Need An FTP Client?

Whether you have your own server, or need to connect to someone else’s, an FTP client can make the process of transferring and managing files that much simpler. Now of course you can open at FTP session in a Terminal window, and it’s also possible in Finder, but I much prefer using a client, so I wanted to list some of my favorite apps that you might also find useful.

  • Cyberduck – This is my favorite and one I use often. It has a simple UI, a Dashboard widget to drag and drop, and it’s free.
  • Transmit 3 – This is another very popular FTP client, and add a host of features including iDisk support, droplets, copy/preview of remote URL’s, and more. This is a full featured app, but it will set you back about $30.
  • Filezilla – This is an open-source project that is also cross-platform. It’s free, and offers all the features most users would need, but the interface needs some work.
  • Fetch – Fetch 5.3 has been updated for Leopard, and offers many of the features found in the other FTP clients above. A copy of Fetch is about $25.

All of these applications should take care of your FTP needs, but I would definitely recommend giving Cyberduck and Transmit a try.



  • I used Fetch for a couple of years and really liked it, but recently switched over to CyberDuck...I agree: simple UI and opensource.
  • I've used Transmit for awhile and it is my preferred ftp client.
  • I personally use Flow
    http://www.extendmac.com/flow/
    but it has some issues. So whenever it dies and i need to get something done i switch to Filezilla.
  • I use Transmit and also Coda on occasion.
  • I've been using Yummy FTP for a long time and it is a really neat FTP/SFTP client. I've tried all the usual suspects but they are all pretenders to the throne. The program is not free, but it's only $25 - and worth every penny.
  • Spencer
    I have used Cyberduck for years without too much of an issue. Transmit has a lot of extra features and it's worth it if you need those extra things.
  • I'll cast my vote (but it's a little biased cuz it's all I have ever used).

    Transmit!
  • I think that you missed one other FTP client I would have added to this list FireFTP. It is a plug-in for FireFox.
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