No matter how actively promoted cloud technologies, file storage, traditionally, is often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. Essentially, FTP clients are just as much a necessary category. software just like regular file managers. Of course, there is no need to talk about "newbies" here: there was and is a well-established selection of programs both among paid and among free solutions.

IN this review I will talk about free FTP-clients, not so much well-known as "motley". The greatest attention will be paid to such aspects as protocol support, security, interface, as well as additional functions (synchronization, caching, search, and others).

FileZilla

FileZilla is an easy-to-use, cross-platform multilingual client that supports basic protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and more, with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, tab support, directory comparison, synchronization and remote search. The program is regularly updated, which indicates the active status of its development.

The graphical shell is really convenient - it is not overloaded, as is usually the case in programs of this kind, with many panels. At the top and bottom of the window are the Messages Log and the Task Window, in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree view for local / remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

For a quick connection to the host, you can use the Quick Connect Panel; the transfer protocol is also indicated here, for example, sftp: // hostname or ftps: // hostname. But it is more usual to make a list of the necessary sources for connection in the Site Manager. In the settings, again, you can change the protocol (FTP / SFTP), enter credentials, assign local and remote directories that open upon connection, change the type of file transfer (more broadly options are provided in general settings programs). In the Site Manager, as well as in the main window, you can create bookmarks during navigation.

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer control. First, we mean a visual process of completing tasks, with the ability to pause (for files not exceeding the 4 GB limit). Secondly, the client supports synchronized browsing, directory comparison, filters, caching and, as already mentioned, remote search - standard and necessary functions for navigation.

HTTP / 1.1, SOCKS 5, and FTP proxies are supported. Encryption is additionally available for FTP.

Summary

A simple client that will not satisfy the needs of a professional, but includes all the basic capabilities for working with FTP, SFTP, FTPS.

[+] Documentation in Russian
[+] Simple and user-friendly interface
[+] Cross-platform
[-] No command line (server) support

FTPRush

FTPRush is a once paid client that has recently added to the list of free ones. Notable features include such a function as FXP - transferring files from one site to another "on the fly", flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of panel MS Office 2000-2003), SSL / TLS / SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transmission ...

Appearance is more flexible than FileZilla, just look in the "View" menu or open context menu any of the areas. The following is provided: drag and drop, enable and disable panels, buttons, customize column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock, it supports SFTP (moreover, options for configuring SSL are found in the corresponding section), SSH, insecure FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local / remote directories, add bookmarks. If you have several configurations, it is convenient to apply global settings, there is no need to reconfigure several configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities, and other advanced options are available. A number of options are presented related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, Z-compression settings. Not to mention customizing hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is available through the Task Window. Not to say that it is ideal in the current implementation, but it performs its functions and, in addition, allows you to specify a scenario or an action from the list to be performed. To create scripts, a constructor is used, which is available in the "Tools" menu. Also in this section you can see the list of FTP-commands. Remote search can be found in the "FTP" section of the menu.

Perhaps the only point that causes criticism is the very low-quality translation into Russian.

Summary

As a result, we get a free product with the functions of a professional product.

[-] Poor interface translation
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] A large number of settings
[+] Support for secure protocols and encryption methods

WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source client source code which works with FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols (, protocol comparison table), supports scripting and command line.

One of the primary features is the ability to choose an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is an imitation of an explorer pane (with remote access mode) with a left side pane and accompanying hotkey layout. If we talk about the second type of interface, then here, rather, there are analogies with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while keyboard shortcuts are also close to classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source / destination file comparison are among other possibilities. Many panels are customizable, you can pin / unpin them, remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is the least graphical client in the typical sense, here the device is somewhat different. The functionality will not impress an inexperienced user due to the fact that many options are hidden in the command mode - in the menu you can find an exit to the Putty utility, the command line and other special tools for working with the above protocols.

The declared support for scripts will be useful for automating data transfers or scheduling tasks (which will be of interest to advanced users). Enough detailed instructions on scheduling tasks in Windows via the command line in the guide.

As for FTP, the functionality is quite mediocre, and, moreover, there is no FXP function, which, for example, is almost the main one in FTPRush. However, FXP is not supported on every server.

On the page with translations, you can find partial Russification (80% done).

