WinSCP review (2026): is it any good?
Free open-source SFTP, FTP, S3 and WebDAV client for Windows
WinSCP report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for free SFTP and scripted file transfers on Windows
WinSCP is a free file transfer client for Windows covering SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3, with scripting and folder sync on top. It runs only on Windows, and the site carries advertisements.
Who WinSCP is for
- Fits if you move files to servers from a Windows PC and want scripts to repeat the job
- Works for people who keep folders in sync with a remote server
Who WinSCP is not for
- Skip it if you use a Mac or Linux machine, as there is no version for either
- Not for you if you want a quiet website, since the site shows advertisements alongside its pages
- Too light for cloud-drive work like Google Drive or OneDrive, which the listing does not cover
- Watch out: it is run by volunteers and funded by donations, with help coming through the forum
Why WinSCP gets a 2.8
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree to download and use, with no paid plan. The site asks for optional donations from $19 to $249.
- AFree plan and trialThe full program, scripting interface included, is free with no cap and no trial clock.
- BFeaturesSFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3, two interface styles, batch scripting, directory sync and a built-in editor. The listing shows no gap in the core transfer job.
- CEase of useNo store rating is on record. Each server needs its own connection details, and the scripting side is a command line.
- DPlatforms and integrationsWindows only. The listing says Mac and Linux users need another client, and there is no phone or web version.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from WinSCP's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
Make WinSCP? Put this grade on your site
Paste this where you want the badge. It links here and follows the grade if it changes. About badges
<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/winscp#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/winscp.svg" alt="WinSCP: 2.8 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where WinSCP stands among desktop utilities
WinSCP's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 116 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 37.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 107 of 186) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
WinSCP has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 187 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. WinSCP’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 55 of 186, level with 131
- AFree plan and trialAbove 107 of 186, level with 79
- BFeaturesAbove 113 of 186, level with 72
- CEase of useAbove 5 of 186, level with 72
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 186, level with 110
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 103 desktop utilities. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep WinSCP, or make your own?
Keep it
WinSCP is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- Connections to other products, each kept working as those products change.
- Files kept in step across devices without losing one.
- A file manager working directly on your disk.
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. WinSCP’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is WinSCP?
WinSCP is an open-source file transfer client and basic file manager for Windows. It copies files between a local computer and remote servers over SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3. Beyond the graphical interface it offers batch scripting, a command-line interface and directory synchronization. It is free to download.
Worth knowing
- 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.
Key features
- Many protocols
- Transfers over SFTP and SCP via SSH, plus FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3, all from one interface.
- Two interface styles
- Explorer and Commander layouts, with drag and drop, URL and shortcut integration with Windows.
- Scripting and automation
- Batch file scripting, a command-line interface and a .NET assembly cover unattended jobs.
- Directory synchronization
- Synchronize folders in semi- or fully automatic ways; version 6.7 adds syncing two local directories.
- Built-in editor and PuTTY integration
- Edit remote files in an integrated text editor, share site settings with PuTTY and use the Pageant agent.
- Portable operation
- Can run from removable media using a configuration file instead of registry entries.
WinSCP pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, WinSCP is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free to download and use; the site asks for optional donations from $19 to $249.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Full application, including the scripting interface; optional donations are suggested on the site. |
Read from winscp.net on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with WinSCP before you buy.
Works with
- PuTTY
- Pageant
WinSCP alternatives
- WinSCP vs FileZilla
Free plan · from €99
- WinSCP vs Cyberduck
Free plan · from $10
- WinSCP vs Transmit
Free trial · from $45 one-time
- WinSCP vs Mountain Duck
Free trial · from $49 one-time
- WinSCP vs ForkLift
Free trial · from $19.95 one-time
Common questions
Does WinSCP have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. WinSCP is listed for Windows.
Does WinSCP have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. WinSCP is listed for Windows.
Is WinSCP open source?
Yes. WinSCP is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.