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.
FTPManager is a fully featured FTP client that allows you to access files on FTP servers. Directly access and manage remote files, edit text files. Stream videos and music to your iPhone/iPad. Transfer files between iPhone/iPad and FTP server. FEATURES:. Access FTP (FTP over TLS) server. Access SFTP (SSH) server. Copy, move, rename. Jul 29, 2017 Sftp – secure file transfer protocol. Name says all its better than ftp and secured. So guy’s these are the top 11 best free ftp server and free sftp server software 2020 windows/mac users. So guy’s now let’s start sharing your data now. Just fill the credentials and you all set. CrossFTP is a free FTP client for Mac, Linux, and Windows and works with FTP, Amazon S3, Google Storage, and Amazon Glacier. The primary features of this FTP client include tabbed server browsing, compressing and extracting archives, encryption, search, batch transfers, and file previews. Last but not least, FileZilla Server is a free open source FTP and FTPS Server. Support is available through our forums, the wiki and the bug and feature request trackers. In addition, you will find documentation on how to compile FileZilla and nightly builds.
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 Clients1.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 ClientsServ-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
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.
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.
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.
Related Posts
When you need to transfer files between your computer and a remote server, a file transfer protocol (FTP) server application can make the process simple.
Whether it’s connecting to your hosting provider to add content to your website, sharing large files with a company or client, or for moving files to a long-term storage server, an FTP client can help.
Thankfully, there are a variety of free FTP server programs available. Here are seven best free FTP server options you can use for transferring files:
1. Filezilla
Recommended for: Windows, Linux and Mac users.
Filezilla is one of the best FTP servers and is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. It has a simple interface and open-source design that allows for constant improvement.
The program can be used to connect to either a local server or a remote server.
Plus, you can specify the port number to connect to your host to keep file traffic running smoothly.
The interface of Filezilla is its main advantage. On one side of the screen, you will see your computer’s folder structure, while on the other side of the screen you’ll see your host’s file structure. You can quickly transfer files between them by simply dragging and dropping.
Filezilla also offers a number of helpful security options. You can establish FTP Secure (FTPS) connections and log in with a username and password. You can also lock down your server so that specific IP addresses or sets of IP addresses can’t connect to it. Best of all, IP addresses are automatically locked out after a certain number of failed connection attempts.
One noticeable downside to Filezilla is that it times out connections after 15 minutes, which can interrupt massive file transfers. In addition, Filezilla doesn't support end-to-end encryption to protect your file transfers from hackers. While that's not a huge issue, it does pose a security risk for business users.
PROS
CONS
2. WinSCP
Recommended for: users that need remote text editing capabilities.
Another excellent free FTP hosting solution for Windows users, WinSCP mimics the usability of Window’s native File Explorer program.
This free, open source FTP server allows you to see a split-screen of the file structures on your computer and your server, and to drag and drop files between the two.
One of the main advantages of WinSCP is that it has built-in text editors for quickly editing files stored on a remote server.
That means you can speedily edit HTML, CSS, and other pieces of code without having to download files.
In addition, WinSCP offers a command line interface that can be useful for batch file transfers or making batch edits to files on your servers. While this command line requires some technical savvy, it can be extremely useful for automating routine processes once you get the hang of it.
As you might expect, WinSCP doubles as a free FTPS software program by allowing you to connect securely to your remote server. However, it lacks the more robust security features of Filezilla, such as automatic time-outs and the ability to restrict IP address access to your server.
PROS
CONS
3. Cyberduck
Recommended for: users who want file encryption during transfer.
Cyberduck is a simple but powerful free FTPS software for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
From first glance, the interface of Cyberduck is thinned down compared to other FTP clients.
And it makes it more suitable for the occasional file transfer than for everyday use by server administrators.
That said, Cyberduck offers quick connection options to not only frequently visited remote servers, but also file storage providers such as Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Google Drive.
Once connected, you can integrate Cyberduck with your favorite text editor to remotely edit plain text files on your server.
One of the best features of Cyberduck is its Cryptomator security feature. When activated, Cryptomator encrypts any files that are being transferred and blurs directory structures.
So, if someone accesses your transfer they can’t make use of the data. However, Cyberduck does not have options for restricting IP address access to a server since it lacks full server administration tools.
