Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cerberus FTP Server - Provides a secure, Windows-based SFTP server with advanced user management, auditing, and automation features.
- 2#2: Bitvise SSH Server - Delivers high-performance SFTP and SSH access on Windows with virtual accounts and GUI configuration.
- 3#3: SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server - Offers multi-protocol file transfer including SFTP with compliance, clustering, and web client support.
- 4#4: OpenSSH - Serves as the standard open-source SFTP server via SSH for secure file transfers across platforms.
- 5#5: CrushFTP - Runs a Java-based, cross-platform SFTP server with scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and plugin extensibility.
- 6#6: Titan FTP Server - Supports scalable SFTP on Windows with event-driven automation, failover clustering, and PGP encryption.
- 7#7: Wing FTP Server - Enables easy SFTP file sharing with web-based administration, Lua scripting, and multi-platform compatibility.
- 8#8: CompleteFTP - Delivers a managed SFTP server for Windows featuring public key auth, virtual file systems, and REST API.
- 9#9: Rebex SFTP Server - Provides a lightweight .NET-based SFTP server embeddable in applications with strong security protocols.
- 10#10: VShell SSH Server - Offers secure SFTP/SCP server for Windows mimicking Unix shell access with FIPS compliance.
These tools were selected based on key factors: robust security (encryption, authentication), practical functionality (automation, multi-protocol support), user-friendliness, and scalability, ensuring a balance of innovation and real-world utility.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top SFTP server software, such as Cerberus FTP Server, Bitvise SSH Server, SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server, OpenSSH, CrushFTP, and others, to guide readers in selecting the right tool for their needs. It outlines key features, usability, and practical applications, helping identify options that align with specific requirements for secure file transfers.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cerberus FTP Server Provides a secure, Windows-based SFTP server with advanced user management, auditing, and automation features. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Bitvise SSH Server Delivers high-performance SFTP and SSH access on Windows with virtual accounts and GUI configuration. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server Offers multi-protocol file transfer including SFTP with compliance, clustering, and web client support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | OpenSSH Serves as the standard open-source SFTP server via SSH for secure file transfers across platforms. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 5 | CrushFTP Runs a Java-based, cross-platform SFTP server with scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and plugin extensibility. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 6 | Titan FTP Server Supports scalable SFTP on Windows with event-driven automation, failover clustering, and PGP encryption. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Wing FTP Server Enables easy SFTP file sharing with web-based administration, Lua scripting, and multi-platform compatibility. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | CompleteFTP Delivers a managed SFTP server for Windows featuring public key auth, virtual file systems, and REST API. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Rebex SFTP Server Provides a lightweight .NET-based SFTP server embeddable in applications with strong security protocols. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | VShell SSH Server Offers secure SFTP/SCP server for Windows mimicking Unix shell access with FIPS compliance. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
Provides a secure, Windows-based SFTP server with advanced user management, auditing, and automation features.
Delivers high-performance SFTP and SSH access on Windows with virtual accounts and GUI configuration.
Offers multi-protocol file transfer including SFTP with compliance, clustering, and web client support.
Serves as the standard open-source SFTP server via SSH for secure file transfers across platforms.
Runs a Java-based, cross-platform SFTP server with scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and plugin extensibility.
Supports scalable SFTP on Windows with event-driven automation, failover clustering, and PGP encryption.
Enables easy SFTP file sharing with web-based administration, Lua scripting, and multi-platform compatibility.
Delivers a managed SFTP server for Windows featuring public key auth, virtual file systems, and REST API.
Provides a lightweight .NET-based SFTP server embeddable in applications with strong security protocols.
Offers secure SFTP/SCP server for Windows mimicking Unix shell access with FIPS compliance.
Cerberus FTP Server
enterpriseProvides a secure, Windows-based SFTP server with advanced user management, auditing, and automation features.
Automatic failover clustering for zero-downtime SFTP operations
Cerberus FTP Server is a Windows-based enterprise-grade file transfer server that excels in SFTP, FTPS, FTP, and HTTP/S protocols, providing secure, reliable data exchange for businesses. It features advanced capabilities like high-availability clustering, comprehensive auditing, and compliance support for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and more. With a user-friendly web administration interface, it simplifies management while offering automation, failover, and integration with Active Directory or LDAP.
Pros
- Robust SFTP support with strong encryption and key-based authentication
- High-availability clustering and automatic failover for enterprise reliability
- Detailed auditing, reporting, and compliance tools for regulated industries
Cons
- Limited to Windows operating systems only
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or individuals
- Advanced features require some configuration expertise
Best For
Enterprises and mid-sized organizations requiring a secure, scalable SFTP server with compliance features on Windows infrastructure.
Pricing
Workgroup edition starts at $499/year (up to 5 users); Standard at $999/year (unlimited); Enterprise custom pricing with advanced support.
Bitvise SSH Server
enterpriseDelivers high-performance SFTP and SSH access on Windows with virtual accounts and GUI configuration.
