8 Best SFTP Servers for Secure Server File Transfers

Transferring files over the internet is the quickest way possible. However, it can also be quite risky, as the internet is filled with cybercriminals who are always hunting for crucial data to steal. If that happened, you would be devastated, especially personal data such as credit card information.

Fortunately, there are many ways to transfer data online nowadays securely. One of them is using SFTP servers. In today’s article, we will briefly discuss what SFTP servers are and some excellent examples that you should check out today.

Here is our list of the best SFTP servers:

1. Files.com – FREE TRIAL A unique and secure cloud storage system that serves as a robust distribution system. After uploading your files on the system, all you need is to mail out links to recipients to download the files when needed.
2. ExaVault – FREE TRIAL A cloud platform that offers secure file transfers with SFTP and FTPS plus a file server with collaboration features.
3. SolarWinds SFTP/SCP Server – FREE TOOL A Windows tool that runs in the background and can easily handle file transfers of even 4GB in size.
4. Open SSH A pretty simple but secure file transfer tool that offers many SSH-based functionalities.
5. Syncplify.me An excellent file transfer manager that handles multiple file transfers without compromising on security and reliability.
6. Tectia An enterprise SSH client/server software that provides remote access and secure file transfers.
7. FileZilla A free, open-source tool that offers FTPS, SFTP, and FTP and runs on different operating systems.
8. Bitvise SSH/SFTP server Manages a high volume of transfers while ensuring simultaneous transfers to speed up the process.
9. Cerberus FTP server An exceptionally secure file transfer server that easily integrates with LDAP and AD. It also works perfectly with HIPAA sites.

Let’s dive right in.

What Is an SFTP Server?

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol and is among the most popular and secure ways to transmit data online. An SFTP server is usually the last destination at the receiver’s end that offers safe file transfers when exchanging messages over SSH (Secure Shell) to ensure access to every shell account on a remote SFTP server.

This method allows you to encrypt your data when sending it, making it impossible for unauthorized parties to hijack it.

You should not confuse SFTP with FTP technology. FTP is a standard technology used by many people to share data. However, this method does not encrypt data, making it easier to be stolen or even lost. Also, crucial information such as credentials is usually sent in plain text, which even doubles theft risk.

Luckily, SFTP servers came as a better and safer alternative to help avoid all those issues. SFTP servers ensure encrypted connections and even prevent the transfer of any unencrypted data.

The Best SFTP Servers

Files.com is a cloud-based file management system that mediates file transfers. So, you don’t directly send the files to your target recipients. Instead, you upload the files to the system, and then you grant access to every recipient. That way, they will be emailed a link to facilitate private and secure access to the uploaded file. This can be pretty handy, especially when sending a file to many people and you want to do so in the fastest way possible.

Key Features

• Complete MS Office Integration with folder/file previews
• Unique links for file upload and download
• Assigns permissions to groups, folders, and users
• Robust and thorough audit logs of file and user modifications
• 2FA (2-factor authentication)

If you send attachments frequently, then Files.com could be an excellent tool for you. Files.com intercepts your emails and uploads the attached file on the system. Once done, it places a link to the file in the email’s body, which is more secure as no unauthorized person can access the file now, even if they logged in to your email account.

Files.com offers SFTP, FTP, and WebDAV transmission protocols. You can access files with WebDAV over HTTPS, adding a TLS security layer to your data transfer. The SFTP option usually provides SSH security to your file transfers. Plus, the assigned storage areas on the server are traditionally highly encrypted. TLS handles file viewing access via the HTTPS protocol.

Users on this server get individual access credentials for each account. Therefore, you can quickly identify which user performed a particular action in the account.

Pros:

• Scalable solution, making it ideal for both small businesses and enterprises alike
• Features robots user management, permissions, and access control to support long-term use
• Allows users to create links to files that have special rules, such as expiration dates or click tracking
• Can compress large files for faster transfer
• Supports integrations into other cloud-based storage options such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive

Cons:

• While the platform is easy to use, some of the more advanced features can take time to learn and implement

Files.com is an excellent tool for anyone looking for a mix of class, complexity, and reliability. The tool goes for $50 per user per month, but you can sign up for a 7-day free trial. Files.com works on all platforms.

