Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

WinSCP VS Cyberduck

Compare WinSCP VS Cyberduck and see what are their differences

WinSCP logo WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source free SFTP client and FTP client for Windows.

Cyberduck logo Cyberduck

A libre FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, Backblaze B2, Azure & OpenStack Swift browser.
  • WinSCP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12
  • Cyberduck Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-12

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.

Cyberduck features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Cyberduck features a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and manage files across different cloud storage services and servers.
  • Wide Protocol Support
    The software supports a variety of protocols including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, OpenStack Swift, and Backblaze B2, making it versatile for different needs.
  • Open Source
    Cyberduck is open-source, which means it is freely available and continuously improved by a community of developers.
  • Integration with External Editors
    Cyberduck allows seamless integration with various external editors, enabling users to edit files directly on the server.
  • Bookmark Management
    The application offers robust bookmark management, allowing users to easily save and organize frequently accessed locations.
  • Strong Security Features
    Cyberduck includes strong security features such as support for SSH keys, two-factor authentication, and encrypted transfers with TLS/SSL.

Possible disadvantages of Cyberduck

  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as slow transfer speeds and occasional freezes, especially when handling large files.
  • Resource Intensive
    Cyberduck can be resource-intensive, consuming a considerable amount of system memory and CPU, which can affect the performance of other applications.
  • Limited Support for Automation
    Unlike some other file transfer tools, Cyberduck lacks extensive built-in scripting or automation capabilities, which could be a drawback for power users looking to automate file operations.
  • Complex Initial Setup
    For users who are not familiar with the protocols supported, the initial setup and configuration can be confusing and time-consuming.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have experienced occasional stability issues, including unexpected crashes or connection drops during transfers.

WinSCP videos

WinSCP review

More videos:

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

Cyberduck videos

How to Use Cyberduck FTP Client

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WinSCP and Cyberduck)
FTP Client
56 56%
44% 44
File Transfer
54 54%
46% 46
Cloud Storage
0 0%
100% 100
SFTP Client
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 WinSCP and Cyberduck

WinSCP Reviews

10 Best PuTTY Alternatives To Try in 2024
If you’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 – 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 isn’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

Cyberduck Reviews

10 Best FTP Clients for WordPress Users (Mac and Windows)
Cyberduck doesn’t provide support for Linux, but Mac and Windows users find it rather simple to use and fast for transferring files to and from local and remote locations. Feel free to download the FTP client from the Cyberduck website or you have options for downloads on the Microsoft and Mac App Stores.
Source: kinsta.com
15 Best Rclone Alternatives 2022
Furthermore, Cyberduck integrates with Cryptomator – one of the rclone alternatives mentioned earlier. With the Cryptomator integration, you get access to extra features like filename encryption and file content encryption.
7 Best FileZilla Alternatives to Use in 2022
Cyberduck offers a clean user interface which is very easy to use. Most of the web developers use Cyberduck FTP client. However, it is recommended for Mac users, which can be accessed for free. Using this app is completely free, and the users can donate to developers if they want to. This program works on Mac as well as Windows OS.
Source: techdator.net
6 FileZilla Alternatives for Safe File Transfers
While managing files can be challenging, searching for files with Cyberduck is easy and viewing them in Quick Look is as simple as pressing the spacebar. Cyberduck is also compatible with external editors, so you can open and edit files in any third-party editor. Whether you prefer TextWrangler, TextEdit, or Sublime Text, you’ll still be able to edit your files.
7 FileZilla Alternatives: What Type of FTP Client Are You Looking for?
Users today, like Cyberduck because it has a more modern look and is compatible with cloud services. While it is easy to use, Cyberduck doesn’t leave out the basics like search, resume, and drag & drop file management. Cyberduck is free to download and use, but they do ask for donations to help continue developing and supporting the product.

Social recommendations and mentions

Cyberduck might be a bit more popular than WinSCP. We know about 72 links to it since March 2021 and only 63 links to WinSCP. 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.

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 / 12 months 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 DevOps🚀
    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 / over 1 year 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: almost 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: almost 2 years ago
View more

Cyberduck mentions (72)

  • Use CLI on any OS to read-write your iPhone folders (without cloud or cable)
    The WebDAV server is Class 1 compliant (Basic), compatible with WebDAV clients like Cyberduck, rclone (GUI & CLI, available on macOS, Windows, and Linux), etc. This guide will use Cyberduck, but rclone works too. - Source: dev.to / 10 days ago
  • Getting Files from Point A to B: A Developer’s Guide to FTP
    Cyberduck: Nice macOS support, also handles SFTP. - Source: dev.to / 18 days ago
  • Show HN: DrawDB – open-source online database diagram editor (a retro)
    Or could they just reach out to contributors and ask them to help? Or here’s another route: sell “licenses” regardless of the actual license. I think https://cyberduck.io/ has this: you can donate and get a key that removes the donation nag. You can’t go after the pirates, but would you really want to spend your time on that? (Of course, I would still reach out to the contributors first, explain the situation and... - Source: Hacker News / 23 days ago
  • VSCode's SSH Agent Is Bananas
    > I distinctly remember seeing some program that was named something duck-related but for the life of me I can't remember any other specifics cyberduck - https://cyberduck.io/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Supabase Storage: now supports the S3 protocol
    Cyberduck: a cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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.

Forklift - The most advanced dual pane file manager and file transfer client for macOS.

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

CuteFTP - CuteFTP is a file transfer software engine that provides secure, simple, and powerful file transfers for people all over the world. CuteFTP is a multi-platform software available for Windows and Mac OS. Read more about CuteFTP.

SmartFTP - . Backblaze B2, Google Drive, OneDrive, SSH, Terminal client. It allows you to transfer files between your local computer and a server on the Internet.

Azure File Storage - Try Azure File Storage for managed file shares that use standard SMB 3.0 protocol. Share data with on-premises and cloud servers, integrate with apps, and more.