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WinSCP alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded WinSCP alternative is Cyberduck (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.

WinSCP compared with 5 alternatives: FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit, Mountain Duck and ForkLift.

WinSCP is free to use. 2 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
WinSCPThis toolFreeFreeWindows
FileZillaFree plan · from €99YesmacOS, Windows, Linux
CyberduckFree plan · from $10YesmacOS, Windows
TransmitFree trial · from $45 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
Mountain DuckFree trial · from $49 one-timeTrial onlymacOS, Windows
ForkLiftFree trial · from $19.95 one-timeTrial onlymacOS

How each one differs from WinSCP

  1. FileZilla

    Free FTP, FTPS and SFTP client, with a paid Pro tier for cloud storage

    • FileZilla starts at 12,99 € for FileZilla Pro (starting at; billing period not shown).
    • FileZilla also lists macOS and Linux apps.
    • FileZilla does not cover workflow automation and file sync, which WinSCP does.

    Suits: Anyone who needs a free graphical FTP or SFTP client

    FileZilla vs WinSCPFileZilla pricing and details

  2. Cyberduck

    Server and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows

    • Cyberduck starts at Free; $10 minimum donation for a registration key.
    • Cyberduck also lists a macOS app.
    • Cyberduck also covers file sharing.
    • Cyberduck does not cover workflow automation and file sync, which WinSCP does.

    Suits: Mac and Windows users who move files to FTP, SFTP or S3 servers

    Cyberduck vs WinSCPCyberduck pricing and details

  3. Transmit

    Mac file transfer app for servers and cloud storage

    • Transmit starts at $45 one-time.
    • Transmit has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike WinSCP.
    • Transmit also lists a macOS app.
    • Transmit lists no Windows app, which WinSCP has.
    • Transmit can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who manage files on web servers or S3 buckets

    Transmit vs WinSCPTransmit pricing and details

  4. Mountain Duck

    Mounts server and cloud storage as a drive on Mac and Windows

    • Mountain Duck starts at $49 per user, one-time (licence covers version 5).
    • Mountain Duck has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike WinSCP.
    • Mountain Duck also lists a macOS app.
    • Mountain Duck is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Mountain Duck can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Working on files in S3, SFTP or WebDAV storage from ordinary desktop apps

    Mountain Duck vs WinSCPMountain Duck pricing and details

  5. ForkLift

    Dual-pane file manager and file transfer client for macOS

    • ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
    • ForkLift has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike WinSCP.
    • ForkLift also lists a macOS app.
    • ForkLift lists no Windows app, which WinSCP has.
    • ForkLift can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who manage files on servers and cloud storage as well as local disks

    ForkLift vs WinSCPForkLift pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in WinSCP

  • Windows only; Mac and Linux users need another client.
  • The site shows advertisements alongside its pages.
  • Funded by volunteers and donations, with support through the forum.
WinSCP pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to WinSCP?

The alternatives to WinSCP in this directory are FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit, Mountain Duck and ForkLift. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with WinSCP.

Is there a free alternative to WinSCP?

Yes. FileZilla and Cyberduck have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which WinSCP alternatives work on macOS?

The WinSCP listing does not include a macOS app. FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit, Mountain Duck and ForkLift list one.

Which WinSCP alternatives work on Linux?

The WinSCP listing does not include a Linux app. FileZilla lists one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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