Best ST Explorer Alternatives in 2026
The top ST Explorer alternatives are WinSCP, Cyberduck and FileZilla Client: 15 SFTP client software our editors would look at instead of ST Explorer, in our ranking order.
ST Explorer: A free, focused SFTP client with practical browsing, transfer, and SSH features. Where it falls short: supports SFTP rather than a broader set of transfer protocols.
Switching from ST Explorer? For most sftp client software buyers the best ST Explorer alternative is WinSCP, built for windows users needing a powerful free SFTP client. On a budget, Filestash starts at $50/mo.
Why People Look for an ST Explorer Alternative
- Supports SFTP rather than a broader set of transfer protocols
- macOS and Linux use requires building from source
- Focused on core transfers rather than automation or synchronization
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallWinSCP9.4
Windows users needing a powerful free SFTP client
Visit WinSCP - Lowest priceFilestash8.9
Paid plans from $50/mo
Visit Filestash - Best free optionWinSCP9.4
Has a free plan
Visit WinSCP
All 15 ST Explorer Alternatives, Ranked
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forWindows users needing a powerful free SFTP client
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 6.9
A capable free SFTP client for Windows users who need scripting and synchronization.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit WinSCP -
Best forCross-platform users needing broad connectivity
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 6.9
A versatile, open-source SFTP client for cross-platform file transfers and cloud connections.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Cyberduck -
Best forFree cross-platform SFTP transfers
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.9
A capable free SFTP client for cross-platform file transfers and remote file management.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit FileZilla -
Best forTeams needing web and mobile SFTP access
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.9
A broad, open-source SFTP workspace for teams spanning web, desktop and mobile.
- Folder synchronization
- Remote file editing
- SSH key authentication
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Filestash -
Best forProfessional users needing secure automation
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.9
A paid, cross-platform client for secure transfers, synchronization, and automation.
- Folder synchronization
- Remote file editing
- SSH key authentication
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit SecureFX -
Best forCross-platform users needing scheduled transfers
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.9
A capable cross-platform transfer client with scheduling, synchronization, and automation.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit CrossFTP -
Best forLinux users automating SFTP transfers
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.9
A free, open-source SFTP client for automated Linux transfers and directory mirroring.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit lftp -
Best forUsers wanting scheduled SFTP with team features
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.9
A cross-platform SFTP client for scheduled transfers, terminal work and team sharing.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit sFTP Client -
Best forWindows users wanting low-cost transfer automation
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.9
A low-cost Windows client for scheduled transfers, synchronization and everyday file movement.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Core FTP -
Best forWindows professionals needing managed transfers
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.9
A feature-rich Windows SFTP client for managed transfers, synchronization and automation.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit SmartFTP -
Best forMac users needing sync and transfer controls
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.9
A capable macOS client for multi-protocol transfers and synchronization, without a free plan.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Transmit -
Best forMac users needing scheduled synchronization
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.9
A Mac-focused SFTP client for scheduled transfers, synchronization, and automation.
- Folder synchronization
- Remote file editing
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Yummy FTP Pro -
Best forMac users needing rich file management
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.9
A feature-rich macOS SFTP client for users who need file management beyond transfers.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit ForkLift -
Best forMac users wanting a straightforward SFTP client
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.9
A focused Mac file-transfer client with synchronization, previews, and resume support.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Fetch -
Best forWindows users needing enterprise transfer workflows
- Better than ST Explorer:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.9
A Windows-focused client for secure, scheduled, and automated file transfers.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Progress
ST Explorer Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to ST Explorer?
WinSCP: #1 in our SFTP Client Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A capable free SFTP client for Windows users who need scripting and synchronization.
Is there a free alternative to ST Explorer?
Yes. WinSCP, Cyberduck, FileZilla Client, Filestash and CrossFTP have a free plan or a free tier (8 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for ST Explorer alternatives?
Supports SFTP rather than a broader set of transfer protocols; macOS and Linux use requires building from source; Focused on core transfers rather than automation or synchronization.
How do I switch from ST Explorer?
Export your data from ST Explorer (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ST Explorer.
How to Switch from ST Explorer
- Export your data from ST Explorer (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ST Explorer.
ST Explorer vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | ST Explorer | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 6.9 |
| 1 | WinSCP | Yes | Free | 9.4 | |
| 2 | Cyberduck | Yes | $10 one-time | cross-platform | 9.2 |
| 3 | FileZilla Client | Yes | Free | cross-platform | 9.0 |
| 4 | Filestash | Yes | $50/mo | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | 8.9 |
| 5 | SecureFX | No | $59.95/device one-time | Windows, macOS, Linux | 8.8 |
| 6 | CrossFTP | Yes | cross-platform | 8.7 | |
| 7 | lftp | Yes | Free | linux | 8.6 |
| 8 | sFTP Client | Yes | cross-platform | 8.5 | |
| 9 | Core FTP | Yes | $16.95/user one-time | windows | 8.4 |
| 10 | SmartFTP | No | windows | 8.3 | |
| 11 | Transmit | No | $24.99/user/yr | macos | 8.2 |
| 12 | Yummy FTP Pro | No | macOS | 8.1 | |
| 13 | ForkLift | No | $19.95 one-time | macos | 8.0 |
| 14 | Fetch | No | $18/user one-time | macos | 7.9 |
| 15 | WS_FTP Professional | No | $58/user one-time | windows | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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