Top 8 SFTP Server Software in 2025

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:

SFTP Software		Focus
1.	JSCAPE	secure file transfers with web-based workflow automation
2.	Cerberus FTP	Windows based SFTP server
3.	GoAnywhere MFT	data integrity and security
4.	Files.com	unified control and reporting for SFTP
5.	Thru Inc.	cloud-native managed file transfer solution

1.

JSCAPE

secure file transfers with web-based workflow automation

2.

Cerberus FTP

Windows based SFTP server

3.

GoAnywhere MFT

data integrity and security

4.

Files.com

unified control and reporting for SFTP

5.

Thru Inc.

cloud-native managed file transfer solution

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 according to their review counts.

How we choose 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.

While some SFTP solutions work across multiple operating systems, others are designed specifically for Windows environments.

Top 8 SFTP server solutions analyzed

JSCAPE

JSCAPE provides a managed file transfer platform with an SFTP server capability, enabling secure and encrypted file exchanges across networks. It also supports the OFTP2 protocol for secure data transmission in automotive and other industries.

Pros:¹

• Individuals appreciate JSCAPE for its ability to streamline secure file transfers and synchronization. Its SFTP feature, which ensures reliable security for data exchanges, eases large-scale file management, and provides prompt support for queries and challenges, complements it.
• The tool’s platform independence and user-friendly interface streamline workflows and enhance data security with various encryption options, boosting efficiency and productivity.
• The software ensures secure, swift file transfers across servers worldwide with automation, logging, and remote administration features, significantly reducing manual efforts.

Cons:

• Some users express concerns over delayed support responses from the JSCAPE MFT Server team following purchase.
• Other users note the limited availability of language packs on the software server, which can cause translation challenges for non-fluent clients.
• The tool’s cryptic connection and server errors obstruct the establishment of an effective deployment pipeline for JSCAPE users.

MOVEit Managed File Transfer

MOVEit Managed File Transfer automates and secures file transfers, providing compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. It features encrypted transfers, detailed logging for audits, and automated workflows. Supporting FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS, the tool provides versatile deployment options to meet various business needs.

Pros:³

• This sftp server software’s strong security, PCI-compliant large file transfer interface, and scalable automation are enhanced by effective support.
• The SFTP tool’s flexibility in performing various tasks streamlines operational workflows, enhancing productivity.

Cons:

• Clients find navigation and file retrieval difficult, highlighting the need for a major interface update after years of unchanged design.
• Encountering multiple issues necessitated the involvement of professional services for resolution, indicating areas for improvement in user support and system intuitiveness.

Read: MOVEit Alternatives Based on 800+ Reviews

GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT provides a secure and efficient SFTP solution for file transfers, emphasizing 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.

Pros:

• Clients appreciate GoAnywhere MFT for its user-friendly setup, quick integration with third-party platforms, enhancing operational efficiency.
• The tool has significantly streamlined scheduled jobs and transfers, backed by outstanding support and a straightforward upgrade process.
• GoAnywhere MFT’s exceptional support and training staff are highlighted for their readiness to assist and commitment to going the extra mile.

Cons:

• People mention GoAnywhere MFT doesn’t disable irrelevant options for tasks, necessitating careful consultation of notes and help guides.
• Some users find error handling challenging, with difficulties in enforcing internal standards and naming conventions among developers.
• Managing data transfers was cumbersome due to a variety of methods before this SFTP server software, although this issue may have been addressed in newer versions.

For More Read: GoAnywhere-SFTP Server

Files.com

Files.com is an open-source solution featuring integrated FTP and SFTP servers. Hosted remotely, this service surpasses traditional SFTP servers in functionality and offers an array of additional features. At its core, Files.com includes cloud storage, which serves as an intermediary for all file-related actions.

Pros:

• People appreciate Files.com’s versatile file transfer methods, including SFTP, intuitive portal, seamless integrations, and swift, straightforward implementation.
• Individuals value the platform’s reliability, diverse login options, rapid protocol updates, and extensive documentation.

Cons:

• The tool’s pricing model, focused only on user count without regard for storage needs, disadvantages those with minimal storage requirements, suggesting a need for a more adaptable pricing strategy.
• Management tools appear cluttered, navigating the file management UI is challenging, and resolving advanced support queries, such as security questionnaires, can be time-consuming.

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.

Pros:

• The tool enhances customization, global access, and collaboration through shared folders and boasts a user-friendly, web-based interface for file management.
• Some users value Thru for its collaborative platform that facilitates secure document exchange and teamwork, especially through its integration with Outlook for secure file sharing.

Cons:

• Some users note the tool’s limited third-party integrations and a user interface that could be improved for a better experience and broader application use.
• Enhancements to the tool’s GUI could improve its intuitiveness, including a wizard for simple transfers and improved configuration options for complex tasks.

Globalscape MFT

Globalscape MFT delivers secure and compliant data transfers, supporting key protocols. Encryption, compliance functionalities, and audit capabilities provide an intuitive and scalable solution that streamlines file management and meets regulatory requirements for various organizations.

Pros:

• People appreciate the solution’s straightforward deployment and design, enabling a flexible, secure service model that meets regulatory and data protection requirements.
• Individuals appreciate the software’s integrated toolbox and Visual Studio-like coding environment, along with simple import/export functions for events and streamlined credential management.

Cons:⁴

• The tool lacks an easily accessible report to identify users utilizing weak ciphers, making proactive user notification and cipher management cumbersome and time-consuming.
• Some users encounter challenges with Globalscape EFT’s high-availability setup and port configuration, necessitating extensive support and precise knowledge to prevent site clashes and connection issues.

Read: Globalscape Alternatives Based on 500+ Reviews

SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server

SolarWinds Server offers a user-friendly platform for file transfers, supporting SFTP and SCP protocols. Designed for network administrators, it enables encrypted file exchanges and supports tasks like configuration backups and updates. The software is known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and ability to manage large file transfers, catering to a variety of secure file management needs.

Pros:

• People find SolarWinds FTP easy to set up for file transfers, notably with Palo Alto systems, highlighting its efficiency and speed in data exchange.

Cons:

• The software’s reliance on Java for operation means Serv-U cannot function without it installed, posing a limitation for users without Java.

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 ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data but operate on different principles and infrastructure, catering to diverse security needs and network environments.

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, allowing operations like permission changes and directory listings on 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

Further Reading

• What is Managed File Transfer? Use Cases & Benefits
• Top 4 Globalscape Alternatives Based on 500+ Reviews
• Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions
• Top 6 AS2 Software Solutions: Picks from 400+ Reviews
• Axway Managed File Transfer: Key Things to Consider

External Links

• 1. JSCAPE MFT Server Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.
• 2. “Cerberus”. Capterra
• 3. Progress MOVEit Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.
• 4. Globalscape Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2.