The Top 11 Secure MFT Server Options in 2025

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated December 22, 2024
Edited by Kamila

Edited by Kamila

Kamila is an AI-based technical expert, author, and trainer with a Master’s degree in CRM. She has over 15 years of work experience in several top-notch IT companies. She has published more than 500 articles on various Software Testing Related Topics, Programming Languages, AI Concepts,…

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Deeply understand what is an MFT Server from this review of the top Managed File Transfer Servers. Pick the best MFT Server to gain complete control of administration and setup for secure transfers:

Managed file transfer refers to the technique of securely exchanging and managing business data internally and/or with third-party vendors.

MFT servers provide several benefits, some of which are:

  • They help keep data secure, with the help of features like end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, access controls, etc.
  • They help businesses meet regulatory compliance requirements.
  • They keep records and logging of user activities and data movements.
  • They can automate file transfers based on specific events or times.
  • They can support the quick transfer of large files.

Managed File Transfer Servers: Market Trends

BEST MFT Servers

A great number of benefits and cyber security reasons have made businesses demand MFT software. An MFT server works by encrypting the file that is sent, and the recipient decrypts it when received. This ensures the safety of data from unwanted exposures and threats.

Watch this video to learn more about Managed File Transfers, their benefits over traditional file transfer methods, and what to look for in an MFT server. This video further explains one of the best MFT servers, JSCAPE Managed File Transfer by Redwood.

Managed file transfers image

[image source]

Who is this article for?

This article is for businesses coming from any industry. If you need a platform that secures your data exchanges and helps you maintain compliance with the standard regulatory compliance requirements. In that case, this article will help you find a suitable platform for your business.

A comparison table is also provided to get a quick and brief description of the top 5 platforms.

Market Trends: As per a report by Acumen Research and Consulting, the global MFT market had an estimated revenue of USD 2 billion in the year 2022, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2032. The report further states that the increasing demand for secure and compliant solutions for file transfers is the reason behind the growth.

MFT market Analysis

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Expert Advice: If you want to pick an MFT server for your business, you must consider examining these aspects about each of them:

  • It must support multiple protocols for file transfer because both the sender and receiver need to be using the same protocol. You can connect to vendors only if you have the technology (protocol) that they are using.
  • It must allow quick transfer of large files
  • It must offer robust security features
  • A centralized dashboard for monitoring, data analytics, controls, and management features
  • It should give you logging of the success or failure of data delivery
  • It must integrate with your systems
  • It should offer suitable deployment capabilities according to your business model
  • =>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

    List of the Best MFT Servers

    Here are some top servers to opt for:

    1. JSCAPE MFT Server
    2. Fortra GoAnywhere
    3. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server
    4. Fortra Globalscape MFT
    5. MOVEit
    6. IBM Aspera
    7. Axway SecureTransport
    8. Stonebranch MFT
    9. Thru
    10. Cleo Integration Cloud MFT
    11. Citrix ShareFile

    Comparing the Secure MFT Server Platforms

    SoftwareBest for Deployment Top benefits
    JSCAPE MFT Server Being an all-in-one solution for your MFT needs.In the cloud, on premises, a hybrid of these, or SaaS• Supports multiple protocols
    • REST APIs
    • Easy to use
    • Built-in cloud storage and key vault integrations
    Fortra GoAnywhere Being a highly flexible, scalable, feature-loaded MFT tools provider.On premises or in cloud• Intuitive interface
    • Mobile apps
    • Advanced security features
    • Multiple-protocol support
    Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server Advanced enterprise-grade security featuresWithin your data center• Easy to use
    • Lets you exchange files of any type or format
    • Powerful security features
    • A free trial
    Fortra Globalscape MFT Being feature-rich and suitable for businesses of all sizes.On premises, in the cloud, in hybrid environments or as MFTaaS.• Flexible platform
    • Scalability
    • Supports multiple protocols
    • Standard security features
    • Good customer support
    MOVEit Being a feature-rich, flexible and scalable platform.On premises or as-a-Service in the Cloud.• Supports multiple protocols and connectors
    • Mobile applications
    • A centralised dashboard
    • A free trial

    Detailed Reviews:

    #1) JSCAPE

    Best for being an all-in-one solution for your MFT needs.

