shouldiuse.io

VERDICT

Should I use WinSCP - Free SFTP and FTP client?

WinSCP is a free file manager for Windows supporting FTP, SFTP, S3 and WebDAV. - winscp.net

Worth it. Use it: a free, open-source, scriptable Windows file-transfer client that IT communities keep recommending. Skip it if you are on Mac/Linux, need vendor support, or need managed, audited transfers.

Confidence

Medium. Based on 14 public sources — mostly community threads and software directories; no formal review ratings found.

Ratings

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Feature depth
  • Support qualityNo support evidence in sources
  • Security posture

Pricing

$0

WinSCP

ModelNot disclosed
Monthly feesNot disclosed
HardwareNot disclosed
Free tierYes

Best for

  • Windows sysadmins
  • Self-hosters
  • Devs scripting transfers
  • Zero-budget teams

Not for

  • Mac or Linux shops
  • Buyers wanting vendor SLAs and support contracts
  • Guess: compliance-heavy teams needing managed, audited transfer platforms

Gotchas - check before you buy

medium

No security page surfaced; vet releases yourself before a wide rollout.

low

Windows-only; mixed-OS teams need a second client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.

low

Automation runs through the .NET assembly on Windows only.

low

Free product means no vendor support; plan on community forums and docs.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source, no paid tiers.
  • Supports SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, S3, and WebDAV.
  • Automatable via .NET assembly for scripted transfers.
  • Portable version runs from a USB drive.
  • Widely recommended in IT admin communities for SFTP work.

Cons

  • Windows-only; no Mac or Linux version.
  • Open-source project: support is community docs and forums, no vendor SLA.
  • No dedicated security page surfaced in sources reviewed.

Sources & method

Analyzed 9/25/2026 - 10 sources - No known vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.

official x1review x8security x1

Key stats

  • Value for money: 5/5

    Rating

  • $0

    Starting price

  • 10

    Sources

  • Analyzed

  • Value for money: 5/5. Entirely free and open-source
  • Ease of use: 4/5. User-friendly GUI with built-in editor
  • Feature depth: 4/5. Six protocols plus .NET automation
  • Support quality. No support evidence in sources
  • Security posture: 3/5. SSH encryption focus; no audit data found
  • $0 Price Free and open-source
  • Windows only Platforms No Mac/Linux builds
  • 6 Protocols SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, S3, WebDAV
  • Yes Portable version Runs from a USB drive

Pricing

WinSCP

$0

  • Full SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, S3, WebDAV client
  • Open source, Windows
  • .NET automation included

Security

No known vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.

What users say

IT pros, self-hosters, and hobbyists repeatedly recommend WinSCP as a reliable free SFTP client, often alongside or instead of FileZilla.

“Try using WinSCP. Graphical file explorer with a built in file editor. Uses the same ID/password as Putty.”
Sovol 3D user forum
“Power users can automate WinSCP using .NET assembly.”
The Self-Hosting Blog

Companies that use it

  • Marquette University
  • Rényi Institute
Full analysis

Based on 14 public sources — mostly community threads and software directories; no formal review ratings found.

Free, open-source Windows client for SFTP/FTP/S3/WebDAV that IT admins keep recommending. Mac/Linux and compliance teams: look elsewhere.

Methodology

Based on 14 public sources — mostly community threads and software directories; no formal review ratings found.

Sources

  1. WinSCP official sitewinscp.net
    official
  2. WinSCP security pagewinscp.net
    security
  3. WinSCP - Free Portable SFTP FTP Clientpendriveapps.com
    review
  4. Best FTP Clients & Software for MAC & Windows 2026hostingclues.com
    review
  5. The 7 best FTP Clients in 2022 for Windows 10quikbox.com
    review
  6. Favorite User Friendly FTP Client - Spiceworkscommunity.spiceworks.com
    review
  7. FTP Software Recommendation - Epicor ERP usersepiusers.help
    review
  8. Setting up a Valheim server using Dockertheselfhostingblog.com
    review
  9. Top 12 FileZilla Alternatives for Secure File Transferzerodollartips.com
    review
  10. Ftp Software: Top Picks (2026)wifitalents.com
    review

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