SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business?
SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business? SFTP is a secure transfer protocol for transferring data from one computer to the other over the internet. It uses SSH, an authorization protocol and a client server model. SSH provides encryption to secure data transfer.
This article compares some of the best SFTP servers to choose for your business.
SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business?
1. Files.com
Files.com is a cloud management tool that gives custom portal for transferring files over a secure SFTP connection. It uses mainstream remote server model. Contains a cloud storage feature that serves as a buffer for file transfer.
Files.com supports SFTP on ports 22 and 3022. Supports DSA, RSA, and ED25519 keys for automated and scripted SFTP connections. Acts as an inbound SFTP server. This means you use SFTP to connect to any part of your Files.com account, including folders syncing to external providers like Dropbox, Azure Blob Storage, Amazon S3, etc.
Supports 2FA, Single Sign On, Audit Trails, Data Retention Management, and Non-Repudiation alongside other features.
Pros
- Cloud storage.
- Integrations: Dropbox.
- Subscription-tiered price model.
- Fine grained permission controls.
- Fast uploads and downloads.
Cons
- Multiple features making it buggy.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
2. ExaVault
Second solution of SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business is ExaVault. For enterprise class SFTP solution allowing transfer of files and also storing sensitive data securely. Connects with any SFTP client, as well as API and webhooks for automation. It’s responsive web interface allows to manage files and review files, activity, etc.
Comes with multiple cloud benefits including security and high scalability. Designed to scale seamlessly to meet changes in your transfer and storage needs. Besides, it’s a managed software, so no need to worry about the underlying infrastructure. Includes advanced drag and drop capabilities, notifications, developer tools, and a suite of file sharing features.
Pros
- Schedules transfer and expires them after a certain period.
- Simple user interface.
- Secures SSH keys to keep your transfers secure.
- Developer tools to extend the server capabilities.
Cons
- Some of the advanced features require technical skill to implement.
- You must have a premium account.
3. JSCAPE MFT
JSCAPE MFT is a managed file transfer supporting SFTP. With JSCAPE, you readily exchange data virtually with any file transfer client or server. Robust security system that complies to multiple regulatory standards such as HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS to help you achieve compliance. It also provides platform independence, allowing you to conveniently access, retrieve, and move files across different platforms that are running in your business. Besides SFTP, JSCAPE also supports other protocols such as HTTP, FTPS, SCP, and FTP.
Pros
- Uses triggers to automate file transfer rather than scripts.
- Platform independent.
- Configure JSCAPE to serve as a failover server to provide high availability.
- Requires minimal code configurations.
Cons
- Issues with time based rules.
4. GoAnywhere MFT
GoAnywhere MFT supports the latest SSH 2.0 protocol to enable you transfer files seamlessly. This version allows for both SSH key and password authentication, so choose whichever works best for you. When transferring data via the GoAnywhere SFTP server, it creates an encrypted tunnel. This tunnel ensures all your data, user ids and passwords, and commands flow securely.
Moreover, it has has web driven admin interface and load balancing features for secure and streamlined file transfer. Besides, it’s simple setup and configuration guarantees high performance and availability. There is an advanced EDI that translates and transfers XML, X12, and EDIFACT files. Deploy GoAnywhere in the cloud, on premises, or hybrid environments.
Pros
- Extracts data from most databases and send it to recipients in multiple formats.
- Provides the option of automating batch transfers.
- Converts data into XML, spreadsheet, text, and more.
- Integrates with DB2, SQL Server, and Oracle.
- Provides compliance or SOX, HIPAA, HITECH, and PCI DSS.
- Admins view active sessions for logged in users.
- Configure multiple settings such as idle timeouts, maximum login features, and number of sessions.
- Provides ZLIB compression to reduce bandwidth transfers.
Cons
- Takes a time to master.
- No option of customizing reports.
5. Syncplify Server
Highly extensible server that runs your own scripts and executes custom workflows. Its fully-featured scripting framework and event handling subsystem help meet all your data transfer needs. At its core is an AI powered engine that detects a wide range of threats, including unknown ones. For best availability, Syncplify allows you to deploy 2 or more SFTP server nodes such that when one goes down, the SFTP keeps running.
