gFTP
gFTP is a free file transfer client for *NIX-based machines, known to run on Linux distributions.
What gFTP is
gFTP is a free file transfer client for *NIX-based machines, known to run on Linux distributions. It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP, so users can work with several transfer protocols in one client. gFTP provides both a GTK interface and a text interface, launched with the `gftp-gtk` and `gftp-text` commands. The text interface can download a directory and its subdirectories in one run, and the client supports transfer automation. SSH2 SFTP requires the OpenSSH client. For FTPS servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ describes disabling SSL peer verification or adding the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory. gFTP stores settings and bookmarks under its configuration directory in line with the XDG Base Directory Specification. It logs log-window contents to `gftp.log` and clears that file at startup. The project lists 56 language translations and directs bug reports to GitHub issues.
Good
- Free to use.
- Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and FSP.
- Offers GTK and text interfaces.
- Text mode can download directory trees.
- Lists 56 language translations.
Watch out
- Known to run on Linux distributions.
- SFTP requires the OpenSSH client.
- Startup purges the log file.
Who it suits
gFTP suits Linux users who need a free file transfer client with graphical and text interfaces. It may also fit users who want to automate transfers or download directory trees from the text interface.
Verdict
gFTP combines several transfer protocols with graphical and text interfaces. Check the OpenSSH requirement for SFTP and the certificate options for self-signed FTPS servers before connecting.
Plans and prices
From gFTP's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| gFTP | Free | Free file transfer client |
The facts
Each one read from gFTP's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Bug reports
- The project directs users to its GitHub issues page for bug reports.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Build
- The documented build process uses Meson and Ninja, with GTK 3 as the default UI build.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- gFTP follows the XDG Base Directory Specification and stores its settings and bookmarks under the gftp configuration directory.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- It provides GTK and text interfaces, available through the gftp-gtk and gftp-text commands.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Logs
- The FAQ says gFTP logs the log-window contents to gftp.log and purges that file when the program starts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Protocol coverage
- multi-protocolchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Protocols
- It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- gFTP is a free, multithreaded file transfer client for *NIX based machines.checked 9 Oct 2026
- SFTP requirement
- SSH2 SFTP support requires the OpenSSH client.checked 9 Oct 2026
- TLS certificate setting
- For FTPS connections to servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ says to disable SSL peer verification or add the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Transfer automation
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Transfers
- The text interface can download directories and their subdirectories in one run.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Translations
- The project describes gFTP as having 56 language translations available.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform
- The project says gFTP is known to run on Linux distributions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- linuxchecked 20 Sep 2026
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