Selecting the right SFTP server software is essential for maintaining secure and efficient file transfers within an organization.
We conducted a managed file transfer (MFT) benchmark across various features and scenarios to identify the leading SFTP server software providers. Follow the links to learn our rationale for including these vendors:
Comparison of Top SFTP Server Software Solutions
Table 1: Secure File Transfer Protocol tools.
* Ratings are based on Capterra, Gartner, and G2. The vendors are listed in order of their review counts.
How do we choose the top SFTP Server Software Vendors?
When selecting the top 8 SFTP server software for review, we took into account these specific, publicly confirmable criteria:
- Employee Count: A link exists between a company’s income and the number of its employees. Thus, our focus was on organizations with a workforce exceeding 50 employees.
- User Reviews: We preferred solutions that received feedback from a minimum of 30 users on B2B review platforms such as G2 and Capterra, indicating some market presence validated by real user experiences.
- Core features: Solutions need to support secure FTP/S, SFTP, and MFT, with HTTP/S support to be included.
Top 10 SFTP server solutions analyzed
JSCAPE
JSCAPE provides a managed file transfer platform with SFTP server capabilities, enabling secure, encrypted file exchanges across networks. It also supports the OFTP2 protocol for secure data transmission in automotive and other industries.
Pros:1
Users value JSCAPE for streamlining secure file transfers at scale, with strong automation, logging, and remote administration features that reduce manual effort. The platform’s independence from any specific OS and its range of encryption options are frequently cited strengths.
On the downside, some users report delayed support responses after purchase and limited availability of language packs, which can create translation challenges. Cryptic connection and server error messages have also been noted as barriers to teams setting up deployment pipelines.
Choose JSCAPE as SFTPStonebranch
Stonebranch’s Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) feature is part of its Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution and provides secure, reliable, and automated data transfers. Supporting various IT environments, including mainframes, cloud platforms, and hybrid systems, the SFTP server software feature ensures encryption and compliance with industry security standards, making it suitable for both internal and external file exchanges.
Users highlight the platform’s encryption in transit and adherence to compliance standards as strengths, along with its ability to run SFTP transfers smoothly across hybrid environments. The main friction points are a steep configuration learning curve for new users and limited multi-factor authentication options compared to dedicated security-focused tools.
Explore StonebranchFiles.com
Files.com provides cloud-based SFTP server functionality as part of a broader file sharing and collaboration platform. The service eliminates infrastructure management while offering enterprise-grade security and compliance features.
Key Features:
- Cloud-hosted SFTP with no server maintenance required
- Web interface and mobile apps for file access and management
- Integration with popular business applications and cloud
- Global content delivery network for optimized performance
- API access for custom integrations and automated processes
Users appreciate the versatile transfer methods, intuitive portal, and fast implementation. Partner onboarding is notably faster than legacy SFTP systems, with external parties typically set up in days rather than weeks.
The main complaint is pricing: the model is based on user count rather than storage, which disadvantages organizations with light user bases but heavier storage needs. Some users also find the file management UI cluttered.
Explore more about Files.comCerberus FTP Server
Cerberus FTP Server is a Windows-based solution designed for on-premise or cloud setups. It features AD/LDAP integration, SSO, web client transfers, and compliance with encryption standards like FIPS 140-2. Essential features encompass automated scanning, event-driven automation, and support for HIPAA compliance.
Pros:2
- People commend the Cerberus FTP Server for its on-premise file-sharing capabilities, highlighting its minimalist interface that facilitates HTTPS file sharing.
- Some users appreciate Cerberus for its security options and flexible setup capabilities, enabling tailored FTP solutions for any company’s environment.
- The program’s stability, noting zero crashes or errors after thousands of uploads, easing company adoption and saving time.
Cons:
- Individuals report SMTP integration issues and restrictions on file uploads under admin logins, necessitating workarounds for both.
- The tool requires enhancements, including full high availability support, expanded multi-factor authentication (MFA) integrations, simplified Active Directory connections, and dual-role user/admin accounts.
- The software’s logging settings are limited in the UI, requiring users to consult knowledge boards for daily log setup. Overwrite is an unexpected default.
Choose Cerberus for a Windows based SFTP
Visit WebsiteGoAnywhere MFT
GoAnywhere MFT provides a secure and efficient SFTP solution for file transfers, with an emphasis on encryption and compliance. It aims to ensure data integrity and confidentiality, with features for key management, authentication, and logging, catering to organizations that prioritize secure, regulated data exchanges.
Users value the straightforward initial setup, fast third-party integrations, and responsive support. Scheduled transfer jobs are handled well, and the upgrade process is reported to be smooth.
Known friction points include that irrelevant options remain visible for tasks rather than being hidden, adding noise for users without guidance. Error handling and the enforcement of naming conventions across developer teams have also been flagged as areas that need improvement.
Thru Inc.
Thru offers a cloud MFT solution with SFTP support for secure file exchange. It features usage-based pricing and simplified integration through a no-code UI. Its hybrid architecture supports secure internal transfers, while extensive platform integrations facilitate digital transformation.