Summary

The client is intended for an audience of advanced users who primarily work with the SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols using a terminal.

[+] Management via the console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Quite good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not quite a typical product in the FTP client niche, as it is mostly positioned as a "file browser" for Windows and Mac OS platforms. Supported protocols are FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3.

When launched, the program prompts you to import hosts from FileZilla, and the specified addresses will be bookmarked. The program uses a single-panel mode, for a desktop client in this case it is not optimal at all and causes only inconvenience. To download files, you need to open a separate window, similarly - to view the queue of tasks. To change access rights, you need to go to the "Access Rights" tab of the "Info" section. All standard operations related to working with FTP are collected in the Action menu. You can see a search box in the program, but, as it turned out, this is a kind of filter by name, but not a search by file.

If the program cannot be noted with the convenience of FTP-mode, then, perhaps, someone will be attracted by some additional functions, including support for storage of cloud services, such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. There were no fine settings for integration with services. To export documents from Google Docs, you can choose a file format, in the case of Amazon - encryption settings, etc. Regarding functionality, again, nothing can be said about Cyberduck's protection: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive is much more intuitive in the original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative seems questionable here.

In general, due to the very simple interface, Cyberduck cannot be called the optimal client for working with the above services. However, as a file manager for viewing documents, it will do just fine. One can only hope that the developers will "tighten" the functionality in one of the directions - either work with FTP, or support for cloud services.

Summary

Despite the support for FTP, SFTP and other protocols, Cyberduck is suitable only for uploading or downloading files, viewing documents on the service Google Docs and other simple operations. That is, the most basic work with the declared protocols and services is provided.

[+] Unified interface
[-] Few settings
[-] Inconvenient file manager
[-] weak support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

This file manager is notable for its support for SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN, command line mode, FXP, and several types of proxies. LE is a free lite version of the client, PRO contains many additional features such as file encryption, zip archiving, synchronization, etc.

CoreFTP LE is old school. And, although the arrangement of the panels is quite intuitive, everything needs to be reconfigured to work comfortably. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, shift the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, etc.

If we talk about the possibilities when working with FTP, the standard functions of CoreFTP include creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (upload, download and delete). Multithreading is not available in the LE version, however, a considerable number of options are open in the "Connections" section. In the Transfers section, you can enable compression - in the LE version, however, not all options are available.

The site manager is very flexible in setting, pleases the number of protocols and options for SSH, SSL / TSL. Security settings can be found in "Advanced File Settings". Proxies are not forgotten, FTP Proxy / HTTP 1.1 / SOCKS are available in the list. For advanced users, the "Script / Cmds" section will be of interest, although, apparently, the command mode is presented here more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and solid functionality for free version, with a lot of settings related to security, data transfer, connections.

[-] No scheduler
[-] Outdated interface
[+] Good functionality
[+] Advanced SSH, SSL / TSL and proxy settings

BitKinex

The list of features listed on the BitKinex website boils down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line will be support for FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP -> SFTP, WebDAV-> FTPS, HTTP-> FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are shown on the page. It follows from them that BitKinex can also be used to create mirrors, as a download manager - that is, a very versatile client.

To create a connection, the “Quick Connect” start-up wizard is intended, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window”. Here are collected data sources for all kinds of protocols, each of which lends itself to careful configuration. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

Operations with files on the server are performed in another window - "Browse Window", which opens when connected to the source. This window presents a standard two-column manager. In the main area there are local and remote sources, on the left - a list of hosts, at the bottom - a list of tasks and a log.

Integration with Windows Explorer is possible, drag and drop is supported between windows, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. There are many file and folder operations available, such as compare, lock, change CHMOD permissions and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features include synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

A universal manager for a wide range of protocols, with its own interesting ideology, flexible settings. Will interest users who work with multiple sources, experienced webmasters and system administrators.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Convenient grouping of sources
[-] Insufficiently intuitive interface

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, "casual" software, and the Free FTP client is no exception. In describing features, the word "easy" is often used. Nevertheless, not only FTP is supported, but also SFTP, FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to the "Manage Servers", where the S-Drive account has already settled. The program quite obsessively "recommends" to connect this service, it cannot be removed from the site manager.

