File Transfer Protocol, better known as FTP, has been around for nearly 50 years. It has evolved over the years, but at its core, it still does exactly what it did when it was first conceived. It lets you transfer files from your local PC to a remote server, like a web host.
If you need to transfer files using FTP, you need FTP client software running on your computer. There are quite a few FTP apps for Mac OS X ranging from the old-fashioned command line interface (CLI) running in Terminal to typical Mac apps that look and work like most software you’re familiar with.
Let’s look at the best FTP clients for Mac OS X and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
Nov 16, 2017. Apr 29, 2018.
A Brief History of FTP Security
FTP was designed in April 1971 to run on the Network Control Protocol (NCP) which was the predecessor of TCP/IP, the standard used for the modern internet. At the time, security was not as important as it is in today’s world. There were so few computers at the time that any machine connected to the internet was trusted.
This resulted in relatively simple security standards for FTP. You do need to log in using a username and password, but this information transmits to the server unencrypted. This leaves it open to a sniffing attack, especially if you’re connecting on a public wifi connection.
Newer protocols like SFTP (Secure FTP) and FTPS (FTP Secure) have extended its capabilities to work over encrypted SSH connections. You don’t need to know how this works to use it, but you should make sure you choose a Mac FTP client that supports the encrypted protocols.
Features to Look for in Mac FTP Clients
Every FTP client supports the basic function of transferring files. That’s what FTP is, after all. There are a variety of extra features that these applications offer, however. Some are useful for virtually everyone while others have more specific uses.
Some of the feature that almost everybody will benefit from include:
Drag and drop transfers.
Support for cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Microsoft OneDrive/Azure, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Remote file editing.
SFTP and/or FTPS support.
Drag and drop works exactly the same as it does in the Finder except you’re dragging files between a folder on your Mac and a directory on a remote server. Almost all Mac FTP clients support it, including the ones we’re going to look at.
Support for cloud services means you can use your FTP client to transfer files to or from them. These services don’t use the standard FTP protocol, and each has its own proprietary system, so the FTP client has to support it.
Remote file editing lets you make changes to a file on the server using your FTP client, or sometimes an external editor, and save the changes back to the server. This lets you skip the steps of downloading the file and uploading it again after you make the changes.
We’ve already discussed SFTP and FTPS protocols and why you would want to use them over FTP. Almost every FTP client supports them, but you should always double-check if you’re looking at a new app.
The Best FTP Clients for Mac Users
We’re going to look at 5 FTP clients for Mac OS X:
FileZilla
Fetch
Forklift
Cyberduck
Transmit
Each of them has its pros and cons so let’s look at each one so you can choose the best Mac FTP client for your needs.
FileZilla
FileZilla is the most widely-used FTP client, for a couple of reasons. First, it’s multi-platform, so people use it on Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. Second, it’s open-source software that licensed under the GNU Public License (GPL), so it’s completely free.
FileZilla supports various connection types, including SFTP and FTPS, so you can transfer files to your server securely. It also supports IPv6, the latest version of the Internet Protocol (IP). This doesn’t affect how it works from your perspective, but it means it will work with servers running on the new version of IP.
FileZilla FTP also supports remote file searching, bookmarking and remote file editing. These features can all be helpful if you manage a lot of remote files.
The main disadvantage of FileZilla is its interface. It’s a bit dated-looking, and it’s not as Mac-like as most of the other clients we’ll look at. This is because it’s written to be cross-platform, so it doesn’t use some of the Mac OS features that make Mac apps look the way they do.
Note: There is also a paid version called FileZilla Pro that adds more supported protocols like cloud storage from Amazon S3, Google Drive and Microsoft Azure.
Fetch
The Fetch FTP client is designed for Mac OS X, so it looks more like what you expect a Mac app to look like. There is a trial version available that lets you test it out for free, but it is a paid app.
Fetch is designed to be simple and easy-to-use. It supports FTP and SFTP protocols but doesn’t support any cloud storage options at all. It will sync your shortcuts between Macs using Dropbox, but it doesn’t support file transfers to Dropbox.
Fetch has a unique feature called Droplet Shortcuts that can be a time-saver if you upload files to the same server on a regular basis. This feature creates a shortcut to a server in your Mac’s dock. When you drag and drop a file on the shortcut, it gets uploaded to the server automatically. There’s no need to enter your FTP password or open the Fetch app to transfer the file.
