12 Best SFTP Server Software for Windows (Free & Paid)

With the rise of distributed networks, finding a secure way to transfer files and data is essential. That’s where software products like Secure File Transfer Protocol, better known as SFTP, comes in.

File Transfer Protocol has been around since 1971; the encrypted version was developed in 1994. This popular file transfer communication protocol is able to make sure that your data is able to travel to remote servers safely over unsecured mediums such as the Internet etc.

SFTP was created as an extension for the Secure Shell protocol (SSH) 2.0 as a way to bolster security during file transfers. It also supports file access and management in environments that don’t have data or command channels.

With this software, the commands and data are encrypted and transported in secure packets through one secure connection running on TCP port 22.

Unlike the legacy FTP protocol which requires a control/command connection (TCP port 21) and a data connection (TCP port 20), the SFTP protocol works exclusively over TCP port 22.

Aside from security, why do you need to use SFTP software?

File transfer protocol (FTP) is used to send data packets from one server to another, but data packets are not encrypted.

SSH protocol on the other hand provides a set of rules and guidelines for the safe conduct of data communications in unsecure environments. SFTP server software makes use of SSH and requires a dedicated SFTP client for performing the file transfer.

Authentication with SFTP server software encrypts data in two ways. First, the authentication mechanism asks for a password and user ID that allows a connection to the system. Next, SSH keys are used to verify the user ID and password, which requires having a public and private key; the SSH keys can also be used alone, but two-factor authentication provides better security.

What are the Advantages of Using SFTP Over FTP?

Aside from the advantage of having multiple layers of encryption, there are other benefits to installing SFTP server software.

These include:

• Faster file transfers due to the binary format; speed is second only to security for providing user satisfaction.
• No need for a dedicated control channel because SFTP uses a single connection for both control and data packets.
• Consistent security through SSH; it can’t be turned off or disabled by anyone.
• Machine readable format.
• Also includes operations for performing file locking, permissions, and manipulating attributes.

Best SFTP Server Software for Windows

A quick Google search will yield more results that the average person has time to sort through. Our goal is to cut through the clutter and give you an overview of the top 10 SFTP server software products for your Windows operating system.

Core SFTP

Developer: Core FTP
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
File size: 1.56MB
Cost: Core FTP ‘Lite’ 45-day free trial with limited functionality, $49.95 for the full basic Pro version, and enterprise solutions available for $99.95, $199.95, or $399.95

This server gets high reviews from users and offers a lot of desirable features. It sets up quickly and is ready to use within minutes.

It also supports more than just SSH. Functions include support for virtual paths, access rules, and SSL authentication.

Protocols supported include TLS/FTPS, SSH/SFTP, and HTTPS support. The standard features with the free version are more robust than you’ll get with many free servers, but you get a whole lot of added value with the pro version.

Features:

* GXS ICS support in v2 (with Pro version)
* File synchronization
* Multi-thread connection option (with Pro version)
* Transfer scheduling
* Encryption and SSL
* Queuing for multiple FTP transfers
* FTP session resume capabilities and option reconnect for broken connections
* Email notification of transfer status (Pro version)
* External program execution

Pros:

* Low memory footprint
* Support for Legacy SFTP clients
* Customizable screen setup
* Download acceleration feature for multi-part downloads

Cons:

* Advanced security and encryption only available with pro version
* Need premium license to remove splash screen delay

Rebex Tiny SFTP Server

Developer: Rebex Labs
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
Cost: Free

This very light server is similar to Core’s Lite basic in that it requires no setup or installation, and you need only minimal configuration to start using the server.

Rebex is a great option when you just need a minimalist Windows platform with no bells and whistles or fuss; just unpack the file and run. Great for single use as a testing platform.

Features:

* Great testing platform
* Short-term or temporary solution
* Detailed activity log
* Runs on any Windows-supported platform with .NET
* DSA and RSA keys support

Pros:

* Unlimited users
* Free for commercial and non-commercial use
* Can run as a service

Cons:

* Limited features and functions
* Not for use with real passwords

BURU SFTP Server

Developer: Rebex Labs
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
Cost: Free 30-day version with limited functionality; Full license for $299

This is the more robust version of Tiny SFTP from Rebex Labs, offering more features when you need more than just a testing platform.

It offers a lightweight interface and the ability to create custom commands, and it’s a great for developers. Once you purchase the license, you gain unlimited use for as many users as you need. This is also one of the best for security features, with too many to list.

