The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. FTP client for WordPress is built on a client-server model architecture that uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.
When it is added on a website it helps organize, edit and check. And If there is some problem on the website that needs to be fixed or looked upon.
Not every FTP client is the same. Every FTP client is different from one another. Every FTP client functions differently and has its own pros and cons.
Hosting companies allow downloading these on platforms like WordPress by only one click.
FTP clients for users on WordPress:
1. FileZilla( client binaries available for Windows, Linux and macOS)
The reason for mentioning FileZilla at the top of the list is because first of all, it is for free. This is available for Windows, Linux, Mac. The developer of FileZilla is Tim Kosse.
Reasons, why you should use Filezilla, is that:
- It gives you the option to drag and drop side by side for comparison.
- Other than that, its amazing features and the overall use is quite different but very easy to use.
- It is rated as one of the best FTP clients.
- Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP and IPv6
Properties:
- Filezilla allows Bookmarks for easy access to the most frequent use.
- It is as easy as eating a piece of cake to download and upload. All you have to do is to drag and drop to download and upload a file.
- Just like you can resume a task in real life or resume playing a song, just like that Filezilla supports resume, which means the file transfer process can be paused and continued.
- As security should be the top priority, FileZilla allows securing password storage with a master password.
- Available in 47 languages whole over the world.
2. FREE FTPd (for windows):
The thing about this FTP client is that it comes with a free and paid version. It does not provide all the features that you require for free, but it is enough to satisfy you if you don’t need much.
This gives you an option that you can upgrade according to your requirements. FreeFTP is one of the most popular WordPress FTPs. With a beginner-friendly interface, FreeFTP is quite easy to use, which is one of the most impressive features that help a newbie.
The reasons why you should use it are:
- It has bookmarking functionality, including combo bookmarks, which means that you never have to worry about forgetting where you have stored your files.
- It includes support of FTP, SFTP, FTPS and HTTP.
- It offers a clean working space.
Properties:
- It provides strong encryption and authentication over insecure networks like the Internet.
- Allows a free implementation of SSH
- It also allows users to the remote console or even access their remote files with the help of built-in SFTP server.
- Code completion and supports STP, SFT, FTPS and HTTP
- One-click backup ( fast)
3. Cyberduck ( for Microsoft and Mac):
It is user friendly, which means it is very easy to use, and along with that, it allows quick transfer of file, which means saving time! What’s better than that?
Like other easy to download FTPs, this is also very easy to download. You can go to Mac-stores or Microsoft to download it, or you can simply download it from Cyberduck site.
Reasons why you should use it, are:
- It allows you to sync with great storage options, such as Google Drive & Dropbox.
- It is easy to download and to use.
Features:
- It can be used by people of many languages belonging to different cultures meaning that It is available in multiple languages.
- An unparalleled bookmarking feature that allows you to keep track of your storage.
- This Supports external editors for instantaneous file editing. Which is why it is in top lists of most preferred FTP clients.
4. WinSCP ( for Mac, Windows and Linux):
It is simple but effective. Above that its free! It is similar to FileZilla. It was initially created as a tool for securely copying files between two computers, but WinSCP also serves as an excellent FTP client.
As security is one’s top priority, WinSCP’s important to feature us that it has superior security.
Reasons why you should use WinSCP :
- It has a clean user interface and a built-in text editor.
- WinSCP can open plain text files in your favourite editor. When you save the file, WinSCP automatically uploads your alterations to the remote server.
- It supports FTP, SCP, SFTP and WebDAV protocols.
Features of WinSCP:
- It is available in 30 different languages.
- It allows drag and drops file transfer
- Synchronized browsing
- It has an inbuilt editor which allows easy edit of text and other components
- Most importantly, it is fast and isn't heavy on the system means that it is lightweight.
5. Forklift ( for Mac):
A ForkLift is an FTP Client for Mac. This FTP client WordPress allows you to remotely connect with the Amazon S3 Google Drive, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, Backblaze B2, Rackspace CloudFiles, SMB, AFP, and NFS.