    JSCAPE MFT

    JSCAPE is powerful, reliable, scalable, and immensely useful. Their advanced deployment and integration capabilities and multi-protocol support are their plus points.

    Their monitoring features help you perform load testing and network scanning so that you can meet the service levels when the system load is high. JSCAPE has Drummond Certified™ status and complies with the OFTP2 specifications.

    Check out this overview video of the JSCAPE MFT server:

    They have a rapid onboarding process. Businesses from the Healthcare, Financial Services, Legal, and Government sectors would find the platform highly advantageous. Bank of America, Citi Bank, Lockheed Martin, Adobe, Loreal, and 1,000+ other organizations from around the world are their clients. You can request a demo of the software from their site.

    Features:

    • Supports multiple protocols, including AS2, FTP/S, SFTP, HTTP/S, OFTP2, and more.
    • Provides REST API so that your teams can build more integrations.
    • Automates your file transfers based on events, time, or an object.
    • Integrates with workload automation solutions for full business automation.
    • Can support proxy servers in the DMZ for maintaining compliance and security.
    • There are built-in cloud storage integrations with Microsoft, Google, AWS, and more.
    • Built-in key vault integrations with AWS Secrets, Microsoft Azure Key Vault, and CyberArk Key Vault.
    • Ad-Hoc file sharing, DropZones and Outlook integration, and more tools for internal and external file sharing.
    • Lets you maintain compliance with common standards like PCI, SOX, and HIPAA.
    • Logging and monitoring all user activity for auditing purposes.
    • Quarterly penetration testing and annual third-party audits ensure the security of the product.

    Pros:

    • Compatible with nearly all operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Solaris)
    • Can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, a hybrid of these, or SaaS
    • Easy administration
    • Easy to use
    • Highly scalable platform
    • Alerting tools
    • Useful integrations

    Why we picked JSCAPE for the top spot: This robust, feature-rich platform will give you full control and visibility into the processes, plus regular security testing ensures the solution will withstand the efforts of bad actors.

    They offer 24/7 support through phone, email, and their web portal. JSCAPE makes file transfer a very simple and secure process, giving you more value and power when compared to other MFT solutions.

    Price: Contact them for a price quote.


    #2) Fortra GoAnywhere

    Best for being a highly flexible, scalable, feature-loaded MFT tools provider.

    Forta Goanywhere

    Fortra GoAnywhere secures and eases up your file-sharing process through its file monitoring, collaboration, APIs, encryption, enterprise-grade security, and more useful features.

    This award-winning platform will stun you with the list of features it offers. Plus, they allow you to choose the features you want as per your needs so that you pay for just what you use. Fortran GoAnywhere is Drummond Certified™ and has completed the requirements for Windows Server 2012. It has received amazing reviews from its clients.

    It runs on most of the popular browsers like Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The interface can be viewed in Spanish, French, German, Indonesian, Danish, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese languages.

    Features:

    • Supports AS2, AS3, AS4, FTP, FTPS, Azure FTPS, Linux FTPS, HTTPS, SFTP, GoFast and PeSIT protocols.
    • Maintains compliance with SOX, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other state privacy laws.
    • Stores and tracks detailed audit information.
    • Tools for creating customized reports about file transfer activities, user statistics, completed jobs, and more.
    • Sends automated alerts on the success or failure of a file transfer or other specific conditions.
    • Tools for sharing large files in bulk or ad hoc.
    • Lets you collaborate on files with your colleagues, customers, and trading partners.
    • File monitoring features include scanning files, filtering files with wildcards or regular expressions, and more.