Syncplify transfers multiple files simultaneously, making it simpler and faster. It offers support for AD groups and users, clustered remote configuration databases, as well as support for Distributed File System networks.
Pros
- Scripting frameworks provides limitless extensibility possibilities.
- Granular controls, including speed limits, multiple key pairs, virtual folders, and whitelists.
- Compliance for HIPAA and PCI-DSS.
- Clean, clutter free UI.
Cons
- Only available for Windows.
- Relatively expensive.
6. FileZilla
Following in SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business is FileZilla. An open source software supporting SFTP. Supports large file transfers of up to 4GB and allows you to pause and resume file traffic to best suit your needs.
Pros
- Allows users to edit text file and automatically upload changes upon saving.
- Users have multiple open connections simultaneously.
- Seamless synchronization between local and remote folders.
- Wide community for support.
- Compatible with PuTTy to allow users to navigate directories and view unix oriented scripts.
Cons
- Scheduling capabilities are not comprehensive.
- Lacks an automatic synchronization feature.
- Large files are prone to disconnect issues.
7. Bitvise SFTP Server
Pros
- Graphically driven.
- Allows an unlimited number of users and simultaneous connections.
- Restrict shell access to enhance the security of Windows environment.
- Allows native configurability through Windows groups.
- Two factor authentication.
Cons
- Designed for Windows use only.
- The free version is highly limited.
8. Cerberus SFTP Server
Cerberus SFTP Server eliminates bandwidth constraints and email attachment restrictions that impede data sharing. The server integrates with Microsoft’s Hyper-V and VMWare’s ESX. In addition to its on-premise services, Cerberus FTP Server excels in facilitating fast and secure file transfers in Azure based environments. Capable of transferring large volumes of critical data swiftly without performance bottlenecks.
Cerberus FTP Server’s robust integration with Active Directory offers simplified and efficient security group and directory access management. Customizable directory mapping supports default, virtual, and user-customized directory access.
Pros
- Interactive and easy to use GUI that displays files and folder structures seamlessly.
- Complies with the highest security and confidentiality standards, ideal for sensitive environments such as finance and healthcare.
- Easy to install, configure, use, and maintain.
- Comprehensive documentation.
- Superb customer support.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Not very suitable for small scale organizations.
9. SolarWinds SFTP Server
Another choice is SolarWinds. It provides a free SFTP server that supports file transfers of up to 4GB. Transfer big files such as iOS and firmware across your network. Comprises multi thread functionalities to concurrently upload and download files from various network devices.
SolarWinds modern security settings provide you with full control over the file transfer process. Choose specific address ranges and IP addresses for transfers. Use SolarWinds to perform multiple transfers across different devices simultaneously.
Besides, you choose SSH version you want to implement (SSH1 or SSH2). Also offers robust encryption, perfect for maintenance jobs. To manage file access, you create user accounts that allow you to choose who gains access to your files.
Pros
- Great user interface.
- Minimal configuration to perform all data transfer duties.
- Auto discovery feature for discovering new devices on your network.
- The server consumes negligible system resources thanks to its compression capabilities.
Cons
- It’s LDAP configuration and integration is difficult
10. Sysax Multi Server
Sysax Multi Server supports both SFTP and FTPS protocols, enabling organizations to securely transfer data across Windows systems. Simple user account admin to implement Windows authentication for users. Sysax Multi Server provides advanced security features such as IP restriction, SSL certificate generation, and public key authentication. The enterprise version of Sysax Multi Server handles an unlimited amount of simultaneous user connections.
Pros
- Easy to configure and use.
- Multiple authentication options.
- Provides detailed log reports.
- Fully compatible with Windows network environments.
- Freeware edition and offers a free trial for its paid plan.
Cons
- Limited user support.
- Not available for Linux and MacOS
11. Core Mini SFTP Server
Core Mini SFTP Server is a straightforward standalone SFTP server that lets users transfer files between network devices quickly and securely. It contains all the standard file transfer features and SSH encryption protocols. Core FTP offers many options, including a free “mini-sftp” server that meets the most basic SFTP needs.
