Side by side
FileZilla Client vs Hightail
Both stand on secure file transfer software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose FileZilla Client if you need a free client for FTP, FTPS, or SFTP on Linux, macOS, or Windows. If you need the cloud service support described for FileZilla Pro, that is a separate product.
Visit FileZilla Client Free plan API
Choose Hightail if you need file sharing with a free plan, download tracking, and paid options for larger files. Lite is limited to 100MB files and 2GB storage; teams needing higher limits can consider paid plans, which have annual billing and specified user requirements.
Visit HightailThe facts
| FileZilla Client | Hightail | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Hightail |
| Website | filezilla-project.org | hightail.com |
| On secure file transfer software | #3 of 28 | #7 of 28 |
FileZilla Client: what it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Wiki includes installation guides and connection troubleshooting.
- Key-based authentication with SFTP has a dedicated guide.
What to know first
- The listed Client protocols are FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
- Cloud services are listed under the separate FileZilla Pro product.
- FileZilla Server is a separate product.
Hightail: what it does well
- Free Lite plan includes 2GB of storage.
- Download tracking is available.
- API access is available.
- Custom branding is available.
- A desktop app is available.
What to know first
- Lite limits files to 100MB.
- Lite sent files expire after seven days.
- Teams costs $24 a month, billed annually.
- Business requires three or more users.
Alternatives to FileZilla Client Alternatives to Hightail The whole list

