- FileZilla alternatives side by side
- Ten FileZilla alternatives worth a look
- Which client to try first
- Use SFTP or FTP over TLS, not plain FTP
- A dedicated client or a mounted drive?
- Questions to ask before you switch
- Signs FileZilla isn't the right client
- My plain advice on replacing FileZilla
- Frequently asked questions
The best FileZilla alternatives are free SFTP clients for Windows and Mac, polished premium apps for Mac users, and tools that mount your server like a drive on your computer. Ten options follow in no particular order, with a quick guide below the table to which one suits which job.
FileZilla has been the default way to upload website files for years, but it isn't the only choice, and plenty of people simply don't like how it looks or works.
The ten clients below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the developer's own website, read this week. If you're setting up a site for the first time, my guide to choosing a hosting provider for your blog comes first.
FileZilla alternatives side by side
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names a free plan, a free version, a free account or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start for free, so check the provider's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic FTP | File transfer program for Windows and Mac | Simple uploads for home users | Yes |
| CloudMounter | Cloud and server drive mounter | Mounting servers like local drives | Not stated |
| Cyberduck | Open source file transfer browser | Mac and Windows users wanting open source | Yes |
| Fetch | Mac FTP client | Long-time Mac users | Not stated |
| ForkLift | Dual pane file manager for Mac | Power users on macOS | Not stated |
| RaiDrive | Storage mounting app | Opening remote storage as a drive | Not stated |
| SmartFTP | Windows FTP client | PC users wanting a dedicated client | Not stated |
| Termius | SSH client with SFTP | Developers working in terminals | Not stated |
| Transmit | Mac file transfer app | Mac designers and developers | Trial only |
| WinSCP | SFTP and FTP client for Windows | Free secure transfers on Windows | Yes |
Ten FileZilla alternatives worth a look
Classic FTP
Best for: Home users and hobby site owners who want a simple file transfer program, with a free version for non-commercial use.
CloudMounter
Best for: Mac and Windows users who want servers and cloud storage mounted like drives, so files open without a separate client.
Cyberduck
Best for: People on Mac or Windows who want an open source browser for FTP, SFTP, WebDAV and cloud storage, with no account needed.
Fetch
Best for: Longtime Apple fans who want a long-standing, simple FTP and SFTP app from a small independent developer.
ForkLift
Best for: Mac power users who want a dual pane file manager that also connects to SFTP, FTP and cloud servers.
RaiDrive
Best for: PC users who want cloud storage and servers to appear like a USB drive, without syncing files first.
SmartFTP
Best for: Windows users who want a dedicated FTP client with a long track record and support for the common transfer protocols.
Termius
Best for: Developers who spend time in SSH sessions and want file transfers handled inside a modern SSH client on any device.
Transmit
Best for: Designers and developers on Mac who want a polished file transfer app and can try the full version for seven days.
WinSCP
Best for: Windows users who want a free SFTP, SCP and FTP client that's widely used for moving website files securely.
Which client to try first
- Free on Windows: WinSCP.
- Free on Mac and Windows: Cyberduck.
- A polished Mac app: Transmit or ForkLift.
- Servers that look like drives: CloudMounter or RaiDrive.
- Developers who work in SSH all day: Termius.
- A dedicated Windows client: SmartFTP.
- Simple uploads for a hobby site: Classic FTP or Fetch.
Use SFTP or FTP over TLS, not plain FTP
RFC 4217, published by the RFC Editor (IETF), describes how FTP clients and servers can add security and authentication using the TLS protocol. Plain FTP on its own wasn't designed with that protection.
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So whichever client you choose, connect with SFTP or FTP over TLS, and ask your host to switch off plain FTP if it's still turned on. It's a two-minute change that protects your login.
A dedicated client or a mounted drive?
A dedicated client shows your computer on one side and the server on the other, which makes uploads very clear. It's the traditional way to work and suits occasional changes.
A drive-mounting tool makes the server look like a folder on your computer, so you can edit files directly. It's handy for frequent edits, though it's easier to make a mistake on a live site.
Questions to ask before you switch
- Does it support SFTP and FTP over TLS?
- Does it run on my operating system?
- Can it save my site connections securely?
- Does it sync folders or just copy files?
- Can I edit files directly on the server?
- Is there a free version or a trial?
Signs FileZilla isn't the right client
- You only use a Mac. Try a native Mac app.
- You edit files on the server all day. Try a mounted drive.
- You work in a terminal. Try an SSH client.
- You find it confusing. Try a simpler tool.
Do you make FTP, SFTP or file transfer clients? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing FileZilla
Most people only need a free client that speaks SFTP, so start with one of the free options before you spend anything. Only pay for a polished app if you move files every day and the free ones slow you down.
Whatever you use, take a copy of your site before you upload changes, and keep your hosting login somewhere safe. If you run WordPress, my list of SEO plugins to install first on a new WordPress site is a useful next step.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of FileZilla?
Free SFTP clients cover most people, polished Mac apps suit heavy users, and drive-mounting tools suit people who edit files on the server often.
Is FTP safe to use?
Use SFTP or FTP over TLS. RFC 4217 describes how FTP can be secured with TLS, and plain FTP doesn't have that protection on its own.
Is there a free FileZilla alternative for Mac?
Yes. This list includes a free, open source client that runs on Mac and Windows.
Can I open my server like a normal folder?
Yes. Drive-mounting tools make servers and cloud storage look like drives on your computer.
Do I need an FTP client for WordPress?
Not for everyday editing, but it's useful for uploading themes, fixing a broken plugin or moving files when the dashboard won't load.
What's the difference between FTP and SFTP?
SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts the connection, while plain FTP doesn't encrypt it.
