Head-to-head · FTP Clients
FileZilla Client vs SmartFTP
FileZilla Client leads on 1 check, SmartFTP on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFileZilla Client · 9.2/10
- Free planonly FileZilla Client
- Free trialonly SmartFTP
- Most featuresSmartFTP · 3 of 4
FileZilla Client scores higher on our rubric for ftp clients: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
FileZilla Client offers free plan; SmartFTP doesn't. On protocol coverage, SmartFTP gives you Multi-protocol where FileZilla Client offers Ftp-ftps-sftp. On supported platforms, FileZilla Client gives you Cross-platform where SmartFTP offers Windows.
FileZilla Client is the better fit for simple free FTP across desktop platforms. SmartFTP is the better fit for windows professionals needing automation.
- FileZilla Client fits best
Simple free FTP across desktop platforms
- SmartFTP fits best
Windows professionals needing automation
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Side by side
| Feature | FileZilla Client 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | SmartFTP 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #2 in FTP Clients | #6 in FTP Clients |
| Best for | Simple free FTP across desktop platforms | Windows professionals needing automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Features FileZilla Client 0/4 · SmartFTP 3/4 | ||
| File synchronization | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Scheduled transfers | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Transfer automation | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Portable version | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Protocol coverage | Ftp-ftps-sftp | Multi-protocol |
| Supported platforms | Cross-platform | Windows |
| Concurrent transfers | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | FileZilla Client is a free, open-source desktop file-transfer client for individuals and organizations managing files between local computers and remote servers. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. The… Read the review → |
SmartFTP is a Windows desktop client for moving files between local computers and servers. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV and cloud-storage connections, with features for website maintenance, managed file transfers, backups and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
FileZilla Client — where it wins
- Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes queues, resume support, search, editing, and directory tools
- Open-source desktop client with multiple server connections
Where it doesn't
- Integrations and automation features are limited
- Focused on desktop file-transfer workflows
- Advanced ecosystem features are outside its core scope
SmartFTP — where it wins
- Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV and cloud-storage connections
- Combines synchronization, queues, integrity checks and resume support
- Enterprise adds scheduled transfers and command-line automation
Where it doesn't
- Windows is the only listed platform
- There is no permanent free plan
- Scheduled transfers are limited to the Enterprise edition
- FileZilla Client9.2/10 · Free plan
A capable free FTP client for straightforward desktop file transfers.
Visit FileZillaFull verdict → - SmartFTP8.6/10 · 30-day trial
A Windows-focused FTP client with synchronization, automation and multi-protocol support.
Visit SmartFTPFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





