NcFTP

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What NcFTP is

NcFTP is a free set of programs for transferring files using FTP. Its client combines an FTP browser with command-line tools for transfers and directory listings, as well as programs for background FTP work. The browser includes progress meters, filename completion, command-line editing, bookmarks, cached directory listings, resumable downloads, and directory tree downloads. It can also redial and process work in the background.

For scripts, ncftpget and ncftpput provide command-line FTP transfers, while ncftpbatch processes queued FTP requests in the background. Scheduled transfers and transfer automation are supported. NcFTP runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports passive FTP connections and configuration for a firewall or proxy. Its protocol coverage is FTP only: it has no built-in encryption or secure FTP modes such as SFTP, SSL, or SSH tunnels. It attempts anonymous access by default, though users can specify a username with the -u option. The maker lists version 3.3.0, dated April 23, 2025. There is no registration or licensing fee; donations are appreciated.

Who it suits

NcFTP suits users who need FTP transfers through a browser, scripts, or queued background jobs. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What it does well

Includes browser, command-line, and background tools
Supports resumable downloads and directory trees
Provides utilities for scripted FTP transfers
Supports passive mode and firewall or proxy configuration

What to know first

FTP only; no SFTP, SSL, or SSH tunnels
Attempts anonymous access by default

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
NcFTP Client	Free FTP client programs · donations appreciated	Free

As ncftp.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the NcFTP website.
Choose the client programs for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
Use the FTP browser or command-line transfer and listing utilities.
For scripted transfers, use ncftpget or ncftpput.
For queued background requests, use ncftpbatch.
Provide a username with the -u option when needed.

Verdict

NcFTP offers a range of FTP tools, including resumable downloads and background transfers. It does not provide built-in encryption or secure FTP modes, so its protocol limitation is important to consider.

Questions

How much does NcFTP cost?

NcFTP Client is listed as free. There is no registration or licensing fee, and donations are appreciated.

Which platforms does NcFTP run on?

NcFTP runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Does NcFTP support secure FTP or encryption?

No. It has no built-in encryption or secure FTP modes such as SFTP, SSL, or SSH tunnels.

Can NcFTP automate transfers?

Yes. ncftpget and ncftpput provide command-line FTP transfers for scripts, and ncftpbatch processes queued requests in the background. Scheduled transfers and transfer automation are supported.

What license does NcFTP use?

The NcFTP Client version 3 license is the Clarified Artistic License.

Does NcFTP include a C API?

The maker offers LibNcFTP, a C language API for adding FTP client services to applications.

Facts from NcFTP's own pages

Automation: The ncftpget and ncftpput utilities provide command line FTP transfers for scripts. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Background transfers: ncftpbatch processes queued FTP requests in the background. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Client features: The NcFTP browser supports progress meters, filename completion, command line editing, background processing, resumable downloads, bookmarks, cached directory listings, redialing, and directory tree downloads. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Cost: The client has no registration or licensing fee; the maker says donations are appreciated. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Current release: The maker lists NcFTP Client version 3.3.0, dated April 23, 2025. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Firewall support: The client supports passive FTP mode and can be configured to connect through a firewall or proxy. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · ncftp.com, 20 Sept 2026
Included programs: The client includes an FTP browser, command line transfer and listing utilities, and background FTP programs. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Integration: The maker offers LibNcFTP, a C language API for adding FTP client services to applications. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
License: The NcFTP Client version 3 license is the Clarified Artistic License. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Login behavior: NcFTP attempts anonymous access by default, and users can specify a username with the -u option. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Platforms: The download page offers binaries for FreeBSD 14, Linux, Mac OS X 10.9 or later, and Microsoft Windows, and says users can build from source for other platforms. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Protocol coverage: ftp-only · ncftp.com, 20 Sept 2026
Purpose: NcFTP is a set of free application programs implementing the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Scheduled transfers: Yes · ncftp.com, 20 Sept 2026
Security limitation: NcFTP has no built in support for encryption or secure FTP modes such as SFTP, SSL, or SSH tunnels. · ncftp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Transfer automation: Yes · ncftp.com, 20 Sept 2026

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