Recommended Free Tools
The right download method depends on what you are moving. Use scp for a quick one-off file or simple folder copy, SFTP when you want to browse and select items, rsync for large or repeated folder transfers, and FileZilla when you prefer a graphical interface. All three SSH-based methods require the VPS username, host name or IP address, SSH port, and a working password or private key. wget is different: it retrieves a file from a reachable HTTP(S) URL, not an arbitrary private path on your VPS.
Need a server to try this on? Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with NVMe storage, full root access and a 14-day free trial.
Choose the transfer method before you connect
Your local computer is the destination in every example below. Commands such as scp, sftp, and rsync should therefore be run in a terminal on your computer, not in a terminal session already logged in to the VPS. The remote side is identified by an operand such as user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/file.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Method | Best for | Folder handling | Interface | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
scp |
One-off files and straightforward copies | Add -r for a directory tree |
Command line | SSH access and readable remote paths |
| SFTP | Browsing a VPS and selecting particular files | Depends on the client; command-line clients commonly support get -r |
Command line or GUI | An SSH/SFTP account |
rsync |
Large folders and repeated synchronization | Recursive synchronization is built in | Command line | rsync available at both ends plus SSH |
| FileZilla | Drag-and-drop transfers without terminal commands | Select a remote folder and choose Download | Graphical application | FileZilla installed locally and a password or accepted SSH key |
wget |
A public or otherwise reachable archive URL | Usually downloads one archive file | Command line | A valid HTTP(S) URL |
For a single report, start with scp. If you are unsure where the file is, use SFTP to list directories first. If the same project will be downloaded more than once or contains many gigabytes, use rsync. Choose wget only when the VPS exposes the data through a URL.
Check the connection details and local destination
Before selecting a command, collect these values from your VPS provider or administrator:
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
- Username: the Linux account that owns or can read the files. A path visible to
rootmay be inaccessible to an unprivileged account. - Host: the VPS host name or public IP address.
- SSH port: port 22 is the default shown for a DigitalOcean Droplet, but your server may use another port.
- Authentication: the private key that matches the VPS account, or the account password if password authentication is enabled.
- Remote path: the exact file or directory location, including capitalization. An absolute path such as
/var/www/project/report.pdfavoids ambiguity. - Local destination: a directory where your account can write, such as
~/Downloads/.
Test ordinary SSH access first if you have not connected from this computer. A successful login confirms that the host, port, account, and authentication method are broadly correct, although it does not prove that the requested path is readable.
Download one file with scp
scp is the shortest command-line route for a one-off transfer. It copies over SSH and accepts a remote operand in the form user@host:path.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Basic file download
Run this on your local computer:
scp user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/report.pdf ~/Downloads/Replace user, VPS_HOST, the remote path, and the local destination. The command writes report.pdf into your local Downloads directory. If you specify a destination filename instead, the downloaded copy is renamed:
scp user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/report.pdf ~/Downloads/report-copy.pdfUse a private key and a non-default port
When the VPS does not use the default SSH key or port, add -i for the identity file and uppercase -P for the SSH port:
scp -i ~/.ssh/vps_key -P 2222 user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/report.pdf ~/Downloads/The key path is local to the computer running the command. The port belongs to the VPS SSH service. Do not confuse scp’s uppercase -P with options used by other tools.
Handle spaces and shell characters in paths
Quote the complete remote operand when a directory or filename contains spaces or shell metacharacters:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesscp 'user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/Quarterly Reports/report final.pdf' ~/Downloads/If a path begins with a character that your shell interprets specially, quoting prevents the local shell from expanding it before scp receives it. You still need read permission on the remote file and traversal permission on each parent directory.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Download an entire folder with scp
Add -r to copy a directory tree recursively:
scp -r user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/project ~/Downloads/This creates a local project directory beneath ~/Downloads/ and copies its readable contents. The remote account must be able to read every file and enter every subdirectory. One unreadable item can produce a permission error even when the top-level directory is visible.
