Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Far Manager VS WinSCP

Compare Far Manager VS WinSCP and see what are their differences

Far Manager logo Far Manager

Far Manager is a program for managing files and archives in Windows operating systems.

WinSCP logo WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source free SFTP client and FTP client for Windows.
  • Far Manager Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-11
  • WinSCP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12

Far Manager features and specs

  • Highly customizable
    Far Manager offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tweak the interface, color schemes, and functionality according to their needs.
  • Extensive plugin support
    It supports a wide range of plugins that can extend its functionality, including support for FTP, SSH, and various file formats.
  • Efficient file management
    Far Manager provides powerful file management capabilities, including batch renaming, advanced file search, and efficient navigation.
  • Keyboard-centric interface
    The software is designed to be used with a keyboard, allowing for quick and efficient operations without relying on a mouse.
  • Active community
    Far Manager has a dedicated user community that contributes plugins, themes, and provides support, making it easier to solve problems and customize the tool.

Possible disadvantages of Far Manager

  • Steep learning curve
    New users may find the interface and plethora of options overwhelming, requiring a significant investment of time to become proficient.
  • Dated user interface
    The text-based UI might appear outdated compared to modern graphical file managers, which might not appeal to all users.
  • Windows-centric
    Far Manager is primarily designed for Windows, limiting its utility for users who need a similar tool on Linux or macOS.
  • Limited default features
    Out of the box, Far Manager might seem to lack certain functionalities that are standard in other file managers, necessitating the use of plugins.
  • Plugin dependency issues
    Relying heavily on third-party plugins can lead to instability or compatibility issues, especially after updates.

WinSCP features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    WinSCP offers an intuitive graphical interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and perform file transfers.
  • Supports Multiple Protocols
    WinSCP supports a variety of protocols including SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, and WebDAV, making it versatile for different use cases.
  • Free and Open-Source
    WinSCP is free to use and open-source under the GNU General Public License, which enables transparency and community-driven development.
  • Integration with Windows
    The software integrates well with the Windows operating system, offering features like drag-and-drop file transfer, and context menu integration.
  • Automation Capabilities
    With support for scripting and task automation, WinSCP allows for automated file transfers and operations, increasing productivity.
  • Portable Version Available
    A portable version of WinSCP is available, allowing users to use the software without installation, useful for on-the-go scenarios.

Possible disadvantages of WinSCP

  • Limited to Windows
    WinSCP is a Windows-only application, which limits its usability for users on other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Complexity for Advanced Tasks
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, performing advanced tasks can be complex and may require a learning curve.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported occasional crashes or stability issues, especially when dealing with large file transfers.
  • No Built-in Scheduler
    Unlike some other FTP clients, WinSCP does not come with a built-in scheduler for automated transfers, requiring external solutions or scripting.
  • Limited Support for Cloud Storage Services
    WinSCP has limited native support for modern cloud storage services, which may be a drawback for users who rely on those platforms.
  • Command Line Interface Can Be Intimidating
    While powerful, the command line interface can be intimidating for users who are not familiar with terminal commands.

Analysis of Far Manager

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Far Manager is highly regarded for its functionality, speed, and flexibility. It is particularly valued by programmers, system administrators, and technical users who need a comprehensive tool for file and system management tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Far Manager is considered good by many users because it is a powerful file management tool that provides a text-based user interface, making it lightweight and fast. It offers a wide range of features such as multi-panel file management, extensive customization through plugins, and support for numerous file operations which can be done via batch processing or scripting. Its versatility and efficiency in handling file tasks in Windows environments is appreciated by power users who require more control than graphical file managers typically offer.

Recommended for

  • System administrators
  • Programmers
  • IT professionals
  • Users comfortable with command line interfaces
  • Those who require advanced file management capabilities

Analysis of WinSCP

Overall verdict

  • Overall, WinSCP is a highly regarded file transfer application for Windows, offering strong security features, easy-to-use interface, and extensive customization options, making it a top choice for users needing reliable file transfers.

Why this product is good

  • WinSCP is considered a good software due to its robust set of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. It allows for secure file transfer via protocols like SFTP, SCP, and FTP. The graphical user interface is user-friendly and similar in style to Windows Explorer, making it intuitive to navigate. Additionally, it supports scripting and task automation for more advanced use cases. WinSCP is widely praised for its reliability, security features, and versatility in handling different file transfer needs.

Recommended for

    WinSCP is recommended for IT professionals, web developers, and system administrators who need a reliable and secure tool for transferring files. It's also suitable for individual users who prefer a free, open-source solution for their file transfer needs.