This certainly means that it allows you to connect with multiple servers at the same time, and helps in multiple transfers. Multiple tasks at the same time! Isn’t that great?
But forklift only provides a free trial. But the premium software can be accessed with a license and $29.95.
Reasons to use it:
- Manages your files quickly across the drives.
- Allows you to remote servers with ease.
- You can connect to multiple servers at a time and even drag and drop between them.
Features:
- If you are a web developer, this feature is for you. It allows you to compare local or remote source and target folders identifying all types of files.
- Synchronizing them is very easy and is always just a click away, you can also save it as a favourite.
- Preview feature shows you a panel about the information of the selected file. Along with that, it helps you playback video, audio and photos. It even lets you edit them at the spot. How cool!
- The dark mode feature for aesthetics. This feature will impress you if you are attracted to dark-themes
- The quick open feature allows easy access to your files, favourites and menu commands.
The list of its features goes on!
6. Transmit (for Mac):
Transmit is a file transfer client. It is exclusively for Mac, and it has been developed by Panic. It is a shareware, and Mac or Apple users will grasp the UI right away.
Even though it is not free, it gives a 7-day free trial. After the trial, the product can only be used for 7 minutes of sessions. The main software costs $45 with a license, you can also get discounts, and it helps you get extra copies.
The reason why it has this tag of ‘a suggested or best FTP client‘ is that it transfers files 25 times faster than other (some)FTP clients.
Reasons why you should use Transmit:
- You can establish multi- connections such as connecting to google drive and box which ensures the stability of your large file transfers
- You can add to the standard features like you can set advanced server preferences in the Transfer section.
Features of Transmit:
- It has a built-in edito
- It allows the high-speed transfer of files.
- It supports FTP, SFTP and WebDAV.
- It even has an advanced feature of skipping files.
- It promotes a multi-connection support
7. Commander One Pro (for Mac):
It is the best free FTP client for Mac. Commander one is now available for free! The commander one pro which offers other multiple advantages is not for free.
However, the premium version requires a license and payment. The version itself is available for $29.99 but the price increases with buying of the licenses.
The paid version allows the built-in FTP manager while giving you the flexibility to use two panels to work more efficiently.
Reasons why you should use it:
- It offers a highly customizable interface
- You can get invincible support for compression of files.
- A mac user has the privilege to access to multiple connections.
Features of Commander One:
- It supports FTP, SFTP and FTPS
- The paid version has the flexibility to allow two-panel support
- Allows multiple functions
- The paid version supports adding on a few tools and plugins
- It also allows you to compare files
8. SmartFTP (for windows):
It is a network file transfer for Microsoft windows. It supports file transfer via FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Box, Google Cloud Storage and Backblaze B2 protocols.
It is a reliable and secure FTP client that you can easily use.
Reasons why you should use it:
- It allows website publishing and maintenance
- You can download or upload pictures, documents and videos using SmartFTP
- It even allows managing and synchronization of the file transfer
- You can automate file transfers. What a blessing AI is!
Features of SmartFTP:
- It has features that allow the secure and reliable transfer of files
- You can transfer data between the local computer and service on the Internet.
9. Win-sock file transfer protocol:
Win sock File Transfer Protocol professional is a secure file transfer by Ipswitch. The operating system is Microsoft Windows. It has over 40 million users. It moves data from anywhere, anytime with security.
It is said that no other file transfer provides the same security and ease of use that Win sock file transfer protocol offers. The qualities are unmatchable.
Reasons why you should use the Winsock file transfer protocol:
- It has time-saving automation capabilities such as OpenPGP file encryption, file integrity checking, email notification, backup, folder synchronization, compression, post-transfer events and scheduling of file transfers, and the list goes on!
- It has the best-in-class security which Is an ideal quality
- It transfers files real quick.
Features of Win sock file transfer protocol:
- It has automated features which results in enhanced productivity and creativity.
