SFTP Servers (SSH File Transfer Protocol, not to be confused with Simple File Transfer Protocol) use a protocol that allows for the transfer of files over a secure SSH connection.
Unlike FTP, which does not encrypt data transfers, SFTP provides the capability to securely transfer data with greater reliability and increased performance.
Such needs could include HIPAA compliant data transfers and secure corporate documents to protect from corporate espionage.
In order to use SFTP, a Client application and a Server application is needed to create the connection and facilitate file transfers.
Aug 05, 2020 11 Best Free TFTP Servers for Windows, Linux and Mac February 28, 2019 / by Jon Watson 10 Best SFTP and FTPS Servers Reviewed for 2020 February 27, 2019 / by Jon Watson 12 Best NetFlow Analyzers & Collector Tools for 2020 January 23, 2019 / by John Kimball Best Bandwidth Monitoring Tools – Free Tools to Analyze Network Traffic Usage December. The 11 best free Sftp servers and free best FTP server software 2020. Windows, mac users. So guy’s now let’s start sharing your data now Just fill the credentials and you ready Just download the software and begin transferring data now Ftp and Sftp both protocol is employed hugely on transferring data from pc to server.
SSH FTP servers are commonly used in conjunction with the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP).
In this article, we will discuss 10 of the Best Free SFTP Servers for Windows that are available for you to download and quickly install and begin using.
Here's the Best SFTP Servers for SSH File Transfers:
SolarWinds Free SFTP/SCP Server – Free Download HERE
Provided by SolarWinds, the leader in network management software, their free software package provides a great, free tool to quickly and securely transfer files across your network.
Supporting files of up to 4GB, it allows you to transfer large files such firmware and the latest iOS over your network.
Multi-thread capabilities allow for concurrent upload and download of files from multiple network devices.
SolarWinds has advanced security settings that give you control over how you transfer files using the most secure methods, along with allowing you to specify specific IP addresses and address ranges for transfers.
Since it runs as a service, it provides SFTP/SCP server availability in the background at all times.
It is compatible with the latest 64 bit operating systems.
A powerful, yet easy to use piece of software, SolarWind’s Free SFTP/SCP Server is a must-have.
Download it FREE and Install it within 2 Mins.
Syncplify.me Server
This full-featured SFTP server boasts many capabilities, which meet the needs of even the most security-conscious users out there.
It fully supports Active Directory users and groups, and comes configured to prevent itself against attacks such as DoS, DDoS, password harvesting, and more.
It supports transferring multiple files simultaneously and includes support for clustered remote configuration databases and Distributed File System environments.
Syncplify.me Server functions can be expanded and customized using 4 scripting languages: JavaScript, C++, Pascal, and Basic. White-lists, speed limits, and virtual folders, along with many other features, allow users to customize this SFTP server to their own, very specific needs. Syncplify.me Server supports Windows Server 2008 and up, both 32 and 64 bit versions.
FileZilla
This open source software provides capabilities to transfer files via SFTP among other secure and non-secure methods, including FTPS and FTP.
FileZilla supports file transfer sizes of up to 4GB, and lets you pause and resume traffic when needed.
Drag-and-drop support, remote file editing, and remote file search make it simple and easy to use without compromising security.
File-name filters and directory comparisons come standard, allowing you to ensure that the files you need transported and stored are accurate and up-to-date.
Its simple user interface operates on Windows, Linux, OS X, and more. And since it is a very popular open-source application, bugs and other issues are quickly found and fixed by developers around the world.
zFTPServer Freeware
zFTPServer is a full-featured and robust application designed for the most intensive corporate enterprise needs.
Using the most up-do-date security and encryption protocol, zFTPServer provides speed scheduling, automatic updates, and high-speed data transfers.
It also provides Active Directory user login support and IPv6 capability.
You can let it run automatically in the background as a system service, or bring it up in application mode, depending on whatever your need is at the time.