ExaVault is a cloud SaaS service that provides a secure FTP server, deploying both SFTP and FTP options. The user can use any of the well-known file transfer clients that are available on the market.

Key Features

• Secure file transfers and security for files at rest
• User account controls, including multi-factor authentication
• Link forwarding for file sharing and distribution
• Facilities for managed file transfers
• Activity logging for compliance auditing

The platform greatly reduces the number of transfers that need to be performed because plans include file storage space, so it can provide a company’s file server. Users then store all of their files on the ExaVault system and grant access to colleagues for collaboration.

Sending copies of company files to outsiders can be implemented in a very secure way by leaving the files on the server and just mailing out an access link to all recipients. Those recipients then access the file on the ExaVault server. Thus, all access to data can be logged and controlled.

The access rights that are granted can be adjusted by permission levels and they can also be issued with time limits. Users and the administrator can revoke access to files.

Pros:

• Simple user interface
• Can integrate with other cloud-based storage platforms such as Google Drive
• Uses intelligence file sync to keep track of files and eliminate duplicates

Cons:

• While the platform is easy to use, some of the more advanced features can take time to learn and implement

Download: ExaVault is an excellent solution for multi-site businesses that don’t want to run their own servers and it is a particularly good offer for companies that operate a virtual office. You can get a 30-day free trial of ExaVault.

SolarWinds is another fantastic SFTP server that you should check out, mainly due to its TFTP and SCP-server functionality. This feature enables you to quickly and securely perform any kind of transfer on different devices.

Key Features

• Allows concurrent transfers from different devices
• User friendly
• Lets you authorize specific IP addresses
• Functions a windows service
• Transfers up to 4GB

If you are in the networking field, then SolarWinds also has some decent software options that you can use in different areas. In addition, its TFTP/SFTP/SCP server is usually user-friendly, making it easy to transfer any files across the network quickly.

SolarWinds allows you to share up to 4GB files, making it a great option when transmitting large firmware or iOS over a network. In addition, the multi-thread technology facilitates simultaneous download and upload of different files from multiple devices.

Additionally, the tool has advanced security settings that let you specify the specific IP addresses to use. Finally, SolarWinds runs as a service. Therefore, the SFTP/SCP server availability is always running in the background.

Pros:

• Can support large volumes of file transfers
• Free to use
• Has an advanced user interface, helpful for managing multiple file transfer locations or partners
• Can automatically sync files, helping keep both parties updated
• Built for business use, EDI, backups, etc

Cons:

• Not designed for home users, features are designed for larger enterprise companies

Download: SolarWinds is an excellent option for anyone looking for a powerful but very user-friendly SFTP/SCP server. The program is free to download and use on Windows.

4. Open SSH

OpenSSH is another excellent option that can perfectly fulfill unique open-source server needs because it covers many SSH-based functionalities. Plus, its open-source nature allows you to review the source code freely. The tool is also one of the most user-friendly options, especially in Linux-type environments. However, many people still consider it hard to set up and configure compared to SolarWinds.

Key Features

• Supports SFTP, SSH, and SCP
• It’s open-source
• Offers excellent encryption for file transfers
• Uses command line

The software offers an SFTP-server add-on that you can efficiently use as an SFTP server. Its reliable security systems are usually a considerable attraction to businesses that use it as the backbone of their products. Open-SSH also encrypts any traffic between nodes to ensure nobody can easily eavesdrop on your communication.

Unlike many SFTP and SCP servers, OpenSSH does not provide a graphical interface. Therefore, you only access its tools via the command line. If you want to use this software but aren’t familiar with command lines, you could look for online tutorials.

Open SSH allows you to compress your files when your network is slow to ensure a faster transfer when it comes to performance. And you can also remotely access network resources for easy monitoring and management.

