# SFTP File Provider vs S3 Client

The clearest difference is rating: S3 Client at 4.8 against SFTP File Provider's 2.9. S3 Client also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (79% vs 50%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SFTP File Provider sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and S3 Client sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

S3 Client holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 57 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of SFTP File Provider's written reviews are positive against 79% of S3 Client's.

SFTP File Provider ships an update every 2 months, S3 Client every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SFTP File Provider | S3 Client |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sftp-file-provider/id1406981461/reviews) | **[4.8 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/s3-client-files-location/id6447647340/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **57** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **79.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akos Polster](https://appshunter.io/developer/611826421) | [Anders Borum ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1629010537) |

## What reviewers say

### SFTP File Provider

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sftp-file-provider/id1406981461)

Access and manage files on remote SFTP servers directly from your device. Seamlessly integrate with the iOS Files app to browse cloud or home network storage. Offers password or key pair login options for secure access.

**Highlights:** Access SFTP servers, Integrates with Files app, Password login, Key pair login (Pro), Unlimited servers (Pro)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coffee | $0.99 | one-time |
| SFTP Pro | $6.99 | one-time |


### S3 Client

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/s3-client-files-location/id6447647340)

Access and manage your S3-compatible cloud storage directly from your device's file system. Seamlessly integrate with services like AWS, Backblaze, and MinIO, with files available on demand and automatic synchronization.

**Highlights:** Direct access via Files app and Finder, Automatic file synchronization, Support for AWS, Backblaze, MinIO, and more, Uploads via system share sheet, Generate pre-signed sharing links, Supports encryption (SSE-C, AES-GCM), Shortcuts automation integration

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| S3 Files Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Lifetime S3 Pro | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive UI/UX
- 🔄 Universal setup across devices
- 🚀 Smooth and fast performance
- 💡 Excellent integration with Files app
- 🛠️ Handles edge cases and retries well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Not intuitive for some
- 💰 Limited free features
- 🐛 Clunky to use
- 🐛 App constantly pauses
- 🐛 No obvious way to unpause

**Reported bugs**

- Files renamed randomly
- High CPU usage
- Stopped working in iOS 26
- Can't set permissions
- Fails to load S3 buckets properly

**Requested features**

- Support for WebDAV servers
- Support for Google OAuth for GCS
- Synchronous feature to backup photos automatically
- Configurable AWS endpoint for non-.com endpoints
- Allow import/export of configuration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SFTP File Provider free?

SFTP File Provider is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is S3 Client free?

S3 Client is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SFTP File Provider or S3 Client?

S3 Client is rated higher. SFTP File Provider averages 2.9 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while S3 Client averages 4.8 from 57 ratings.

### Do SFTP File Provider or S3 Client have ads?

Neither SFTP File Provider nor S3 Client shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SFTP File Provider or S3 Client?

SFTP File Provider ships an update every 2 months, and S3 Client every 9 days. Most recently, SFTP File Provider was updated on November 3, 2026 and S3 Client on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*