Obviously, the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, since there is a built-in editor with autocompletion, code folding, highlighting and other conveniences. Alas, it is available only in the paid version and at the same time it takes up half of the workspace of the program and a separate section of settings. It can be easily removed from view by switching to the "FTP View" mode.

There are few basic options, especially regarding secure protocols. In principle, it makes sense that the novice user would rather prefer the insecure and more familiar FTP. The settings also contain proxy parameters, although you cannot select the type of connection, it is only possible to add the server (s) to the list. Notable features include a built-in ZIP archiver. Oddly enough, is there also a place for the PuTTY client - a "spare" in case CoffeeCup Free FTP is used by experienced users?

Summary

The CoffeeCup client is extremely easy to use as the functionality does not allow for confusion. Perhaps it will be useful for novice webmasters who need to edit HTML files on the server, or during the period of acquaintance with web technologies.

[+] The client is easy to learn
[-] Obsession with S-Drive
[-] Lack of search, synchronization and comparison of directories
[-] Built-in text editor

Pivot table

	FileZilla	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
The developer	Tim Kosse	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
License	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware	Freeware
Platforms	Windows, Linux, Mac OSX	Windows 2000+	Windows 2000+	Windows, Mac OSX	Windows	Windows XP +	Windows XP +
Protocols	FTP, SFTP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, TFTP +	FTP, SFTP, SCP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage, Amazon S3	SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN	FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV +	FTP, SFTP, FTPS
Console	−	+	+	−	+	+	+
Proxy	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS +	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS, Telnet +	systemic	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	+
Remote search	+	+	+	−	+	+	−
Synchronization	+	+	+	+	+	+	−
Comparing directory contents	+	+	+	−	+	+	−

Free SSH client for secure access to FTP servers via secure SFTP protocol.

This application allows two-way transmission and file sync on local PC and remote server.

At the same time, WinSCP supports not only simple FTP-protocol, but also secure (SFTP), as well as somewhat outdated today (used mostly for accessing UNIX-servers) SCP.

In terms of its capabilities, WinSCP is practically not inferior to the paid FTP client CuteFTP Professional:

Comparison of SSH client WinSCP with paid analogue CuteFTP

The main drawback of WinSCP is that it does not support scheduling. As for the rest, the program is quite convenient and provides a good toolkit for everyday work with FTP.

Installing WinSCP

WinSCP comes in two flavors:

• portable(portable);
• and with an installer.

For the portable version to work, it is enough to unpack the entire contents of the archive and run the executable exe file. True, then it will be in English.

To Russify the program, we get the file from our archive WinSCP.ru and place it in the folder where WinSCP was unpacked.

1. After starting the installer, the first window will appear with the choice of the program language. By default, Russian will already be indicated there, so just click "OK".

2. In the next window, we will be greeted by the Installation Wizard. Nothing complicated here either, just click "Next".

Click "OK" and now we have a complete ready-made connection!

It remains only to "Login" to the server. We press the corresponding button and get a warning.

Cache(English cache) - a buffer with quick access for storing frequently used data.

Authentication- confirmation of rights to access the system.

If you are connecting to a reliable server (for example, to your site), then simply click "Yes" so that the program will remember this key and save it to its cache.

Otherwise, click "No".

Authentication on the server will start and the program will ask for a password (if for the sake of security we did not save it in the program).

Enter the password and click "OK".

If we haven't made a mistake anywhere, the main WinSCP window will open in front of us.

WinSCP interface

As we chose during installation, the program will have a two-pane interface reminiscent of the classic file manager.

In the left pane is our local computer, and in the right is the folder on the server with the site stored in it.

Files can be transferred by simply dragging and dropping them from one panel to the second, or through context menu and with the help of "hot keys", generally accepted for similar programs:

• F5 - copy;
• F6 - transfer;
• Delete - delete, etc.

For example, let's copy the file readme.html from server to computer. Grab it with the mouse in the right panel and drag it to the left.

Before the first copy, the program will clarify whether we really want to do this?

This is to prevent accidental damage to important files. If you are confident enough in your actions, you can disable this request by checking the "Do not show this window again" checkbox before clicking "OK".

If such a file already exists in the destination folder, another window with a question will appear.