- You can program or SCHEDULE your critical transfers by scheduling one time or elaborating scheduling frequencies.
- The Backup feature allows you to archive your files to protect against data loss.
- Synchronization is a great tool. If you want to update a website or share a file on the server. Easily define which files get transferred and how new or updated data are handled.
- Post transfer file automation. This amazing feature allows automatic deleting, removing or renaming of a file after your permission has transferred them.
10) And FTP (for android):
AndFTP, as said by experts, is exclusively for android. It allows you to transfer files from a tablet or your phone, which helps you to focus on other things.
This also ensures high-level security features for the safe transfer of files.
AndFTP is free, but if you require more features, then you can buy the pro version. The pro version offers more features, and the new version has bug fixes, extra encryption and small screen support.
Reasons why you should use it:
- If you are always on the go, then this FTP is definitely for you!
- You can open files via app
- It is available in multiple languages
Features of FTP:
- It supports FTP, FTPS, SCP and SFTP
- It has another feature that allows file resuming, and deleting file support
- Local and remote file browser
- Share support
- Active and Passive FTP modes
11. CuteFTP ( for Mac and Windows:
The Mac version does not have as many features as Microsoft has. Don’t be fooled by its name. It is a powerful FTP that allows nearly 100 files to transfer at once. It helps you share files between mobile and computers instantaneously.
It frequently asks for your password, which might be annoying to some users. But it offers most of the features that expect a professional FTP.
Reasons why you should use it:
- It is very helpful in managing large files
- You can try a version free for 30 days and then you can be sure if you want to buy the paid version or not
- Supports UNICODE.
Features of CuteFTP:
- Supports FTP,SSL, SFTP AND HTTP
- It has a drag and drops feature for file transfers
- It has a built-in text editor
- Comprehensive customer care
- It has reliable security
12) Core FTP Le ( for Windows):
It is quite similar to FileZilla. Its development is focused on windows software. You can have a free version or access with a small fee that has the basic interface and dual-panel layout.
It is a secure FTP client. The reasons why you should use it are:
- It can be used by window machine
- It offers incredible shortcuts
- Makes faster and secure file transfers
Features of Core FTP le:
- It includes FTP, SSL/TLS, SFTP via SSH, and HTTP/HTTPS support.
- Secure FTP encrypts account information and data transfer across the Internet. This feature allows data from being seen or sniffed across networks
- It has high security that you can rely on.
13) Fire FTP Client for WordPress:
Fire FTP is an extension of the famous internet browser. It is free to download. The plugins run smoothly with Firefox. It also has amazing features, and one of them is the seamless drag and drop feature.
If you are looking for a free FTP client with amazing features, then this is definitely your ideal FTP.
Reasons why you should use fire FTP:
- It is one of the best free FTP clients around the Internet
- It has impressive features such as drag and drop
- It also comes with directory comparison and synchronization
Features of Fire FTP:
- Automated resume feature. This means that if fire FTP is disconnected at any point, you can resume from that point
- It supports FTP, SSL, TLS, and SFTP.
- Drag and drop feature
- Allows smooth flow of plugins
- Works best for wordpress
14. Direct FTP:
The FTP that is both powerful and user friendly. If these are your area of interest, then you should definitely give it a try.
It is not only an FTP app that transfers files at high speed but is also a complete web design toolbox.
Reasons why you should use it
- It has a web design toolbox that you can use for last-minute edits, preview and organize files.
- It has an inbuilt editor that lets you work with JavaScript, CSS, HTTP and more.
- Edit Delete Uploading and downloading files and folders is easy. Just use your mouse to drag and drop them wherever you want them to go.
- The built-in preview feature even lets you see how your web page would look on the browser before you save it. Isn't that just the best?
Features of direct FTP:
- Fast and reliable uploading. You can easily upload or download files by dragging them to your server or computer.
- Allows you to edit right on your service
- Combo bookmarks so that you remember where are your files and how to organize them
- Activity window allows you to keep a clean record and status of your file uploads and downloads.