For a key and alternate port, combine the options:
scp -r -i ~/.ssh/vps_key -P 2222 user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/project ~/Downloads/For very large trees or transfers that you expect to repeat, scp has no delta-transfer algorithm; it normally sends the selected data again. Use rsync instead when avoiding retransmission matters.
Browse and select files with command-line SFTP
SFTP runs through SSH and is useful when you need to inspect the remote filesystem before choosing what to download. Start a session from your local terminal:
sftp user@VPS_HOSTWith a key and non-default port, supply the same connection details used by SSH:
sftp -i ~/.ssh/vps_key -P 2222 user@VPS_HOSTAt the sftp> prompt, use remote navigation commands and a separate local working-directory command:
sftp> pwd
sftp> ls
sftp> cd /remote/path
sftp> lcd ~/Downloads
sftp> get report.pdf
sftp> get -r project
sftp> byeWhat each SFTP command does
pwdprints the current remote directory.lslists remote files and folders.cd /remote/pathchanges the remote directory.lcd ~/Downloadschanges the local destination without leaving the SFTP session.get report.pdfdownloads one file to the current local directory.get -r projectrequests a recursive directory download.byecloses the session.
Confirm that your SFTP client supports recursive get -r; implementations differ. If yours rejects that option, use scp -r or rsync for the directory, or download the files individually.
Use FileZilla for a graphical transfer
FileZilla provides the same SSH-based SFTP workflow through a graphical interface. DigitalOcean’s guide describes it as free and open source. This is useful if you want to see remote and local folders side by side instead of remembering command syntax.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
- Install FileZilla on your local computer.
- Create a new SFTP site in the site manager.
- Enter the VPS IP address or host name.
- Set the protocol to SFTP and enter the SSH port. Port 22 is the default used for a DigitalOcean Droplet, unless that server was configured differently.
- Enter the VPS username.
- Select the private-key authentication method and choose the key file that matches the account, or select password authentication when the server permits it.
- Connect and wait for the remote directory listing.
- In the Remote site pane, browse to the file or folder, select it, and choose Download or drag it to the desired directory in the Local site pane.
A graphical transfer still obeys Linux permissions. If the remote account cannot read a file, FileZilla cannot download it merely because it is visible in a listing. If the client reports that no supported authentication methods are available, verify the username, key selection, key format, and server-side authentication policy.
Use rsync for large or repeated folder downloads
rsync is designed for synchronization. Its delta-transfer algorithm sends differences instead of retransmitting unchanged data, which makes it a better fit for a project directory that changes between downloads.
Initial folder transfer
rsync -az -e ssh user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/project/ ~/Downloads/project/Here, -a enables archive-style recursive copying and preservation behavior, while -z enables compression during transfer. The -e ssh portion tells rsync to use SSH as its transport.
Specify a key and SSH port
rsync -az -e "ssh -i ~/.ssh/vps_key -p 2222" user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/project/ ~/Downloads/project/Rsync must be available on both the local and remote systems. Authentication still comes from SSH, so the remote account needs permission to read the source tree.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Understand the trailing slash
| Source operand | Effect |
|---|---|
/remote/path/project/ |
Copies the contents of project into the destination directory. |
/remote/path/project |
Copies the project directory itself beneath the destination. |
Choose the form deliberately. A mistaken trailing slash can place files one directory deeper or flatter than intended, even though the transfer itself succeeds.
Preview before changing anything
Use a dry run with -n to see what rsync would transfer:
rsync -azn -e ssh user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/project/ ~/Downloads/project/Review the planned file list before using options that remove destination files or otherwise make destructive changes. A dry run is especially important when you alter source and destination paths or add deletion behavior.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Use wget only for a reachable URL
wget addresses a different problem from scp, SFTP, and rsync. It downloads from HTTP or HTTPS. It does not browse a private VPS filesystem using a Linux path such as /home/user/report.pdf.