Pros:

• Very lightweight application uses little system resources
• Offers full SSH functionality alongside SCP
• Good for those who prefer syntax to interfaces

Cons:

• Not as user-friendly as other options, requires PowerShell knowledge
• Not fully developed, still in test release

Open-SSH is a fantastic program, especially for performing remote login features. In addition, it is compatible with different operating systems, so you can download and install it on your Linux, macOS, or Windows device for free.

5. Syncplify

Syncplify is a feature-filled SFTP server that is capable of meeting the needs of many security-conscious businesses. It is rated as one of the best SFTP and FTP (E/S) servers for transmitting files in a secure environment. The tool supports Active Directory users and groups and is usually configured to shield you from attacks such as password harvesting, DDOS, DoS, and more.

Key Features

• User-friendly
• Allows users to customize features
• Compatible with different operating systems
• Facilitates secure file transfers

It allows you to transfer different files simultaneously, making the process much easier and faster. And it offers support for Distributed File System environments and clustered remote configuration databases.

You can expand and customize its server functions using different scripting languages such as Basic, Pascal, C++, and JavaScript. If you are looking for a program that you can customize to fit your specific needs, Syncplify is an excellent choice. The program lets you customize the speed limits, virtual folders, white lists, and many other features to your liking.

The tool offers PCI-DSS and HIPAA compliance from the second you install it when it comes to security. Additionally, Syncplify has an unlimited user count, which is not so common in similar tools.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface, even for those who are non-technical
• Built-in auditing features for HIPAA and PCI-compliant businesses make this tool a good option for clinics or healthcare services

Cons:

• Only available for Windows

If you always need stuff transferred at specific instances, then Syncplify can help. It supports Windows Server 2008 and above, both 32- and 64-bit versions. Plus, it is pretty easy to set up and run on most devices. It goes for Basic for $199, Professional for $399, and Ultimate for $749. But you can check out its free trial to help evaluate its actual capabilities.

6. Tectia

Tectia is a pretty remarkable SFTP server as it comfortably handles many protocols. This tool is an SSH/SFTP server from the creators of the SSH protocol itself, which explains why it’s uniquely solid and reliable. Plus, that guarantees that it has been built with excellent and unbreakable security systems. However, it is not free, so that it may be categorized with enterprise-level applications.

Key Features

• Double speed SFTP
• Wide platform support
• X.509 certificate support for user and host authentication
• ICON authentication
• Flexible XML configuration

Tectia’s SSH server offers SFTP functionality and remote protocols to ensure reliable file management and data transfers. In addition, the app facilitates faster data transfers than many SFTP programs and is certified for user and host authentication.

Pros:

• Built by the creators of the SSH protocol, Tectia SSH is very reliable
• User interface is better than most other alternatives
• Easy to learn and get started with right away

Cons:

• Built for enterprises, and not smaller organizations

The tool is an enterprise SSH client/server software for remote access and secure high-speed file transfers. Its endless resources for constant improvement, including bug fixes, unique features, and compatibility, will also blow your mind. Tectia supports different operating systems such as Linux, Unix, Windows, and even z/OS. Expect to pay about $150 for it, depending on the exact package/license you will choose.

7. FileZilla

FileZilla is an accessible, open-source SFTP server that supports file transfers for different protocols, including FTPS, FTP, and SFTP. It has an easy-to-use interface and is compatible with other operating systems.

Key Features

• Supports FTP and FTPS (FTP over TLS/SSL)
• Supports file transfers up to 4GB
• Search for files
• Drag-and-drop support
• Available on different platforms

The software allows you to transmit big files of up to 4GB. It also provides the drag and drops functionality, which makes it easier to transfer files quickly. Plus, you can easily view the shared files by going to the “Queued files” section. But you can review more information by visiting the directories. So, you can easily compare directories and local files in one column while the other displays files on the server.

