Best Cyberduck Alternatives for Mac

avatar
Written by
Updated on: March 25, 2025
Time to read: 11 minutes
thumbnail

FTP clients are essential for anyone looking for an effective way to move files around. As a result, there are loads of FTP client for Mac options on the market. While plenty of them have lots of great features, others may not be exactly what you’re looking for.

The best FTP client offers high speeds, as well as versatility and support for multiple different protocols. Perhaps most importantly, a good FTP client has high levels of security, guaranteeing that all data is kept safe at all times in macOS.

Learn More About the Best Cyberduck Alternatives:

User scenario:

I need an app that can do FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Backblaze and a few other services. I've used Cyberduck in the past. Seems even though the newest version is still open source, there is a small amount of nagware in it. I have no issue throwing some money at the developer for writing a good app. But I'm curious if there is something out there that's better?
— from Reddit

What is Cyberduck?

Cyberduck is a convenient and modern FTP client with an intuitive interface, designed for ordinary users. The app is able to connect to remote servers using various protocols, and also allows you to work with Google Drive, Dropbox, and other popular cloud services. If you wish, you can use the built-in Cryptomator tool and enable end-to-end encryption for all transferred files.

Cyberduck allows you to quickly move files across your Mac.

However, for those who find Cyberduck’s functionality insufficient or for any other reasons are not fond of the app and want to try something similar, we have gathered the list of Cyberduck for Mac alternatives for your consideration.

Commander One – Best Alternative to Cyberduck for Mac Users

Commander One is the ideal Cyberduck alternative for Mac users. It offers everything that Cyberduck Mac provides, plus a whole lot more.

To start with, it supports a range of different file transfer protocols, including FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, giving you top flexibility. One of the most useful features is the way that it lets you access your cloud storage in the same way as you would a drive. Everything is integrated into macOS, meaning that you can use the same search functions and easily move between drives and cloud folders.

Commander One also provides you with multiple connections, meaning that you can easily move files between your cloud storage and multiple different devices at once. And in terms of security, Commander One offers top encryption methods to keep all data secure. All files and folders can be automatically or manually encrypted, for safe transport between different locations.

Commander One is free dual panel file manager for Mac.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Top-level encryption
  • Integration into drive library
  • Multiple connections to manage between more than one device.

Cons

  • Need to pay to unlock all features.

OS: macOS
Price: Free, Pro version is for $29.99
User rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Capterra

Commander One is easy to use. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Download the installer, and install Commander One.

2. Open the app.

3. Open the connections manager. You can either use Command + F + Hotkey, click on the Toolbar icon, or select Connection Manager from the Window menu.

4. Select the FTP icon, and fill out the boxes with relevant information on name, server, login, and port.

5. Select either active or passive connection.

6. Enter the remote path to determine where files will be stored.

7. Click connect, and Commander One will be able to start moving files around.

More Cyberduck Alternatives for Your Mac

FileZilla

You may have already heard of FileZilla, as it’s one of the FTP clients that’s been around for ages. Part of its popularity is due to the fact that it’s open-source, meaning that it’s free and benefits from regular plugins and upgrades.

Otherwise, FileZilla Mac is a pretty straightforward tool for moving files from place to place. It doesn’t offer much in the way of power or extras, and the interface has barely been updated over the course of years. But it’s functional enough if you’re looking for the bare basics.

FileZilla is a free and open-source, cross-platform FTP application, consisting of FileZilla Client and FileZilla Server.

Pros

  • Open-source
  • Easy to use
  • Support for FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and other file transfer protocols
  • Remote file editing
  • Transfer queue.

Cons

  • Outdated interface.

OS: cross-platform
Price: free version is available, Pro costs $19.99
User rating: 4.5 out of 5 on G2

Rclone

Rclone is a Cyberduck alternative that’s definitely not for everyone. While it does function as a FTP tool, it’s reliant on command line programming. This means that if you’re not familiar with command-line interfaces, you’ll have an uphill struggle getting much out of it.

Beyond that, it offers the same stuff as most of the other options we’ve looked at. It’s compatible with a range of cloud storage and has plenty of additional features such as timestamps and compression. But unless you’re set on an FTP tool that makes use of command line, there’s no real reason to choose it.

Rclone is an open source, multi threaded, command line computer program to manage or migrate content on cloud and other high latency storage.

Pros

  • Has plenty of additional features
  • Compatible with a range of cloud storage
  • Provides built-in encryption
  • Can mount remote storage as a virtual disk.

Cons

  • Reliant on command line programming.

OS: cross-platform
Price: free
User rating: 4.4 out of 5 on AlternativeTo

Transmit 5

Transmit 5 offers plenty of functionality and decent compatibility with a range of different cloud systems. The latest update has added an additional 11 new services. Transmit has a number of useful features, including the option for automatic syncing between cloud services and your devices.

It can also mount SFTPs which is a useful addition. Transmit doesn’t come free, you need to pay for a subscription. But it does offer plenty of straightforward tools for anyone who needs solid protocols and good file management.

It is better to subscribe immediately, because the free version is very limited.

Pros

  • Mounts SFTP
  • Recently released the latest update
  • Has automatic syncing between cloud services and your devices.

Cons

  • Need to pay for a subscription.

