The WinSCP Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about WinSCP in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
WinSCP
The Insider’s Guide
Free open-source SFTP, FTP, S3 and WebDAV client for Windows
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from WinSCP’s own pages.
Made by WinSCP · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from WinSCP’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on WinSCP’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 116 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about WinSCP, taken from its own pages and our grades.
Each server needs its own connection details, and the scripting side is a command line.
- 1
Best for free SFTP and scripted file transfers on Windows
It runs only on Windows, and the site carries advertisements.
- 2
It is free
WinSCP has no paid plan at all. Free to download and use; the site asks for optional donations from $19 to $249.
- 3
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 4
Many protocols
Transfers over SFTP and SCP via SSH, plus FTP, FTPS, WebDAV and S3, all from one interface.
- 5
Two interface styles
Explorer and Commander layouts, with drag and drop, URL and shortcut integration with Windows.
- 6
Scripting and automation
Batch file scripting, a command-line interface and a .NET assembly cover unattended jobs.
- 7
A 2.8 GPA, above 116 of 186
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
WinSCP is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
WinSCP at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- WinSCP
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
The report card
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.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free to download and use, with no paid plan. The site asks for optional donations from $19 to $249. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The full program, scripting interface included, is free with no cap and no trial clock. |
| Features | B | SFTP, 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. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating is on record. Each server needs its own connection details, and the scripting side is a command line. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Windows only. The listing says Mac and Linux users need another client, and there is no phone or web version. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
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 it 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
Good to know
Good for
- Windows users who move files over SFTP or SCP
- Admins who script recurring transfers
- Anyone who wants a free, open-source client
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
WinSCP is free to use.
Free to download and use, with no paid plan.
Free
$0
Full application, including the scripting interface; optional donations are suggested on the site.
The free plan
Free to download and use; the site asks for optional donations from $19 to $249.
Read from winscp.net on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Free open-source SFTP, FTP, S3 and WebDAV client for Windows. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, workflow automation, file sync, file management.
The listing shows no gap in the core transfer job.
- 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.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
- PuTTY
- Pageant
WinSCP is made by WinSCP.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
116/186
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
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
- AFree plan and trialAbove 107 of 186
- BFeaturesAbove 113 of 186
- CEase of useAbove 5 of 186
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 186
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 103 desktop utilities. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. WinSCP is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit, Mountain Duck and ForkLift
The 5 tools WinSCP is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
FileZilla
Free plan · from €99
Free FTP, FTPS and SFTP client, with a paid Pro tier for cloud storage.
- Only FileZilla lists macOS and Linux apps.
- WinSCP also covers workflow automation and file sync.
- 3.0GPA
Cyberduck
Free plan · from $10
Server and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows.
- Only Cyberduck lists a macOS app.
- WinSCP is open source, according to its own site.
- WinSCP also covers workflow automation and file sync.
- 2.2GPA
Transmit
Free trial · from $45 one-time
Mac file transfer app for servers and cloud storage.
- WinSCP has a free plan. Transmit does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only WinSCP lists a Windows app.
- Only Transmit lists a macOS app.
- 2.4GPA
Mountain Duck
Free trial · from $49 one-time
Mounts server and cloud storage as a drive on Mac and Windows.
- WinSCP has a free plan. Mountain Duck does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Mountain Duck lists a macOS app.
- WinSCP is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.6GPA
ForkLift
Free trial · from $19.95 one-time
Dual-pane file manager and file transfer client for macOS.
- WinSCP has a free plan. ForkLift does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only WinSCP lists a Windows app.
- Only ForkLift lists a macOS app.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is WinSCP free?
Yes. WinSCP is free to use.
How much does WinSCP cost?
WinSCP lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does WinSCP work on?
WinSCP is available on Windows.
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.
What does WinSCP integrate with?
WinSCP's listing names PuTTY and Pageant. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes WinSCP?
WinSCP is made by a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to WinSCP?
The closest alternatives to WinSCP in our directory are FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit, Mountain Duck and ForkLift.
How does WinSCP compare with other desktop utilities?
WinSCP's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 116 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 37.
Is WinSCP good value for money?
ToolGPA grades WinSCP A for value for money. WinSCP has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of WinSCP?
WinSCP is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from WinSCP’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. 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.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by WinSCP. Prices change, so check winscp.net before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- WinSCP, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/winscp
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "WinSCP: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/winscp
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/winscp/guide
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See our other guides
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Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what WinSCP’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. WinSCP is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by WinSCP. Prices and plans change: check winscp.net before you buy.