Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

WinSCP VS sshfs

Compare WinSCP VS sshfs and see what are their differences

WinSCP logo WinSCP

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

sshfs logo sshfs

This is a filesystem client based on the SSH File Transfer Protocol.
  • WinSCP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12
  • sshfs Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26

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.

sshfs features and specs

  • Remote File Access
    SSHFS allows you to mount remote directories over SSH, enabling seamless access to files on a remote server as if they were on your local machine.
  • Security
    Relying on SSH for data transmission ensures encrypted and secure communication between the client and server, protecting against eavesdropping and tampering.
  • Ease of Use
    Setting up SSHFS is straightforward for those already familiar with SSH, making it a convenient solution for remote file handling without needing additional configurations.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    SSHFS can be used across various Unix-like systems and has ports for macOS and Windows, offering broad compatibility for different environments.
  • Portability
    As SSHFS builds on SSH, it can be used almost anywhere SSH is available, providing flexibility in working across different networks and setups.

Possible disadvantages of sshfs

  • Performance
    Since SSHFS relies on SSH for data transfer, it may not perform as well as traditional network file systems, particularly over high-latency connections.
  • Limited Functionality
    SSHFS might not support all functionalities of a full-fledged network file system, such as advanced file locking mechanisms or sophisticated permission management.
  • Dependency on SSH
    The effectiveness of SSHFS is contingent upon SSH configurations and permissions, which can limit usability if not properly set up.
  • Potential Security Risks
    If SSH access is compromised or not sufficiently secured, the data accessed over SSHFS is at risk, underscoring the need for robust SSH security practices.
  • Mount Stability
    In the event of network interruptions or SSH session drops, SSHFS mounts can become unstable or unresponsive, requiring remounting or manual intervention.

WinSCP videos

WinSCP review

More videos:

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

sshfs videos

Mounting Remote Filesystems With SSHFS

More videos:

  • Review - sshfs - Mount Network Share over SSH - Linux CLI
  • Review - Hak5 - Build Secure Online Storage - SSHFS, File Systems, Fuse and Userland, Hak5 1111 part1

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WinSCP and sshfs)
FTP Client
83 83%
17% 17
File Transfer
93 93%
7% 7
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 sshfs

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

sshfs Reviews

We have no reviews of sshfs yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, WinSCP should be more popular than sshfs. It has been mentiond 63 times since March 2021. 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

sshfs mentions (34)

  • Sshfs for Windows
    What are you basing that on? It had a release in 2022 and last commit is 7 months old. It probably hasn't needed any new features in a while. I'm not sure how often it would need security updates. Ah, I see now there's a note in the README[0]. It sounds more like it's in maintenance mode / understaffed than completely abandoned, but I suppose it's worth being aware of. Sshfs has been a killer feature for me on my... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • How do you setup your gnome extension development environment?
    Sshfs - allows us mount a remote filesystem using SFTP. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • The Cheapest NAS
    I use sshfs. If you can login via ssh then you can mount the remote server through ssh as a local drive. https://github.com/libfuse/sshfs For added security I limit my home ssh access to a handful of trusted IPs including my cloud VM. Then I set up an ssh tunnel from my hotel through the cloud VM to home. The cloud VM never sees my password / key. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Rclone syncs your files to cloud storage
    > It's replaced sshfs for some cases. I'd been using sshfs for some years until I learned that rclone can mount remotes to the file system, and I've been using that happily since then. https://rclone.org/commands/rclone_mount/ > at present SSHFS does not have any active, regular contributors, and there are a number of known issues - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • A currently maintained fork of SSHFS
    Interesting, I alaways assumed sshfs was part of OpenSSH, learn something new every day. Also, looks like sshfs used in Slackware is abandoned. https://github.com/libfuse/sshfs A quote from the link, I wonder if this project will be the 'one': >If you would like to take over this project, you are welcome to do so. Please fork it and develop the fork for a while. Once... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing WinSCP and sshfs, 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.

Rclone - rsync for cloud storage.

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

WinFsp - WinFsp, Windows File System Proxy, is a set of software components for Windows computers that...

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

SSHFS-Win - SSHFS-Win is a minimal port of SSHFS to Windows.