Best Secure FTP and SFTP Servers in 2025

As some of the most widely supported protocols, secure FTP and SFTP are used by thousands of different systems and applications to securely transfer files to and from remote locations. Because so many systems support these protocols, there are many different options to choose from to help solve FTP and SFTP file transfers. 

These options can range from moving files via SFTP commands through a CLI, all the way to a robust suite of interconnected products that each have a dedicated use case and integrate together into a unified solution. With so much variability, it can be challenging to determine which is best for your specific needs. 

To help decide which is the best choice for you, we've put together a list of some of the top secure FTP and SFTP servers in 2025, ranging from free appliances to sophisticated enterprise applications that can do much more than transfer files securely. 

Comparison and evaluation categories

When evaluating FTP and SFTP servers for this comparison, there are a few characteristics we looked for. Simplyfing the transfer of files using the FTP or SFTP protocol is the baseline requirement. 

On top of this, there are a few other components that are useful for business file transfers such as how to setup and configure the product and how they connect to modern cloud storage platforms that organizations already use. 

Products are evaluated on the following categories: 

• Setup and infrastructure -- Setting up SFTP servers has traditionally involved multiple steps and provisioning machines. How does the platform simplify this process, and how is infrastructure managed by the user?  
• Ease of use -- What are users saying about the interface, and how easy is it to figure out and find the settings you need? 
• Connections to cloud storage  -- Is it possible to transfer files between systems like Google Drive and SharePoint, and if so, how challenging is it to set up the connection? 
• Automation workflows -- Can the file transfer process be automated, and if so, how are they built and what can they do? 
• Security controls -- File transfer platforms have been the target of attackers due to the volume and sensitivity of files transferred through them. How does the platform protect data, and how easy is it to configure these controls? 
• Product support -- How are updates handled and what are the methods, timeframes, and response quality when getting in touch to get help or have a question answered? 
• Pricing model - How is the product priced, what are the subscription/pricing terms, and are there any add-on features? 
• Unique features -- What unique features does the specific platform have?

Platforms will be evaluated across these areas with highlights of their strengths and weaknesses, followed by a breakdown of what kinds of users and organizations we think they are a good fit for. 

Couchdrop: The Leading Cloud SFTP Solution

Couchdrop is a true cloud SFTP as a service platform that connects directly to your existing storage platforms, ensuring files automatically arrive exactly where you need them without manual intervention. With the goal to give users everything they need for secure file transfers, Couchdrop is simple to use and configure, yet powerful enough for the most intense file transfer workflows and enterprise needs. 

Couchdrop overview

• Setup and infrastructure: SaaS with autoscaling and no VMs
• Ease of use: Web interface management, no coding required
• Connections to cloud storage: Over 20, plus SIEM and iPaaS integrations
• Automation workflows: Visual builder with scheduled & event-based triggers and 15+ actions
• Security controls: End-to-end encryption, organization-wide and granular access controls, no files stored, GDPR & SOC2, HIPAA available with BAA
• Product support: Email and ticket support included. Can request calls. 
• Pricing model: Month-to-month with no lock-in. 

Unique Couchdrop Features

Couchdrop has the unique combination of being completely in the cloud with autoscaling capabilities, having native combinations to over 20 cloud storage platforms, and not storing user files at any point of the transfer process. 

Who should consider Couchdrop?

Couchdrop is ideal for organizations that want a simple, straightforward solution to securely transfer to and from cloud storage without sharing storage account access. Businesses that need to SFTP to SharePoint, Google, Dropbox, and other storage platforms and don't want to worry about building custom connectors, scripts, and coding automated transfers will find Couchdrop an excellent fit.  

Organizations that don't want to manage hardware or VMs are also a good fit for the platform. While there are fewer controls available for users to change like connection pooling and multiplexing, the tradeoff is that Couchdrop scales automatically to meet more intense file transfer requirements without user input. 

This makes Couchdrop suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to Enterprises. Small businesses with limited transfer requirements can appreciate the quick configuration and ease of use, while enterprises with complex needs can benefit from the autoscaling, wide range of connectivity, and security controls. 

Files.com

Files.com is a cloud-based MFT platform that acts as both a server and a client for SFTP, FTP, and AS2 transfers. They offer various integrations across storage platforms, iPaaS, SIEM, and chat apps. 

