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WinSCP VS OpenSSH

Compare WinSCP VS OpenSSH and see what are their differences

WinSCP logo WinSCP

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

OpenSSH logo OpenSSH

OpenSSH is a free version of the SSH connectivity tools that technical users rely on.
  • WinSCP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12
  • OpenSSH Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

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.

OpenSSH features and specs

  • Security
    OpenSSH provides secure encrypted communications between two untrusted hosts over an insecure network, offering strong encryption standards and authentication mechanisms.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, OpenSSH is free to use and benefits from contributions and transparency from a wide community of developers and users.
  • Portability
    OpenSSH is highly portable and available across many operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a versatile tool for different environments.
  • Rich Feature Set
    In addition to basic SSH functionality, OpenSSH includes features like secure file transfer (SFTP and SCP), tunneling, forwarding, and key management.
  • Strong Community Support
    OpenSSH benefits from extensive community and developer support, ensuring regular updates, patches, and a wealth of documentation and user discussions.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSSH

  • Complexity
    Configuring and managing OpenSSH can be complex, especially for beginners, and requires a good understanding of security principles and SSH protocols.
  • Performance Overhead
    Encryption and decryption processes can introduce performance overhead, which can be a concern in environments with high traffic or limited resources.
  • Dependency on Proper Configuration
    The security of OpenSSH heavily depends on proper configuration; misconfigurations can lead to vulnerabilities, defeating the purpose of using a secure protocol.
  • Limited GUI Tools
    OpenSSH primarily operates via command-line interface (CLI), which may not be as user-friendly as graphical user interface (GUI) tools for some users.
  • Compatibility Issues
    While OpenSSH is highly portable, there can be compatibility issues with certain legacy systems or non-standard SSH implementations.

WinSCP videos

WinSCP review

More videos:

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

OpenSSH videos

Ubuntu Server 18.04 Administration Guide Part 02 - Securing OpenSSH

More videos:

  • Review - Linux Commands for Beginners 22 - Remote Management with OpenSSH

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WinSCP and OpenSSH)
FTP Client
100 100%
0% 0
SSH
31 31%
69% 69
File Transfer
100 100%
0% 0
Server Management
0 0%
100% 100

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 OpenSSH

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

OpenSSH Reviews

Top 10 Best MobaXterm Alternatives for Windows, macOS & Linux In 2021
OpenSSH is a safe and secure alternative to tools like MobaXterm (for which the password flows in clear on the network), however it is much more than that considering that it likewise permits to release remote commands (like rsh, or remsh), but also to transfer whole files or directories (like rcp). OpenSSH is available in the form of a daemon and a customer, the daemon...
30 best PuTTY alternatives for SSH clients for 2020
OpenSSH is a widely-used open source free emulator for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and iOS. It is protected by SSH and incorporates SCP and SFTP for file transfers.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, WinSCP seems to be a lot more popular than OpenSSH. While we know about 63 links to WinSCP, we've tracked only 1 mention of OpenSSH. 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 / about 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 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: about 2 years ago
View more

OpenSSH mentions (1)

  • is ssh (OpenSSH) impacted by CVE-2022-3786 and CVE-2022-3602
    I haven't found a clear answer to this. After checking openssh.com I haven't found any mention. Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing WinSCP and OpenSSH, 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.

Symantec Data Loss Prevention - Fully protect your data with the comprehensive detection technologies and unified policies of Symantec's industry leading Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

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

Microsoft BitLocker - BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature included with Windows Vista and later.

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

Paubox - Paubox provides HIPAA compliant email encryption without the hassle of extra steps.