The best secure FTP and SFTP servers for business in 2026

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 2026, ranging from free appliances to sophisticated enterprise servers that can power millions of transfers and hundreds of users. 

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 set up 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? 
• Security controls -- 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 30, plus dozens of other cloud integrations, including SIEMs and iPaaS connections
• 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. Calls on request at no cost. 
• 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 50 cloud 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. 

However, there is currently no on-prem version of Couchdrop, so organizations with a strict on-premise mandate would be better suited with an alternative. 

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
• 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.

SFTPCloud

SFTPCloud is exactly what it sounds like: an SFTP server in the cloud. This fully managed SFTP service integrates with some cloud storage platforms while also providing a small amount of storage with the service. 

SFTPCloud overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Cloud-based with no infrastructure
• Ease of use: Web interface, autoscaling
• Connections to cloud storage: AWS, Google Cloud, Cloudflare, and Azure, with additional configuration steps
• Security controls: Encrypted in transit and at rest. ISO 27001 and HIPAA  available.
• Product support: Support available according to reviews; unknown methods/response times. 
• Pricing model: Month-to-month or annual; push towards annual

Unique SFTPCloud Features

SFTPCloud has a completely free test tier with 1GB of storage for testing and has "storage optimized" versions of plans with increased storage and fewer external users for the same price. 

Who should consider SFTPCloud? 

Small businesses and organizations that only need a basic SFTP server and don't want to manage the infrastructure may be a good fit for SFTPCloud. 

Couchdrop and SFTPCloud comparison

As a simple and straightforward managed SFTP server, SFTPCloud is a good choice. Scaling is done automatically, and storage space is included and can be increased for heavier storage users. However, Couchdrop has many more storage integrations, several tools for receiving/sending files, multi-protocol support, and connects to modern cloud platforms, making it the stronger option for most cloud-first organizations. 

See the full comparison: Couchdrop vs SFTPCloud.

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
• 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. 

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
• Security controls: Available on higher-tier SaaS plans
• Product support: Included on SaaS, add-on for on-prem after 1st year. 
• Pricing model: Month-to-month with no lock-in, trial with credit card

Unique SFTPGo features

As open-source software, SFTPGo is versatile and can be adapted for specific use cases. All environments are completely isolated with dedicated installation as opposed to shared hosting. 

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. Couchdrop is completely in the cloud and facilitates direct transfers between other storage platforms, while also having hosted storage available, no transfer limit on Business plans, and includes more tools for sending and receiving files. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs SFTPGo. 

 

FileZilla Enterprise Server

FileZilla Pro Suite is FileZilla's offering designed for businesses and enterprises and includes a suite of products, including their Enterprise Server. This server is currently available for Windows only, though the free FileZilla server works with Linux and macOS as well. 

As the Enterprise Server is the most similar to Couchdrop, we'll be using it for this comparison. 

FileZilla Enterprise Server overview

• Setup and infrastructure: Local installation on on-premise infrastructure that uses Windows. 
• Ease of use: Dated interface, most settings configured manually
• Connections to cloud storage: Azure, S3, Google Cloud
• Security controls:  2FA, audit logging, Active Directory (planned)
• Product support: Dedicated support channel
• Pricing model: 1-year to Lifetime licenses available

Unique FileZilla Enterprise Server features

FileZilla Enterprise Server offers unlimited users and bandwidth users with license terms from 1-year to lifetime.  

Who should consider FileZilla Enterprise Server? 

Enterprises with a technical team requiring an SFTP server for Windows environments who can manage and configure FileZilla Enterprise Server on their own. 

Couchdrop and FileZilla Enterprise Server comparison

FileZilla Enterprise Server is exclusively for enterprises with on-premise infrastructure using Windows and requires technical proficiency to manage and optimize. Couchdrop emphasizes simplicity, with instant provisioning, automatic optimization, and several file transfer tools all backed by an award-winning support team that is always available.

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs FileZilla Pro Suite.

 

Cerberus FTP Server

Cerberus FTP Server is part of the Redwood suite of file transfer products. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as the product can utilize SFTP, FTPS, SCP, FTP, and HTTPS. Cerberus runs 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 
• 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 30 cloud storage platforms while remaining simple, functional, and powerful. 

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

 

Titan SFTP Server

South River Technologies has two file transfer products under the Titan name: Titan SFTP Server and Titan MFT Server. The SFTP server is essentially a "lite" version of the MFT server with fewer security features, no automations, and without compliance additions for HIPAA and GDPR. 

For this comparison, we'll focus on Titan SFTP Server, but we go in-depth on Titan MFT Server in our comparison of the best managed file transfer platforms. 

Titan products are either one-off licenses for on-prem deployment or usage-based in the cloud. While the servers have a comprehensive set of automation actions and can be highly customized, there are no native connections to cloud storage platforms, and unlocking the full power involves combining multiple specialized products like the DMZ server for perimeter security and WebDrive for cloud storage connectivity. 

Titan SFTP Server overview

• Setup and infrastructure: On-premise, hybrid, and cloud-based options
• Ease of use: Can be hard to learn initially, somewhat dated interface
• Connections to cloud storage: Requires WebDrive product (~10 integrations)
• Automation workflows: Comprehensive but complex
• Security controls: MFA, secure sharing, and compliance only on MFT
• Product support: Free email during business hours; add-on tiers (annual)
• Pricing model: One-off for on-prem; usage-based for cloud (maintenance and support per year)

Unique Titan SFTP Server features 

Titan SFTP Server is one of the few file transfer platforms that doesn't drop functionality when using the cloud-deployed version, meaning organizations can choose between cloud, on-prem, or hybrid deployments depending on what suits them best. 

Couchdrop and Titan SFTP Server comparison

Titan SFTP Server is a powerful enterprise file transfer platform that is adaptable for cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments. But its lack of cloud integrations can make it challenging to integrate into modern stacks. Couchdrop is completely in the cloud with zero infrastructure and direct connections to over 30 platforms, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use while having uncompromising security controls. 

See the full comparison here: Couchdrop vs Titan SFTP Server.

 

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 offerings are simply SFTP servers, while others are comprehensive file transfer platforms that can be customized to adapt to nearly any use case. 

Couchdrop is the most versatile option in 2026, 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.