Cyberduck

What is Cyberduck?

Cyberduck is a free, open-source file transfer client and cloud storage browser for macOS and Windows. Created by David Kocher and maintained by iterate GmbH, Cyberduck supports a wide range of protocols including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Azure, Backblaze B2, and dozens of other cloud services. The application combines a clean, intuitive interface with powerful features that satisfy both casual users and IT professionals managing complex file transfer workflows.

What distinguishes Cyberduck is its remarkable breadth of protocol support combined with genuine ease of use. While many file transfer clients focus on either simplicity or power, Cyberduck delivers both. The same familiar interface works for uploading to a basic FTP server, managing Amazon S3 buckets, syncing with Dropbox, or browsing WebDAV shares. This consistency across protocols reduces learning curves and simplifies workflows for users working with multiple storage systems.

Cyberduck’s open-source nature and active development have made it a trusted tool for developers, designers, system administrators, and anyone regularly transferring files. The software integrates with native operating system features, supports drag-and-drop operations, and offers advanced capabilities like synchronized browsing, edit-in-place, and cryptographic file encryption. A companion product called Cryptomator integration enables client-side encryption for any cloud storage service.

Key Features

• Multi-Protocol Support: Connect to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure, OpenStack Swift, Backblaze B2, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more through a single interface.
• Native Integration: Seamless macOS and Windows integration with Finder/Explorer, Keychain/Credential Manager, and system notifications.
• Edit with External Editor: Open remote files directly in preferred applications, with automatic upload on save for seamless editing workflows.
• Synchronized Browsing: Navigate local and remote directories simultaneously, keeping folder structures aligned for efficient transfers.
• Cryptomator Integration: Encrypt files client-side before uploading to any cloud storage, maintaining privacy even with third-party providers.
• Bookmarks: Save connections with credentials for quick access to frequently used servers and cloud storage accounts.
• Transfer Queue: Queue multiple transfers with bandwidth throttling, scheduling, and resume capability for large or numerous files.
• Command Line Interface: Scriptable CLI for automation, integration with deployment pipelines, and batch operations.
• Connection Profiles: Extensive library of pre-configured connection profiles for various hosting providers and services.
• File Sharing: Generate shareable links for files on supported cloud storage services directly from the interface.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Cyberduck receives regular updates adding protocol support, improving performance, and enhancing the user experience.

• Apple Silicon Native: Full native support for M1/M2/M3 Macs with improved performance and efficiency on Apple Silicon.
• Enhanced Cloud Support: Updated integrations for latest versions of S3, Azure Blob Storage, and Google Cloud APIs.
• Improved Transfer Speed: Optimized transfer algorithms providing faster uploads and downloads across all protocols.
• Dark Mode Refinements: Better dark mode support matching system preferences with improved visual consistency.
• New Provider Profiles: Added connection profiles for additional cloud storage providers and hosting services.
• Security Updates: Regular security patches and TLS improvements ensuring secure connections to all services.
• CLI Enhancements: Expanded command-line capabilities with new options for scripting and automation.
• Interface Improvements: Refined user interface elements, better iconography, and improved accessibility features.

System Requirements

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• RAM: 256 MB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB for installation

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: Any modern processor
• RAM: 256 MB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB for installation
• .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later

CLI Version

• Java Runtime Environment 11 or later
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

How to Install Cyberduck

macOS Installation

1. Download from cyberduck.io or Mac App Store
2. Open the downloaded DMG (if not from App Store)
3. Drag Cyberduck to Applications folder
4. Launch and optionally register for donation key

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask cyberduck

# Verify installation
open -a Cyberduck

Windows Installation

1. Download installer from cyberduck.io or Microsoft Store
2. Run the installer executable
3. Follow installation prompts
4. Launch from Start menu

# Using Windows Package Manager
winget install iterate.Cyberduck

# Using Chocolatey
choco install cyberduck

CLI Installation

# macOS/Linux via shell profile
# Download from cyberduck.io/cli

# Windows via Chocolatey
choco install duck

# Example CLI usage
duck --list s3://mybucket/
duck --upload s3://mybucket/ localfile.txt
duck --download s3://mybucket/file.txt ./local/

Connecting to Services

# FTP/SFTP Connection
1. Click "Open Connection"
2. Select protocol (FTP, SFTP, etc.)
3. Enter hostname, username, password
4. Optionally save to keychain
5. Click "Connect"

# Amazon S3 Connection
1. Open Connection ? Amazon S3
2. Enter Access Key ID
3. Enter Secret Access Key
4. Select region if needed
5. Connect to browse buckets

# Connection profile import
1. Double-click .cyberduckprofile file
2. Profile added to connection options

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Protocol Support: Connect to virtually any file server or cloud storage service through a single, consistent interface.
• Free and Open Source: Full functionality without cost, with source code available for review and contribution.
• Native Experience: Deep macOS and Windows integration feels natural rather than cross-platform compromise.
• Edit-in-Place: Open remote files in local applications with automatic upload on save for seamless editing.
• Cryptomator Integration: Client-side encryption for any cloud storage adds security layer for sensitive data.
• Regular Updates: Active development with frequent releases adding features and improving compatibility.
• Connection Profiles: Pre-configured profiles for many providers eliminate manual configuration.