By the way, if you need to copy or replace several files, then in order not to answer "Yes" for each, you can use the "down" arrow to the right of this button and select the "Yes for all" option, or hold down the Shift key before clicking "Yes".

But here you need to be even more careful so as not to accidentally overwrite the new file with the old one. And then there is already a tick "Do not ask again" - it is better not to put it ever.

WinSCP settings

If you nevertheless accidentally put the above checkbox, then it can always be disabled in the menu "Settings" - "Settings" - "Appearance" - "Confirm the following actions" - "Overwrite files".

As you can see, here you can customize anything you want, from notifications to styling.

If the "native" settings do not suit you with something, here you can always customize the program for yourself.

Filters in WinSCP

Let's go back to the main window and see how else you can simplify your work with SFTP in WinSCP.

For example, when updating a site via FTP, you often have to download and upload to the server many files with a certain extension. These can be images in PNG format or some kind of js-files with scripts.

When their number exceeds a hundred, it becomes rather dull to work without filtering functions.

In this case, the easiest way is to use the "Filter" function, the button of which looks like a funnel above each panel.

Click on it and in the window that opens, enter mask to select the files you want.

As a result, we get in the desired panel only those files that are of interest to us.

You can find out about the rules for filtering files by clicking the "examples of masks" link under the filter line:

• The "*" symbol replaces any number of printable characters.
• "?" replaces a single character (one letter or number).
• The masks are separated by commas or semicolons, etc.

Using the filter, you can significantly speed up your work with files, regardless of their number.

Comparison of directories

Using the compare tool, you can select different files in both panels.

The comparison is based on name, size and update date.

Synchronizing directories

The next tool - "Server Folder Synchronization" - allows you to configure the FTP server to automatically track the selected local folder and copy all new files from it:

If you do not trust automation, WinSCP allows you to perform synchronization in manual mode.

To do this, simply click the next button - "Synchronize local directory and directory on the server".

Script commands

As with many advanced FTP clients, WinSCP claims to support scripting commands.

They are implemented:

PuTTY- free client for various remote access protocols.

• through the built-in command line, also called the Console or Terminal;
• or the add-on PuTTY module.

Let's see how this works using the command line example. Press the button "Open Terminal" and read the warning.

Click "OK" and get into the Console window, where you can enter your commands in the upper field and get the result in the lower one.

Pros and cons of WinSCP

• convenient and simple interface;
• support for secure file transfer protocols;
• the ability to filter files by masks;
• automated file synchronization;
• extensive customization options.

• slight slowdowns with very large file lists (more than 1000 in one folder);
• no task scheduler.

conclusions

WinSCP has won the favor of thousands of users around the world for a reason. This small SSH client allows you to perform tasks that are often only possible for much more powerful and cumbersome (and most importantly paid) counterparts.

At the same time, it works quite quickly, even on old PCs. And if you add here the ability to work from a USB-drive, then we get the perfect tool to maintain your own site anytime, anywhere!

Afterword

If you have your own site, then you have probably thought more than once about how to optimize the work of loading a variety of content on it.

Today, many hosting providers provide us with special web interfaces called admin panels. Their plus is that no additional applications are required to work with files on a remote server - all operations can be performed right in the window browser.

However, almost all admin panels provide only basic functionality. For example, they do not support downloading multiple files at the same time and require you to manually select each subsequent file. I'm not even talking about synchronization functions, etc.

Therefore, for full-fledged work with files on remote servers, a special protocol was created - FTP. Despite the fact that it is more than 40 years old, the file transfer protocol is still quite popular today.

In addition to the already mentioned use of this protocol in working with websites, FTP is often used to distribute various kinds of applications and even operating systems(for example, some OS of the family Linux).

Modern browsers allow you to open file storages based on the FTP protocol and download files from there, however, to be able to upload content to remote servers yourself, you need to have special applications - FTP clients.

There are a lot of both paid and free FTP clients However, based on the specifics of our site, today we have reviewed one of the best free SSH clients - WinSCP.

P.S. It is allowed to freely copy and quote this article, provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny is preserved.

When you buy a remote server on Linux, be it a dedicated or virtual one, the provider, as a rule, provides a minimal configuration without additional software, with access to the server via SSH.

