Top 5 FTP clients for the Mac
For me at least, the world of file transport protocol (FTP) clients has always had one consistent outcome over the years. Although I’ve tried and paid for more than a few applications designed to move, manage and monitor files using this venerable and still eminently useful protocol, somehow one client keeps drawing me back.
Best of the best…
Of all of the FTP clients available for the Mac, clearly longest running and perhaps best loved is Fetch. Created by Jim Matthews at Dartmouth College way, way back in 1989, the application with the dashing doggie for a cursor (ie when the pooch is running, you’ve got an active transfer). In addition to all the single click, integrated one-click commands, keyboard shortcuts and drag-n-drop goodness you’d expect, Fetch also gives you the option of sending commands via a terminal like interface, which can come in quite handy when command line voodoo is called for.
Download Fetch now
— 16MB, 15 day trial, $25 full license, $10 upgrade
— WebDAV compatible (MobileMe, etc), user editable droplets
— No Dashboard widget
I’ve had a number of dalliances with Panic Software’s Transmit. What has attracted me in the past is its nicely implemented multi-pane interface which provides is a perfect expression drag-n-drop file management. More recent interface additions include the Sidebar, which by default displays the volumes connected to your Mac and this list can be edited and added to, including remote volumes/servers.
Download Transmit now
— 8.2MB, 15 day trial, $17.95 full license
— WebDAV compatible (MobileMe, etc), AppleScript support
— Free Dashboard Widget
I don’t know why, but CrushFTP has never done it for me. Although the current version looks sharp, the iterations I’ve used previously behaved like ports. Still, as it supports Mac, Linux and PC, however, this client is a solid choice for if you’re looking to standard your shop on one product, unifying support and licensing. Also, Crush supports plugins that allow automagical features, like regularly scanning specific folders and then acting the information gathered.
Download Crush now
— 18.6MB, limited bandwidth demo, 10 concurrent licenses for $30
— WebDAV compatible (MobileMe, etc), supports plugins
— No Dashboard Widget
YummyFTP is a client built to support a fairly specific workflow—BBEdit. Yes, of course, you can use it with any editing software, but combining with BBEdit allows for remote editing, which is a pretty nifty feature
Download YummyFTP now
— 11.6MB, 30 day unlimited demo, $25 for single license
— WebDAV compatible (MobileMe, etc), AppleScript support
— No Dashboard Widget
Forklift has a pleasing multi-pane user interface and the most appealing feature to this user’s eye is spring loaded folders (YouTube), which allows you to click-n-drag a file and then navigate up and down a hierarchy. Doesn’t make the earth move under my feet, but it is pretty neat.
Download Forklift now
— 5.4MB, 15 day trial, $44.95 single license
— Not WebDAV compatible, no AppleScript
— No Dashboard Widget
That said, there are at least a dozen more FTP clients for the Mac. Did I pick your favorite above or do you have the real dope for us? Share your impression below…
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April 13th, 2009
Where is CyberDuck on your list? We all use it here at our Mac shop (50+). Works great and it’s free!
April 13th, 2009
I’ve been using RBrowser for years. If you use FTP only it’s FREE. Piece of cake to use.
http://www.rbrowser.com/
April 13th, 2009
Cyberduck (http://cyberduck.ch/) is definitely a high quality, free and open source alternative that is in my opinion better than some of the clients mentioned here. I have nothing to do with the developer. I just like it and use it all the time.
April 13th, 2009
I like to use Captain FTP. I have bought the others in the past, but I like Captain FTP the best. Multipane window approach. It remembers what folders you were in last, has an address book and is regularly updated with new features.
April 13th, 2009
Hey Ron, you don’t want to forget Cyberduck. Fully featured, able to talk to any number of servers apart from FTP and best of all it’s free and open source.
April 13th, 2009
gotta admit I was holding out—CyberDuck and a few others will be featured in a free ftp client write up. any other suggestions for freebies?
April 13th, 2009
Cyberduck!
April 13th, 2009
Dude, are you getting kickbacks? I’m not a freetard, however, I think tools like cyberduck and filezilla need some consideration.
Before you go off on another buying spree, consider Filezilla as well.
http://filezilla-project.org/
April 15th, 2009
Right, Filezilla is king.