A FileZilla alternative built for buckets, not just FTP
Fair credit: FileZilla is free, open source, and still actively maintained after two decades. For plain FTP it has probably moved more files than any client in history. People usually look for an alternative for three reasons: their work moved to S3, which FileZilla only supports through a paid subscription; they want cloud features like share links that it does not offer; or they are tired of the download page, where the default Windows installer "may include bundled offers" in FileZilla's own words.
Side by side
| FileZilla | Varv | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | FTP, FTPS, SFTP free; S3 and other cloud storage require a Pro subscription | S3 and compatible services, FTP, FTPS, SFTP in one client |
| Object storage depth | Pro adds S3 with lifecycle rules; no share links or bucket policies advertised (July 2026) | Presets for ten S3 services, versioning, lifecycle, policies, share links |
| Browse zip archives without downloading | Not offered | Yes, including zips inside zips |
| Windows installer | Default download may include bundled offers; a clean installer sits behind an extra click | One installer, nothing bundled |
| Interface | Classic two panel local and remote layout | Modern single window with tabs, palette and indexed search |
| Price | Free and open source; Pro from 12.99 EUR per year (July 2026) | Free core client; Pro pricing announced at launch |
Reflects public information about both products as of July 2026.
Should you switch?
If your day is plain FTP or SFTP and free tooling matters most, FileZilla still does that job. If buckets are now part of your work, Varv treats them as standard equipment instead of an upgrade: uploads that survive a crash, share links that expire, version history and presets for every major S3 service. FTP and SFTP come along in the same app, so nothing is lost in the move.
See it for yourself
The first public build is close. Get the installer the day it ships.
Get notified at launchFileZilla is a third-party product; Varv is not affiliated with or endorsed by its makers. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.