Users appreciate the shared-folder collaboration features and Outlook integration for secure document exchange. The main criticisms are limited third-party integrations and a GUI that lacks the intuitive flow of newer tools particularly for setting up complex transfer tasks.
Serv-U MFT Server
Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server, developed by SolarWinds, provides enterprise-grade file transfer capabilities with extensive management and monitoring features. The platform handles both SFTP and other secure transfer protocols in an integrated solution.
Key Features:
- Support for SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, and AS2 protocols
- Web-based administration console with detailed management options
- Active Directory integration for user authentication
- API access for integration with existing systems
Serv-U addresses enterprise requirements, including compliance mandates, high-volume transfers, and integration with existing IT infrastructure. The monitoring and reporting capabilities provide visibility for operational oversight and security compliance documentation.
Users note it is straightforward to configure for common file transfer scenarios. The only widely reported technical limitation is the requirement for Java the software cannot operate without it installed, which creates a dependency issue in environments that restrict Java for security reasons.
Serv-U has the fewest reviews of any tool on this list, which limits how much can be independently verified about its real-world performance at scale.
FileZilla
FileZilla Server provides a straightforward SFTP solution that works well for small to medium-sized organizations. The software focuses on essential functionality without overwhelming users with complex features they might not need.
Key Features:
- Support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols in one package
- Web-based administration interface for remote management
- User account management with group-based permissions
- Bandwidth throttling and connection limits
- Activity logging and basic monitoring
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- IPv6 support for modern network environments
- SSL/TLS encryption for secure connections
- Free and open-source with active community support
FileZilla Server handles most standard file transfer needs. The web interface allows remote management of user accounts and transfer activity monitoring. The software supports basic file transfer requirements without complex workflow capabilities.
The reporting capabilities are limited to basic activity logs, and automation features are minimal. Organizations requiring complex permission structures or advanced compliance logging may need additional tools or different solutions.
OpenSSH SFTP Server
OpenSSH represents the most widely deployed SFTP server implementation, included by default in most Linux distributions and available for other operating systems. It provides rock-solid security and performance that many organizations rely on for critical file transfers.
Key Features:
- Industry-standard SSH protocol implementation
- Public key authentication for enhanced security
- Command-line administration and configuration
- Integration with system user accounts and permissions
- Chroot jailing to restrict user access to specific directories
- Port forwarding and tunneling capabilities
- Extensive logging and audit trail functionality
- Zero licensing costs and minimal resource requirements
- Strong security track record with regular updates
OpenSSH functions in environments where administrators use command-line management tools. The security implementation follows industry standards, and performance overhead remains minimal under load. Integration with existing Unix/Linux user management systems simplifies deployment in those environments.
SFTP vs. FTPS: Understanding the Differences and Benefits
When it comes to secure file transfers across the Internet, SFTP and FTPS are the technologies. Both protocols offer robust encryption and secure data exchange mechanisms. Both protocols maintain data confidentiality and integrity but are built on different frameworks, serving varying security requirements and network conditions. SFTP, which operates over SSH (Secure Shell), encrypts the entire session, covering both data and command transfers, to provide robust end-to-end protection.
SFTP: Secure and Versatile
SFTP, leveraging SSH (Secure Shell) for secure data and command transfer, encrypts the entire session, including both data and commands. This protocol:
- Ensures security through SSH, encrypting all transferred information.
- Simplifies network configurations by using a single port, easing firewall and routing setups.
- Provides flexible authentication methods, including passwords, public keys, and SSH keys.
- Offers additional file management capabilities, enabling operations such as changing permissions and listing remote files.
FTPS: Enhanced Legacy FTP with Encryption
FTPS enhances the traditional FTP protocol with SSL/TLS encryption, securing data transfers with:
- SSL/TLS encryption for the command and/or data channels, protecting data integrity and confidentiality.
- Utilization of port 21 for control commands and dynamic ports for data transfers, which may necessitate complex firewall configurations.
- Authentication via X.509 certificates, ensuring server and optionally client verification.
- Compatibility with existing FTP infrastructure, allowing for an easy security upgrade of legacy systems.
FAQ
The Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a network protocol that enables file access, transfer, and management over a secure data stream. SFTP is an enhancement of the Secure Shell protocol (SSH) version 2.0, aimed at providing secure file transfer functionalities. It is often considered a more secure alternative to the traditional File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
OFTP2 (Odette File Transfer Protocol 2) is an updated version of the Odette File Transfer Protocol (OFTP), designed for secure and reliable data transmission over the Internet, particularly in the automotive industry. OFTP2 incorporates enhancements that enable it to transport large volumes of data and files securely. It offers features such as SSL file encryption, signed electronic delivery receipts, and efficient network traffic analysis.
Yes, you can automate SFTP transfers using scripts or batch files with command-line SFTP clients like WinSCP’s scripting features. This allows you to schedule file transfers or sync operations without manual intervention.
– Yes, some popular free SFTP clients for Windows include WinSCP and FileZilla. Both provide a robust set of features and strong security for file transfers.
Further Reading
- Top 10 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions
- Top 6 AS2 Software Solutions: Picks from 400+ Reviews
- Axway Managed File Transfer: Key Things to Consider
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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