If the VPS or another server intentionally exposes an archive at a reachable URL, run this locally:
wget https://example.com/archive.tar.gzThe URL must be valid and reachable from the computer running wget. A private file that is protected by SSH should remain an SSH/SFTP transfer instead of being made public merely to accommodate wget.
Archive a folder first when that simplifies the job
For a folder containing many small files, creating one archive on the VPS can make a simple scp or SFTP download easier to manage:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →tar -czf archive.tar.gz folder/After the command finishes, download archive.tar.gz with scp:
scp user@VPS_HOST:/remote/path/archive.tar.gz ~/Downloads/You can also select the archive in an SFTP client or FileZilla. This workflow gives you one transfer target, but it is not an incremental synchronization method: if the folder changes, you generally create and download a new archive. Keep the archive private and remove it from the VPS when it is no longer needed, especially if the server has any web-accessible directory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Diagnose common failures
“Permission denied” from scp, SFTP, or rsync
Check the remote username first. Then verify that the account can read the requested file, enter every parent directory, and read the contents of every subdirectory when using a recursive command. A path that works for root may fail for another account. Correct the remote permissions or choose a readable location; do not assume that changing the local destination will fix a remote permission error.
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
“No such file or directory”
Confirm the spelling, capitalization, and complete path. Use SFTP’s pwd and ls commands to locate the item, or log in with SSH and inspect the path on the VPS. Remember that a relative path is interpreted from the remote account’s current directory, while an absolute path starts at /.
Connection timeout or refusal
Recheck the host or IP address and SSH port. Port 22 is only a default, not a guarantee. Confirm that the VPS is running and that its firewall or provider network rules allow SSH from your location. If ordinary SSH cannot connect, file-transfer commands will not work until the SSH path is available.
Authentication-method errors in a GUI
If FileZilla says that no supported authentication methods are available, make sure the selected private key belongs to the VPS account you entered and that the client accepts that key’s format. Recheck whether the server expects a password or a key. Test the same account and key with a command-line SSH or SFTP connection to separate credential problems from interface settings.
Only part of a folder transfers
Look for unreadable files or directories in the error output. Recursive tools cannot copy objects the remote account cannot read. For a large tree, run an rsync dry run and inspect the planned list. If you used SFTP, verify that your client actually implements recursive get -r.
The files arrived in an unexpected directory
Check the local destination and, for rsync, the trailing slash on the source. In SFTP, lcd controls the local working directory; in scp, the final argument controls the destination. Use an explicit local path while testing rather than relying on the current directory.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchProtect the VPS and the downloaded data
- Prefer SSH keys over passwords when the provider supports them. Keys avoid sending a reusable password for every transfer and are the authentication method recommended in DigitalOcean’s SFTP instructions.
- Use the least-privileged VPS account that can read the files. Avoid logging in as
rootsimply because a path is easier to access. - Keep private keys on the local computer and select the correct key for each VPS. Never paste private-key contents into a command, ticket, or chat message.
- Do not create a temporary public HTTP server or expose a private archive merely to make wget work. Authenticated SSH transfer is the safer default for private data.
- Check the local destination after a transfer and, for archives, verify that the expected files are present before deleting the remote originals.
- For repeat operations, use an rsync dry run before adding any deletion option. A reversed source and destination can otherwise remove or overwrite files in the wrong place.
A practical decision checklist
- Need one known file now? Run
scpwith the remote path, destination, and any required key or port. - Need to browse first or pick several unrelated files? Open an SFTP session, use
lsandcd, set the local directory withlcd, then runget. - Need drag-and-drop? Configure FileZilla for SFTP with the VPS host, SSH port, username, and matching key or password.
- Need a large folder or a second download later? Use
rsync, pay attention to the source trailing slash, and perform a dry run. - Have a deliberately published archive URL? Use
wget; otherwise stay with authenticated SSH-based transfer.
These choices cover the normal Linux VPS download cases without changing the server’s exposure. The decisive details are the remote account’s permissions, the exact path, and the SSH authentication settings—not whether the transfer is started from a terminal or a graphical client.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
