If you work on a Mac and still need fast, reliable file transfers, choosing the right FTP client matters. Modern workflows usually require SFTP/FTPS, and often S3/WebDAV too—especially if you manage websites, servers, or cloud storage daily. Below are the top FTP clients for Mac today, with FQB Transfer as the best overall pick for a WinSCP-style experience on macOS.

Best overall: FQB Transfer

FQB Transfer is built to be a modern, native WinSCP-style FTP client for macOS. It covers the protocols most teams actually use and focuses on speed, clarity, and day-to-day productivity for real work (not just occasional uploads).

  • WinSCP-style workflow, but native on macOS
  • Protocols: FTP/FTPS, SFTP, SCP + S3 + WebDAV
  • Tabbed sessions for handling many servers cleanly
  • Live remote file editing with auto-upload on save
  • Great for agencies, devs, and sysadmins managing production sites

What to look for in an FTP client for Mac

Ignore “FTP-only” apps unless you’re working with legacy hosting. In practice, you want secure transfers (SFTP/FTPS), a stable connection manager, and a workflow that prevents mistakes. If you edit remote files, pick a client that supports safe editing (download → edit → upload) or live editing with clear sync behavior. If you deal with cloud endpoints, make sure S3 and WebDAV are supported so you don’t need separate tools.

A good Mac FTP client should also handle multiple sessions without chaos. Tabbed connections, bookmarks/favorites, quick search, and server-to-server copy become essential once you manage more than a couple of sites.

Top FTP clients for Mac in 2025

The best choice depends on your workflow. Here are the strongest options, based on what Mac users typically need:

1) FQB Transfer (Best overall)
Best for users who want a WinSCP-style workflow on macOS with broad protocol support (including S3/WebDAV), tabbed sessions, and live remote editing. If you manage multiple production servers, it’s the most complete “daily driver” option.

2) Transmit 5
A polished, long-established Mac client with broad compatibility. Strong choice if you want a premium macOS UI and stable everyday transfers across common protocols and services.

3) ForkLift
Best for power users who prefer a dual-pane file manager approach. Great for heavy file operations, server-to-server tasks, and fast navigation across multiple locations.

4) Cyberduck
A strong “free-first” option for basic transfers and cloud endpoints. Ideal for occasional use or lighter workflows where you still want reliability.

5) FileZilla (and FileZilla Pro)
A classic cross-platform choice with a more utilitarian UI. Good if you move between Mac/Windows/Linux and want the same tool everywhere.

6) Commander One
Another dual-pane style option with a free core and a paid Pro tier. Works well if you like file-manager-first workflows.

7) Fetch
A simpler, classic Mac client that focuses on straightforward FTP/SFTP workflows without trying to be an all-in-one cloud dashboard.

WinSCP note: WinSCP is Windows-only. If you want that style of workflow on macOS without workarounds, that’s exactly where FQB Transfer fits.

Key Takeaways

  • For a WinSCP-style Mac workflow with broad protocol support, choose FQB Transfer.
  • If you want a polished Mac classic, Transmit is a strong premium alternative.
  • For dual-pane power workflows, ForkLift (or Commander One) can be faster than traditional FTP apps.
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