Fetch supports remote file editing and lets you synchronize folders, only transferring files that have changed since the last transfer. It also supports auto-resume for any transfers that failed for some reason, saving you from having to restart the transfer from scratch.
Fetch has a couple of disadvantages, the first being it’s a paid app. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but if you’re looking for the cheapest FTP client, Fetch won’t fit the bill. The second disadvantage, which is the more critical one, is that Fetch doesn’t get updated as often as most of the other paid apps. This means it often doesn’t support new features in the latest versions of macOS for quite some time after they’re released.
Forklift
Forklift is one of the more powerful FTP clients for the Mac. It’s billed as a dual-pane file manager and FTP client, meaning it has some extra features that you can use locally on your Mac. Macbook pro 13 2010 model. It’s the only Mac FTP client that serves these dual purposes.
Best Ftp Client Windows 10
You can use the dual-pane, drag and drop interface to manage files on your Mac or on a remote FTP server. The same interface works for both, making it easy to switch back and forth.
The Forklift FTP client supports SFTP as well as a number of cloud storage services including Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Google Drive. It also supports Dropbox, making it easy to copy links to any files stored in a Dropbox folder.
Forklift lets you mount remote servers, which means they will appear on your desktop and in your Finder windows the same as any local drives. You can drag files to and from the mounted server the same way you would on a local drive.
Forklift also supports remote file editing, directory syncing, remote file searching, and resuming failed transfers.
On top of these FTP features, it also includes a couple of useful tools for use locally on your Mac. It includes an “app deleter” that will remove any random files that an application installs if you delete the application from your Mac as well as letting you set Forklift to be your default file viewer, replacing the Finder.
Cyberduck
Cyberduck is another free, open-source FTP client for the Mac, but it has the advantage of being a Mac app from day one. There is a Windows version, but the Mac OS X version was the original one, so it looks (and works) like a real Mac app.
Cyberduck offers a simple interface but has a lot of powerful features for anyone who needs them. Like all the apps in this list, it supports drag and drop transfers as well as both FTP and SFTP protocols. It also supports several cloud storage protocols including Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Microsoft Azure & OneDrive, and Google Drive.
It also extends the security features a little further, offering both client-side encryption and API connections to Google Drive and Dropbox. It also supports Amazon’s CloudFront distribution system if you are using it as a CDN.
Cyberduck supports remote file editing with any external code editor, letting you edit files on the server in your favorite editor without having to transfer them back-and-forth.
Cyberduck doesn’t let you mount remote directories on your Mac, but it does let you save bookmarks as drag and drop shortcuts. When you drop a file on the shortcut, it gets uploaded to the server automatically.
The main disadvantage of the Cyberduck client is its speed. It doesn’t transfer files as quickly as some of the other clients in this list. The faster clients are the paid apps, so that’s one of the trade-offs of using free software.
Note: If you host your website with MacHighway, we have a step-by-step guide that shows you how to upload your site with Cyberduck.
Transmit
Transmit bills itself as the “gold standard” of Mac FTP clients, which is an accurate description. It supports the most protocols, has the best interface, and offers the most power-used features of all the apps in this list.
In addition to FTP and SFTP, Transmit supports Backblaze B2, Box, Google Drive, Amazon Drive, Rackspace, Dropbox, Microsoft Azure & OneDrive, and Dreamhost cloud storage services.
It supports file sync between your Mac and a remote server but also supports local-to-local sync between folders on your Mac and remote-to-remote sync between two remote servers. The remote-to-remote syncing is handled without transferring the files to your Mac.
One of Transmit’s biggest advantages is its speed. Panic Software, Transmit’s developer, completely redesigned the transfer engine with the latest version and it’s considerably faster than any of the other clients we’ve covered.
Transmit includes a batch file rename feature that will let you rename multiple files using a standard filename format. It includes remote file editing with either the built-in editor or using your favorite editing software.
You can mount remote directories locally on your Mac, where they will show up on your desktop or in the Finder the same as local drives. It also has a bandwidth-limiting feature that gives you the ability to control how much of your internet bandwidth it uses. If you’re working on other things while transferring files in the background, this helps to maintain the speed of your connection for other purposes.
Another feature that’s unique to Transmit is support for 2-factor login. If you’re accessing a remote server that uses 2-factor authentication as an added security measure, Transmit can handle this directly.