PROS
CONS
4. CrossFTP
Recommended for: users requiring a rapid connection to commercial servers.
CrossFTP is versatile free FTPS software available for all major operating systems.
The main advantage of CrossFTP is that it offers rapid login access to Amazon S3, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Glacier servers.
You can also open connections to multiple servers at once thanks to the tabbed structure.
In addition, CrossFTP has an easy to use file transfer panel. Here, you can transfer files in batches thanks to the drag-and-drop functionality.
Free Ftp Server For Mac
You can also compress files and extract compressed folders on your server right within the FTP client, without having to download files first.
There is, unfortunately, no option to edit text files remotely within CrossFTP. However, the client’s preview and zoom functions allow you to peek into files’ contents without first downloading them to your computer. You can also search the Internet within CrossFTP and download content directly to your server.
The main concern with CrossFTP is security. While you can establish FTPS connections and keep your login password encrypted, there is no file encryption during transfers. There are also no additional features on the server administration side, such as restricting IP addresses and setting automatic time-outs.
PROS
CONS
5. gFTPFree Ftp Server Software For Mac
Recommended for: Linux users.
gFTP is one of the best Linux FTP server solutions, mirroring much of the functionality that Filezilla provides.
The client allows for FTPS, HTTPS, and SSH transfers, as well as direct transfers between two remote servers using FTP.
In addition, you can save bookmarks to allow you to quickly log in to frequently visited servers without entering the full server address.
Like Filezilla, gFTP supports multiple CPU threads when making connections so you can crank up the bandwidth available for file transfers.
The interface is also highly similar, with a split-screen showing the file structure of your computer and that of your server. Because it’s Linux-based, though, there is no drag-and-drop functionality. Instead, you’re restricted to using the transfer arrow buttons to move files.
Note that, as was the case with FileZilla, gFTP is centered around file transfer and server administration. That means there are no options for previewing files or remotely editing text files, which can limit the utility of gFTP for more occasional users.
One advantage to using gFTP on a Linux machine is that the software is pre-packaged for installation on Linux. You can download and install gFTP just by entering ‘sudo apt-get install gftp’ in your terminal, then fire up the program to begin transferring files.
Ftp Server Software For Mac Free Software
PROS
CONS
6. Complete FTP
Recommended for: those seeking highly customizable settings.
Complete FTP is highly customized free FTP server software for Windows operating systems.
While Complete FTP includes the ability to transfer files over an FTPS connection, more advanced and secure file transfer protocols require a paid version of the software.
Still, the free version of Complete FTP offers more than enough functionality for most users and boasts an array of security features.
You can turn on encryption during file transfers to protect your data, as well as define the number of allowed login attempts before a user is locked out of your remote server.
You can also set custom limits for time-outs for stalled transfers and idle sessions.
Thankfully, all of the available settings are hidden inside menus so that they don’t clog up the file transfer panel. This side-by-side screen, as for other FTP clients, allows you to transfer files simply by dragging and dropping. You can also preview text files within the Complete FTP window.
PROS
CONS
7. FireFTP
Recommended for: Web developers.
FireFTP is fundamentally different from all of the other free FTP server applications I reviewed in that it’s not a desktop client.
Instead, FireFTP is designed as a browser plugin for Mozilla Firefox so you don’t have to leave your browser to upload content to or edit files on your remote server.
That’s a big deal for web developers, for whom going back and forth between a website and an FTP client can suck up a lot of time.
It also means that FireFTP can work on any operating system, as long as you have Firefox installed. Free download accounting software for mac.
Plus, the client is secure, offering SSL encryption and SFTP connections.
FireFTP’s interface looks much like any desktop FTP client. It has a split screen that allows you to see file structures on your computer and your remote server. There’s drag-and-drop functionality, as well as a text editor for remotely editing plain text files on your server within Firefox.
The only thing to watch out for with FireFTP is that it lacks advanced security features. There is no support for file encryption during transfer. There's also no way to set time-out limits or restrict certain IP addresses from logging in to your remote server.
PROS
CONS
Finding the Best Free FTP Server Programs
There are a variety of choices when it comes to choosing a free FTP server solution. When it comes to picking the right free FTP client for you, it's important to focus on what type of features you need:
Did this guide help you find a free FTP server program? Let me know in the comments below!
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |