Cyberduck FTP SFTP Tool

Cyberduck Editor’s Review

Cyberduck is a mature, open-source file transfer and cloud storage client from iterate GmbH that combines a clean, accessible interface with enterprise-grade connectivity. Available for macOS and Windows and complemented by the command-line tool “duck,” it bridges local workflows and major cloud providers — from Amazon S3 and Microsoft Azure Blob Storage to Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, OpenStack Swift, Dropbox, OneDrive, and standard FTP/SFTP/WebDAV servers.

Connectivity and Protocol Coverage

Cyberduck stands out for breadth and depth of protocol support. Whether you need SFTP for secure server access, WebDAV for web-based content, or S3-compatible object storage for large-scale cloud workflows, Cyberduck centralizes connections with a unified bookmarking system, profile settings, and support for region and endpoint configuration for custom S3-compatible services.

Security and Encryption

Security is built into core workflows. Cyberduck uses SFTP, SSL/TLS and supports server key verification, client-side certificate authentication, and integration with the macOS Keychain and Windows Credential Manager for secure credential storage. For end-to-end encryption of file contents, Cyberduck integrates with Cryptomator, enabling client-side vaults that keep your data encrypted before it leaves your device.

File Management and Productivity

Everyday file tasks are fast and familiar: drag-and-drop transfers, recursive folder uploads/downloads, directory synchronization, and transfer queuing with pause/resume. The editor integration opens remote files in your preferred local editor and saves changes back to the server transparently. Quick Look previews (macOS) and metadata editing for object storage add further convenience for content-heavy workflows.

Cloud Features and Enterprise Functionality

Beyond basic transfers, Cyberduck exposes cloud-native features: set and edit object metadata, configure storage classes and server-side encryption options for S3, and manage buckets/containers. It supports multipart and large-file uploads to improve reliability and performance on unstable networks. S3 IAM credential profiles, role chaining, and support for custom endpoints make it suitable for cloud and hybrid deployments.

Performance, Reliability, and Automation

Transfer performance is solid for typical workloads. Cyberduck handles parallel transfers and multipart uploads to maximize throughput. For automation and scripting, the “duck” CLI provides headless access to the same backend, enabling scripted backups, CI/CD integration, and batch operations without the GUI.

User Experience and Interface

The interface balances simplicity and power: a clean connection dialog, bookmark management with sharing capabilities, and a left-hand navigator that mirrors local file actions. Beginners appreciate the guided connection presets, while advanced users can fine-tune timeouts, retry behavior, and transfer limits. Native macOS and Windows UI patterns reduce friction for cross-platform teams.

Pricing, Licensing, and Support

Cyberduck is open-source with optional paid builds and donations supported via the website and app stores. Commercial licensing and priority support options are available for organizations needing SLAs or redistribution. Regular updates and active development ensure continued compatibility with cloud provider APIs and new security standards.

Who Should Use Cyberduck

• Developers and sysadmins needing reliable SFTP and cloud object storage access
• Content creators and designers who edit remote assets with local tools
• Teams that require a free, extensible client with enterprise cloud provider support
• Anyone who wants client-side encryption via Cryptomator for sensitive data

Notable Features at a Glance

• Extensive protocol support: SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, OpenStack Swift, Dropbox, OneDrive
• Cryptomator integration for client-side encryption
• Command-line tool “duck” for automation and scripting
• Bookmarks, Quick Look previews, drag-and-drop transfers, and external editor integration
• Support for multipart/large uploads, metadata editing, storage classes, and server-side encryption settings
• Native credential storage via Keychain and Windows Credential Manager

Strengths and Limitations

• Strengths: broad cloud provider support, secure defaults, editors and CLI integration, active maintenance
• Limitations: not a mounted filesystem by default (Mountain Duck is a separate product for drive mounting), UI focuses on file operations rather than advanced cloud management consoles

Getting Started Tips

1. Create bookmarks for frequently used endpoints and save credentials to the Keychain or Credential Manager
2. Use Cryptomator vaults for sensitive directories before uploading to cloud storage
3. Leverage the duck CLI to script scheduled backups or integrate with CI pipelines
4. Enable multipart uploads for large files and adjust parallel transfer settings for your network