It uses threading and careful memory allocation and de-allocation to minimize its resource usage, and its real-time logging of events and messages is a valuable feature for system administrators. zFTPServer runs on all the latest Windows Server and PC operating systems.
The free version allows up to five accounts and three simultaneous connections, with the ability to upgrade at very reasonable prices.
Bitvise SSH/SFTP Server
Bitvise SFTP & SSH server is a light-weight, powerful, multipurpose application designed to provide secure SSH features and SFTP capabilities.
With Bitvise, SFTP can provide some of the fastest file transfer speeds possible – hundreds of MB/s can be obtained depending on the SFTP client.
It supports an unlimited number of user connections; the number and speeds of simultaneous connections are only limited by the host hardware resources.
Bitvise server supports virtual accounts and uses FIPS-certified DLL version of Crypto++ 5.3.0 for the most up-to-date and secure encrypted connections.
It is compatible with all major SFTP clients. With its simple installation and setup procedures and many capabilities, Bitvise is the ultimate in SFTP server solutions.
Cerberus FTP Server 8
This robust and feature-laden software provides SFTP transfer capabilities along with other secure file transfer protocols, including FTP/S and HTTPS.
Cerberus supports Active Directory and LDAP needs and is FIPS 140-2 validated for the most secure file transfer needs.
It is HIPAA compliant, meaning it is able to transfer even the most confidential patient information safely and securely.
This application allows for Ad Hoc file transfers and file integrity checking and its IP auto-banning features add an extra layer of security.
Cerberus FTP/SFTP Server 8 is compatible with Windows Server 2003 and up and Windows 7 and up, and is free for personal use after the trial period is up.
A must for any security-conscious operation.
Sysax Multi Server
Along with SFTP, Sysax Multi Server supports several simultaneous remote access and file transfer protocols, such as FTP, FTPS, Telnet, and Secure Shell.
It also supports HTTP and HTTPS web-based file transfers.
Its simplified user account administration allows administrators to use Windows authentication for existing Windows users on the network, or they can create custom user accounts within the software.
Sysax Multi Server allows for remote management via any web browser, and when using locally, you can use its own administration panel or the Windows Management Console.
For more advanced security, it supports public key authentication, SSL certificate generation, and IP restriction.
The corporate edition allows for unlimited simultaneous client connections.
A powerful and simple to use application, Sysax Multi Server is perfect for any SFTP server need.
Rebex Tiny SFTP Server
This small, minimalistic SFTP server was designed for testing SFTP clients.
This simple little application requires no installation or setup, and is perfect for the small jobs where a full-fledged server is unneeded or unreasonable, or when you need to test your SFTP client app and do not need to waste the time setting up a more complex server that you may rarely use.
It supports a single user and provides detailed activity logs.
Rebex Tiny supports DSA and RSA keys and is free for both personal and commercial uses.
It is compatible with any modern Windows version with .NET 4.0. A simple but useful application, Rebext Tiny SFTP Server is invaluable in any small-time application.
Core FTP Mini SFTP Server
This very simple standalone SFTP server allows for quick transfer of secure files between computers across any network.
It provides the standard file transfer capabilities, all secured with the SSH encryption protocols.
Simple, yet effective, it is perfect for the quick jobs where a full-fledged server download and setup is not practical.
freeFTPd
Another lightweight and simple free SFTP server. It is simple to set up and easy to run, and lets you get a secure file transfer server going in just a couple minutes.
freeFTPd supports SFTP, FTPS as well as its non-secure cousin, FTP, and lets you transfer files securely while consuming very little system resources.
CompleteFTP
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/1/8/5/118507052/116585011.jpg)
CompleteFTP is a Windows SFTP server supporting secure file-transfer via FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS and SCP.
Features include support for all FTPS and SFTP clients, web file-manager, remote administration, virtual file system, file-sharing, IP filtering, auto-banning, e-mail notifications, process triggering, load-balancing/fail-over, Windows and Active Directory users, custom authentication and custom file-systems via .NET and embedded Javascript, and regular security updates.