Features:

* Web administration
* Custom SSH commands
* Diffie-Hellman key exchange
* Same core as Tiny SFTP
* Rijndael AES
* Rich command line interface
* 32- and 64-bit versions
* Password and public key authentication
* Virtual path mapping

Pros:

* Unlimited users
* Free for commercial and non-commercial use
* Can run as a service, including as a Windows service
* Lots of security features
* No installation required
* Scalable
* DevOps-friendly

Cons:

* Free version is only for personal, student, or non-profit use
* License fee is the cost per server

Bitvise

Developer: Bitvise, LTD.
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
Cost: Free trial available; $99 per server license, it’s free for the first year, with an additional fee of $19.99 for a two-year license or $39.90 for a three year license.

Rather than being a console-based server, this one is more GUI-driven. It’s especially good for Windows because it was designed to support the operating system.

The user-friendly interface makes it easier to setup and configure than other platforms. It’s a good long-term choice rather than a temporary solution that doesn’t run in the background; it only deeploys when it’s in use. The Bitvise Client and Bitvise Server must be used together to function, but not necessarily on the same machine.

Features:

* Supports vt100, xterm, and bvterm
* Compatible with all major clients
* Git integration
* Port forwarding via secure TCP/IP connection tunneling
* Compliant with PCI, HIPAA, and FIPS 140-2 validation
* Unlimited connections
* Two-factor authentication
* SFTP v6 optimizations
* Telnet and server-side forwarding

Pros:

* No ads, third-party bundles, or data collection
* Client and server can be installed on the same machine for testing purposes
* Strong security and access control

Cons:

* Not a standalone option
* A little pricey

OpenSSH for Windows

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

This Linux-based tool is a free, open source platform that does more than just offer an SFTP server option. The Windows-supported option that uses local system accounts to obtain authentication, and file permissions are used for access control. The Windows add-on is a little more awkward that the Linux version, and it’s a little more difficult to configure than other free platforms if you’re a beginner.

Features:

* Fully open source
* Uses AES, ChaCha20, RSA, ECDSA, Ed25519 cryptography standards
* X11, agent, and port forwarding
* Access via public keys and one-time passwords
* Interoperability
* Optional data compression

Pros:

* Free, open source
* Strong security and authentication
* Several access control features

Cons:

* Only usable with Windows as an extension
* Difficult to configure

Solarwinds SFTP

Developer: Solar Winds, LLC
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
FIle size: 2MB
Cost: Free

This software comes to you as part of SolarWinds software suite. It’s a Windows-supported solution that’s all-inclusive, with support for SCP and TFTP protocols as part of the package. One thing that sets SolarWinds apart from competitors is that it relies exclusively on virtual accounts.

On the down side, the active directory and system accounts can become vulnerable if not configured correctly. It prevents root access in order to give users a balance between security and user-friendliness, which could cause headaches for some users.

Features:

* Simultaneous transfers from multiple devices
* Authorization for specific IP ranges
* Runs as a windows service
* Advanced device config backup, versioning, and search

Pros:

* Transfer files up to 4GB
* Push device, OS, and firmware updates
* reliable and secure

Cons:

* Multi-user license and other advanced features only available with Network admin software license at a cost of $2,500 and up

SRT (Titan SFTP Server)

Developer: Titan
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
Cost: Pro Edition, $599.95; Enterprise Edition, $1,249.95, Enterprise + WebUI, $1949.95

This SFTP server is expensive, but it comes highly recommended. It’s great for large corporations that need easy configuration and use without losing security.

In fact, Cisco Systems, uses it as a backup for their whole Unified Communications (UC) Suite. It offers real-time monitoring, configurable disk quotas and transfer ratios, and plain text or W3C log file formats.

Features:

* Supports FTP, FTP/SSL, and SFTP
* File integrity checking
* Event automation
* Optional web interface
* More than 20,000 servers world-wide
* Remote administration
* Drag-and-drop file transfer
* HTTPS encryption protocol
* Advanced security features
* Network and drive mapping
* Detailed logging

Pros:

* Zlib compression enables faster transfers
* Cisco recommended
* Multi-platform support and compatible with all bowsers

Cons:

* Very expensive
* Pro edition only allows 200 uses for $600
* No SFTP unless you purchase an Enterprise Edition

EDIT: This is a comment from the developer about the price of the product:

“I also wanted to briefly comment on the cost of Titan SFTP and hopefully shine some light on why the cost may seem higher than other products listed.

A full year of technical support is included with your initial purchase, and subsequent support renewals are offered at a discount.”

FileZilla

Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10, MacOS, and Linux
File size: 21.6 MB
Cost: Free, with a low-cost Pro version, which is $19.99 for the license.

FileZilla is an all-in-one FTP (client and server), and FTPS server (FTP over TLS) platform that supports all file transfer types and operating systems.