The only real disadvantages to Transmit are the cost and the fact that it is strictly a Mac application. It’s not available on Windows or Linux, so if you use more than one operating system, you can’t use the same FTP client on them all. And they do offer a free trial version if you want to test it out before buying.
Note: If you host your website with MacHighway, we have another step-by-step guide that covers uploading your site with Transmit.
Best FTP Client for Mac – Our Top Pick
In case it wasn’t obvious from the last section, Transmit is our pick for the best Mac FTP client. The combination of speed, ease-of-use, and powerful features make it the best choice for almost everyone. The only reason we would recommend another option is if the price is an issue. In that case, we recommend Cyberduck as the best FTP for Mac.
An Alternative to FTP
While these are the best FTP clients you’ll find for the Mac; there is one other option that you may want to consider if you’re building a website. MacHighway’s hosting plans include the Weebly site builder tool. This tool lets you design your website through a simple drag-and-drop interface in your browser, which means you don’t need to worry about using FTP at all.
Unlike many hosting companies, MacHighway understands Mac. We’re Mac users ourselves, so we speak your language. Check out our hosting plans to get started today.
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Server administrators need to balance client capabilities, user interface, and security concerns when choosing the right free FTP software for their business.
It’s no secret that, despite the persistent popularity of file transfer protocol (FTP), the evolution of cybersecurity threats, safety standards, and cloud-based storage systems has changed the file transfer landscape. These elements have fundamentally altered what web developers and server administrators are looking for from FTP software, and clients who haven’t adapted to these needs generally fail to support users’ top priorities: security law compliance and ease of use.
Most internet users won’t need an FTP server to share files with other people, now that cloud-based services are so prevalent and accessible. However, many people still require FTP (or its more secure protocol alternatives, SFTP and FTPS) when carrying out web uploads and large file transfers.
As FTP is still part of the daily lives of many IT folks and even casual web developers, I’ve rounded up and reviewed the best free FTP clients available. For those who don’t need as many administrative functionalities or security measures, a free FTP client is probably equipped to serve the occasional or moderately sized file transfer, and I’ve included a “best-of” list below. However, for many corporations who need more rigorous encryption, better directory and file visibility, and more intensive management capabilities, paying for an FTP server software is a smart investment (and probably saves money in the long run, considering how expensive compliance violation fines and data security breaches can be).
In terms of paid software, I’d suggest SolarWinds® Serv-U®Managed File Transfer for its scalability, range of supported protocols, and comprehensive security controls.
Best Free FTP Clients
1.FTP Voyager
SolarWinds FTP Voyager is an entirely free FTP client Windows users will love. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, meaning it meets the security needs of a wide range of organizations. Further, it enables users to connect to multiple servers simultaneously and conduct several transfers concurrently, an important feature for frequent uploaders that other free FTP programs are lacking.
Because SolarWinds designed FTP Voyager with Windows users in mind, the interface will be familiar to veterans of the operating system. Plus, the split screen gives clear visibility into the state of your directories by placing the local and remote servers side by side and automatically synchronizing folders, enabling direct comparison and drag-and-drop file transfer from the Windows desktop. Perhaps most crucially, it automates file transfer with its full-featured scheduler.
Lastly, if your business scales up and requires more extensive file transfer management, you may decide paid software is the best option for your organization. FTP Voyager integrates seamlessly with SolarWinds upgrades to Serv-U FTP Server and Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server.
2. Cyberduck
Cyberduck is another free FTP software respected by industry professionals. Luckily, it’s a free FTP client that can also benefit Mac users. The main advantage of Cyberduck is its widespread applicability: it serves Windows and Mac, and it acts as both server software and storage browser, meaning it supports FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV in addition to Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Users also value its manual editing capabilities, which allow them to change any text or binary file on the server, and its security specs. Interoperable with its Cryptomator tool, Cyberduck is capable of end-to-end encryption, not only encrypting file and directory names but encrypting file content individually and obfuscating the directory tree.
The major downsides of Cyberduck are its lackluster interface (lacking split-screen server juxtaposition), slow transfer speeds, and donation prompt. Each time the program updates, a banner requesting a donation appears—which can be mildly irritating but isn’t a deal-breaker given the client’s utility. Still, if you’re looking for a program capable of transferring large folders, Cyberduck isn’t your best bet. That said, Cyberduck is a great option for occasional, highly secure file transfers.