CompleteFTP has four editions, starting with the Free Edition, which, as the name implies, is completely free for an unlimited time.
It has no limits on the number of users, transfers or anything else, and the feature-set more or less matches that of FileZilla Server.
CompleteFTP scales from the tiniest hobby installation to the largest corporate cluster with an addition three paid editions offering many more features.
Checkout other related articles here:
My point here is this: every IT professional and practitioner needs a good FTP client (and possibly server) in their corner. Whether you’re building a site or sharing files, FTP provides ease and capacity unavailable in simple computer-to-computer transfers. The popularity and long history of this protocol means there are lots of players in the game—FTP clients for Windows, FTP clients for macOS, FTP clients for mobile, free FTP clients and paid FTP clients—and the right one for you depends on the client’s features and your needs. We’re here to help you sort through the clutter with the following list. Don’t have time to read through top FTP programs? My top pick is the SolarWinds® Serv-U® Managed File Transfer Server solution if you need reliable, business-level capabilities.
Here you can jump ahead to FTP Client Software reviews:
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing FTP Client Software
File Transfer Protocol is necessary when you’re communicating with a server. It’s the FTP client software that initiates the request of the server. That’s typically relevant when you’re building or maintaining a website but could also matter when transferring large files that can’t be stored on RAM. (This latter use has become less popular with the rise of cloud computing.) For smaller data transfers, going machine-to-machine is still fine.
A note on security: FTP was developed before cybersecurity was the concern that it is today, so data is sent unencrypted. That might be fine if you’re just hosting whitepapers for download or transferring non-private information. But if you have any sensitive documents or your industry has privacy regulations, using an unsecured connection could be a PR headache at best and regulatory negligence charges at worst.
That’s why Secure FTP, or SFTP, was developed. (FTPS is another, less common, encrypted form of FTP.) In fact, FTP and SFTP are often used interchangeably now, though you shouldn’t assume this is the case when choosing your client; verify that you’re getting SFTP if you need it.
Why pay for a top FTP program when there are so many popular free versions? As we’ve noted previously in this blog, “Open-source is only free if your time is worthless.” That’s a bit harsh, but the message is important: open-source and free proprietary options aren’t going to provide the support and customization of a paid service and team. You’ll spend a lot of time learning, customizing, and maintaining the program yourself, and it still might fail sometimes. This should be foremost on your mind if regular, secure, and reliable data transfer is mission-critical for your business and not just tangential.
Best FTP Client Overall
With SolarWinds Serv-U Managed File Transfer (MFT) Server, you get all the business-level capabilities you need at the affordable price you’ve come to expect from other Serv-U product offerings like Serv-U File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server.
Like FTP Server, Serv-U MFT provides total control over your file transfers—even 3GB+ files—within your organization, over both web and mobile devices. It simplifies file transfer for users with single drag-and-drop features. I’d say the real advantage here is the intuitive dashboard that allows central control and customizable automation abilities (and the ability to look over activity logs as needed).
And of course, you get the crucial security features you need and expect for business functions, like Active Directory integration and authentication features. Files can be transferred over FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S protocols, over both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Designed to deliver reliable and secure file transfers, this file transfer tool focuses on helping you ensure regulatory compliance for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other standards that require secure data transfers. Serv-U MFT can take loads off your plate and keep your system running smoothly.
Serv-U MFT Server is designed to be easy to install and supports deployment on Windows and Linux® platforms.
Best Free FTP Client for Windows
WinSCP is like the Honda Civic of FTP clients—ubiquitous, relatively reliable, and affordable (free, in fact, because it’s open-source), all-in-all a decent option for a variety of users. It supports the SFTP protocol for added security and supports SCP (as the name suggests), as well as WebDAV and Amazon S3. WinSCP has an integrated text editor and allows for remote editing, which is then uploaded to the server automatically when saving, making editing a snap. And there are three portable versions, including one for Linux.
