WinSCP alternative for Mac found

Mac users are often looking for reliable alternatives to popular Windows apps. WinSCP is one such app. Indeed, it’s great for file transfers using protocols like SFTP, FTP, and SCP. But because there’s no version for macOS, many people are searching for similar good options.

In this article, I’ll show you what I consider a great WinSCP alternative for Mac and provide you with options to choose from. 

Is there a WinSCP for Mac?

Simply put, there’s no WinSCP for macOS. The main reason is that WinSCP focuses on Windows users and hasn’t expanded into the Mac market yet. So, if you want to manage your file transfers on a Mac, you need to find a replacement.

To save you time, I have prepared a table with the applications and their features. Before reading the whole article, check out this quick overview of alternatives (some of them are really cool):

WinSCP macOS alternative	Superpowers
ForkLift	Dual pane view, cloud storage integration
Commander One	File compression, FTP/SFTP client
Path Finder	Advanced file management, Finder alternative, folder sync
DCommander	Dual-pane view, custom themes, outside storage assistance
Cyberduck	Easy-to-use interface, multiple protocols
Transmit	Two-facto login, edit permissions

If you want to know more about these apps before installing them on your MacBook, read on. I’ll point out their pros and cons, and you can make your decision after reading.

Best WinSCP alternatives for Mac

Here’s a list of the best WinSCP alternatives for Mac. I’ve tested them with my colleague and can now share our thoughts.

ForkLift — access multiple servers at once

The ForkLift tool stands out for its extensive support of various protocols — including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Rackspace, and plenty more. You can easily configure your preferred connections and access them directly from the menu bar.

Pros: 

• The dual-pane view is super handy for file transfers
• Lots of protocol support
• Cloud storage integration

Cons: 

• Too advanced features for beginners.
• Lack of customization

Commander One — powerful two-pane file manager

Commander One is my top pick for seamless cloud and server connections. It supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and WebDav, making it versatile for various needs. What I particularly appreciate is its task viewer, which allows you to function as both a file manager and an activity monitor.

Pros: 

• Has file compression options, which is nice
• The built-in FTP/SFTP client works well
• You can customize themes

Cons: 

• It may take time to get used to
• Steep learning curve

Are you a developer? You may also like “15 best Mac tools for developers.”

Path Finder — advanced file manager for techies

Path Finder is another great WinSCP equivalent for Mac. I really love how simple it is to use. Just right-click any file in the dual-pane file manager, then hit Upload to, and choose from FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Yep, it’s that easy! The app also has a Drop Stack for temporary files, lets you save tab groups, and more cool features.

Pros: 

• More features than Finder, which is great
• Easy to navigate with the dual-pane setup
• Good integration with cloud services

Cons: 

• Might feel complex for new users
• Can consume a significant amount of system resources

DCommander — smooth background manager

DCommander makes it super easy to connect to FTP, SFTP, and SCP drives, plus you can even peek at files that aren’t on your local machine. We really appreciate its smooth background file transfer feature, which means it won’t get in your way while you work.

Pros: 

• User-friendly and straightforward 
• Supports FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV
• Custom themes are a nice touch

Cons: 

• Fewer cloud service integrations
• Basic cloud integration

Cyberduck — file management for professionals

Cyberduck is a great alternative to WinSCP for Mac users. It works nicely for those just starting out and those who have been around for some time. The best part? It works with lots of protocols like FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV and even connects to cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Plus, Cyberduck has a neat interface and top-notch encryption features that really set it apart.

Pros:

• Handles multiple protocols and cloud services easily
• Works with Cryptomator for secure end-to-end encryption

Cons:

• Some users think it could use more advanced features for bigger businesses
• It might be a little sluggish when transferring large amounts of data

Price: Free, or you can donate to support the product.

Transmit — file transfer & multiple cloud servers

Transmit is another fantastic alternative to WinSCP for Mac users. The tool offers impressive transfer speeds and dependable performance. It also provides compatibility with FTP, SFTP, and popular cloud services like Amazon S3 and Google Drive. The intuitive design of Transmit makes it accessible for all users, while advanced features like batch transfers and synchronization tools are perfect for those who need more powerful functionalities.

Pros:

• Outstanding speed and reliability
• Supports various protocols and cloud storage options

Cons:

• It may offer more features than necessary for casual users

Price: $45 as a one-time purchase. 

How to choose the best WinSCP equivalent?

Not sure which app to go with? Here are some tips to help you find a good WinSCP alternative for your Mac:

• Know what you need: Figure out which features matter most to you, like file sync, cloud support, or working with different protocols.
• Check compatibility: Make sure the app works well with macOS and all your other Apple devices.
• Give it a try: Check free trials to test different apps and see which one fits your style best. Luckily, you can try most of the tools we mentioned at no cost. Check out ForkLift, PathFinder, DCommander, and Commander One — they’re on Setapp, and you can give them a go for 7 days without any limits. Plus, there are over 250 other apps available to help you with just about anything you can think of!

FAQs about WinSCP Alternatives for Mac