Virtual filesystem (VFS) mapping for complex, permission-based file access without host filesystem changes
Bitvise SSH Server is a powerful, Windows-native SSH server that excels as an SFTP solution, providing secure file transfer via SFTP, SCP, and FTPS alongside full SSH capabilities. It features an intuitive graphical user interface for configuration, advanced security options like public-key authentication, two-factor authentication, and Kerberos integration, and supports virtual file systems for granular access control. Designed for enterprise use, it handles high loads with reliability and includes tunneling, shell access, and real-time monitoring.
Pros
- Highly intuitive GUI for configuration and real-time monitoring
- Advanced security with 2FA, Kerberos, and virtual accounts for isolation
- Excellent performance supporting thousands of concurrent sessions
Cons
- Windows-only, no native Linux/macOS support
- Advanced features have a learning curve for novices
- No perpetual free version; trial only
Best For
Windows server administrators needing a secure, feature-rich SFTP server with enterprise-grade access controls.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Standard edition $99.95, Professional $149.95; 30-day trial available.
SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server
enterpriseOffers multi-protocol file transfer including SFTP with compliance, clustering, and web client support.
Sophisticated workflow automation for orchestrating complex, event-triggered file transfer processes
SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server is a robust managed file transfer (MFT) solution that excels as an SFTP server, supporting secure protocols like SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS for reliable file exchanges. It provides enterprise-grade features including automated workflows, clustering for high availability, detailed auditing, and compliance tools for standards like PCI DSS and HIPAA. Designed for organizations handling sensitive data, it offers web-based administration and scalable performance for high-volume transfers.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-protocol support including robust SFTP
- Advanced automation workflows and event-driven actions
- High availability clustering and detailed compliance reporting
Cons
- High licensing costs for full MFT capabilities
- Steep learning curve for configuration and advanced features
- Primarily Windows-based, limiting deployment flexibility
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing secure, compliant SFTP-based file transfers with automation and scalability.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$1,900 for basic Secure FTP, with MFT Server tiers from ~$5,000+ plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost).
OpenSSH
otherServes as the standard open-source SFTP server via SSH for secure file transfers across platforms.
Seamless integration of SFTP as an SSH subsystem, enabling secure file transfers without additional daemons or ports
OpenSSH is a free, open-source implementation of the SSH protocol suite, providing a secure SFTP server for encrypted file transfers over a network. It supports robust authentication methods including public keys, passwords, and multi-factor options, along with features like chroot jails for sandboxing users. As a lightweight daemon, it integrates natively with Unix-like systems and is the de facto standard for secure remote access and file serving in enterprise and open-source environments.
Pros
- Battle-tested security with regular audits and support for modern cryptographic standards
- Highly configurable with options for chroot, subsystem restrictions, and integration with PAM
- Zero cost and unlimited scalability for any number of users or connections
Cons
- Command-line configuration only, lacking a graphical user interface
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users or those unfamiliar with SSH
- Limited to Unix-like operating systems without native Windows support
Best For
Experienced system administrators and DevOps teams needing a reliable, secure SFTP server on Linux/Unix servers.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under a BSD-style license.
CrushFTP
enterpriseRuns a Java-based, cross-platform SFTP server with scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and plugin extensibility.
Virtual File System (VFS) that seamlessly mounts and manages multiple storage backends like cloud services, databases, and local drives in one SFTP-accessible structure
CrushFTP is a versatile, Java-based file transfer server that excels in SFTP support alongside protocols like FTPS, HTTP/S, WebDAV, and SCP, enabling secure file transfers across diverse environments. It features advanced user management, virtual file systems for mounting multiple storage backends, bandwidth controls, quotas, and automation through CrushTasks and plugins. This makes it a comprehensive solution for enterprise-grade file serving with high customizability on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-protocol support including robust SFTP with SSH key management
- Powerful virtualization and automation tools like CrushTasks for workflows
- Perpetual licensing model with no recurring fees and cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive configuration options
- Web-based UI feels dated and can be overwhelming for beginners
- Java runtime dependency may introduce performance overhead on some setups
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a highly customizable SFTP server with multi-protocol flexibility and advanced automation.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $299 for Standard (up to 50 users), $599 for Premium, and custom Enterprise pricing; free limited version available.
Titan FTP Server
enterpriseSupports scalable SFTP on Windows with event-driven automation, failover clustering, and PGP encryption.
High-availability clustering for seamless failover and load distribution across multiple servers
Titan FTP Server is a robust Windows-based file transfer solution that excels in SFTP, FTPS, and FTP protocols, providing enterprise-grade security and scalability for secure file exchanges. It features a visual configuration tool, web-based user interface, and advanced automation via event rules for tasks like file processing and notifications. Designed for high-availability environments, it supports clustering and integrates with Active Directory for user management.
Pros
- Strong SFTP support with public key authentication, FIPS compliance, and IP restrictions
- High-availability clustering for failover and load balancing
- Powerful automation engine with drag-and-drop event rules
Cons
- Limited to Windows Server platforms only
- Pricing escalates quickly for enterprise features and support
- Complex initial setup for advanced configurations
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring scalable SFTP servers with clustering and automation for mission-critical file transfers.
