Best SFTP Client Software in 2026
Updated
In short: WinSCP is ranked #1 of 31 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Filestash and CrossFTP. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Filestash. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Viper FTP at $1.25/mo.
SFTP client software is used to transfer files between your devices and remote systems. Compared on supported protocols and SSH key authentication, the entries also differ in remote file editing, folder synchronization, and automation support. WinSCP, Filestash, and CrossFTP are among the options to examine against your transfer workflow. Check supported platforms for fit with the devices you use, and consider whether you need occasional transfers, synchronized folders, or automated tasks. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context, while the listed protocol and authentication details help you assess whether a client matches your setup.
31 SFTP client software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
8 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 1 has open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WinSCPWindows | Three bars | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.8 | ||
| 2 | FilestashWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 6 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 3 | CrossFTPWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 4 | ExpanDriveWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $29/mo | 6.5 | |
| 5 | FileZilla ClientWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 6 | CyberduckWindows · Mac | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | $10/mo | 6.4 | |
| 7 | lftpLinux | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 8 | XftpWindows | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 9 | Core FTPWindows | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $16.95/mo | 5.5 |
| 10 | sFTP ClientWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.4 |
| 11 | CloudMounterWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 12 | Commander OneMac | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $29.99/mo | 5.3 |
| 13 | ST ExplorerWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 14 | Monsta FTPWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 15 | Rebex DriveWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 16 | Tectia ServerWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 17 | FilePort ProWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 18 | FTPManager ProWindows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 19 | Mountain DuckWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.0 |
| 20 | VShell ServerWindows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.0 |
| 21 | FetchMac | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $4/mo | 4.9 |
| 22 | ForkLiftMac | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $19.95/mo | 4.9 |
| 23 | SmartFTPWindows | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 24 | TransmitMac | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $2.08/mo | 4.9 |
| 25 | Viper FTPMac | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $1.25/mo | 4.9 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which SFTP client software is ranked first on Freedom251?
WinSCP is ranked #1 of 31 with a score of 7.8. Filestash is second and CrossFTP third.
How many of these have a free plan?
8 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Viper FTP has the lowest first paid tier we found: $1.25/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.