8 Best WebDAV Clients for 2024 (Paid & Free Trials)

WebDAV enables a web server to act as a file server. Users can share, copy, move and edit files through this protocol, which is an extension of HTTP

Useful features of WebDAV include file locking and revision tracking. So, it is integrated into many file managers and Web-based editors. The protocol also provides an alternative to FTP for general file transfers.

Security is an issue when transferring files. However, this is not a problem when WebDAV is deployed within HTTPS. The HTTPS system includes authentication procedures and connection encryption. The “S” part of HTTPS is “Secure” and is provided by Transport Layer Security (TLS). If you want a secure form of FTP, you have two options, SFTP and FTPS. The “S” in FTPS is provided by TLS. So, an HTTPS connection gives WebDAV transfers the same level of security as FTPS.

Here is our list of the best WebDAV Clients:

Files.com EDITOR’S CHOICE A cloud-based file management system and managed file transfer service that incorporates a WebDAV client for other cloud storage systems, among other protocol compatibilities. The package includes cloud file storage space and collaboration tools. Get a 7-day free trial.
WinSCP A widely-used secure file transfer system that has both a server and a client built into the same interface. It runs on Windows.
Cyberduck A free, open-source file transfer client that has WebDAV capabilities among other file transfer protocols. It runs on Windows and macOS.
FileZilla Pro A free open source file transfer utility that includes WebDAV capabilities for accessing cloud storage directories. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
BitKinex This free file transfer client offers FTP, SFTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS, and WebDAV protocols for transmissions. It installs on Windows.
CuteFTP This file transfer client offers a range of protocols and it has WebDAV capabilities. It runs on Windows.
Transmit This is a file transfer system just for Macs and it offers FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV as well as connectivity to cloud storage platforms.
SmartFTP This file transfer client offers secure file transfer protocols and includes WebDAV capabilities and the ability to interface with cloud platforms. It runs on Windows and Windows Server.

WebDAV Implementations

There are many ways that WebDAV can be implemented. However, if you want to use it for standard file transfers, you need two components in place: a server and a client. The server is a central controller and the client is usually a utility that runs on endpoints.

In server-client terminology, the client initializes a connection with a request and a server responds, providing the requested resource. In file transfer terminology, this relationship is a little different. Both the client and server can send or receive files. As a rule of thumb to work out which component is the client and which is the server, it is better to work out which is the centralized actor and which is the smaller, user-facing distributed part. The client is the smaller element that receives files to be displayed to the user.

The best WebDAV client utilities

When looking for good WebDAV clients to recommend, we focused on those utilities that allow endpoints to interact with a central file server.

Our methodology for selecting a WebDAV client

We reviewed the WebDAV client market and analyzed options based on the following criteria:

An easy-to-use interface that enables non-technical staff to transfer files
Strong security measures, enforcing the use of HTTPS
The ability to integrate into the user’s regular file access system such as Windows File Explorer
A quick and efficient transfer method
Procedures for recovering from dropped connections in mid-transfer
A free assessment period or a tool that is forever free
Value for money, enabling the buyer to get the best functionality for each dollar spent

There are a lot of WebDAV clients available and many of them combine WebDAV capabilities with the option to use other secure file transfer protocols.

1. Files.com (FREE TRIAL)

Files.com is a cloud-based file management platform that offers a wide range of file services, particularly a secure store and forward system for distributing files. The Files.com service can be expanded by integrations and there is one for WebDAV client functions.

When we tested Files.com we found the following key features.

Key Features:

WEBDAV Support: Files.com offers native support for the WebDAV protocol, allowing users to access their files stored on Files.com using any WebDAV client application.
File Management: Users can perform various file management tasks such as uploading, downloading, renaming, deleting, and moving files and folders through the WebDAV interface.
Secure File Sharing: Files.com provides secure file sharing capabilities, including customizable permissions and access controls, ensuring that files are shared securely over the WebDAV protocol.
Collaboration Tools: Users can collaborate on files and folders by sharing them with team members or external partners via WebDAV.
Version Control: Allows users to track changes made to files and revert to previous versions if necessary, which can be accessed and managed through the WebDAV interface.
Integration: Files.com integrates with various third-party applications and services, enabling users to connect their favorite tools and workflows with their Files.com storage via the WebDAV protocol.

Why do we recommend it?

Files.com offers a range of methods to transfer files and WebDAV is just one of them. You can use WebDAV to synch on-premises files with cloud drives or even perform cloud-to-cloud transfers. The Files.com system offers a secure platform for file transfers that also provides its own cloud storage space for each of your users.