Pros
- Free version, suitable for smaller businesses with limited resources.
- Use the verbose log feature for logging and troubleshooting.
- The auto start feature makes the service impervious to the effects of unexpected shutdowns, as its always ready.
- Easy to set up as there are few numbers of options to configure.
- No installation required.
Cons
- The interface is not very comprehensive and lacks basic features.
- The price is a bit high.
12. Wing FTP Server
Wing FTP is an ideal for small and midsize businesses. Cross platform solution (Linux, Windows and MacOS). Supports SFTP, FTPS, HTTP, and HTTPS. Besides, it provides an intuitive user interface to administer the server from anywhere.
Wing FTP Server comes with monitoring capabilities. Basically monitor the server and all running sessions. Also, it provides notifications so you are aware of any events happening on the server. Unlike most tools, it comes with an Android/iOS app to help you manage transfers from your mobile device.
Pros
- Extremely easy to set up.
- Deploy a load balancing solution.
- Supports Windows AD and LDAP authentication
- Brute force attack protection.
- Has IP access rules that you configure to deny access to the server.
- Supports web broadcasting and sharing, allowing sysadmins to administer the Server regardless of their physical location.
Cons
- The SFTP server is available on the secure edition which is relatively expensive.
13. Titan FTP Server
Titan FTP Server supports FTPS, FTP, and SFTP protocols. Its SFTP server adheres strictly to the IETF specifications for SFTP. Also, it supports SSH versions 3 through 6, and transfers all information over an encrypted channel.
Supports the Elliptic-curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) Key Exchanges (KEXs). Basically, this is a key agreement algorithm that allows two parties to have an elliptic-curve key pair for secure data transfer. Integrates with directory services, i.e AD or LDAP. Besides, it uses up to date access control lists (ACLs) to enforce access control.
Pros
- Comes out of the box with auditing features that are PCI and HIPAA compliant.
- Supports host key authentication with password protection for imported host keys.
- Easy to use, secure web user interface.
- Event handling system to help with logging and user activity tracking.
- Supports clustering for high availability and failover.
Cons
- The SFTP option is available in the Enterprise Edition which is quite expensive for small businesses.
14. Couchdrop SFTP
Couchdrop SFTP is a user friendly SaaS service designed to streamline and simplify the process of using a SFTP server. Designed to automatically use with any SFTP client. This eliminates the need to manage complex infrastructure or configuration files. Couchdrop leverages global data centers to offer 24/7 access and redundancy.
As an SFTP Server, Couchdrop prioritizes security, offering comprehensive controls to ensure that only authorized individuals have access. These controls include firewall rules, extensive auditing, reporting, and RSA key authentication. Moreover, Couchdrop automates file transfers to enhance workflows. It provides an intuitive automation builder for advanced actions such as encryption/decryption and webhooks.
Pros
Cons
- Requires a very stable internet connection to function properly
- Users lack absolute control as with self hosted SFTP servers.
15. OpenSSH
Last choice of SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business is OpenSSH. Widely used open source SFTP solution that provides many SSH capabilities. More popular in Linux network, although it has a Windows version. OpenSSH has a set of tools for remote operations, key management, and server side. Well, OpenSSH contains an SFTP server add-on that enables you to fulfil your SFTP server needs.
Pros
- Consumes minimal resources.
- Excellent for users who prefer CLI to graphical interfaces.
- Very large and supportive user community.
Cons
- Unlike with SaaS products, it has a steep learning curve.
- The Windows version is difficult to use.
Thank you for reading SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business? We shall conclude.
SFTP Comparison: Which SFTP Server is Best for Your Business? Conclusion
If you are looking for a secure and reliable SFTP server solution, you will do well with any of the above tools. These tools come with a variety of features ideal for your data transfer needs. If you are looking for a SaaS server with a proper interface, you can choose Cerberus, SolarWinds, or ExaVault servers. On the other hand, you choose Files.com or Couchdrop if you are looking for a server with cloud storage capabilities. It’s best to understand the cost implications of each server, as most of these tools are highly priced. However, you also have a free, Linux based option in OpenSSH. Regardless of the SFTP server you should, ensure it performs all file transfers securely.