Widely considered one of the best open source file management tools, it offers lots of functionality and several advanced features at no cost; there’s also a Pro version that’s relatively inexpensive.

The only drawback is lack of encryption by default on the Filezilla FTP server, so you’ll have to add some security features to keep your data safe (such as enabling FTP over TLS, also known as FTPS).

All in all, a fast and reliable way to transfer large files and batches of files.

Features:

* Quick Connect option
* Cross-platform and multi-language support
* Vital stats at a glance; irregularities are highlighted
* Drag-and-drop functionality
* Network configuration wizard
* Keep Alive command reduces timeout errors

Pros:

* Easy to use and configure
* User-friendly interface
* Free to use
* Lots of features

Cons:

* Little support due to open source
* Bland interface appearance

CompleteFTP

Developer: Enterprise Distributed Technologies
Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
File size:
Cost: Two free editions, a standard edition for a one-time cost of $299, a Pro edition for $499, and an Enterprise solution for $999.

This file transfer option offers support and various levels of function that depend on the version you choose.

For example, the basic free edition only supports FTP and FTPS file transfers, and is available to unlimited users.

In order to obtain support for the SFTP protocol, you’ll have to pay a one-time licensing fee of $299. The Standard plan gives you all of the free features, plus auto-banning and remote administration capabilities.

One benefit this platform has over some others is live online training and support; additional support is available by phone or mail during business hours.

Features:

* Multi-platform support
* Access controls
* Audit trail
* Document Management
* Drag-and-drop functionality
* Real-time synchronization
* Electronic signatures
* Encryption

Pros:

* Live support and training
* License includes one year of free updates and tech support
* One-time cost, license is good forever

Cons:

* Must purchase a standard license to get Windows and SFTP support
* No GUI-based backups
* No monitoring system alerts

MicroServer

Operating systems: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8/10
Cost: Read-only demo; Basic Edition, $299, Professional Edition, $499; and Ultimate Edition, $849; one-time fee

Not to be confused with the HP hardware Microserver, this server from Syncplify.me supports FRP/ES and SFTP protocols.

This product offers full functionality for Active Directory (AD) users, and you can schedule up to 45 events at once, including sipping files, transfers, and emailing.

MicroServer also supports JavaScript, Basic, C++Script, or Pascal, and you can designate speed limits, virtual folders, and white lists as well as multiple keys for each user. It’s free for personal use and corporate evaluation, but licensing will give you full functionality starting at $299.

Features:

* HIPPA-compliant
* Creates backups for Cisco UCM
* Proprietary Protector™ permits automatic threat protection and creates blacklists for known hackers
* High Availability (HA) deploys two or more server nodes
* Active Directory (AD) support
* Multi-language scripting
* Event handling

Pros:

* Good mid-range solution
* Lots of extra features
* 24/7 support via email

Cons:

* Caps on virtual sites with basic version
* No at-rest encryption with basic version
* No HA, event scheduling, or scripting with basic edition
* Must pay 20 percent to renew license after first year

/n Software SFTP Server

The /n software SFTP Server is an efficient and powerful SSH File Server for adding instant Secure File Transfer capabilities to any Windows Desktop or Server.

SFTP Server is designed to be easily configurable while providing an intuitive interface and rock-solid security.

File based or Windows based public key authentication is supported. Runs as a Windows service or standalone desktop application.

The server supports all major SSH algorithms, such as AES (CTR, CBC, and GCM), 3DES, Blowfish, SHA-256, ECDH, etc.  

SFTP Server was professionally designed using the IPWorks SSH library by a team of engineers with over 20+ years of experience building secure tools.

Free non-commercial Licensing. Commercial Licensing starting at $99

/n Software PowerShell Server

/n software’s PowerShell Server is a fast and robust SSH solution that enables users to securely manage remote Windows machines via a lightweight PowerShell command-line user interface from any SSH client – PuTTY, OpenSSH, iPhone, etc.

Run as a Windows service, or as a standalone application. Easily install and configure SSH 2.0 servers on any Windows Desktop or Server for fast file transfer capabilities.

SSH Tunnel and Reverse Tunnel features allow for secure remote access from outside the firewall to internal resources that are otherwise insecure.

Build and serve dynamic web content using PowerShell ASP, a special PowerShell based template language for building web applications and enabling PowerShell scripts with web accessibility.

Free trial. Commercial licensing starting at $99

Final Thoughts

In an era where cyber crime is increasing and the public demands the businesses and employers protect their data, employing advanced security measures is no longer optional.

The purpose of our comparison and review is to provide you with a comprehensive guide for choosing the best Windows-supported SFTP server software for your needs and budget. With the right information at hand, sorting through your options should be easier and less confusing.