What Is an FTP Client?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An FTP client is a program that connects your computer to the server where your website\u2019s files are stored, so you can upload, download, and edit those files directly. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, the method used to move data between your machine and your web host\u2019s server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With an FTP client, you can manage your site\u2019s files without going through WordPress at all. For example, you might edit your wp-config.php<\/i> file to disable automatic updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some other tasks you can complete with an FTP client:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Change file permissions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Solve common WordPress errors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bulk upload files to your WordPress Media Library<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install or deactivate plugins and themes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
An FTP client also lets you reach your site when it\u2019s down. If you hit the White Screen of Death (WSoD)<\/a>, you can be locked out of your WordPress dashboard entirely. With an FTP client, you can still open your site\u2019s root directory and troubleshoot the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both programs in this comparison also support Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)<\/a>, which runs your transfers through an encrypted Secure Shell (SSH) connection<\/a>. Use SFTP whenever your host supports it. Plain FTP sends your password and files unencrypted, so anyone positioned between you and the server could read them. DreamHost servers accept SFTP connections on port 22, and the FTP overview and credentials guide<\/a> shows where to find your login details in the panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your web host may also offer a file manager, which does the same job from your browser. DreamHost includes a website file manager in the panel, and it\u2019s fine for quick, one-off edits. For bulk uploads or emergency repairs, a dedicated client is faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve decided to use an FTP client, the next question is which one. Let\u2019s look at the two popular options: Cyberduck and FileZilla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Introduction to Cyberduck<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck<\/a> is a free, open source file transfer client that supports FTP and SFTP connections along with several cloud storage protocols. It has a beginner-friendly interface and is available for macOS and Windows:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Cyberduck](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAt first glance, Cyberduck may not seem that different from other FTP clients. However, it has some features you might find particularly useful. Let\u2019s review them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Features<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck started as a Mac program and later added Windows support. As of August 2026, the current version is 9.5.3, which requires Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, or macOS 10.13 or later. It\u2019s available for download<\/a> directly from its website, or as a paid version from the Mac App Store or the Windows Store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the standout features included with Cyberduck:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Compatibility with macOS and Windows operating systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and SMB connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cloud storage connections, including Amazon S3, Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, Dropbox, Microsoft Azure, OneDrive, and Backblaze B2<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cryptomator client-side encryption to secure your files on any server or cloud storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Integration with external file editors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- File sharing by copying or opening a file\u2019s web URL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bookmarking with server history and imports from third-party apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quick Look previews of files before you download them<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Translations into 30+ languages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Open source code, licensed under the GPL and published on GitHub<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck is a feature-packed FTP client with a minimal, easy-to-use interface. Let\u2019s take a closer look at its advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of Cyberduck\u2019s advantages is its easy setup process. You\u2019ll simply need to download the correct version for your operating system:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve installed the app, you can create a new connection by entering your server, port, username, and password. You\u2019ll also be able to change the protocol method:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo edit a file, right-click on it and select your preferred text editor:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCyberduck also connects to third-party storage services like Amazon S3, OpenStack Swift, Microsoft Azure, Backblaze B2, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. If you keep site assets or backups in the cloud, you can browse them in the same app you use for your web server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also lets you create bookmarks that store details about your different connections. You can drag and drop these bookmarks into the Finder app and import them from third-party software:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother unique feature of Cyberduck is Quick Look. This gives you a preview of a selected file without downloading it. You\u2019ll just need to press the space key:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAdditionally, Cyberduck has its own command line interface<\/a>. On a Mac, it also stores your passwords in the system Keychain and discovers local FTP and WebDAV services via Bonjour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck doesn\u2019t support Linux. If your workstation runs Ubuntu or another distribution, this program is off the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its interface is also very minimal. Cyberduck shows a single-pane view of your server rather than side-by-side local and remote panels, so transferring lots of files means dragging them between Cyberduck and your file manager. If you spend all day moving files, that gets old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Cyberduck is free but donation-supported, and it displays a donation prompt after you install or update it. Contributing a minimum of $10 USD gets you a registration key that disables the prompt, and the Mac App Store and Windows Store versions are paid up front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Introduction to FileZilla<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FileZilla<\/a> is a free, open source FTP client that has been around since 2001. Like Cyberduck, it\u2019s released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it completely free to use:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nKey Features<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FileZilla is a very flexible program. Since it\u2019s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, virtually anyone can use it to access their site files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interface is also