15. Fling FTP:
It is a tool that allows file transfer and backup data over networks and FTP. Like many FTPs, it also allows automated uploading of files if you set it to do so. It is easy to use a file transfer protocol.
Reasons why it is the ideal:
- It automatically detects and uploads changes to websites.
- You can manage file transfers to many destinations
- You can automate the backup of folders by mirroring contents at a set interval.
- You can keep information synchronized
- It also allows you to import and export account lists. But this is only available in the plus version
Features of Fling FTP:
- It supports local file transfer across local area network (LAN)
- You can even set up multiple folders to upload their destinations
- It supports secure FTP via SSL
16) Good sync ( for windows, MAC and Linux):
It is easy to use, automated and unattended service with multiple destination offers. It is used to back up and synchronize files between computer and function or even storage devices.
Three Reasons why you should use it:
- It enables the user to run parallel threads to achieve file transfer speed
- It is easy to use
- It has an automated and unattended service
Features of good sync:
- It can detect files that are renamed or moved from one location to another.
- As its service is automated and unattended, it allows backup and schedule without user interaction
- It also allows the transfer of data with no hassle
- Error, a word that sounds annoying if it keeps happening again and again or repeatedly. This is why good sync fixes access denied errors.
17) FTP Voyager ( for windows and Linux):
It allows quick transfer of files even though the file size and along with that ensures the safety of data over a secure shell data stream. Speed and security are two of its top qualities.
Reasons why should use it and what are the features:
- You can drag and drop folders to delete edit or rename them or to where you want from your desktop
- It allows connecting to more than one server at once
- You can even schedule and send multiple files concurrently.
- It supports FTP, SFTP and FTPS.
18) Fetch FTP ( for MAC):
This tool can help you overview all of the progress and time that will take to transfer for more than one file. As suggested from its name, fetch fetches or filters out needed directories.
Features that give you reasons why you should use it:
- You can edit files without having to download and reupload them
- It supports FTPS, SFTP and more
- You can synchronize folders using the mirror command
- You can preview your files in a web browser by using Web view
- Allows quick editing of files
- You can even upload file between servers using copy l
- It also has a feature in which you can synchronize shortcuts between Macs using dropbox
19. Wise FTP for professionals:
This file transfer protocol is for professionals. It has a user-friendly interface and allows you to connect to any server of FTP such as FTPES, FTPS, SFTP etc.
It is a quick and wise FTP client. It allows quick changes by shortcuts and by few clicks.
Here are some features and reasons to like this FTP client:
- Security matters a lot. So, wise FTP secures its transfer by SSH file Transfer Protocol
- You can upload and download files by planning a schedule for it
- You can delete, rename and even copy from FTP to the local computer
- With its user-friendly interface, you can easily synchronize files and sub-folders.
20. Crush FTP ( for Windows, Solaris, UNIX etc.):
The first thing that you might have noticed is that it runs on quite a lot of operating systems. That’s only one good thing about it, and it has more to it. The software can even manage and monitor from almost every device from anywhere.
Amazing feature or reasons to give it a try:
- It has a built-in zip method that enables users to download any files in a compressed format
- Quick access to an account by logging in through the browser
- It also offers real-time synchronization or data
- It allows plugins to run smoothly and also allows a wide range of plugins
- It has a feature that helps to monitor user activity
- Even customizable website forms are available for user
21. FlashFXP:
It is a tool that enables you or helps you to share files via FTP. You can limit download and upload speed and even compare folders visually.
Along with all amazing features it is also available in the portable edition. It even allows rollback transfer of data, and that’s not it. It has other helpful features which are listed below.
Some basic Features of FlashFXP:
- It supports FTPS,HTTP,FTP and more
- It is available in many languages such as Dutch, French , Chinese and the list goes on.
- Combo bookmarking. Just so that you do not forget about your place, it allows bookmarking of folders
- It also provides an automatic transfer resume
- You can switch to a command-line interface.