Files.com overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Cloud-based SaaS 
• Ease of use: Simple, but Advanced features can be complex to configure
• Connections to cloud storage: 15+ (via S3 storage layer) plus chat, iPaaS, SIEM and SSO integrations
• Automation workflows: No code builder with 6 actions
• Security controls: End-to-end encryption, GDPR & SOC2, HIPAA available, 2FA, brute force rules, Enterprise SSO integrations
• Product support: Included during standard business hours
• Pricing model: Starter is month-to-month, other plans are annual 

Unique Files.com features

Files.com has numerous integrations across storage, SSO, SDKs, Events & SIEM, and Apps, with a push towards AI. This extends into their MCP for AI integration, which is a Python-based server that connects to AI tools like Claude Desktop. The MCP server is open source can be configured to manage settings and read logs. 

Who should consider Files.com?

Files.com is targeted towards enterprises and data teams, enabling them to automate file delivery between platforms. Organizations that want the simplicity of a cloud-based MFT platform with built-in integrations across chats, storage, and SDKs might find Files.com a good fit for their use case. 

There are several cloud storage connectors in Files.com. However, transfers between them aren't direct and use the Files.com Network as a temporary storage layer, which is an Amazon S3 bucket in the US Standard Region and carries more risk than direct transfers.  

Couchdrop and Files.com comparison

Files.com and Couchdrop share many features and integrations but have a different focus. Files.com is designed for data teams, has more types of integrations, and is starting to emphasize AI agent connectivity, while Couchdrop is suitable for any organization and has more cloud storage connections in a modern interface that is simple for human users. 

See the full comparison: Couchdrop vs Files.com

ExaVault

ExaVault is a free appliance that connects to your existing FTP and SFTP infrastructure. It adds a modern interface that simplifies FTP and SFTP commands. Originally, ExaVault could connect to cloud storage platforms and offered some automation features, but since the acquisition by Files.com it has been stripped down to a simple, free FTP appliance. 

• Setup and infrastructure: Add the appliance to own infrastructure
• Ease of use: Simplified interface for easy FTP/SFTP commands
• Connections to cloud storage: None; removed from platform after acquisition
• Automation workflows: No native workflows
• Security controls: SSO and 2FA on premium plans
• Product support: Documentation and help docs. Paid support available. 
• Pricing model: Free appliance distributed via VMware. 

Unique Exavault features

As a free appliance, Exavault is a simple way to add an improved interface to use with existing SFTP infrastructure.

Who should consider Exavault? 

Organizations that already have an SFTP server that they plan to keep as is and want a simpler, cleaner interface for file transfer functionality are a good fit for Exavault, especially if there's no need to regularly transfer to or from cloud storage accounts. 

Couchdrop and Exavault comparison

ExaVault adds an interface to your existing SFTP infrastructure, while Couchdrop becomes your SFTP infrastructure and gives you everything you need for secure file and data transfers. See the full comparison: Couchdrop vs Exavault.

SFTP To Go

SFTP To Go aims to be both a cloud storage platform and a cloud SFTP server. Branding as "secure cloud storage as a service", SFTP To Go allows for transferring and sharing files using SFTP, FTPS, S3, or HTTPS using a web portal. 

SFTP To Go overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Cloud-based with no infrastructure
• Ease of use: Straightforward and easy to use
• Connections to cloud storage: None, as they function as a storage platform
• Automation workflows: Basic, triggered by webhooks
• Security controls: Encrypted in transit and at rest. HIPAA available.
• Product support: Chat with support agents and request a call. 
• Pricing model: Month-to-month or annual; push towards annual

Unique SFTP To Go Features

SFTP To Go functions as both a cloud storage platform and an SFTP server, while others in the space focus on one or the other. This means it has features for collaborating and sharing files while still being structured like an SFTP server, with options to create external users and restrict them to a specific root folder. 

Who should consider SFTP To Go? 

Organizations that want an all-in-one cloud storage and SFTP solution might find SFTP To Go a good fit. Data at rest and in transit is encrypted, and sharing files securely is simple, though users may find it's missing some of the collaboration tools of larger cloud storage providers. 

Couchdrop and SFTP To Go comparison

SFTP To Go functions as both cloud storage and an SFTP server, while Couchdrop is built to simplify secure transfers between storage platforms without storing user files. Couchdrop's automations, integrations, and wider protocol support also make it the ideal choice for b2b file exchange. 

