ST Explorer

What ST Explorer is

ST Explorer is a free native SFTP client for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with remote file browsing and an integrated SSH terminal. Users can browse in icons, list, or column views. The terminal supports multiple tabs on the same connection and is powered by xterm.js. Transfer options include drag-and-drop uploads, clipboard uploads, and server-side remote-to-remote copies, with a live panel showing progress. Windows users can copy files in Explorer and paste them into ST Explorer through native CF_HDROP clipboard integration. The product site says host key pinning uses known_hosts with TOFU, and describes the app as having no telemetry or phone-home behavior. ST Explorer is MIT-licensed and open source. The site describes it as approximately 12 MB, distributed as a single executable with no installer. The Free plan costs nothing and lists Windows 10/11 with WebView2; macOS and Linux builds are available from source. SSH key authentication is supported. The product is made by Stivetec, and its site links to GitHub for issue reports.

Who it suits

ST Explorer suits people who need an SFTP client with remote file browsing, transfers, and an SSH terminal on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Windows users can also paste files copied in Explorer.

Getting started

1. Go to the ST Explorer website.
2. Choose a build for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. On Windows, use Windows 10/11 with WebView2; macOS and Linux builds are available from source.
4. Connect to an SFTP server using SSH key authentication if desired.

Verdict

ST Explorer offers remote SFTP browsing, transfer tools, and a tabbed SSH terminal in a small, open-source app. Windows has a listed plan configuration, while macOS and Linux users must obtain builds from source.