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ST Explorer
What it is
ST Explorer is a free, native SFTP client from Stivetec for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lets you browse remote files in icons, list, or Finder-style column views, and includes an integrated SSH shell. The shell supports multiple tabs on one connection and uses xterm.js. File transfers include drag-and-drop uploads, clipboard uploads, server-side remote-to-remote copies, and a live progress panel. Windows users can copy files in Explorer and paste them into ST Explorer through native CF_HDROP clipboard integration. The site says host key pinning uses known_hosts with TOFU, with no telemetry or phone-home behavior. ST Explorer is MIT-licensed, open source, and about 12 MB as a single executable without an installer. Its Free plan is free; Windows 10/11 uses WebView2, while macOS and Linux builds are available from source. SSH key authentication and GitHub issue reporting are supported.
For and against
For
- Icons, list, and column browsing views
- Integrated SSH terminal with multiple tabs
- Drag-and-drop and clipboard uploads
- Server-side remote-to-remote copying
- No telemetry or phone-home behavior
Against
- SFTP is the only supported protocol
- Windows requires WebView2
- macOS and Linux builds come from source
The verdict
ST Explorer combines remote-file browsing, SFTP transfers, and an SSH terminal in a small open-source application. Its free plan and privacy description may appeal to users comfortable with the listed platform requirements.
Who it suits
It suits users who need SFTP access on Windows, macOS, or Linux, especially those wanting an integrated SSH terminal and multiple transfer methods.
Plans and prices
Free
Windows 10/11 with WebView2; macOS and Linux builds available from source
Read 7 Oct 2026 · stexplorer.stivetec.com
On the record
- Browse views
- It offers icons, list, and columns views for browsing remote files.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- File transfers
- It supports drag-and-drop uploads, clipboard uploads, server-side remote-to-remote copy, and a live progress panel for transfers.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License and size
- The site describes ST Explorer as MIT-licensed, open source, and approximately 12 MB as a single executable with no installer.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The product site says ST Explorer is made by Stivetec.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The site describes the app as having no telemetry and no phone-home behavior.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ST Explorer is a native SFTP client with a Finder-style column view and built-in SSH terminal.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The site says host key pinning uses known_hosts with TOFU.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site links to GitHub to report issues.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Terminal
- Its integrated SSH shell supports multiple tabs on the same connection and is powered by xterm.js.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Windows integration
- On Windows, files can be uploaded by copying them in Explorer and pasting them into ST Explorer; the site identifies this as native CF_HDROP clipboard integration.stexplorer.stivetec.com · read 7 Oct 2026
