Side by side

FileZilla Client vs WinSCP

Both stand on ftp and sftp clients. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

FileZilla Client

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

WinSCP combines file transfers with file management, synchronization, and automation tools for Windows. Its security guidance notes that malware on the computer can expose credentials entered or stored there.

Visit WinSCP

The facts

	FileZilla Client	WinSCP
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Yes
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Windows	Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	WinSCP
Website	filezilla-project.org	winscp.net
On ftp and sftp clients	#2 of 36	#1 of 36

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.

WinSCP: what it does well

Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3.
Includes Explorer and keyboard-oriented Commander interfaces.
Provides scripting, command-line options, and a .NET assembly.
Stored site information can be protected with a master password.
A portable version is available.

What to know first

WinSCP is for Microsoft Windows.
Malicious software on the computer may steal credentials.
Stable version listed is 6.5.7.

Alternatives to FileZilla Client Alternatives to WinSCP The whole list