When it comes to transferring files securely over the internet, FileZilla has long been a reliable go-to client for professionals and businesses alike. Its open-source nature, ease of use, and broad protocol support have made it a staple in countless workflows.
If you’re using SafeSFTP.com—a trusted provider of secure SFTP hosting services—FileZilla is one of the easiest ways to access your storage, upload files, and manage directories. With just your hostname, username, and password, you can connect to your SafeSFTP server within seconds using FileZilla or any similar client.
That said, FileZilla isn’t the only option. Whether you’re seeking a more modern interface, macOS-native experience, or deeper cloud integration, there are excellent alternatives that work seamlessly with SafeSFTP.com.
FileZilla is a fantastic starting point, but some users may prefer alternatives for a few key reasons:
While FileZilla supports SFTP, some clients offer more detailed visibility into encryption settings, session monitoring, or additional layers like 2FA integration. If you’re transferring sensitive documents via SafeSFTP, you might prefer a tool with more granular security options.
FileZilla’s interface, while functional, can feel dated. Several alternatives offer sleeker, more intuitive layouts—especially helpful if you’re managing large folder structures or switching between multiple connections.
If you work primarily on macOS, FileZilla might not feel as native as some of the mac-first alternatives. Choosing a platform-optimized app can make daily file transfer tasks more pleasant.
Before exploring alternatives, it’s worth stating: FileZilla works perfectly with SafeSFTP.com.
Simply enter your server details (host, username, password, and port 22 for SFTP) and you’re connected.
Drag and drop uploads, set file permissions, and even manage parallel transfers for efficiency.
Best of all, FileZilla is free and widely supported across operating systems.
For many users of SafeSFTP, FileZilla remains the ideal blend of power and simplicity.
Here are four excellent alternatives that also pair beautifully with SafeSFTP’s secure infrastructure:
WinSCP is a full-featured file transfer client for Windows that supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, and WebDAV. It integrates well with Windows Explorer and supports scripting and automation, which is useful for recurring tasks like nightly uploads to SafeSFTP directories.
Its dual-pane interface helps you compare local and remote folders side by side. You can even edit files in-place with external editors.
Best For: Windows users looking for scriptable, secure transfers with a Windows-native feel.
Cyberduck is ideal for users who want support for both SFTP and cloud services like Amazon S3 and Google Drive. It features a clean interface, bookmark support, and seamless integration with external editors.
Cyberduck is often used by SafeSFTP customers who want to combine secure SFTP transfer with cloud file distribution or backup.
Best For: Users who need cloud and SFTP in a single, user-friendly interface.
Transmit is a macOS-only application known for its elegance and performance. It supports SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and several cloud providers. The app is visually polished and offers quick upload, sync, and batch edit capabilities.
Many SafeSFTP users in creative and design teams prefer Transmit for its speed, ease of use, and native macOS experience.
Best For: Mac users seeking a premium experience with lightning-fast transfer speed.
SmartFTP is a commercial-grade file transfer client with support for SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and many cloud services. It includes powerful features like scheduled transfers, folder synchronization, and file compression.
It’s a great fit for SafeSFTP customers handling large volumes of files or requiring enterprise-level features.
Best For: Power users or enterprise teams needing automation, scheduling, and cloud sync.
All of the above clients work seamlessly with SafeSFTP.com. Choosing the right one comes down to your platform, workflow, and personal preference:
For general users: FileZilla is more than enough.
For developers or admins: WinSCP provides scripting flexibility.
For creatives and macOS users: Transmit or Cyberduck may suit you better.
For advanced enterprise needs: SmartFTP stands out.
No matter which client you use, SafeSFTP.com ensures your files are transferred over encrypted, SFTP-secured connections. Whether you’re uploading regulatory documents, financial statements, healthcare files, or marketing assets, you can trust that SafeSFTP provides the infrastructure to keep your data safe.
Looking to explore our SFTP plans? Visit our pricing page or get started now with a secure account that supports any of the tools mentioned above.