WinSCP vs FreeFileSync

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

FreeFileSync: what it's good at

FreeFileSync compares and synchronises folders, drives and network shares, showing exactly what will change before it acts. It handles very large file sets efficiently and can run scheduled, automated sync jobs.

• Visual folder comparison before syncing
• Real-time and scheduled sync jobs
• Handles very large file sets
• Versioning of overwritten files

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 FreeFileSync 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We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either.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 WinSCP better than FreeFileSync?

Neither is universally better. WinSCP secure file transfer and remote editing for Windows, while FreeFileSync folder comparison and synchronisation done properly. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.

Are both really free?

WinSCP is open source and FreeFileSync 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.