FileZillaLinux
vs
WinSCP ProWindows
FileZilla as a Linux alternative to WinSCP Pro
Updated
Our verdict
FileZilla is a solid replacement for WinSCP Pro for users who primarily need a graphical SFTP/FTP client with drag-and-drop, scripting support, and secure transfers. It covers core needs like SFTP, FTPS, and FTP, supports key-based authentication, and allows remote file editing. While it lacks some advanced scripting and automation features of WinSCP Pro, it handles manual transfers, directory sync via comparison, and resume reliably. Best for Linux users who value open-source tools and don’t depend heavily on deep scripting or PuTTY integration.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.71.1 (August 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports SFTP, FTP, and FTPS with secure authentication (password, SSH keys)
- Graphical interface with drag-and-drop and directory comparison
- Remote file editing using external editors
- Resume and integrity checks for large file transfers (>4GB)
- Command-line interface and scripting capabilities via command-line options
What is different
- FileZilla has no built-in terminal or PuTTY integration like WinSCP Pro
- Scripting support in FileZilla is more limited and less documented
- No native support for syncing entire directory trees automatically
- WinSCP Pro offers more granular automation and registry-based configuration
- FileZilla uses its own XML-based Site Manager format, not directly compatible with WinSCP
Opening your WinSCP Pro files
FileZilla cannot directly open WinSCP Pro session files or configuration. Session data such as hostnames, ports, and login types must be manually re-entered in FileZilla’s Site Manager. There is no official import tool or conversion utility. Users migrating will need to export or document their WinSCP connections and recreate them manually. SSH key files (e.g., OpenSSH format) can usually be reused if already in compatible format.
Switching from WinSCP Pro to FileZilla, step by step
- Export your WinSCP site list or note down all server addresses, ports, and login types
- Install FileZilla from your distribution’s repository or Flathub
- Recreate saved sites in FileZilla’s Site Manager using the noted details
- Copy and convert SSH keys if not already in OpenSSH format
- Set external editor in FileZilla under Settings > File editing for remote editing
- Test connections and adjust transfer settings like speed limits and resume
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 FileZilla use my existing WinSCP SSH keys?
Yes, if your SSH keys are in OpenSSH format (common on Linux), FileZilla can use them directly. PuTTY-formatted keys (PPK) must be converted using PuTTYgen or used via an SSH agent.
Does FileZilla support automated file transfers like WinSCP Pro?
FileZilla has basic command-line support for scripted transfers, but it’s less powerful and less documented than WinSCP’s scripting engine. For complex automation, consider using lftp, sftp, or rsync instead.
Is directory synchronization as strong in FileZilla as in WinSCP Pro?
FileZilla offers directory comparison with color highlighting, but not full automated sync. You must manually confirm file transfers. For full sync, use rsync over SSH instead.
3 other alternatives to WinSCP Pro
KrusaderKrusader is a free, dual‑pane file manager for KDE that emulates Norton/Total Commander with advanced…Open sourceFreeKrusader vs WinSCP Pro
NautilusNautilus (Files) is GNOME's default graphical file manager for browsing local and remote storage.Open sourceFreeNautilus vs WinSCP Pro