only thing that goes against this FTP client is the professional fees.
Experienced users mostly use it so the price is quite expensive as compared to other top FTP clients that are available. The plan starts from $59.99 for Windows and for MAC users the plan starts from $39.99.
Conclusion
There are many best free FTP clients that can fill specific needs. If you are a beginner, you can download the free versions of FTP clients for Windows and MAC. Professional and advanced users can opt for professional updated FTP clients with complete features.
Choosing the best FTP client is important for remote server and your website both. Nowadays, even premium FTP client software offers you a free trial. You can use the features and then upgrade it. User-friendly FTP software with the great interface can also save your time.
So, which FTP client is your favourite from the list? Do let us know!
Also, here are a few hosting companies that offer secure FTP hosting other than BigRock. Take a look at the InMotion Review and BlueHost review for more information.
Leave a Reply