Best gFTP Alternatives in 2026
The top gFTP alternatives are WinSCP, FileZilla Client and Cyberduck: 15 FTP clients our editors would look at instead of gFTP, in our ranking order.
gFTP: A capable Linux-only client for multi-protocol transfers without commercial pricing. Where it falls short: linux is the known supported platform.
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
-
Best forFree Windows FTP with strong SSH tooling
A capable free Windows client for multi-protocol transfers, scripting, and SSH workflows.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit WinSCP -
Best forSimple free FTP across desktop platforms
A capable free FTP client for straightforward desktop file transfers.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit FileZilla -
Best forBroad, free desktop FTP and cloud transfers
A broad, free FTP client for desktop transfers, synchronization, and automation.
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Cyberduck -
Best forWindows teams needing managed transfers
A Windows FTP client for encrypted, scheduled, and automated file transfers.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit WS_FTP -
Best forMac users needing advanced synchronization
A capable macOS FTP client for advanced synchronization, with paid-only access.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Transmit -
Best forWindows professionals needing automation
A Windows-focused FTP client with synchronization, automation and multi-protocol support.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit SmartFTP -
Best forWindows users needing FXP and portability
A paid Windows client for managed transfers, FXP, automation, and portable use.
- Portable version
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit FlashFXP -
Best forLinux power users and scripted transfers
A free, scriptable Linux client for automated and resilient file transfers.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit lftp -
Best forFree multi-platform FTP with automation
A free, automation-ready client with broad protocol and platform coverage.
- Portable version
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit FTP Rush -
Best forWindows users needing scheduled FTP workflows
A Windows-only FTP client with strong transfer automation in its Pro edition.
- Portable version
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Core FTP -
Best forWindows users needing high transfer concurrency
A Windows-only FTP client with broad protocols, automation, synchronization, and high concurrency.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit CuteFTP -
Best forCloud-heavy users needing polished transfers
A polished cross-platform client for server transfers and cloud storage, without a free plan.
- File synchronization
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit FileZilla Pro -
Best forFree cross-platform transfers with scheduling
A free, cross-platform transfer client with scheduling and automation options.
- Portable version
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit CrossFTP -
Best forFree transfers with scheduling and team sharing
A free, cross-platform transfer client with scheduling, queues and team sharing.
- Scheduled transfers
- Transfer automation
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit sFTP Client -
Best forWindows users needing scheduled FTP tasks
A Windows FTP client that combines core transfers with scheduling and automation.
- Scheduled transfers
- File synchronization
- Transfer automation
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit FTPShell
gFTP Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to gFTP?
WinSCP: #1 in our FTP Clients ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A capable free Windows client for multi-protocol transfers, scripting, and SSH workflows.
Is there a free alternative to gFTP?
Yes. WinSCP, FileZilla Client, Cyberduck, lftp and FTP Rush have a free plan or a free tier (9 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to gFTP?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Cyberduck starts lowest, at $10 one-time.
gFTP vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Protocol coverage | Supported platforms | File synchronization | Scheduled transfers | Transfer automation | Concurrent transfers | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | gFTP | Yes | None | Multi-protocol | Linux | — | — | Yes | — | 8.0 |
| 1 | WinSCP | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9.3 |
| 2 | FileZilla Client | Yes | None | Ftp-ftps-sftp | Cross-platform | — | — | — | — | 9.2 |
| 3 | Cyberduck | Yes | $10 one-time | Multi-protocol | Cross-platform | Yes | No | Yes | — | 9.1 |
| 4 | WS_FTP Professional | No | $58/user one-time | Multi-protocol | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.8 |
| 5 | Transmit | No | $24.99/user/yr | Multi-protocol | Macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20 transfers | 8.7 |
| 6 | SmartFTP | No | — | Multi-protocol | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.6 |
| 7 | FlashFXP | No | — | Multi-protocol | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.5 |
| 8 | lftp | Yes | None | Multi-protocol | Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.4 |
| 10 | FTP Rush | Yes | None | Multi-protocol | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.0 |
| 11 | Core FTP | Yes | $16.95/user one-time | Multi-protocol | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 8.0 |
| 12 | CuteFTP | No | — | Multi-protocol | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 100 transfers | 8.0 |
| 13 | FileZilla Pro | No | €12.99/device/yr | Multi-protocol | Cross-platform | Yes | No | No | 10 transfers | 7.8 |
| 14 | CrossFTP | Yes | — | Multi-protocol | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 7.7 |
| 15 | sFTP Client | Yes | — | Multi-protocol | Cross-platform | — | Yes | Yes | — | 7.6 |
| 16 | FTPShell Client | Yes | $59.95 one-time | Ftp-ftps-sftp | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | 7.5 |
Guides on FTP Clients
- The 6 Best Free FTP Clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux in 2026Aug 2026
- 10 Best FTP Clients for Android in 2026Aug 2026
- Java FTP Client: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Apache Commons NetAug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update