Far Manager videos

FAR Manager Software Video Review by SoftwareSlant.com

More videos:

  • Review - ะžะฑะทะพั€ Far Manager

WinSCP videos

WinSCP review

More videos:

  • Review - WinSCP 5.1 - review by SoftPlanet
  • Review - Review hosting - webhostingpad - SFTP WinSCP FTP Client

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Far Manager and WinSCP)
File Manager
100 100%
0% 0
FTP Client
15 15%
85% 85
File Transfer
0 0%
100% 100
File Explorer
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Far Manager and WinSCP

Far Manager Reviews

  1. gaurav dube
    ยท student at FCRIT ยท

    i started using this when i was in school. this was cool file manager+text editor it was all nice apart from the fact that if you don't understand any language apart from english then It will be difficult for you to understand it's advanced features like plugin's and all. i mainly used this for writing code.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: there is no one who can compete with this vintage beast.
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    This is very light weight file manager+code editor so even if you have old pc you can run this with full speed.|If you do competitive programming then this is for you this editor is so accurate that even sublime text fails in front of this vintage beast.|As name suggests file manger you can manage your files better than any other code editor's like clion,sublime text,visual studio code etc...|If you understand all features of far manager you will litrally get addicted to it.
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    As most of the instructions are in russian or ukranian you might find it difficulty in start.|As most of the istructions for advanced features are in russian or ukranian you might find difficulty to install some plugins.

WinSCP Reviews

10 Best PuTTY Alternatives To Try in 2024
If youโ€™re on a Windows computer and want a safe way to transfer files, WinSCP is a great choice.
10 Best PuTTY Alternatives for SSH Remote Connection
The WinSCP is a Windows-based file transfer utility that allows free connecting and transfer of files remotely between Windows and Linux devices. The utility tool is an open-source product using the exclusive SCP protocol.
Source: www.tecmint.com
Top 12 BEST SSH Clients For Windows โ€“ Free PuTTY Alternatives
WinSCP is used for file transfers. It provides basic file manager functionality. It has scripting capabilities. This SFTP client and FTP client provide functionalities for copying a file between a local computer and remote servers. It makes use of FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, WebDAV or S3 file transfer protocols.
10 Best FTP Clients for WordPress Users (Mac and Windows)
WinSCP isnโ€™t an option for Mac or Linux users. It makes sense for those who want a strictly Windows-based FTP client. We like it mostly for the simplicity of the interface. If you only want the basic necessities, WinSCP looks like a good option for you.
Source: kinsta.com
7 Best FileZilla Alternatives to Use in 2022
WinSCP is one of the popular and best FTP Client used for Windows. To update files via a remote computer, use the SFTP via SSH client or as an FTP. There are command-line capabilities, an internal text editor to update the files remotely.
Source: techdator.net

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, WinSCP seems to be a lot more popular than Far Manager. While we know about 63 links to WinSCP, we've tracked only 4 mentions of Far Manager. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Far Manager mentions (4)

WinSCP mentions (63)

  • Microsoft CTO: "Thoughts on OpenAI" (2019)
    > I don't know a single techie person who uses Windows (other than for gaming) I'd say that Windows actually has some nice software, like MobaXTerm: https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/ which in my eyes is better than Remmina or pretty much anything I've found on nix, short of just running the same thing on Wine. WinSCP is also pretty cool, albeit nothing particularly special: https://winscp.net/eng/index.php PowerToys... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • How to Setup a Minecraft Server on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
    You may choose to download the files locally and then upload them to your server using another client like WinSCP or FileZilla, but the simplest way would be to use wget with the download link as below:. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Beyond WinSCP: Updating Servers with C# and DevExpress in DevOps๐Ÿš€
    In this article, we will explore a DevOps approach that goes beyond conventional file transfer tools like WinSCP. Check here for how to set up WinSCP. Our focus will be on leveraging the capabilities of C# and the DevExpress Framework to not only update servers efficiently but also to orchestrate a seamless and automated deployment process. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Best secure and encrypted cloud service?
    For a secure cloud storage setup, I use Cryptomator, accessible at https://cryptomator.org/, on my Android device, and Mountain Duck, available at https://mountainduck.io/, on my desktop. This configuration enables me to choose my own storage provider on a pay-as-you-go basis. My preferred storage provider is S3, mainly because it facilitates easy backup of cloud files on my NAS or via tools such as WinSCP, which... Source: over 2 years ago
  • I made a miyoogamelist and image exporter for Launchbox
    Download and install [Python](https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.6.3/python-3.6.3.exe) Choose All Users and add it to your Path Open cmd, and type 'pip install Pillow' Download the attached file and edit it accordingly (specify your LaunchBox folder, desired output folder and platforms) Run 'python launchbox\_retropie\_export.py' Transfer the files to your Pi using... Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Far Manager and WinSCP, you can also consider the following products

XYplorer - File Manager for Windows

FileZilla - FileZilla is an FTP, or file transfer protocol, client. It lets individuals transfer single files or batches to a web server. For many years, FTP was the standard for website design. Read more about FileZilla.

FreeCommander - FreeCommander is an easy-to-use alternative to the standard windows file manager. The program helps you with daily work in Windows. Here you can find all the necessary functions to manage your data stock.

Cyberduck - A libre FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, Backblaze B2, Azure & OpenStack Swift browser.

Double Commander - Double Commander is a cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side.

Transmit - Transmit is an FTP client for Mac OS X and Mac OS Classic (which is unsupported).