See the full comparison: Couchdrop vs SFTP To Go.

SFTPGo

SFTPGo is a file transfer server that can either be free software added to a self-hosted solution or a SaaS Plan that is fully managed in the cloud. The software itself is open source and adds a web interface, protocol support, and additional features to SFTP server infrastructure. SaaS Plans are paid and support is available for either plan as an add-on. 

SFTPGo overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Self-installed or provisioned by the company for SaaS. Also available in AWS and Azure marketplaces
• Ease of use: Simple but limited interface with many features needing to be custom-built. 
• Connections to cloud storage: S3-compatible and local systems
• Automation workflows: Custom-coded and triggered by events or webhooks
• Security controls: Available on higher-tier SaaS plans
• Product support: Available as an add-on with separate pricing. 
• Pricing model: Month-to-month with no lock-in

Unique SFTPGo features

As open-source software, SFTPGo is versatile and can be adapted for specific use cases. Recently, the paid SaaS plans were added as a managed option for the SFTPGo team to set up and configure the server on your behalf. 

Who should consider SFTPGo? 

Users who prefer an open-source solution or who already have SFTP infrastructure could find SFTPGo a good fit. Organizations that want a simple but reliable cloud SFTP server with document collaboration and don't want to be part of the Microsoft, Google, or Dropbox ecosystems may also find SFTPGo suitable for their use case. 

Couchdrop and SFTPGo comparison

SFTPGo's SaaS Plans offer online storage with SFTP capabilities, with compliance available on higher tiers and no infrastructure management. Couchrop is completely in the cloud and facilitates direct transfers between other storage platforms, while also having hosted storage available and no transfer limit on Business plans. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs SFTPGo. 

JSCAPE MFT Server

JSCAPE has three different MFT products: MFT Monitor, MFT Gateway, and MFT Server. The MFT Server can be either be deployed on existing infrastructure or customers can sign up for the SaaS product. Both versions are designed for enterprises, but the on-premise version is more powerful with additional connections and automation capabilities. 

JSCAPE MFT server overview

• Setup and infrastructure: On-prem, hybrid, or SaaS (limited features)
• Ease of use: Can be challenging, especially the initial setup and configurations
• Connections to cloud storage: 10 connections for on-prem, local and S3 for SaaS
• Automation workflows: Event-based and scheduled, low and no-code building 
• Security controls: Firewalls, security controls, MFA, meets SOX, PCI compliance, HIPAA available
• Product support: 24/7 support with global availability
• Pricing model: Custom quotes only

Unique JSCAPE MFT features

JSCAPE MFT supports a wide range of protocols, including specialty protocols like TFTP and OFTP2, as well as their own proprietary AFTP (Accelerated File Transfer Protocol) designed for large files over high-speed networks. 

Who should consider JSCAPE MFT Server? 

Enterprises that need to support a wide range of protocols or need to move large files quickly and frequently may find JSCAPE MFT Server to be a good fit, especially if they can make use of the AFTP proprietary protocol. 

While powerful, JSCAPE MFT is complex and expensive to run. Although there are no prices listed, user reviews mention that costs are high and that getting the initial setup sorted can be challenging and time-consuming. 

Couchdrop and JSCAPE MFT Server comparison

JSCAPE MFT Server was designed exclusively for enterprises, with complexity and features built around having a dedicated IT team on hand. Couchdrop aims to be simple enough for anyone to use yet powerful enough for large enterprise workloads, meeting strict compliance standards and having robust, configurable security controls.

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs JSCAPE MFT Server.

Cerberus FTP Server

Cerberus FTP Server is part of the Redwood suite of file transfer products. It implements SFTP, FTPS, SCP, FTP, and HTTPS, running on Windows and Windows Servers with Hyper-V and ESXI support.

Cerberus FTP Server overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Local installation on on-premise infrastructure
• Ease of use: Complex and dated interface, initial setup difficult
• Connections to cloud storage: Azure and S3 
• Automation workflows: Available in Enterprise tier
• Security controls: Active Directory integration, 2FA, audit logging
• Product support: Tiered support based on plan and issue severity
• Pricing model: 3-year contracts 

Unique Cerberus FTP Server features

Cerberus FTP Server offers an automation API and a 25-day risk-free trial. The product is FIPS 140-3 certified for file transfers. 

Who should consider Cerberus FTP Server? 