A few drawbacks: it’s built on Windows, so Mac users are out of luck. And if you use UNC to organize files on a LAN, WinSCP isn’t compatible with that either. Plus, some users criticize WinSCP’s odd keyboard command layout and the inability to customize shortcuts. (A minor gripe, but I bet it will annoy you after a while.)
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for Windows
FileZilla might be the undisputed champ of open-source FTP clients if not for some unfortunate moves and PR. It works for Windows, macOS, and Linux, has drag-and-drop, tabbed interface, bookmarks, and remote editing as well as file search. Out since the early 2000s, FileZilla has racked up thousands of happy users and supporters.
But the program’s host, SourceForge, earned some ill will when it started bundling FileZilla downloads with adware or using deceiving tactics to get users to download unwanted programs. Some users even claimed malware was loaded onto their computers. Current versions still contain ads on update pages, so be careful. And in 2014, it was revealed that fake versions of FileZilla were loaded with malware that was stealing login credentials, so you should make sure you are downloading a legit version.
Best Free FTP Client for macOS
![Sftp for mac os x free Sftp for mac os x free](/uploads/1/1/8/5/118507052/477891004.jpg)
At first glance, Transmit might not seem like a standout. Like other competitive FTP clients, it supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, Amazon S3, or WebDAV protocols, and integrates easily with Amazon Drive, Backblaze B2, DreamObjects, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business, OpenStack Swift, and Rackspace Cloud Files cloud storage accounts. Transmit is also great for automated syncing.
What makes Transmit special? It does all this for macOS. In a field dominated by Windows FTP clients, this is easily the best FTP client for macOS. And as proprietary freeware, you get the updates and guidance of a paid service without spending a dime.
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for macOS
Sftp For Mac Free
Cyberduck is another big name among the best free FTP clients, especially among FTP clients for macOS. (There is also a Windows version, but because Cyberduck was built on macOS, its features are macOS-leaning.) It supports FTP and SFTP, WebDAV, OpenStack Swift, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Microsoft Azure. Users love its simple and friendly graphic interface with drag-and-drop (for bookmarks too) and its support of dozens of languages. Cyberduck doesn’t have a built-in text editor but integrates with whichever your favorite is. And it allows for remote previewing of some files without downloading them.
However, that simple and easy user interface might not be sufficient for some power users. And though this is a free open-source program, it will prompt you for donations until you donate, which can get irritating.
Honorable Mentions
FireFTP is unique in that it’s not a standalone desktop program, but an add-on for the Mozilla Firefox browser (although the creators now recommend using Waterfox). This adds a lot of convenience for Firefox power users, but not much advantage for everyone else. If you prefer trees of directories and lists of files to a more dressed-up user interface, FireFTP’s two-pane display is for you.
CuteFTP is one of the most popular paid FTP clients on the web. Reviews tout its ease of use and simplicity. Standouts include the automation of file transfers and the built-in editor (Scintilla). Thanks to a feature called Tappin, you can easily share files between desktop and mobile devices. Available for Windows, CuteFTP is free to try and costs $59.99 standalone, with an additional $30 for a year of maintenance and support.
CloudMounter works a little differently because it’s not exactly an FTP client. It’s more like a direct connection to your FTP server as if the server were a removable drive. So instead of complicated software and interfaces, all you have to do is open up Finder. Few other FTP clients can say that they make it as easy as plugging in a thumbnail drive. CloudMounter is free to try and costs $29.99 (or an additional $10 for a “lifetime upgrades guarantee”). It’s primarily known for its macOS version but is also available for Windows and Linux according to its website.
One More Time: The Best FTP Client
The best FTP software depends all on your needs and budget, but I highly recommend looking at paid services to ensure regulatory compliance, security, and reliability. Check out SolarWinds Serv-U MFT for the most reliable option—and with all the security issues that can arise with transfers, you shouldn’t take that reliability lightly.
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