It is known that you can copy data to a server in several ways, via FTP, using a web file manager, and so on. But all these methods require the installation of additional programs. For example, hosting control panel or ftp server.
But what if the remote server isn't designed for web hosting? Do not install an FTP server for the sake of uploading.
As it turned out, if you have access to the server via SSH, then this is quite enough to copy data to it, as well as to merge files from it. To do this, we will use free program winscp. It is an open source graphical SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) client for Windows. The program is designed for secure copying of files between a computer and servers that support these protocols.

In order to copy files to or from the server, you just need to know the SSH login and password.
By launching the program, you will get a two-window file manager in the style of windows explorer and Norton Commander.


With the WinSCP program, you can not only copy data, but also set the rights to folders and files, create documents and directories, as well as edit files and create symbolic links and shortcuts.

WinSCP security

Using WinSCP, you can connect to an SSH (Secure Shell) server using the

There are several ways to upload and unpack the zipped file to an FTP server. This may be required when installing CMS, restoring backup... Let's consider them in more detail.

Cross-platform SFTP clients

FileZilla

The program works on Mac OS X, Windows, Linux and other operating systems. Uses FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols. Translated into 47 languages, including Russian. Convenient and easy-to-use client.

• Performs standard operations, resumes interrupted downloads, and copes well with large files.
• Supports IPv6, SOCKS5, FTP-Proxy and HTTP.
• Site manager, allows remote search and editing of files.
• Allows you to configure the queue and download speed.
• Ability to view multiple directories at the same time, etc.

Download from the official website: https://addons.mozilla.org/ru/firefox/addon/fireftp.

Cross-platform client localized in more than 20 languages. Designed as a Firefox add-on. The functionality is similar to the previous program.

• Does standard operations.
• Supports major data transfer protocols.
• Hashes and checks documents for integrity.
• Compares directories, compresses files and much more.

Chrome sFTP Client

Multi-platform client, installed by add-on to Google chrome... There is a Russian language. In terms of capabilities, it is not inferior to other programs. Built-in powerful text editor with syntax highlighting and password manager. Suitable for those who are used to making a universal harvester out of the browser.

The program works under Windows, Linux and Mac OS. The free application has extremely poor functionality and is absolutely not competitive: it does not support SFTP, proxy, synchronization, etc. Pro has all this, but you will have to pay 25-40 y.e. for it. The paid version is no different from its free counterparts.

Windows Clients

Downloading the program from the official website: https://winscp.net/eng/download.php.

A graphical multilingual client, distributed free of charge. Offers a choice of two interfaces: as in Windows Explorer and the classic Norton Commander style. WinSCP can:

• Upload and download files from the server.
• Create, rename and delete files and folders.
• Supports synchronization, several types of authorization: Kerberos, public key or password.
• Allows you to automate actions using scripts and command line.
• The utility has a built-in text editor and a bunch of other useful things.

Supplied in two versions. The LE version is noticeably inferior to competitors in terms of functionality, but is free. It can upload files from / to the server at the same time, restore the connection when the connection is interrupted. CoreFTP Pro comes with a wagon of extra goodies and costs 25 y.e.

• Compresses, encrypts and decrypts files.
• Increases download speed through multi-layered downloads.
• You can customize templates for repeatable tasks.
• The Ping and TraceRoute utilities are installed in the client.
• Unlimited tech. product support and more.

Standard client. Knows how to work through the HTTP / HTTPS protocols. Maybe everything is the same as other SFTP managers. There is no Russian localization, but the interface is simplified and intuitive. The computer does not load much, it quickly turns on and works.

Gftp - client for Linux OS

Cross-platform utility, but more commonly used on Unix-like OSes. There is a graphical interface, but it also works through the command line. Supports data transfer protocols: SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc. Does all standard operations with files and folders. Translated into many languages, including Russian.

You can register domains with us.

A free program with a user-friendly interface and a minimum of functions and capabilities. Supports SFTP, uploads and downloads files. Synchronizes data and that's it. Suitable for those who prefer to do without frills in their work.

AndFTP - SFTP client for android

Works with protocols: FTP, SFTP and FTPS. Russified, there is a built-in file manager, can open files different types: video, text, html, mp3, etc. Integrates with other applications. Supports working with multiple servers and allows you to customize the permissions. Convenient and functional addition.