FileZillaLinux
vs
FileZilla ProWindows
FileZilla as a Linux alternative to FileZilla Pro
Updated
Our verdict
FileZilla is a solid replacement for FileZilla Pro if you don't rely on its paid features. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, handles drag-and-drop, and includes a capable Site Manager. The core transfer, security, and browsing features work well on Linux. You lose cloud integrations, advanced automation, and some enterprise protocols available in Pro, but for typical file transfers and server management, the free client covers most needs. It's ideal for users who prioritize stability and open-source software over premium tooling.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.71.1 (August 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols
- Includes a Site Manager for multiple server profiles
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy transfers
- Supports resume and transfer of files >4 GB
- Provides directory comparison and synchronized browsing
What is different
- FileZilla lacks cloud storage connectors (e.g., S3, Azure) found in Pro
- No built-in automation, scripting, or batch job scheduling
- Missing advanced protocols like FTPES and WebDAV in Pro
- No command-line interface for scripting
- Pro-specific features like transfer rules and detailed reporting are absent
Opening your FileZilla Pro files
FileZilla uses XML for storing site configurations, and the format is compatible between the free client and FileZilla Pro. You can copy the sitemanager.xml file from a Pro installation to the config directory on Linux (~/.config/filezilla/) and it should load correctly. However, entries relying on Pro-only features (like cloud paths or automation rules) may not function. No known issues with basic site imports.
Switching from FileZilla Pro to FileZilla, step by step
- Install FileZilla via your package manager or Flathub
- Copy sitemanager.xml from Pro's config folder to ~/.config/filezilla/
- Launch FileZilla and verify your saved sites appear
- Test connections using FTPS and SFTP
- Set up speed limits and filename filters as needed
- Enable logging if required for audits or debugging
Key features of FileZilla
- Supports FTP, FTPS (FTP over TLS) and SFTP
- IPv6 and proxy (HTTP, SOCKS5, FTP) support
- Site Manager with transfer queue and speed limits
- Drag‑and‑drop, bookmark and filename filters
- Directory comparison and synchronized browsing
- Resume of large files >4 GB
- Remote file search and logging to file
- Multilingual interface
How to install FileZilla on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.filezillaproject.Filezillasudo apt install filezillasudo apt install filezillasudo dnf install filezillasudo pacman -S filezillasudo zypper install filezillaFrequently asked questions
Can I use FileZilla on Linux with the same sites as FileZilla Pro?
Yes, you can import your Site Manager entries by copying the sitemanager.xml file. Basic FTP, FTPS, and SFTP sites will work. Entries using Pro-only features may not function fully.
Does FileZilla support SFTP on Linux?
Yes, FileZilla supports SFTP natively on Linux. It uses libssh for secure connections and handles key authentication, including SSH agent integration.
Is there a command-line version of FileZilla?
No, FileZilla does not include a command-line interface. For scripting, consider using scp, sftp, or lftp alongside the FileZilla GUI for interactive tasks.