Enterprises that need an FTP server for Windows environments with complex file transfer requirements may find Cerberus FTP Server to be a good fit for their needs.

Couchdrop and Cerberus FTP Server comparison

Cerberus FTP Server is designed for enterprises with on-premise infrastructure using Windows. Couchdrop can also connect to on-premise environments, but also to over 20 cloud storage platforms while remaining simple, functional, and powerful. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs Cerberus FTP Server.

GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT is a secure managed file transfer solution by Fortra that automates file exchanges between systems. It is designed for enterprises and can be fine-tuned to meet specific enterprise workloads, and can be deployed in the cloud or hybrid environments as well as having a cloud solution. 

GoAnywhere MFT overview

• Setup and infrastructure: On-prem, hybrid, or cloud options (limited functionality)
• Ease of use: Complex, but with many options on a dated interface
• Connections to cloud storage: SharePoint, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive
• Automation workflows: Customizable multi-step, require technical setup
• Security controls: Active Directory, audit logging, MFA
• Product support: Add-on with tiered service levels
• Pricing model: Module-based licensing on an annual basis

Unique GoAnywhere MFT features

GoAnywhere can be deployed to fit on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments and has a highly-customizable security framework. Their File Catalyst Service can also be integrated, which allows enterprises to move large data from anywhere in the world even in adverse network conditions. 

Couchdrop and GoAnywhere MFT comparison

GoAnywhere MFT is a traditional enterprise solution with many customization and configuration options but limited cloud storage integrations. Couchdrop is a modern cloud MFT platform suitable for businesses of all sizes, especially organizations that need to regularly transfer files between cloud storage platforms. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs GoAnywhere MFT

Axway Managed File Transfer

Axway Managed File Transfer is an MFT platform that emphasizes versatility. With a large range of supported protocols and highly-configurable options, it can be customized to work with most enterprise use cases.

While the standard MFT platform supports automated transfers via FTP/S or SFTP, they need to be built or integrated using additional products, which also expands protocol support into the EDI Space. This means it's not uncommon for enterprises with complex requirements to manage several different Axway products in order to have a complete solution. 

Axway Managed File Transfer overview

• Setup and infrastructure: On-premise, hybrid, and cloud-based options
• Ease of use: Complex, but with many unique features
• Connections to cloud storage: Available with additional Amplify Fusion EiPaaS
• Automation workflows: Can be custom-built or added via integration with other products
• Security controls: Configurable security controls, meets several compliance standards, including the ability to meet HIPAA and GDPR requirements
• Product support: 24/7 through the Support Portal with tier-based response times
• Pricing model: Custom quotes only, annual contracts

Unique Axway Managed File Transfer features 

Axway Managed File Transfer has some of the most robust protocol support, supporting AS1/2/3/4, OFTP, ebXML, RosettaNet, and more, along with SFTP and FTP/S. It also allows for custom EDI frameworks, but using a wide range of protocols involves purchasing and managing multiple Axway products. 

Couchdrop and Axway Managed File Transfer comparison

Axway Managed File Transfer is designed for large enterprises and can adapt to use multiple protocols, automations, and connections when configured with the right combination of Axway products. Couchdrop is simple and straightforward to use, with a single platform where everything is managed through an intuitive web interface that includes robust security controls, with an emphasis on direct transfers between cloud storage platforms. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs Axway MFT.

Choosing the best SFTP server for you

There are many SFTP and secure SFTP servers available, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Some cloud SFTP servers are simply SFTP servers in the cloud that simplify deployment, management, and basic SFTP transfer functionality. Others are comprehensive managed file platforms that can be customized to adapt to nearly any use case. 

Couchdrop is the most versatile option in 2025, and the only platform that can range from being a simple cloud SFTP server to automating secure b2b file transfers for enterprises with thousands of users and millions of transfers that need to meet strict compliance requirements. 

With a true cloud-native architecture, powerful auto-scaling capabilities, zero infrastructure requirements, and extensive storage integrations, Couchdrop makes file transfers with modern cloud storage platforms simple, reliable, and functional. For organizations looking to modernize their file transfer workflows without the burden of maintaining server infrastructure, Couchdrop provides the most comprehensive and scalable solution available.

If you want to see if Couchdrop can work for your requirements, sign up for a free trial. Every new registration gets 14 days to evaluate the platform with no credit card or other requirements. Simply sign up now to get started.