3. FileZilla
As many people know, FileZilla is the legacy program on this list and has been the go-to free FTP client for years—which makes it well worthy of consideration. It’s open-source, works across operating systems, supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols, allows multi-threaded file transfer, includes the drag-and-drop feature, and has an easily navigable graphical UI. Other strengths include its directory comparison and directory bookmark features and its remote file search capability.
So, what’s the problem? FileZilla has been mired in controversy one too many times to be considered totally secure. Back in 2014, SourceForge, the software host from which FileZilla was downloaded, was criticized for bundling adware with its installer file, meaning users unintentionally installed additional software. More recently, FileZilla raised alarms for malware in 2018, leading some institutions to ban its use within their organizations as a safety risk.
FileZilla’s features are both useful and convenient, but users can find them in other programs with a strong history of data security, like SolarWinds FTP Voyager.
Best Premium FTP Clients
Serv-U FTP Server
Another tool from SolarWinds, Serv-U FTP Server enables file transfers from the web and mobile devices, has no trouble with large file transfers, and ensures data is never at rest in DMZ networks with a secure gateway. For both Windows and Linux, the Serv-U FTP Server client supports FTP and FTPS over IPv4 and IPv6 networks, making it a versatile, powerful program.
Beyond transfer specs, Serv-U FTP Server offers a host of compliance and management benefits. First, the Gateway add-on allows users to comply with PCI DSS and other industry regulations. Second, its security goes beyond smudging file directories and encrypting the content—it empowers users to limit concurrent sessions, block IP addresses when sessions time out and define access rights for users and groups. Its other management controls include transfer quota settings and automated file movement and deletion after transfer, functions which keep the directory organized and protect performance.
While the Serv-U FTP Server client is a premium option, it’s fairly inexpensive per server compared to other software and offers a fully functional 14-day free trial.
Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server
For those whose needs exceed the capacity of free tools, Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is the client I’d recommend above every other. Not only does it have all the features included in SolarWinds Serv-U FTP Server, but it builds upon them to provide even more centralized file transfer management, automation, and oversight capabilities.
This managed file transfer (MFT) server program executes transfers supported by FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S over IPv4 and IPv6 networks while assisting with compliance demonstration for PSI DSS, HIPAA, FISMA, SOX, and other regulatory frameworks. This means file transfer is both safe and simple. With ad-hoc peer-to-peer file sharing, users can send or request files large and small from their browsers or their phones.
Serv-U Managed File Transfer Servereasily integrates with existing infrastructure like Active Directory and LDAP servers, so users can sync accounts to simplify authentication and customize limits and permissions by user, group, domain, or server. Further, Serv-U Managed File Transfer provides unparalleled monitoring capabilities, allowing users to track file server startup, configuration, and domain activity logs in the management console. This helps administrators troubleshoot with real-time updates while also creating a thorough record to satisfy internal vetting and external auditing.
Finally, its security measures once again level up with automated processes—sending emails, deleting files, or writing log messages—that take place when triggered by defined events. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server also offers a two-week free trial with complete functionality.
Modern FTP Clients for Secure File Transfer
Best Mac Os X Ftp Client
Organizations have many options when it comes to FTP clients and the right tool for each will vary with its file transfer, security, and budgetary needs. When choosing the FTP program that suits your organization, keep in mind any trade-offs between command lines and file editing and user interface, as well as any security sacrifices you make for ease of use or cost.
Because of the safety concerns that have plagued some open-sourced tools, it’s important to ensure your organization has powerful data protection and can demonstrate compliance when audited. For organizations with needs beyond simple transfers, a paid software can marry the FTP, management, and monitoring capabilities that free alternatives simply can’t.
Best Free Ftp Client
Serv-U FTP Server and Serv-U Managed File Transfer Serverare two premium offerings with superlative graphics UIs, operability across protocols and operating systems, safe and easy file transfers, and access rights management. I found these two SolarWinds products to offer the best balance of intuitive interface and comprehensive FTP and security functionalities, so, if you’re not sure yet about paying for an FTP client, it’s worthwhile to download the free trial and test the software for fit.
Digest:
Given the importance of data security, it’s vital that IT administrators manage their Active Directory to have a thorough understanding—and control—of who has access to assets across enterprise networks. This is particularly useful when it comes to centralizing permissions and compliance reporting.
Ftp Client Download
On the data storage note, it’s also good to know how to centralize and secure a database using management system software. This guide will walk you through database types, database management system (DBMS) functions, and a handful of DBMS tools.