Is there any advantage in using WS_FTP Pro over Filezilla

[UKSBD]

Despite Filezilla being free I've always used WS_FTP Pro over the years, mainly due to habit really and never having a problem with it.

With the cost of the latest version being over £50 though, is there really any justification for sticking with it?

Is there anything in WS_FTP Pro that justifies the cost, or do they just rely on people like me staying with it thorough habit and laziness to switch?

 

[RichardfromOquile]

WS_FTP Pro has some features FileZilla doesn't so it depends if you use these.
Uploading to multiple locations simultaneously might be handy feature.

In terms of security and speed I doubt there will be a difference.

 

[nahosting]

We have always used and recommend Filezilla to our clients. Unless you use the extra features they is no real reason to stick with WS_FTP Pro.

 

[arnydnxluk]

IMO, when it comes to software, it's more about what you're comfortable and most productive using. If you're happy using WS_FTP and don't mind paying the price, stick with it. But since you're already considering your options, I'm guessing you're not too happy about the price! You might as well install Filezilla and see if it fits your needs - you have nothing to lose by trying it out.

I would imagine they rely on customers paying/renewing because 1) the customer is happy and productive with the interface of this particular software 2) some customers may like the idea of commercially developed software, although realistically something open source and widely used is going to be more secure 3) laziness!!

Personally, I couldn't imagine paying for an FTP client as there are some great free options.

 

[UKSBD]

IMO, when it comes to software, it's more about what you're comfortable and most productive using. If you're happy using WS_FTP and don't mind paying the price, stick with it. But since you're already considering your options, I'm guessing you're not too happy about the price! You might as well install Filezilla and see if it fits your needs - you have nothing to lose by trying it out.

I already have Filezilla on-back up PC's and on this one too, occasionally use it, but much prefer WS_FTP

Whether that is just habit and familiarity I don't know.

I tend to get latest versions when I get new PC's so an extra £30 - £50 doesn't really make a lot of difference then.

Problem this time is they say the version I am currently using is unsupported from May, which means I either; upgrade, don't bother upgrading until I get new PC, switch.

It might even give me an excuse to get a new PC

 

[DesignForge]

Maybe also worth checking WinSCP.

I know you didn't ask about it but WinSCP is also free and I find it more reliable than Filezilla.

The problem with Filezilla is when I reach the server over SSH (sftp) it tends to "lose" connection over time (probably after putting my computer to sleep and restoring). I mean it looks like it is connected, I can browse folders but uploading doesn't work anymore. No such problems with WinSCP.

 

[arnydnxluk]

Maybe also worth checking WinSCP.

I know you didn't ask about it but WinSCP is also free and I find it more reliable than Filezilla.

Ahh, WinSCP is what I used on Windows, it's been a few years now so I couldn't remember. A big +1 for WinSCP, I remember not liking the OS X alternatives when I first hopped over to the dark side. I'm using Cyberduck now - available for Windows too but WinSCP was much nicer.

 

[Edith@TerraNetwork]

FileZilla stores information in plain text, so if your machine is compromised, it's very easy to get your FTP connection details & hack into your sites, for that reason I don't recommend it ever for anyone doing dev work.

 

[Bill1954]

I like Flash FXP
it gives the functionality to do remote site to site transfers.

 

[Cromulent]

FileZilla stores information in plain text, so if your machine is compromised, it's very easy to get your FTP connection details & hack into your sites, for that reason I don't recommend it ever for anyone doing dev work.

You do realise that FTP sends your passwords across the internet in plain text as well? You don't need to compromise a persons machine to get your FTP login details you just need to listen to all the packets they send.

This is why anyone who does website development professionally NEVER uses FTP. They always use SFTP instead which is encrypted and uses the OpenSSH server on the server to manage connections.

So basically a combination of SSH, SFTP and SCP replaces FTP so you never need to use it again. I never have FTP running on any of my servers for security reasons.

 

[arnydnxluk]

FTP isn't necessarily insecure, you can run FTP over SSL ("FTPS"). Personally, I agree with you and always prefer to use SFTP simply because additional server software isn't required and I already have the appropriate credentials.

 

[Nighthawk Software]

I tend to use WinSCP. I never did like Filezilla, the interface is far too cluttered for my liking. (at least last time I looked it was).

I've used SmartFTP before, which you need to pay for. It was good, but WinSCP does everything I need, and is free, so no point paying for anything else.

You may gain a few extra features when using a paid for solution, but 95% of the time you probably don't need anything other than standard file transfer.