5 Best FTP Clients for Windows and Mac to Move Files
The use of FTP technology has dwindled in recent years. It is, nevertheless, still handy for rapid file transfers between PCs and mobile devices. To upload media files from the computer to the WordPress host, web developers need an FTP program. There are dozens of FTP clients available, and we’ve chosen the five best FTP programs for Windows and Mac from among them.
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FTP Clients For Windows and Mac
FTP software is a must-have for anyone who works with websites, file servers, IT management, and other similar tasks on a regular basis. A competent FTP client ensures that media files be uploaded and transferred without difficulty. It would also function flawlessly with third-party cloud storage providers like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
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1. Cyberduck (Windows and macOS)
If you’re just getting started with an FTP client and don’t want to spend any money, Cyberduck is the way to go. Cyberduck is a free FTP client for Windows and Mac that is open-source. Cyberduck is one of the most popular and best FTP client for Windows and Mac that is free and open-source.

But don’t be fooled by the free tag. The software is capable of meeting all of the advanced requirements for an FTP client. All of the top cloud storage services are supported, including OneDrive, Google Drive, Amazon Drive, and Box.
Pros
- Accessibility across platform
- Free and open-source
- Third-party cloud storage services are supported.
- Encrypt files with Cryptomator integration
Cons
- Dual-panel mode isn’t available.
Price
It’s completely free to download and use. There are no restrictions.
Get Cyberduck
2. WinSCP (Windows)
WinSCP is a Windows-only application, as the name implies. However, don’t be put off by simplistic appearances. WinSCP is loaded with features that help you get things done. Furthermore, it is absolutely free to use. What’s not to like about this place?

The software doesn’t just work with FTP. SFTP, SCP, and even WebDAV can be used to transfer files. WinSCP will keep syncing changes from the local folder to the server’s remote folder.
The addition of a command-line interface and scripting capabilities will be welcomed by power users. It has a learning curve, but it’s nice to see it here.
Pros
- WebDAV, S3, SFTP, SCP, FTPS, and FTP are among the protocols supported.
- The capacity to program tasks using automated rules
- Support for file encryption
- Multiple languages are supported.
- UI is superior to Cyberduck.
- Download and use are both free.
Cons
- No Macs are available.
- Also unavailable on Linux.
Price
It’s completely free to download and use.
Get WinSCP
3. CuteFTP (Windows)
CuteFTP, which is owned by Globalscape, is a must-have FTP client for power users. It’s a bit pricey, but advanced and Professional users will find it worthwhile. It’s been around since 1990 (yes, you read that correctly) and is one of the most reliable ways for transferring files on Windows.

You may use the software to develop automobile scripts so that it can continue to do duties even when it is operating in the background, without your interaction. For instance, you might build a rule for when I make changes to the X folder on my computer. It should sync with the remote folder on the Y server.
Pros
- Excellent user interface
- Add-on for the password manager
- Make scripts for automobiles.
- FTP/S, HTTP/S, and SFTP are all options for transferring files.
- Interface with drag and drop
Cons
- Subscription-only service
Price
After the free trial, it costs $59.99 a year.
Get CuteFTP
4. Transmit 5 (macOS)
We’ve already discussed Windows-only FTP clients in the last two alternatives. Let’s look at a handful of premium FTP clients that are only available for Mac. One of them is Transmit 5.

Transmit 5 will dazzle you with one of the most appealing user interfaces that blend seamlessly with macOS Big Sur. You can upload, move, and download files all in one spot, and you can connect to popular cloud storage services like Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
Transmit 5 was marketed to me because of its lightning-fast speeds when compared to other FTP clients. A dual-pane interface is also available for the convenience of usage and file management.
Pros
- Beautiful user interface
- Two-pane user interface
- One-time purchase option with no subscription
- Panic Sync is a feature that securely stores your data in a separate location in case your distant server or PC fails.
- Large Amazon S3 file transfers are supported.
Cons
- The Mac App Store does not offer a one-time purchase option.
Price
The 7-day free trial followed by a one-time purchase of $45
Get Transmit 5
5. ForkLift 3 (macOS)
The forkLift is yet another inexpensive Mac-only file manager and transfer client. It has a two-pane interface and can transfer files to and from remote servers using Google Drive and Amazon S3. Power users can also do several transfers at the same time. ForkList 3 is one of the best FTP client for Mac users.

Pros
- Two-pane user interface
- SFTP and FTP transfers are supported.
- Rename many files at once with this utility.
- Support for dark mode
Cons
- In a few instances, file transfers larger than 2 GB failed.
Price
There is a free trial available, followed by a one-time purchase of $29.99.
Get ForkLift 3
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Wrap Up: FTP Clients for Windows and Mac to Manage Files
To better manage files, go through the list of software above and start utilizing an FTP client for Windows or Mac. Cyberduck is a good choice for beginners because it’s free, open-source, and works on both Windows and Mac. You can use premium solutions like CuteFTP and Transmit 5 when your process becomes more intensive.