Dual-pane file browser
Work with a two-panel interface that shows local files on one side and remote servers on the other, making navigation and transfers easier to follow.
Upstream
Upstream is a native macOS FTP and SFTP client for transferring files, managing servers, and editing remote content. The App Store listing describes a free core app plus a one-time paid upgrade for sync, comparison, and other advanced workflow tools.
Native FTP and SFTP client for macOS
Upstream is a native FTP and SFTP client for macOS. It is positioned as a file transfer app for developers, system administrators, and designers who need remote server access without giving up a Mac-style interface.
The App Store listing highlights a free core app with unlimited connections to FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, plus a paid Upstream Full upgrade for advanced workflow features such as folder synchronization, visual directory comparison, synchronized browsing, and command-palette navigation.
The app emphasizes deep macOS integration, app sandbox compliance, Swift-based implementation, and support for macOS 15 Sequoia. Its transfer tools include concurrent and recursive transfers, an advanced queue, and drag-and-drop between Finder and the app.
Security-related features called out in the listing include credentials stored in the system Keychain, SSH key authentication for SFTP in the paid version, and interactive TOFU-style warnings for FTPS certificates and SSH host keys. The app also notes smart NAT traversal and an in-app help center.
Core features
Protocol and site management support
Use the free tier to connect to FTP, FTPS, and SFTP servers, with password-based SFTP and a saved Site Manager for repeated access.
Advanced transfer queue
Run concurrent and recursive transfers, plus a multi-threaded queue with automatic resume and retry logic for interrupted jobs.
Remote file inspection and tracking
Inspect remote content quickly with Quick Look previews, instant search, filters, breadcrumbs navigation, and a full command log for protocol activity.
Edit with auto-upload
Edit remote files in external apps and let Upstream watch for changes and upload them automatically on save.
Workflow import and sync tools
Move configurations between tools using FileZilla site exports and SSH config import, then sync saved sites through iCloud on multiple Macs in the Pro version.
Common use cases
Day-to-day file transfer
Browse local folders and remote servers side by side, then move files with drag and drop or through the transfer queue.
Managing recurring server connections
Store server profiles in Site Manager, reuse credentials from the system Keychain, and return to the same hosts without re-entering setup details.
Remote editing workflows
Preview and edit remote files, then upload changes automatically from external editors such as VS Code, TextMate, or Xcode.
Directory sync and comparison
Compare local and remote directory structures, synchronize folders, and review dry-run actions before making changes in the paid upgrade.
Migrating from existing transfer tools
Import settings from FileZilla or SSH config files and use multiple tabs or command-palette actions to move faster across servers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free version includes unlimited connections to FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
- Native macOS design with app sandbox compliance and support for macOS 15 Sequoia.
- Advanced transfer handling with concurrent, recursive, multi-threaded queue processing, resume support, and retries.
- Security and connection management features include Keychain-stored credentials, interactive certificate and host-key warnings, and smart NAT traversal.
- Paid version is a one-time purchase with no subscription model stated in the listing.
Cons
- Several advanced workflow tools are reserved for the paid Upstream Full upgrade, including folder synchronization, visual directory comparison, synchronized browsing, and iCloud site sync.
- The listing does not show support for every SFTP authentication method in the free version; SSH key auth is specifically listed as part of the paid upgrade.
- The source text does not document broader third-party integrations beyond FileZilla import and SSH config import.
FAQ
What does Upstream do?
Upstream is a native macOS file transfer client for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. It provides a dual-pane interface for working with local files and remote servers, plus transfer and site-management tools.
What is included in the free version?
The free version includes unlimited connections to FTP, FTPS (explicit and implicit), and SFTP using password authentication, along with Site Manager, transfers, search, filters, and remote file management.
How is Upstream Full priced?
Upstream Full is a one-time in-app purchase. The App Store listing says it is bought once and owned forever, with no subscriptions.
Can I import existing server settings?
Yes. The listing says Upstream supports importing site configurations from FileZilla’s sitemanager.xml and SSH configs from ~/.ssh/config.
Which platform does Upstream support?
The listing describes Upstream as a Mac app and says it fully supports macOS 15 Sequoia. It is not presented as a cross-platform client in the available source text.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tools
- Platform
- Mac
- Primary use
- FTP and SFTP file transfer
- Developer
- Carlo Di Giuseppe
- Price model
- Free with in-app purchases; Full is a one-time purchase
- Source domain
- apps.apple.com
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