15+ BEST (FREE & Paid) SFTP Servers for Windows/Linux

SFTP provides secure file transfers over SSH (Secure Shell) to provide access to all the shell accounts on a remote SFTP server. The full form of SFTP is SSH File Transfer Protocol, which is a part of the SSH protocol suite.

Following is a handpicked list of Top SFTP server software with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software.

Best SFTP Server

Name Platform Price Link
SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server (FREE TOOL) Windows Free Learn More
Files.com Windows, iOS, Linux. $10 Learn More
WS_FTP Server Corporate Windows Free Learn More

1) SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server

Solar Winds SFTP/SCP Server is a reliable and secure network file transfer software. This tool offers advanced device config backup, versioning, and search features.

Features:


2) Files.com

Files.com has built a cloud tool that offers the allows you to send and receive files using a Secure connection. This software provides a single interface for multiple file transfers that gives you the flexibility and security of enterprise-grade solution at a cost-effective price.

Features:

Link: https://www.files.com/


3) WS_FTP Server Corporate

WS_FTP Professional is a SFTP provider that offers the easiest method to upload and download files. It is one of the best SFTP clients that provides an FTP transfer facility using encryption technology. This software is easy to use and helps you to reduce the administrative burden.

Features:

Link:https://www.ipswitch.com/ftp-server


4) Cerberus FTP/SFTP

Cerberus FTP Server is a secure file server that offers FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS capabilities. It has an advanced reporting tool that provides detailed statistics about performance for any given time range.

Features:

Link:https://www.cerberusftp.com/


5) FileZilla

FileZilla is an all-in-one FTPS and SFTP that supports all file transfer types and operating systems. It is considered one of the best open SSH server management tools. It provides plenty of functionality and several advanced features at no cost.

Features:


6) Couchdrop SFTP

Couchdrop SFTP offers a secure file upload and download portal. It offers custom domains and White-labeling. This SFTP service also offers support for Webhooks and alerting.

Features:

Link:https://couchdrop.io/sftp


7) CompleteFTP

CompleteFTP is an SFTP server that offers support and various functions for SFTP, depending on the version you choose. For example, the basic Free Edition supports FTP and FTPS file transfers, and it is available to unlimited users.

Features:

Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10

Link: https://enterprisedt.com/products/completeftp/?p=products/completeftp


8) Tectia SSH

Tectia SSH is an enterprise SSH client/server software for secure high-speed file transfer and remote access. It offers dedicated resources for continuous improvement, including compatibility, feature adds, and bug fixes.

Features:

Link: https://www.ssh.com/products/tectia-ssh/


9) /n Software

/n is a free SFTP software. This SFTP Server is a powerful File and OpenSSH Server for adding instant Secure File Transfer capabilities to any Windows Desktop or Server. This SFTP tool is designed to easily configure an intuitive interface and rock-solid security.

Features:

Link: https://www.nsoftware.com/sftp/sftpserver/


10) Rebex Tiny SFTP Server

Rebex is a free SFTP server that requires no setup or installation. You just need minimal configuration to start using this SFTP server. It is a great option when you just need a free SFTP server for Windows to unpack the files and run.

Features:

Link: https://labs.rebex.net/tiny-sftp-server


11) Bitvise

Bitvise SSH Server provides SCP, FTP, SFTP servers, and SSH server. It is quite easy to install, configure, and use. For configuration, any setting can be changed via a command prompt script or a text file.

Features:

Link: https://www.bitvise.com/ssh-server-download


12) Wing FTP Server

Wing FTP Server is an easy-to-use and free SFTP server software. This SFTP tool offers admins a web interface to administrate the server from anywhere. It helps you to monitor server performance and online sessions and even receive email notifications about various events taking place on the server.

Features:

Link: https://www.wftpserver.com/


13) JScape MFT Server

JScape MFT is an SFTP server that helps you centralize file transfer processes into a single easy-to-use application. It also provides cloud storage such as Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Dropbox.

Features:

Link: https://www.jscape.com/products/file-transfer-servers/jscape-mft-server


14) Provide server

Provide server enables administrators or the entire staff to access files directly with the help of a built-in secure web-server. This SFTP tool is preferable for companies that need a dedicated, encrypted server with an easy-to-use interface.

Feature:

Link: https://www.provideserver.com/


15) SFTPPlus

SFTPlus is a secure, Managed File Transfer software for enterprises with multi-protocol support. It offers a simple to use on-premises, cloud, or container deployed SFTP solution.

Features:

Link: https://www.sftpplus.com/


16) VanDyke VShell Server

VanDyke provides an easy-to-use, browser-based file transfer solution for staff, customers, and partners. It helps end-users to connect with VShell Enterprise Edition using HTTPS to upload and download files easily.

Features:

Link: https://www.vandyke.com/products/vshell/

FAQ:

❓ What is FTP?

It is an internet service that is designed to establish a connection to a specific FTPS server or computer. FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol." Therefore, users can transfer Files (download) or transfer data/files to their computer or the FTPS server.

✔️ What is SFTP?

SFTP (full form SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a part of the SSH protocol suite. It provides secure file transfers over SSH to provide access to all the shell accounts on a remote win SFTP server.

SSH is a protocol for secure remote access to a machine over untrusted networks. SSH is a replacement for Telnet, RSH and rlogin. SFTP verifies the identity of the client, and once a secured connection is established, the information can be exchanged.

⚡ Difference Between FTP vs. SFTP

Here are some important differences between FTP and SFTP protocols:

Parameter FTP SFTP
Founder By Abhay Bhushan in 1971 Tatu Ylönen with assistance from Sami Lehtinen in 1997
Full-Form File Transfer Protocol. Secure FTP Protocol.
Basic FTP does not offer a secure channel to transfer files between hosts. SFTP offers a secure channel for transferring the files between host and client.
Encryption FTP is accessible anonymously, and in most cases, it is not encrypted. SFTP encrypts the data before sending it to another host.
Architecture used Client-server SSH
Protocol FTP is TCP/IP protocol. SFTP protocol is a part of the SSH protocol, which is a remote login application program.
Number of channels used 2 1
Commonly used Yes NO
Transfer method Direct transfer Tunneling
Inbound Port Allows inbound connection on port 21 Allows incoming connections on port 22
Outbound Port Allows outbound connection to port 21. Allows outbound connections to port 22.

💻 How do I run an SFTP server on Windows?

The access to the SFTP server on Windows depends on which SFTP server you choose to install. Most Windows STFP server tools are self-installing. So, if you have SFTP server software installed, all you need to do is just run the SFTP software by opening the services and Select the best SFTP server functions from the menu of your SFTP tool.

❓ How do I connect to an SFTP server with Linux?

STFP on Linux has its own command and environment. There are two methods to connect to the SFTP server in Linux. The first method is useful if you want to include an SFTP session in an automated process using a script. It is ideal to set up a passwordless SFTP connection with the system.

And the second method will help you connect to the SFTP server in Linux with password protection. You can type sftp remote_username@IP_or_hostname and hit return. After that, you will be prompted for the password for that user account. So, when you login, you will see the sftp> prompt, which shows that the SFTP connection has been established.

✔️ How to select the best SFTP Server?

Transferring files is an important part of every business. However, it's essential to keep those transfers secure. SFTP servers use SSH protocols to keep your information safe. It also provides concurrent file transfers and support for files up to 4GB.

 

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