Item: FileZilla
Rating: 10
Author: Dr Andy Teh

Overall Satisfaction with FileZilla

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

FileZilla provides a quick and easy way to access, transfer, and manage files on our AWS cloud server using SFTP with SSH2 key-based authentication—particularly when troubleshooting WordPress websites. For instance, when a plugin breaks a site, we use FileZilla to remove the problematic plugin and restore normal functionality. When website behavior is unexpected (such as malfunctioning drop-down menus in mobile mode), we use FileZilla to view and edit files. We also use FileZilla to back up WordPress files by downloading them to our local machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Removing a problematic WordPress plugin when it breaks a website
Editing files, e.g., the .htaccess file
Backing up WordPress files by dowloading them to our local machine
Uploading multiple favicon files

Cons

Filezilla meets all our needs from a file transfer protocol (FTP) client. There really isn't anything more or different we could want from this excellent software.

Return on Investment

Filezilla has been an invaluable tool in helping us troubleshoot problems on our servers and in restoring broken or non-functioning websites quickly. By minimizing the downtime of our websites, Filezilla helps to maintain our professional reputation and enables us to continue selling our digital products on our membership site.
Because Filezilla is free software, it helps to keep our software expenses manageable.

Usability

FileZilla offers many features that improve usability, such as an intuitive graphical user interface, drag-and-drop functionality, a Site Manager for storing connection details, quick reconnect options, and the ability to pause and resume transfers.

However, there is a learning curve associated with using FileZilla, making it less ideal for those who are unfamiliar with FTP/SFTP, servers, and file management.

Key Insights

Do you think FileZilla delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with FileZilla's feature set?

Yes

Did FileZilla live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of FileZilla go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy FileZilla again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Google Workspace, WordPress, GnuCash, DaVinci Resolve, OBS Studio, Vultr

Likelihood to Recommend

In our experience, Filezilla is ideal for quickly and securely accessing, transferring, or managing files on a server. While using Filezilla is fairly simple, having basic knowledge of FTP/SFTP, servers, and file management will be beneficial.
Filezilla may not be the best choice for complete beginners or in situations where users can transfer or manage files through existing solutions, like the File Manager in cPanel or Plesk.

Comments

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User-Friendly and Cost-Effective File Transfer Protocol Client