Due to the sheer flexibility and convenience of transferring files between computers over a TCP/IP-based network such as the Internet, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) has long been a viable proposition. Considering the ease of use, I don’t see any reason why it won’t be a preferred choice for transferring files from servers to your computer or vice-versa in the foreseeable future. So if you are yet to take advantage of this popular file transfer protocol or plan to switch to a more proficient one, these are the 10 best FTP clients for Mac and Windows you should check out in 2021.

Before we take a look at the best FTP clients for macOS and Windows 10, let us talk about the key advantages of using a dedicated tool to transfer files. Then, we will run through the list of FTP clients you should be using. You can expand the table below to jump to a relevant section of your choice.

  • What are the Major Advantages of Using FTP Clients?
  • Which FTP Client Should You Choose for Mac or Windows?
  • Cyberduck
  • Transmit 5
  • CuteFTP
  • Commander One
  • CloudMounter
  • Filezilla
  • CrossFTP
  • ForkLift
  • Viper FTP
  • FireFTP

What are the Major Advantages of Using FTP Clients?

While there are numerous benefits of using FTP clients, I would like to point out the four most pivotal ones for smoother transfer of files and enhanced productivity.

Which FTP Client Should You Choose for Mac or Windows?

Even though your choice of an FTP client entirely depends on your preference and budget, I recommend you take a close look at all the offerings below before selecting one. The reason why I say it because there are some great players in the fray.

Predictably, most feature-rich FTP Mac clients are pricey. But some pretty good free Mac FTP clients can comfortably fit your basic needs. To make your task of finding the right FTP client for macOS and Windows easy, I have mentioned both pros and cons of each software below. With that out of the way, let’s get started with the roundup!

If you are on the lookout for a highly-rated yet free FTP client for your Mac, Cyberduck has got everything you need. The cross-platform FTP client integrates seamlessly with macOS. Probably the best part about it is the ability to deliver proficient remote file editing to let you manage your files at your own pace.

  • Efficient remote file editing
  • Designed to work with several external code editors
  • Supports a wide range of protocols such as FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV
  • Supports API connections with cloud services including Google Drive and Dropbox
  • Boasts advanced SSH functionality and bookmarking capability
  • Client-side encryption

Cons: 

Platform: Mac, Windows 

Cons: 

  • Tends to install adware by default
  • A touch expensive

Platform: Mac

CuteFTP is a feature-packed FTP client for Windows. So, if you are hunting for top-of-the-line features that can let you edit and manage files with better control along with reliable support, you shouldn’t miss out on it.

Though CuteFTP does require a steep learning curve, you would enjoy using it once you have gone past the initial stage. Features like FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV support, OpenPGP encryption, and file compression make it a complete FTP client. What I have loved the most about it is the color-coded HTML editor and scheduling, as well as automation features, including backups and syncing.

  • Warrants steep learning curve
  • Lacks a file comparison feature
  • Doesn’t offer connection support for cloud laaS provider

Platform: Windows 

Commander One is a versatile FTP client for Mac. It has the support for multiple protocols, including FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV, as well as cloud services to let you transfer and manage files with the desired flexibility.

The FTP client boasts a fluid user interface that ensures smooth navigation. So, you can perform usual tasks like copying, editing, moving, or deleting files conveniently. Moreover, the file manager also provides a better way to keep all the files organized for quick access. And if you want to amp up your customization game, there is also a Terminal emulator to get the job done for you.

  • Lacks an efficient multi-rename feature
  • Doesn’t offer a way to compare directories feature

ClountMounter provides support for multiple connections, thereby letting you manage your files at your preferred flow. The software also offers you the flexibility to transfer your files among different cloud accounts without copying them to your computer. If you often have to shift your files from one cloud service to the other, you would indeed appreciate this nifty feature.

Platform: Mac

Price: $44.99

For the folks looking for an efficient open-source FTP client, Filezilla can be an ideal answer for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it has a clean interface and is pretty easy to use. That means you won’t have to spend a lot of time mastering the tools, making FileZilla more suitable for beginners.

Even in terms of security, Filezilla is up to the mark as it promises to transfer files with the needed security protocols. Overall, it’s a top-notch pick if you are looking for an easy-to-use and free FTP client for Mac or Windows.

Platform: Mac, Windows, and Linux

Visit: Website

Claiming to be the fastest FTP client, CrossFTP is easily one of the best in the business. It focuses on offering a simplified file management experience. Whether it is copying, editing, or managing, it allows you to handle your files on your own terms.

Pros: 

8. ForkLift

ForkLift is another Mac-only FTP client. It’s fully optimized to get the most out of robust hardware and the powerful software that Mac boasts. Besides, it has an uncluttered modern-looking interface that feels smooth and offers a ton of customization. So, depending on your needs, you can customize the essential tools and features in line with your workflow.

There are multiple reasons why Viper FTP deserves a close look if you are looking for the best FTP clients on Mac. First and foremost, the FTP client has struck a fine balance between ease of use and powerful features. So, you won’t have to compromise with the high-end features in favor of simplicity. Notably, it also features an intuitive user interface designed to boost your productivity by letting you perform tasks with the required proficiency.

  • At times, it tends to crash when trying to establish a new connection

Last but not least, FireFTP is a little different from other FTP clients. For starters, it is not a desktop program and instead runs in the Firefox browser as an add-on. That means you won’t have to download it separately on your computer.

FireFTP has a pretty clean UI, which makes navigation smooth sailing. Besides, it also feels snappier, allowing you to carry out your task without any noticeable sluggishness.

  • Lacks folder syncing
  • Works only with Firefox