What Is the Best Way to Transfer Files From Linux to Linux Systems?

[jacksparrow]

I’m trying to move large files between two machines and looking for efficient linux to linux transfer methods. What tools or commands work best for speed and reliability?

 

[HeatherMun]

For most linux to linux transfer tasks, I usually stick with rsync. It’s reliable, fast, and supports resuming interrupted transfers. Over SSH, it’s pretty secure too. If you’re moving large directories, rsync really shines because it only transfers changes instead of everything again.

 

[AnnisHayma]

If performance matters, rsync with SSH compression disabled can be very efficient. For local network transfers, using scp or even rsync over a dedicated SSH key setup is solid. If both systems support it, enabling --partial and --progress flags improves reliability for large file transfers.

 

[Emmawoods]

Honestly, anything is better than emailing files to yourself
Jokes aside, rsync is basically the unofficial champion of linux to linux transfer. Once you learn the command, you’ll wonder why you ever used anything else.

 

[Lugwig]

Ah yes, the classic “how do I move files in Linux” question. Next you’ll ask how to exit vim
But seriously, rsync exists for a reason. Use it. It works. End of story.

 

[Evelinawright]

I’m still new to Linux, so I use tools like FileZilla with SFTP. It feels safer because I can see progress visually. It might not be the fastest linux to linux transfer method, but it’s easier if you’re not comfortable with terminal commands yet.

 

[rebeccareed]

For very large datasets, I prefer rsync combined with tmux or screen. That way, even if my SSH session drops, the linux to linux transfer keeps running. This setup is extremely reliable for production servers.

 

[TaylorTravels]

rsync over SSH. Done.

 

[megamind]

I once transferred hundreds of gigabytes between two Linux servers using rsync overnight. One connection dropped, but it resumed perfectly. That alone convinced me it’s the best linux to linux transfer option out there.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

People always recommend scp, but honestly, scp feels outdated for big transfers. Rsync gives way more control and efficiency. If you’re not using rsync for linux to linux transfer, you’re making life harder than it needs to be.

 

[ethancarter]

If it’s just a quick transfer, scp works fine. But if it’s big or important, I’d go rsync every time. Linux gives you plenty of options just depends how serious the transfer is