FileZilla lets you pause your transfers when the network is slow and then resume them later. However, it provides configuration options to allow you to choose the needed transfer speed limit and the number of files to be transmitted simultaneously.

It is also great for file maintenance as it supports remote file editing and remote file search while still maintaining excellent security. Plus, since it is open-source software, FileZilla has an active forum where issues are resolved quickly.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source, viable for any budget
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac, giving it more flexibility than similar tools
• Drag-and-drop transfers make this a good option for non-technical users

Cons:

• Might have bloatware associated with the install
• No paid support, community drives bug fixes and updates

FileZilla is a pretty decent option for anyone looking for a user-friendly and reliable SFTP server. It is free and can work on Windows, OS X, Linux, and more operating systems.

8. Bitvise SSH Server

Bitvise also has a lot to offer as it provides SFTP, SCP, FTP, and an SSH server. For regulatory needs, the tool uses high-grade encryption to secure your file content and stay compliant with PCI, HIPAA, and FIPS 140-2. It also provides two-factor authentication and adds extra security for connections that require another password. The additional protection can be managed with quality third-party authenticator software such as WinAuth or FreeOTP.

Key Features

• Allows you to create virtual accounts easily
• Helps to configure bandwidth limits for downloads and uploads
• Offers complex techniques to ensure the best output
• Easy to install, configure and run on different devices
• Lets you restrict access to specific accounts
• No limits on the number of people who can connect

Bitvise is also easy to install, configure and run on different devices. In addition, it lets you configure it to meet your exact needs by allowing you to update any setting from a text file or the command prompt.

The file transfers are fast and secure as you can obtain hundreds of MB/s depending on the SFTP client. And you can transfer files of any size. Bitvise also keeps a record of any transaction, so you can easily access yours anytime you need.

Bitvise supports virtual accounts and uses the FIPS-verified DLL version of Crypto++ 5.3.0 for updated and secure encrypted connections.

Pros:

• Does not collect data from its users, and relies solely on purchases for monetization
• User interface is intuitive and easy to use
• Supports easy import/export of settings and configurations allowing you to customize new installs quickly

Cons:

• Requires a purchase beyond the evaluation version

Bitvise has pretty unique capabilities that make it reliable and a great option overall. It supports both desktop and server versions of Windows, and you can use a tool like WinVNC to gain remote-based access. The app has a free evaluation version but expect to pay $99.95 per server license.

9. Cerberus SFTP

Cerberus is a feature-filled tool that provides excellent SFTP transfer abilities plus other file transfer protocols such as HTTPS, FTP, and FTPS. In addition, it supports LDAP and Active Directory and is FIPS 140-2 validated to facilitate the most secure file transfers.

Key Features

• Support for LDAP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTPS, Active Directory, two-factor authentication, and Secure SSL encryption
• Offers a review of the statistics and performance
• Comprehensive auditing, which allows you to monitor performance and availability
• Provides email notifications
• Different event support and automation options

It is also HIPAA compliant, which means you can trust its high security with your most crucial information, such as patient data. For extra protection, the tool provides IP auto-banning features.

The software provides unique features such as email notifications, web-based transfers, and policy-based settings for event support and file retention.

Pros:

• Well done user interface that easily displays files and folder structures even in larger environments
• Built with compliance standards such as HIPAA in mind
• Features alert options that can help departments know immediately when files have been delivered, or have arrived

Cons:

• Not built for small teams

Cerberus is a must-have tool for any security-conscious company out there. You can use it on Windows 7 and up and Windows Server 2003 and up. The prices start from $79, but you can download and install a free trial.

Conclusion

SFTP servers have become a crucial tool for many businesses, especially those that revolve around tech. Simultaneously, there are also many SFTP servers that you can choose from in the market today. However, not all of them are reliable as most of them promise what they can’t deliver. This makes it crucial to always research first before purchasing any SFTP server. Fortunately, today’s article has thoroughly discussed some of the most reliable SFTP servers you can find out there. So, go through them and then pick a suitable one for your organization.