Side by side

Monsta FTP 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.

Monsta FTP

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4

Monsta FTP offers browser-based remote file management, with code editing and login features available in paid editions. Consider the installation server’s memory limits and the install-based license restriction before choosing it.

Visit Monsta FTP

ST Explorer

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 Explorer

The facts

	Monsta FTP	ST Explorer
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows	Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Business: $29 a year	Free or on request
Plans published	5	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	monstaftp.com	stexplorer.stivetec.com
On sftp client software	#8 of 31	#12 of 31

Monsta FTP: what it does well

Works with FTP, SFTP, and SCP.
Supports SSH key authentication.
Manages files and folders, including CHMOD permissions.
Business includes a code editor and ZIP extraction.
Host provides dynamic login forms.

What to know first

Uploads may be constrained by PHP memory limits.
FTP itself is not secure.
Image thumbnails are not generated.
Licenses are limited by installs.

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.

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