FileZilla -- Free and easy to use FTP program
January 23, 2019
FileZilla -- Free and easy to use FTP program
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with FileZilla
I personally use FileZilla for uploading files to and downloading files from our web server via FTP. FileZilla lets me queue up multiple files for upload/download and it is generally faster than logging into the server cPanel and using the file manager. FileZilla also provides a site manager which allows me to save credentials for multiple sites.
- Provides a simple layout with a two-pane interface that shows folders and files in a graphical directory tree structure
- Features drag and drop for uploading and downloading files - makes it quick to do so.
- The program notifies you when there are failed transfers. Makes it easier to avoid missing an upload.
- TLS connection issue -- by default when logging via FTP, FileZilla will force a connection with TLS, which is not supported on some servers, including one of ours.
- Lacks an in-program text editor -- you have to download files from the server and open them with a local program like Notepad to edit. Then you need to re-upload them.
- It seems like there are never-ending updates needed to the free version. I'm not sure these updates are product improvements versus a way to advertise their sponsors.
- FileZilla does save time when it comes to uploading files via FTP versus the cPanel file manager. The time difference isn't drastic, but it does have an impact.
- The existence of a free version of the software is nice -- saves a little money on costs.
Bulletproof FTP is similar to FileZilla in that it offers a two-pane window with a "file manager" style graphical user interface and a site manager for keeping track of server addresses and credentials. Many of the functionalities are also the same, such as allowing for queued uploads and downloads. The primary difference for me is the cost. Bulletproof FTP only provides a trial version which expires and then it costs a minimum of $45 to license their program for 1 year. FileZilla is free unless you buy their pro version, which is just $20. Notably, the only difference between FileZilla free and pro versions is that the pro version adds support for cloud storage protocols.