Although it is true, when accessing the universe of web sites, the development of pages and web hosting, there are certain terms that sooner or later will cross with your user experience and it is worth knowing what they are about, as well as how they work. One of these terms lies in the File Transfer Protocol or its acronym, the “FTP”.
In this sense, it is a term that translates as “File Transfer Protocol” and it is associated with uploading and downloading files, basically. Thus, a service used to send and obtain files between two remote computers. Which, offers the organization of them and the control of their transfer.
Now, with the aim of knowing What are these types of servers for and why are they necessary on Windows and Mac computers, we proceed to detail certain aspects of great interest. Further, a complete list with the best alternatives that currently exist for you.
Index:
What are FTP servers on Windows or Mac for?
First of all, it should be clarified that an FTP server refers to a special program that usually runs on a server connected to the Internet or on other types of networks. Thus, its main function consists of facilitating the movement of data between different servers or computers.
In other words, it can be said that an FTP server is used to transfer files or data and, in most cases, they are transferred from the server to the local computer or vice versa at maximum speed. Reason why, these are necessary mechanisms both on a Windows PC and also on a Mac computer, thanks to the fact that help share files between machinestransfer data reliably and efficiently, as well as isolating the user from variations between file systems.
In this way, when you have an FTP server hosted on your computer, you will have complete software at hand that runs on servers connected to the Internet or to a LAN local network and has the ability to link with different FTP clients in order to download, upload or delete information quickly and easily.
List of the best free FTP servers that you can use on your Windows or Mac PC
Now it is time to mention and detail 10 of the most highly rated and recommended FTP servers What is there, until today, to download and install on your Windows and Mac computer at no cost, In order that you can manage your file systems optimally:
Filezilla
First of all, we located one of the most complete and popular FTP clients that exists, which was launched in early 2001. Thus, thanks to its long history, it has an extensive community of developers that keep it updated in order of correct any vulnerability in terms of security and ensure compatibility with different versions of Windows and MacOS.
For its part, it is characterized by providing a remarkable selection of functions of all kinds and thus, it has a fully optimal network configuration system, allowing queue file transfer while facilitating editing It also supports the possibility of managing the content of your server remotely and creating directories. Regarding its support, we clarify that it offers for FTP on SSL / TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
Download FTP Windows
Download FTP MacOS
Cyberduck
Too compatible with Windows and MacOSThis software is an open source FTP client that exhibits a totally visual user interface and is very easy to use, which is why it has been recommended for both advanced and basic users. Taking into account that, it has a drop-down list of folders and thus allows better management.
Among other features, Cyberduck offers the possibility of upload and download files with drag and drop, so it can be done quickly. In addition to this, it is a program that can be used as a client of Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive; thanks to that too serves to manage cloud storage, in addition to that it will work perfectly if you are a website creator or have servers. Thus, it has a free and a paid version.
SmartFTP
It is only compatible with Windows and is distinguished by being a multifunctional client, given that can be used in FTPS, SFTP, SSH, Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Backblaze B2, WebDAV or terminal client. So, it is a very complete alternative and it has a free version, in addition to a paid one that has an annual cost of around 35 euros.
On the other hand, around its interface, it is a program that has been notably updated and has adopted a much more modern design (similar to the interface of Windows 10). Regarding its most important functions, we highlight that it is a program that serves to manage cloud storage from Google and Microsoft, it also allows you to manage your servers and the development of your websites, it works to edit the code of your website and make quick edits thanks to its integrated text editor.
Download SmartFTP Windows
Commander One
It is a created program only and exclusively for the Apple operating system, that is, for MacOS and thus, it provides a basic free version and a paid version that has several advanced functions. But generally speaking, Commander One is defined as a file browser and client that has support for FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV protocols, as well as cloud services.
For its part, it provides the simplicity of move, copy and delete content on the server easily and even allows you to edit your local content. Among other details, it has support for hotkeys, it contains a Terminal emulator, its interface is double pane with tabs and it offers a quick view of the files you have uploaded. However, does not have directory synchronization.
Download Commander One Windows
WinSCP
This is an application that integrates with Windows directly to add options to the context menu once you right click. Similarly, it supports desktop shortcuts and drag functions, allowing easy file management as it is a fully optimal FTP client that also has functions as SFTP and SCP client. Therefore, in a way, it can be considered as a free multifunctional server.
