Top 5 Best Free FTP Client Software for Windows

An FTP client uses the FTP protocol to connect to an FTP server to transmit files. File Transfer Protocol or FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another host over a TCP based network, like the internet. The first FTP client applications were command-line applications developed before operating systems and had graphical user interfaces. These are still shipped with most Windows, Unix and Linux Operating Systems. Multiple FTP client automation utilities have now been created for servers, desktops, mobile devices and hardware.

1. FileZilla

FileZilla is one of the best cross-platform FTP client applications available on the internet today. A server is also available. This freeware is easy to use, supports FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol and is available in multiple languages. This application supports the transfer of files that are over 4GB, and has a resume function and remote file search as well. Other support is available through the forum, wiki, etc, making it a popular choice among users.

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• Pros: Feature rich application, easy to use.
• Cons: Passwords saved in open text, and does not support site to site tranfers.
• OS: Windows 8, Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows XP, Windows Vista

2. Free FTP

Free FTP is another application that is very user friendly. The makers of the app claim that it was designed to be powerful and user friendly. The file transfer process is fairly simple using this app, and users can keep an eye on everything with the FTP Activity pane, that gives you a clear overview of upload and download status. File transfers can even be paused to resume later, or cancelled. Errors are also shown in a simplified and readable way.

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• Pros: Simplified and ideal for novice users.
• Cons: Certain important features are not available in the free downloadable version.
• OS: Windows: 8, 7, Vista, XP

3. FireFTP

FireFTP is a free FTP client that can be downloaded and used with Mozilla Firefox. It features SSL/TLS/SFTP support, the same encryption that is used with online banking and shopping. The application is available in over 20 different languages, with UTF8 and every other character encoding suppoted. If in case a file transfer is stopped midway, automatic reconnect and resuming of transfers takes place, with a remote editing feature also available.

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• Pros: Platform independent with frequent updates.
• Cons: Download limit is 4GB.
• OS: All windows versions

4. BitKinex

BitKinex is a freeware application that claims to integrate the functionality of an innovative FTP, SFTP and WebDAV client for Windows. In addition to the regular features found in popular FTP Clients, this app has several other features like site navigation, robust request handling, indirect transfers, simplified user interface, easy and powerful configuration and an expanded number of security standards and support protocols. Transfers can also be paused, resumed and scheduled.

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• Pros: Many extra features available.
• Cons: –
• OS: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7

5. Cyberduck

Cyberduck is an open source FTP, SFTP, WebDAV and Amazon S3 browser. It has an easy to use interface with integration with external editors and support for many system technologies. For novice users, the interface of this application might be a little daunting, and regular users report some issues in the areas of large file transfers and the resume function. This application is better for Amazon S3 and WebDAV, in comparison to FTP and SFTP.

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• Pros: Good for single, small tranfers.
• Cons: Portable version of the product is not available.
• OS: xp/vista/7/8