FileZilla vs WinSCP
Both are free file management & compression tools. Here is how they actually differ.
FileZilla and WinSCP at a glance
| Feature | FileZilla | WinSCP |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Tim Kosse | Martin Přikryl |
| Licence | Open Source | Open Source |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| Linux | Yes | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Source code | Public | Public |
FileZilla: what it's good at
FileZilla is the most widely used free FTP client, with a dual-pane interface, a transfer queue that resumes interrupted uploads, and a site manager for storing server connections — a staple of web development work.
- FTP, FTPS and SFTP support
- Resumes interrupted transfers
- Site manager for saved connections
- Handles files larger than 4GB
WinSCP: what it's good at
WinSCP is an SFTP, SCP and FTP client for Windows with integrated remote file editing, directory synchronisation and full scripting support — a favourite for administering Linux servers from a Windows desktop.
- SFTP, SCP, FTP and WebDAV
- Built-in remote file editor
- Directory synchronisation
- Scriptable for automated transfers
Which should you choose?
Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.
Both run on Windows. Only FileZilla supports macOS, Linux. Both are open source, so neither locks you in.
We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is FileZilla better than WinSCP?
Neither is universally better. FileZilla the standard cross-platform FTP, FTPS and SFTP client, while WinSCP secure file transfer and remote editing for Windows. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.
Are both really free?
FileZilla is open source and WinSCP is open source. Both can be downloaded without paying.
Can I install both?
Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.