For more details, we note that it has the incentive of being a free software project and this provides an extra security, thus being one of its greatest pros. Additionally, it has an integrated text editor that It is used to edit files remotely with the ease of being able to edit your CSS, HTML, JS, etc.. It should be clarified that, it is very light software it won’t take up as much space on your PC.
Download WinSCP Windows
FireFTP
It is a solution free and multiplatform that, unlike the other alternatives mentioned, it is not an independent application, but presented as a browser extension. For this reason, it can be used on various platforms and there, it allows to establish secure FTP, SSL / TLS connections and, in turn, offers the possibility of set a limit around the number of data transfers taking place at the same time, as well as the speed of upload and download.
Now, highlighting its most fundamental functions, we note that it allows directory synchronization, has support for SSL / TLS encryption, performs integrity checks and supports automatic resuming of connections and transfers that have been interrupted. But unfortunately its installation is usually tedious and only available for Waterfox browser.
Download WinSCP Windows
Fresh FTP
This is a program that has Windows compatibility and features multithreading supportTherefore, there is the possibility of transferring several files simultaneously. In addition to this, it is a server that has a system that allows files to be transferred in the arrangement selected by Queue order, has an adjustable upload and download limit, supports the planning of file transfers and offers automatic resume of all interrupted transfers.
Added to that, it has a function to carry out previously programmed actions. Among its most important advantages, we find that it has password protection and thus, restricts access to the FTP client of any unauthorized user. However, to the inconvenience of many people, the Fresh FTP interface only in english.
Download Fresh FTP Windows
Transmit 5
With a free and a paid version, this FTP program is also presented as an excellent solution that allows connection to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3 and Dropbox. Among its greatest advantages, we point out that makes use of a totally fast transfer engine and apart from this, it enables the adjustment of the broadband limit, that is, you can define the upload and download speed that you prefer the program to handle.
In addition to this, supports SSL and SSH encryption, it supports multiple active connections, it has a synchronization function with which it is possible to easily adjust complete directories between the server and the client. In addition to that, has two-step authentication. But unfortunately, the program does not ask questions when deleting files.
Wise-FTP
From Windows XP onwards, you can make use of this software that offers all users a free trial period for 30 days. Which stands out for being compatible only with said OS and supports all common protocols like FTP, FTPS, FTPES or SFTP and allows connection to any FTP server. Taking into account that your FTP synchronization is truly powerful and even it has a built-in task planner that is very useful for users. In addition to that, it has different encryption algorithms.
In this sense, the data can be encrypted via Rijndael, BlowFish or TripleDES. Among other details, thanks to the integrated task scheduler, it is possible to automate the entire file transfer process and you can also regulate the speed of upload and download of files. Even, the program allows the combination of keys that the same user will be able to configure to his liking, to obtain a greater productivity.
Download Wise-FTP Windows
Wing FTP Server
To end this list, we emphasize this multiplatform software that It is compatible with MacOS, Windows and even Linux. Thus, it is characterized by being a solution that supports most protocols (FTP, FTPS / FTPES, SFTP and even HTTP / HTTPS) and with it, allows the sending of files easily. In addition, thanks to the fact that its management is carried out in any web browser, it is very easy to operate it from anywhere.
Among other features, Wing FTP Server has a notification and automation system, allows create direct file download links without the need for a username and password, it also supports the possibility of storing user data in XML and, also, in a database. It is appropriate to clarify that, it has two versions which are: a free one (for non-commercial use) and a paid one.
Download Wing FTP Server Windows
Download Wing FTP Server MacOS
Download Wing FTP Server Linux
Is it really convenient to use a free FTP server or better a paid one?
Despite the fact that, in terms of economy, it is much more beneficial to use a free solution instead of a paid one; this is not always entirely advantageous. Since, with respect to efficiency and security, they could reveal certain cons that are decisive when choosing a free or a paid option.
Of course, as with any program or application, this choice is also evident in the FTP servers that exist today. Reason why, there are numerous users who have doubts regarding which version to purchase in such cases.
That is why, we choose to clarify that the vast majority of free FTP servers they have their basic functions and in many occasions, these can be limited. In addition, they are versions that, in some circumstances, generate some insecurity for the data and all the information that users manage through these servers.
For this reason, in order to acquire greater protection and have better management of your files, as well as advanced options, more speed and efficiency; the most recommended is to use a paid FTP server.
But, in case you do not have this possibility for economic reasons, we advise you to select a free FTP server that has good characteristics, have good recognition and a brilliant track record, in order to ensure you get the best possible management without jeopardizing your information.