FTP Client to Use for a WordPress Website

When it comes to managing your WordPress website, choosing the perfect FTP client is one of the most important steps. The right application can help you streamline your file management tasks, making the whole process more efficient and easier.

In this article, we are going to explain which FTP client you should use for a WordPress website. While the final decision depends on your personal preferences, we have outlined some important factors below that can help you make an informed choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a FTP Client for WordPress

Before you choose an FTP client for WordPress, there are multiple things you need to take into consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Ease of Use

One of the most important factors to consider, especially if you’re a beginner, is how easy it is to use the application. An FTP client shouldn’t make it too challenging to transfer files from other sources to your server. It should have a user-friendly interface so you can conveniently navigate its features and move your files from one source to another.

The easier it is to configure settings and transfer files, the more efficient your workflow will be.

2. Security

Another thing you want to look at is how secure the FTP client is. Does it offer AES-256 encryption? What authentication methods does it offer? Does it support FTPS or SFTP? Does it have password encryption? 

These are all important factors to consider when evaluating the security of an FTP client. You’re going to be transferring a lot of files to and from your WordPress website, so it’s essential to ensure that your data remains safe at all times.

3. OS Compatibility

An FTP client for Mac will be very different from one that’s designed for Windows PCs. Some, like CloudMounter and FileZilla, work on both macOS and Windows, while others, like Commander One, are exclusive to one operating system.

You need to make sure that the FTP client you want to use is fully compatible with your system and meets all the necessary requirements.

4. Features

You need to check what sort of features you get with the FTP client. Does it have an integrated text editor? Does it support other protocols and cloud storage services like Google Drive and Amazon S3? Does it offer all the essential file management operations like cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete?

Many FTP clients provide bonus features. For example, Commander One has a dual-pane interface, which allows you to interact with two storages at the same time. This way, you can easily transfer files from one service, such as Google Drive, to another, i.e., your FTP server.

You can usually find more information about the features of an FTP client on its official site.

5. Price

While most FTP clients are free to use, some may require you to purchase a premium membership to unlock all features. You could simply use a free and open-source FTP application, but it’s worth considering if the additional features of premium options suit your needs.

Most FTP apps have a one-time fee, so you can enjoy premium features without worrying about recurring expenses.

Pick the Right FTP Client for Your Site

Now that you know what factors you need to think about, you are ready to choose an FTP client for your WordPress site. It’s an important milestone in ensuring that you can easily transfer all your files and manage your website without any hiccups.

Many apps offer a free trial version, so we recommend trying them out before committing.