6 Best SFTP Clients for Windows and Mac Users

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a secure method for transferring files between a local computer and a remote server. Unlike FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, offering a more secure way to transfer files. Whether you are a Windows or Mac user, using a reliable SFTP client is crucial for managing your remote servers and websites. Here’s a list of six of the best SFTP clients for both Windows and Mac users:

1. FileZilla

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Price: Free (Open-source), FileZilla Pro available with extra features
• Best for: Beginners and advanced users looking for a reliable and free SFTP client.

Features:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS.
• Site Manager for managing connection configurations.
• Allows for simultaneous transfers and multi-threaded downloads/uploads.
• Cross-platform support and available in multiple languages.

Pros:

• Easy to use and setup.
• Highly customizable interface.
• Supports large file transfers.

Cons:

• The free version sometimes includes bundled adware in the installer.
• Limited features in comparison to some paid alternatives.

Download: FileZilla

2. Cyberduck

• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Price: Free (donation-based), with an optional App Store purchase for macOS.
• Best for: Users who need a sleek interface with cloud storage integration.

Features:

• Supports SFTP, FTP, and WebDAV, and integrates with popular cloud services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Allows bookmarking and organizing servers for quick access.
• Advanced options for file permission management and file transfer settings.

Pros:

• Clean, intuitive interface.
• Strong integration with cloud services.
• Regular updates and community support.

Cons:

• Transfer speeds can be slower compared to some other clients.
• It may consume more system resources.

Download: Cyberduck

3. WinSCP

• Platforms: Windows
• Price: Free (Open-source)
• Best for: Windows users seeking a versatile and feature-rich SFTP client.

Features:

• Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, and WebDAV.
• Integrated text editor for remote file editing.
• Drag-and-drop support between local and remote directories.
• Supports scripting and automation with batch file transfer.
• Synchronization functionality to keep directories in sync.

Pros:

• Robust automation capabilities.
• Easy to use with a dual-pane interface.
• High-speed transfers with good performance.

Cons:

• Only available for Windows, no cross-platform support.
• The interface can seem a bit dated to some users.

Download: WinSCP

4. Transmit

• Platforms: macOS
• Price: Paid (7-day free trial available)
• Best for: macOS users seeking a premium SFTP client with advanced features.

Features:

• Supports SFTP, FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, and more.
• User-friendly interface with a beautiful design.
• Syncing capabilities for keeping local and remote directories in sync.
• Built-in Panic Sync service for synchronizing settings across devices.
• Fast transfers with built-in bandwidth management.

Pros:

• Polished and modern user interface.
• Excellent for managing multiple connections.
• Integrates well with macOS features like Finder.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other SFTP clients.
• Only available for macOS.

Download: Transmit

5. ForkLift

• Platforms: macOS
• Price: Paid (free trial available)
• Best for: Advanced macOS users looking for a dual-pane file manager with SFTP support.

Features:

• Dual-pane interface for easy file management.
• Supports SFTP, FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, and other protocols.
• Built-in file viewer and editor.
• Batch renaming and file synchronization.
• Integrates with remote storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Pros:

• Extremely powerful with advanced file management capabilities.
• Fast and responsive interface.
• Supports drag-and-drop and advanced search.

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners due to advanced features.
• Available only for macOS.

Download: ForkLift

6. Bitvise SSH Client

• Platforms: Windows
• Price: Free for personal use, commercial licenses available.
• Best for: Windows users needing advanced SSH and SFTP functionalities.

Features:

• Supports SFTP, SCP, and SSH with a built-in terminal.
• Allows for tunneling and remote port forwarding.
• Graphical and command-line SFTP clients.
• File encryption, public-key authentication, and session management.
• Configurable user interface with support for multiple profiles.

Pros:

• Secure with extensive SSH features.
• Supports advanced SSH functions like port forwarding.
• Lightweight and fast.

Cons:

• Not as user-friendly for beginners.
• Focuses more on SSH than a dedicated graphical SFTP experience.

Download: Bitvise SSH Client

Conclusion

Choosing the right SFTP client depends on your specific needs, platform, and the level of functionality required. Here’s a quick summary:

• FileZilla is great for cross-platform users looking for a free, open-source solution.
• Cyberduck is ideal for users who want an easy-to-use client with cloud integration.
• WinSCP is perfect for Windows users who need powerful automation capabilities.
• Transmit is best for macOS users seeking a premium experience.
• ForkLift is a great choice for power users on macOS with advanced file management needs.
• Bitvise SSH Client is suitable for advanced users on Windows looking for robust SSH and SFTP support.

No matter which client you choose, each offers a secure way to manage your files on remote servers, ensuring that your data transfers remain protected.