Pricing
Starts at $699/server/year for Standard edition; Enterprise edition from $1,999/server/year with clustering and advanced support.
Wing FTP Server
enterpriseEnables easy SFTP file sharing with web-based administration, Lua scripting, and multi-platform compatibility.
Lua scripting engine for deep customization and real-time event handling
Wing FTP Server is a secure, multi-protocol file transfer server that excels in SFTP support alongside FTP, FTPS, HTTP/S, and WebDAV protocols. It features a web-based administration interface for easy management across Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris platforms. Advanced capabilities include user quotas, IP access controls, Lua scripting for automation, and clustering for high availability in enterprise setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive SFTP support with compression and FIPS 140-2 compliance
- Cross-platform deployment and intuitive web-based UI
- Powerful Lua scripting and event engine for custom automation
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for scripting and advanced configurations
- No perpetual free version; trial only
- Enterprise clustering requires expensive licensing
Best For
Mid-sized businesses requiring robust SFTP with multi-protocol flexibility and automation.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $199 (Basic) to $999 (Enterprise); annual maintenance optional at 25%.
CompleteFTP
enterpriseDelivers a managed SFTP server for Windows featuring public key auth, virtual file systems, and REST API.
Built-in web file manager allowing secure browser-based file uploads/downloads without needing FTP clients
CompleteFTP by EnterpriseDT is a robust, Java-based secure file transfer server supporting SFTP, FTPS, FTP, SCP, HTTP/S, and WebDAV protocols for seamless file sharing. It features a comprehensive web-based administration interface and an integrated web file manager, enabling easy setup, user management, and direct browser-based file access without client software. Ideal for enterprises, it offers advanced capabilities like clustering for high availability, virtual file systems, scripting, and strong security including public key authentication and two-factor authentication.
Pros
- Multi-protocol support including SFTP, FTPS, and HTTP/S in one package
- Intuitive web-based admin and file manager interfaces
- Enterprise-grade features like clustering, quotas, and AD/LDAP integration
Cons
- Java dependency can introduce performance overhead on high-load servers
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced editions and support
- Limited free version restricts core SFTP features for production use
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring a managed, multi-protocol SFTP server with web access and high-availability clustering.
Pricing
Free limited edition; Standard starts at $299/year (up to 10 users), Professional $999/year, Enterprise custom pricing with support.
Rebex SFTP Server
enterpriseProvides a lightweight .NET-based SFTP server embeddable in applications with strong security protocols.
Pure .NET implementation enabling seamless embedding into custom applications without external runtime dependencies
Rebex SFTP Server is a robust .NET library designed for developers to embed a high-performance SFTP server directly into Windows applications or services. It supports the full SFTP protocol with features like virtual file systems, strong encryption, and multiple authentication methods including public keys and passwords. Ideal for custom file transfer solutions, it offers FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography and seamless integration with .NET environments.
Pros
- Pure managed .NET code with no native dependencies for easy deployment
- Advanced security features including FIPS compliance and public key authentication
- High performance with support for virtual file systems and extensibility
Cons
- Requires .NET programming knowledge; not a plug-and-play standalone server
- Limited to Windows platforms
- Higher cost for small-scale or hobbyist use
Best For
Developers and enterprises needing to integrate a customizable SFTP server into .NET applications.
Pricing
Starts at $349 per developer for Standard edition; higher tiers for teams and runtime royalties apply.
VShell SSH Server
enterpriseOffers secure SFTP/SCP server for Windows mimicking Unix shell access with FIPS compliance.
Seamless SFTP-only access restrictions with virtual shell emulation, preventing shell command execution while enabling efficient file transfers
VShell SSH Server from VanDyke Software is a robust, enterprise-grade secure file transfer solution that primarily supports SFTP, SCP, and SSH2 protocols for safe data exchange over encrypted channels. It offers advanced security features like public-key authentication, Kerberos integration, and FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography, available on Windows, Linux, and Unix platforms. The server includes tools for user management, auditing, and restricting access to SFTP-only environments without full shell privileges.
Pros
- Strong security with FIPS 140-2 compliance and multi-factor authentication support
- Cross-platform compatibility and SFTP-only user isolation
- Detailed logging, auditing, and GUI-based management console
Cons
- Relatively high licensing costs for small-scale deployments
- Configuration can be complex for non-experts despite GUI aids
- No free version or open-source alternative from the vendor
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing secure, compliant SFTP servers with advanced access controls and auditing.
Pricing
Starts at $499 per server license for standard edition; enterprise features and volume discounts up to $2,000+.
Conclusion
The reviewed SFTP server software presents a range of strong choices, with Cerberus FTP Server leading as the top option, thanks to its advanced user management, auditing, and automation features. Bitvise SSH Server shines with high performance and a user-friendly GUI, while SolarWinds Serv-U MFT Server impresses with multi-protocol support and compliance, offering solid alternatives for different needs.
Explore Cerberus FTP Server today to benefit from its robust security and comprehensive features for your file transfer requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison