PipeChecker vs MagicFTP
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PipeChecker
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I needed a way to check my pipelines, merge requests, and issues in my organization's GitLab instance, but couldn't authenticate using a physical token on my iPhone. So I made PipeChecker. Utilizing their extensive API documentation your phone can now act like any other IDE and access the instance using your personal access token. By inputting the base URL and your personal access token you can conveniently check on your GitLab-hosted assets. Terms of use: https://www.pilkfam.com/lukepilkappsupport/lukepilkapps_eula
MagicFTP
This powerful client allows you to manage files and servers remotely using FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols. It offers advanced features like background sync, folder comparison, and a built-in code editor with HTML preview for efficient on-the-go management.
- FTP, FTPS, SFTP support
- Secure SSH key authentication
- Background sync and folder comparison
- Built-in code editor with HTML preview
- Per-server bandwidth limits
- Direct server-to-server transfers
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MagicFTP is a powerful FTP, FTPS, and SFTP client featuring a file manager, server-to-server transfers, folder compare, background sync, encrypted backups, per-server bandwidth limits, SSH key support, and a built-in code editor with HTML preview. Manage websites, servers, backups, and files directly on the go. Connect securely to FTP, FTPS, and SFTP servers, edit files directly on the host, and transfer data quickly and reliably. Built for system administrators, web developers, agencies, and power users. FTP, FTPS & SFTP * FTP, FTPS (Explicit & Implicit), and SFTP * Password and SSH key authentication * Support for passphrase-protected SSH keys * Credentials securely stored in the system Keychain * Server Groups for organizing servers in collapsible groups * Encrypted Server Backups with AES-256 export for secure migration Powerful File Manager * Upload, download, rename, move, and delete files * Create directories and change CHMOD permissions * Smooth navigation through large directory trees * Local and remote views side-by-side Fast Uploads & Downloads * Real-time progress and speed indicators * Transfer queue with cancel and retry * Large file support * Resume support for interrupted transfers Power Transfer Speed up transfers with multiple parallel uploads and downloads. * Up to 10 simultaneous transfers * Adjustable parallel slots * Higher throughput for large file sets * Ideal for backups, media libraries, and large projects Bandwidth Limits Limit upload and download speed individually for every server. * Per-server upload and download throttling * Units in KB/s or MB/s * Empty field means unlimited * Ideal for mobile connections, shared bandwidth, or AWS traffic costs Direct Server-to-Server Transfers Move files directly between two servers without routing data through your device. * Cross-protocol transfers between FTP, FTPS, and SFTP * Ideal for website migrations, hosting changes, and backups Folder Compare Compare folders between servers and synchronize only the files you want. * Recursive directory comparison * Visual difference view * Difference detection by size, date, or both * Filters and bulk selection * Selective synchronization * Ideal for deployments, backup verification, and server migrations Background Sync Create sync profiles with automatic transfers. * Upload or download direction per profile * Runs through background tasks * Manual Sync Now available anytime * Automatic removal of deleted files Built-in Code Editor Edit files directly on the server. Supports: PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, XML, YAML, SQL, and TXT. HTML Preview Preview web pages directly inside the app. Multiple Active Sessions Maintain multiple simultaneous connections with fast switching and a central session overview. Security & Privacy * Face ID and Touch ID protection * Sensitive data stored securely in the system Keychain * No data collection * No advertisements * No trackers Bookmarks Access frequently used directories with a single tap. MagicFTP Free includes up to 3 servers and 2 active sessions. A one-time in-app purchase unlocks Pro and adds: * Unlimited servers * Unlimited active sessions * Server-to-server transfers * Folder Compare * Bandwidth limits * Encrypted backups * Code editor with save-to-server support * Auto-sync profiles Supported Protocols FTP FTPS (Explicit & Implicit) SFTP MagicFTP combines an FTP client, FTPS client, SFTP client, file manager, folder comparison, file synchronization, server-to-server transfers, encrypted backups, and a code editor in one powerful app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: MagicFTP at every 2 weeks against PipeChecker's every 10 months. PipeChecker's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PipeChecker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and MagicFTP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
PipeChecker ships an update every 10 months, MagicFTP every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PipeChecker | MagicFTP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 — better | 26.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Luke Pilkington | Fatih Yesilbas |
In-app purchases
PipeChecker
- Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
- Pro Annual$9.991 Year
MagicFTP
- MagicFTP Pro Lifetime2 variants$3.99









