Side by side
CuteFTP vs ST Explorer
Both stand on sftp client software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Windows
CuteFTP provides broad protocol coverage, transfer automation, synchronization, and an HTML editor in a Windows client. The paid purchase options include a free trial, with one option adding a year of Maintenance & Support.
Visit CuteFTP Free plan LinuxMacWindows
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.
Visit ST ExplorerThe facts
| CuteFTP | ST Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | CuteFTP 9 (Windows): $59.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | globalscape.com | stexplorer.stivetec.com |
| On sftp client software | #16 of 31 | #12 of 31 |
CuteFTP: what it does well
- Supports FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, and SFTP
- Schedules scripted transfers and synchronization
- Handles up to 100 concurrent transfers
- Includes color-coded HTML editing
- Supports UTF-8 and COM scripting
What to know first
- Windows only
- No free plan
- Professional managed transfers are directed to EFT
ST Explorer: what it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Offers icons, list, and column browsing views.
- Terminal supports multiple tabs on one connection.
- Includes drag-and-drop and clipboard uploads.
- MIT-licensed and open source.
What to know first
- SFTP is the only listed supported protocol.
- macOS and Linux builds are available from source.
- Windows plan lists Windows 10/11 with WebView2.
Alternatives to CuteFTP Alternatives to ST Explorer The whole list