Although Files.com is mainly used as a file server, it is able to behave as a client for other file systems as well. You don’t have to choose between one mode or another because one account can be used for file forwarding at the same time that it is able to access other storage systems through WebDAV.

The WebDAV client service in Files.com offers a way to access cloud drives through the Files.com interface. This gives you the ability to access several accounts with different cloud services through one console. Files.com will connect to:

OneDrive
AWS S3
Microsoft Azure

Turning things around, Files.com can also act as a WebDAV server. In this scenario, you would connect another service to your Files.com cloud drive to access files locally. This system will show all of the folders you have set up in your Files.com storage space and let you access any of the files that they contain. When you click on one of the files, the WebDAV system accesses the original that is stored on Files.com and displays it locally.

Another WebDAV option with Files.com is to use the system to sync a local folder, backing it up and making all of its subfolders and files available on other devices.

Who is it recommended for?

Files.com is a good choice for businesses that need to communicate with outside associates with files. For example, a company that wants to send out a brochure to many prospective clients could upload the file to Files.com and then mail out access invite links instead of sending the document as an email attachment. This is a useful service in the modern world when recipients are reluctant to open PDF attachments for fear of launching a virus attack.

During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Files.com.

Pros:

Scalability: Files.com provides scalable storage options, allowing users to easily scale their storage capacity as their needs grow, making it suitable for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises alike.
Ease of Use: The WebDAV interface provided by Files.com is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their files and folders efficiently.
Security: Files.com end-to-end encryption, access controls, audit logs, and compliance certifications, ensures that files are stored and transferred securely via the WebDAV protocol.
Reliability: Files.com boasts high uptime and reliability, ensuring that files stored on the platform are accessible whenever needed via the WebDAV protocol.
Cloud-Based: Operates in the cloud, providing accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons:

Dependency on Internet Connection: As a cloud-based platform, Files.com requires a stable internet connection for accessing files and performing file management tasks via the WebDAV protocol, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

Files.com is a fully secure system for file storage or sharing. The 1,000 GB of storage space for each account is encrypted for security and can only be accessed through the user accounts that you set up through the administrator dashboard. You can assess the service on a 7-day free trial.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Files.com is our top pick for a WebDAV client because of its broad capabilities and ease of use. This cloud platform supports the WebDAV protocol, allowing users to access and manage files stored on the Files.com cloud platform using any WebDAV client application. It is also possible to access files stored on other platforms from within Files.com, thanks to its built-in WebDAV client. Files.com also offers proprietary WebDAV server software, ensuring compliance with WebDAV standards and providing a secure and reliable connection. The tool supports multiple file transfer protocols, including FTP, SFTP, AS2, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for file management and transfer. In addition to WebDAV support, Files.com provides a range of other functions such as file sharing, synchronization, and collaboration tools. It allows users to share files with others, set permissions, and collaborate on documents in real time. The platform also includes features like file locking, revision tracking, and automated backups, enhancing data security and integrity. Files.com offers a free trial, allowing users to evaluate its features before committing to a paid plan. The paid plans include additional features like universal log parsing, file integrity monitoring, compliance reporting, and more, making it suitable for larger organizations with extensive file management needs.

Download: Get a 7-day free trial

Official Site: https://signup.files.com/signup/

OS: Cloud based

2. WinSCP

WinSCP is a free file transfer system. It was first released in 2000, so it has been around for over 20 years. However, the code is frequently revised, keeping it secure against hacker exploits. Its longevity, ease of use, and free price tag make it very widely used – it has been downloaded more than 153 million times.

When we tested WinSCP we found the following key features.

Key Features:

Native WEBDAV Support: WinSCP offers built-in support for WEBDAV connections, allowing you to connect to WEBDAV servers directly.
Synchronization: Offers synchronization features to keep local and remote folders in sync, ensuring updated files on both sides.
File Encryption: WinSCP ensures secure file transfer by encrypting data during transmission, providing an extra layer of security when accessing files via WebDAV or other supported protocols.
Site Manager: WinSCP includes a site manager feature that enables users to save and manage connection settings for various servers, simplifying the process of accessing WebDAV servers and other remote hosts.
WebDAV with TLS for Security: Supports WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) protocol with TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption for secure file transfers.
Time Stamp: Allows users to manage and view file timestamps, aiding in version control and file organization.
Pre-Transfer Capacity Checks: Conducts checks before transferring files to ensure that the destination can accommodate the data, preventing transfer errors.