built for transfers. The main window shows side-by-side displays of your local files and your remote server files, so you can drag and drop between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some features you can expect in FileZilla:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols in the free version<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A tabbed interface for connecting to multiple servers at once<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Site Manager for organizing multiple sites and bookmarks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Directory comparison that highlights differences between local and server files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pause and resume for transfers, including files larger than 4 GB<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An optional master password that encrypts your saved logins<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Translations into 47 languages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A paid Pro version that adds WebDAV and cloud storage connections from providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As you can see, FileZilla has a wealth of features. Let\u2019s discuss some of its pros in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As a beginner, you may be looking for an FTP client that lets you learn file management without a complicated setup. With FileZilla, you can do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to Cyberduck, you\u2019ll have to choose the correct download option based on your computer type. In the installed app, you can use the Quickconnect<\/i> option to easily connect to a remote server:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Site Manager lets you change the protocol if needed. Although it will default to FTP connections, you can update this to SFTP:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve set it up, you\u2019ll see your local files and remote site in two side-by-side boxes. You can then drag and drop files between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FileZilla is also built for big jobs. You can pause and resume transfers, even for files larger than 4 GB, and queue up entire directories:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhen you right-click on a file, you\u2019ll see options for downloading, editing, and creating new directories. You can also add new files, delete unnecessary ones, and update file permissions:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe interface may look slightly dated, but the project is still actively maintained: version 3.70.5 shipped in May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FileZilla is a trusted FTP client for many users, but it has had controversies over how its Windows installers were monetized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2013, SourceForge, which hosted FileZilla\u2019s downloads, began wrapping Windows downloads in an installer that bundled adware<\/a>. Some users reported unwanted changes to their toolbars, homepages, and search providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2018, BleepingComputer reported that FileZilla\u2019s own bundled Windows installer displayed third-party offers<\/a> during installation, with the offers checked by default, and that antivirus engines on VirusTotal flagged the bundled installer as adware. Some security researchers said users should avoid FileZilla because of it. The same report noted that FileZilla\u2019s download page also offered installers without the offers, identifiable because their filenames don\u2019t contain the word \u201cbundled,\u201d and those had zero VirusTotal detections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The takeaway: download FileZilla only from the official site, read each installer screen carefully, and decline any third-party offers instead of clicking through. It\u2019s also worth knowing that FileZilla stored saved passwords in plain text until 2017, when it added the optional master password. Turn that on, or your saved server logins sit unencrypted on your computer, readable by any malware<\/a> that reaches your files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck vs FileZilla: Which Is the Better FTP Client?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cyberduck and FileZilla are both well-designed, free, open source clients that you can use to open, edit, and download files. Here\u2019s how they compare at a glance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/th> Cyberduck<\/th> FileZilla<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Price<\/td> Free, with donation prompts you can remove by contributing $10+<\/td> Free, with a separate paid Pro version<\/td><\/tr> Operating systems<\/td> macOS, Windows<\/td> Windows, macOS, Linux<\/td><\/tr> Protocols<\/td> FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMB, plus cloud storage (Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more)<\/td> FTP, SFTP, FTPS (Pro adds WebDAV and cloud storage)<\/td><\/tr> Interface<\/td> Single-pane server browser<\/td> Two panes: local files beside server files, with tabs<\/td><\/tr> Standout extras<\/td> Cryptomator encryption, Quick Look previews<\/td> Directory comparison, pause\/resume for files over 4 GB<\/td><\/tr> Watch out for<\/td> Donation pop-ups, no Linux version<\/td> History of bundled installer offers on Windows; pick the installer without offers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Our pick for most website owners is FileZilla. The side-by-side layout makes moving files between your computer and your server genuinely faster, it adds FTPS support, and it\u2019s the only one of the two that runs on Linux. Just download it from the official project site, choose the installer without bundled offers, and enable the master password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Cyberduck if you work on a Mac and prefer a cleaner, Finder-like app, if you want your saved passwords in the system Keychain, or if you also manage files in cloud storage like Amazon S3 or Google Drive, which FileZilla only supports in its paid Pro version. The trade-off is the single-pane view, which makes heavy transfer sessions slower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two also fund themselves differently: Cyberduck asks for voluntary donations inside the app, while FileZilla has monetized its Windows installer with third-party offers. If installer offers bother you, that difference alone may decide it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Solve common WordPress errors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/cyberduck.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/cyberduck-free-download.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/cyberduck-add-new-ftp-connection.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/edit-with.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/cyberduck-ftp-connections.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Cyberduck](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/cyberduck-file-preview.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"FileZilla](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/download-filezilla.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"FileZilla](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/filezilla-ftp-quickconnect.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"FileZilla](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/ftp-site-manager.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"FileZilla](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/ffilezilla-ftp-connection-windows.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"FileZilla](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2022\/12\/view-edit-htaccess-file.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n