Windows · Internet
Best Linux alternatives to FileZilla
FileZilla is a free, open‑source FTP/FTPS/SFTP client for Windows, macOS and Linux.
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Quick answer
The best Linux alternative to FileZilla is gFTP.
1 Linux alternatives to FileZilla
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gFTP is a free, multithreaded FTP client for Linux and other Unix-like systems.
gFTP can serve as a replacement for FileZilla for users who need basic FTP/FTPS/SFTP functionality on Linux. It provides a graphical GTK+ UI, multithreaded transfers, site bookmarks and a transfer queue, which covers the core use‑cases of most FileZilla users. Power users who rely on advanced site…
Feature parity78%
What is FileZilla?
FileZilla is a desktop client used to transfer files to and from remote servers via FTP, FTPS or SFTP. It is popular among web developers, system administrators and hobbyists who need a quick way to upload website assets, backup data, or manage remote file systems.
The software is released under the GPL, meaning it can be downloaded, used and modified without cost. A professional edition exists, but the core client remains completely free and open source.
Many Windows users look for a Linux alternative when they switch operating systems or prefer native Linux tools that integrate better with their desktop environment, avoid Wine overhead, and receive updates through their distro’s package manager.
What a replacement for FileZilla must do
- FTP, FTPS and SFTP support
- Graphical file browser with drag‑and‑drop
- Site manager for saved connections
- Transfer queue and resume capability
- Transfer speed display and logs
- Cross‑platform consistency
Can you run FileZilla on Linux?
FileZilla provides a native Linux client that can be installed from most distribution repositories or via the official website. No web version exists, and it does not require Wine, Proton or Bottles to run on Linux.
Which alternative should you choose?
For a straightforward, familiar interface, stick with the native FileZilla client. If you prefer a lighter, GTK‑based tool with a simpler UI, gFTP is a viable alternative.
Moving your FileZilla files and habits
Both FileZilla and gFTP store site configurations as plain text files, so you can copy the "FileZilla.xml" (or "sitemanager.xml") from Windows to the corresponding location in your Linux home directory. Transfer queues are not portable, but any saved bookmarks and credentials will work after you place the file in ~/.config/filezilla/.
FileZilla: frequently asked questions
Can FileZilla handle SFTP connections?
Yes, the client supports SFTP in addition to FTP and FTPS.
Is there a command‑line version for Linux?
FileZilla only provides a graphical client; for CLI you can use lftp or ncftp.
Do I need to run it as root to access local files?
No, the client runs under a regular user account; it only needs permission to read/write the files you select.
Will my saved sites transfer automatically?
Copy the XML configuration file from Windows to the same location on Linux and the sites will appear in the client.
How important is FileZilla to you?
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