Cons

• Donation Nagware: Registration reminders appear until purchasing a donation key, which some find annoying.
• No Directory Synchronization: Lacks built-in folder sync feature found in some alternatives; sync requires manual selection.
• Performance with Large Files: Very large file transfers can sometimes be slower than specialized tools.
• No Linux GUI: Desktop application only available for macOS and Windows; Linux users limited to CLI.
• Bookmark Management: Organizing many bookmarks can become unwieldy without folder organization.

Cyberduck vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Cyberduck?

Cyberduck is ideal for:

• Web Developers: Those regularly uploading to web servers via FTP/SFTP while also managing assets on cloud storage.
• Cloud Storage Users: Anyone working with multiple cloud providers who wants consistent interface across services.
• macOS/Windows Users: Those wanting native-feeling file transfer without cross-platform interface compromises.
• Security-Conscious Users: Those needing client-side encryption for cloud storage through Cryptomator integration.
• System Administrators: IT professionals managing various servers and cloud resources through one tool.
• Open Source Advocates: Users preferring open-source solutions with visible development and community involvement.

Cyberduck may not be ideal for:

• Linux Desktop Users: GUI only available for macOS/Windows; Linux users must use command line interface.
• Automated Sync Needs: Those needing automatic folder synchronization should consider dedicated sync tools.
• Budget-Constrained Users: Registration reminders may frustrate users unwilling to pay for donation key.
• High-Volume Transfers: Specialized tools may perform better for constant high-volume transfer workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cyberduck really free?

Yes, Cyberduck is completely free and open source. All features are available without payment. However, the free version displays periodic donation reminders asking you to purchase a registration key ($23.99 from the website, $29.99 from app stores). The donation key removes these reminders and supports development. The software is identical either way—paying is optional but appreciated by the developers.

How does Cyberduck compare to FileZilla?

Both are free and excellent for FTP/SFTP. Cyberduck excels at cloud storage support (S3, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.) and native OS integration. FileZilla is cross-platform including Linux and has more traditional two-pane file manager interface. Cyberduck offers Cryptomator encryption integration. Choose Cyberduck for cloud storage and Mac/Windows native experience; FileZilla for cross-platform and traditional FTP workflows.

Can Cyberduck mount cloud storage as a drive?

Cyberduck itself doesn’t mount drives, but its companion product Mountain Duck (from the same developers) provides exactly this functionality. Mountain Duck mounts remote servers and cloud storage as local drives in Finder/Explorer. It’s a paid product built on Cyberduck’s connection technology. If you need drive mounting, consider Mountain Duck; if file transfer is sufficient, Cyberduck works perfectly.

How do I transfer files to Amazon S3 with Cyberduck?

Open Connection, select Amazon S3, enter your Access Key ID and Secret Access Key, then connect. You’ll see your S3 buckets listed. Navigate to the desired bucket, then drag and drop files from your computer or use the Upload button. You can right-click to set permissions, create pre-signed URLs for sharing, or manage storage class. The interface works identically to FTP but for S3.

Does Cyberduck support two-factor authentication?

Cyberduck supports various authentication methods including two-factor where the service supports it. For services using OAuth (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive), Cyberduck opens a browser for authentication including any 2FA the provider requires. For SSH/SFTP, Cyberduck supports key-based authentication which can be combined with passphrases. AWS S3 works with IAM credentials and supports MFA-protected API access.

Final Verdict

Cyberduck has established itself as the go-to file transfer client for users who work across multiple protocols and cloud services. The breadth of supported services is remarkable—from legacy FTP servers to cutting-edge cloud storage—all accessible through the same intuitive interface. This versatility alone makes Cyberduck invaluable for modern workflows where files might live on traditional servers, S3 buckets, and cloud drives simultaneously.

The commitment to open source and continuous development has built justified trust in Cyberduck over many years. The native macOS and Windows interfaces feel respectful of each platform rather than lowest-common-denominator cross-platform design. Features like edit-in-place and Cryptomator integration demonstrate thoughtful attention to real user needs rather than feature-list padding.

For anyone regularly transferring files to remote servers or cloud storage, Cyberduck deserves a place in your toolkit. The free version is fully functional, and the donation key is reasonably priced for those who want to support development and eliminate reminders. In a category with many capable options, Cyberduck distinguishes itself through versatility, quality, and genuine usability—a combination that has made it a standard tool for countless professionals.