OS: macOS 
Price: $45
User rating: 4.4 out of 5 on Mac App Store

ForkLift 4

ForkLift is a straightforward Cyberduck alternative client that offers all the basics. You can move files around with zero difficulty, and also set up syncing options to ensure that your cloud storage and devices are kept in sync.

ForkLift also lets you connect to a wide range of different storage options, and also has options for mounting devices. The latest version has been rewritten entirely in Swift, boosting usability. All in all, it’s a fairly versatile tool that has a number of useful options.

ForkLift is one of the best alternatives of Cyberduck.

Pros

  • Allows to set up syncing options between cloud storages and devices
  • The latest version has been rewritten in Swift
  • Handles FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, and other cloud services
  • Provides efficient synch between local and remote directories.

Cons

  • Only demo version available for free.

OS: macOS 
Price: from $19.95 to $69.95 per year
User rating: 4.4 out of 5 on CNET

CrossFTP Pro

CrossFTP Pro is an FTP client that supports Amazon S3, FTP, SFTP, FXP, WebDAV, and iDisk. The app uses a two-pane interface so that a novice user can get the hang of it in minutes. This Cyberduck FTP Mac alternative will satisfy the needs of both casual and advanced users. Tabs, batch transfer, password encryption, quick search, and other useful features are available in the application. What is also worth mentioning is the live editing of the files supported by the app. All the editing made to the files is automatically saved to the server with no need to perform it manually.

CrossFTP Pro

Pros

  • Support for file synchronization
  • Support for files download according to the schedule
  • Ability to work with lots of Internet protocols
  • Support for various encodings
  • Ability to connect to multiple servers at the same.

Cons

  • Old - antiquated interface
  • Issues with downloads pausing
  • Java installer is required to install the app.

OS: macOS, Windows
Price: free, Pro version is 24.99$
User rating: 3.3 out of 5 on CNET

Viper FTP

Viper FTP is quite a powerful Cyberduck for Mac alternative that has combined the convenience of file management and the ease of usage. The distinguishing feature of this app is definitely its huge user interface. Despite that, even a newbie won’t find any difficulties in understanding all its principles. Viper FTP works with the files stored not only on the remote servers and cloud computing services but also with the local files. In addition, there are many unique features missing in other file managers for Mac.

Viper FTP.

Pros

  • Support for both local file encryption and decryption
  • Support for a preview for local and remote files
  • Ability to scan FTP servers
  • Trace log for each file transfer.

Cons

  • Accidental crashes when establishing connections
  • Issues with a slow transfer of some files.

OS: macOS
Price: from $35 to $249 for lifetime license
User rating: 3.6 out of 5 on Mac App Store

Classic FTP

Classic FTP is known for its stability, affordability, and user-friendly interface. It is one of the best Cyberduck for Mac free alternatives as it comes packed with many useful features, such as a file drag sync tool, support for secure FTP (SSL), compatibility with all popular FTP servers, and a simple setup wizard. The distinguishing feature of this app is its ability to scan both local and remote folders and upload the missing files to the remote folders (if any). Besides that, the app runs on both Windows and macOS.

Classic FTP.

Pros

  • Cross-platform app
  • Intuitive interface
  • Support for drag-and-drop option
  • Fast file uploading/downloading.

Cons

  • Supports work with remote servers only
  • Text editor feature is missing.

OS: macOS, Windows
Price: free
User rating: 3 out of 5 on CNET

Comparing Table of the Best Cyberduck Mac Alternatives

Top features Commander One CloudMounter
 Cyberduck FileZilla ForkLift Transmit Viper FTP CrossFTP Classic FTP
Easy-to-use interface
Support for SFTP
Files encryption Only on the local disk, not on the server Doesn’t work correctly
Drag and drop files
Ability to change files directly on the server
Queuing file operations
Ability to synchronize folders
Archive files without manual downloading Doesn’t work with SFTP
Automatic reconnection to the server
Support for 3rd-party file editing software
Hotkey support
Support for WebDAV PRO version
Support for cloud connections PRO version Several connections
Price Free/ PRO $29.99  Free/ PRO $29.99 Free Donate Free/PRO $19.99 from $19.95 $45 from $35 free/PRO 24.99$ free
Popular Articles
File management

How to browse files on Mac

January 17, 2025
Commander One
File management

Finder alternative: the list of best file managers for Mac

April 4, 2025
Commander One
Compare File management

Top 6 FileZilla alternatives for Mac

January 16, 2025

Conclusion

That’s pretty much everything you need to know about the available Cyberduck alternative options. There are plenty to choose from, depending on your requirements, and the above options are some of the best ones out there.

We’re comfortable recommending Commander One as potentially the best option instead of Cyberduck for Mac. It’s got a huge range of different features, great usability, and it’s extremely versatile. With many people using multiple devices, and multiple different cloud storages, a tool like Commander One has never been more vital. If you’re looking for the best Cyberduck alternative, it’s worth checking out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commander One is one of the best FTP client for Mac alternatives to Cyberduck. The other options we’ve looked at above are also recommended, depending on what you need.

Unfortunately no. Instead of Cyberduck, you can use FileZilla alternative app available on a range of different operating systems, including Linux.

Cyberduck is safe, but if you’re going to use it, ensure that you download it from a reliable site, such as the home page.