How to use FTP (Filezilla)
If you do not have an account already then use a website administration tool to set one up.
Setting up options:
These are the details of the account that you will need regarding your FTP account on your server
- Your FTP address
- Your FTP username
- Your FTP password
To register the FTP server follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open or click file>Site manager from FileZilla main window
- Click New Site then name the new connection to what you want. You can call it as my blog server, or the name may vary with the subject name
- Enter the FTP address for your website in the Host box. If your website is https://www.kindlybeinformed.com, then the FTP address will be ftp://ftp.kindlybeinformed.com or ftp://kindlybeinformed.
- Note: Do not put a / at the end. Unless specifically told to do so on your cPanel or by your host. Pay close attention to these small details. It looks small but has a huge impact
- The port box should be left blank. You should only fill it in if your FTP account indicates you to do so. But in other cases, value 21 should be used
- Select regular from Logon Type box
- The User box gives you a full username. Enter this full user name. It may look like just a username, or it may seem like an email address even though it is one.
- Enter password and click OK.
Connect to FTP client
From the toolbar of Filezilla, select ‘Open Site Manager’. You can select your FTP server from the drop-down list
Or
Start site manager from file> Site manager , select your FTP server and then click on ‘connect.’
When you get done with the connecting part, you will see that in the top window of Filezilla has a series of messages, and in the large window, you will see a listing of the files will appear.
21 free and paid File transfer protocols have been discussed in this article. You need FTP for:
- Quick file transfer. It is a useful tool for moving information from the computer you're working on to the server where a website is hosted.
- If you want to install WordPress on a web server, you will need FTP to copy files
- It allows accessing online software archives
- It is used for uploading and downloading files
- Some FTP clients even will enable you to overview your webpage so that you can know how it looks on a website or browser
Also if you don’t choose any FTP client from the FTP mentioned above clients, you must know what you have to look for in an ideal Ftp client
Following are the aspects you should look for in an ideal FTP client.
- No one wants their information leaked or the files that they are transferring have some security problem. That’s why, while looking for an FTP client, security should be your top priority. Make sure that the FTP client you are using ensures safe and secure transfer of your file
- The drag and drop function. This function acts as an easy to use a shortcut. You can drag and drop your file or folder to delete it or rename it. Do not overlook this functionality.
- Fast file transfer. Who doesn’t want a quick transfer of files? So while choosing an FTP client, make sure that it can ensure the fast transfer of even large files.
- Find out client support. Also check the protocols required such as SFTP, HTTP etc.
- Make sure that you are downloading the latest version and even if it is suitable for your version of OS
- You should know that some file transfer protocol works better for local transfers. The connectivity of secure FTP should be considered while using. Know that it is what you require.
- You don’t want to lose track of your files, so make sure the FTP client has a combo bookmarking feature. Best free FTP client holds the best bookmarking and search tools that further help in locating multiple files, without fail.
- Certain FTP clients have better functionality in the context of OS support. This is why you should always check the version of OS you are getting.
Conclusion:
Similarities between FTP clients
All of FTPs are similar in some way but are also different in other ways. Which means that you cannot expect every FTP client to work the same way.
You have to do some research about it and then finally try out its free trial.
Why testing out free trials is important.
The free trial will give you an idea of how that FTP client works and if it meets your expectations or not.
The free trial will not only help you save time and effort but will also save you from spending money. How? Because when you use the free trial, you will get to know if you want the FTP client or not ( if it is what you require or not ).
If not, you will be saving money by not paying for it before you checked it. Along with that, you will have some experience from the usage of that FTP client that might help you in the future somehow.
Consider the expert’s suggestion while choosing.
Experts have more experience. They speak out of their experience. It is hard for you to find someone other than them to look for advice. So when choosing an FTP client read expert reviews on it.
If you can’t find expert review, then the only option left is to rely on user reviews, they will give you the best insight about the client.
And if you don’t like relying on people’s review or suggestions, then there is always a free trial to get in-depth about the client.