    Pros:

    • Intuitive interface
    • Mobile apps for iOS and Android users
    • Highly scalable, flexible platform
    • Documents are encrypted while sharing
    • Can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud
    • Several file encryption technologies like AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest, Open PGP and GnuPG, SSL/TLS, SSH, ZIP with AES, FIPS 140-2, and more.
    • User access and control features

    Cons:

    • Does not support OFTP or OFTP2 protocols.

    Why we picked Fortra GoAnywhere for our list: You can get customized solutions as per your needs with Fortra GoAnywhere. You’ll just have to tell them the features you require and they will provide you with a tailored price quote.

    The platform is scalable and has a good set of features. They provide a customizable dashboard, where you can add any gadget like Active Sessions Summary, Recent Web User Activity, File Transfer Summary, Top Web Users by Transfers, Recent Blacklisted IP Addresses, Job Statistics, etc.

    Price: Contact them directly for a price quote.

    Website: https://www.goanywhere.com/products/goanywhere-mft/file-servers


    #3) Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server

    Best for advanced enterprise-grade security features.

    Serv-U MFT

    Serv-U MFT server is a reliable, trusted Managed File Transfer Server. The web console on the platform allows for centralized management and administration of all file transfers.

    Their real-time logs and session monitoring, useful integrations, compliance management, and powerful security features make the platform a highly recommended one.

    Observe the functioning of the Serv-U Managed File Transfer server:

    Their secure, ad-hoc file sharing works this way:

    • To send a file, upload it to Serv-U and email the recipient with a download link.
    • If you wish to receive a file, you will have to send an invitation to the sender. The sender will then upload the file to Serv-U and you will get an email with a link for downloading the file.

    Features:

    • Supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S protocols for transferring files
    • Simple, drag-and-drop features for file sharing
    • Helps in maintaining compliance with PCI DSS, HIPAA, FISMA, SOX, and many more standards.
    • Sends alerts and takes automated actions whenever a suspicious event occurs.
    • Lets you share large files and ad-hoc files.
    • Offers automation tools for file transfers.
    • Gives you centralized control of all file transfers in your organization

    Pros:

    • A free trial for 14 days
    • Offers useful integrations
    • Tools for managing user access to the data
    • 24×7×365 support
    • Large files can be shared after compression

    Cons:

    • No flexible pricing options for small businesses.

    Why we like Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server: Serv-U has everything you would wish for in an MFT server. The platform enables fast and secure file sharing. And the best part is, it is easy to use and lets you exchange files of any type and format. You can also share multiple files at a time.

    You can use their free trial to check the usability of the software for your business needs.

    Price: Their license price starts at $3827.

    Serv-U price

    Website: https://www.solarwinds.com/serv-u-managed-file-transfer-server


    #4) Fortra Globalscape MFT

    Best for being feature-rich and suitable for businesses of all sizes.

    Fortra Globalscape

    Fortra Globalscape MFT provides you with centralized control of all the file transfer processes. It is an award-winning platform with exceptional customer support services.

    It is a complete, easy-to-use platform that delivers agility and efficiency to business operations. Fortra Globalscape MFT partners with NetApp (for providing end-to-end MFT solutions), F5 (for providing a proven solution for interoperability), Hortonworks Technology (that helps to store, process and analyze large volumes of unstructured data), Microsoft, and more.

    It is SOC 2 TYPE 1, FIPS 140-2 certified and PCI compliant.

    Features:

    • Supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and AS2 protocols for file transfer.
    • Helps you attain compliance with HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITECH, GDPR, SOX, and many other standards.
    • Keeps records of all transactions and gives audit reports.
    • Sends alerts or performs automated actions on specific events.
    • Data security features include PGP actions, encryption, access controls, two-factor authentication, and more.
    • Lets you automate workflows.
    • Gives visibility, reporting, and collaboration tools.

    Pros:

    • Can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, in hybrid environments, or as MFTaaS.
    • Scalable platform

    Cons:

    • Does not support OFTP, or OFTP2 protocols.

    Why we like Fortra Globalscape MFT: Fortra Globalscape MFT is capable of addressing the file transfer needs of even the most complex business model. They provide tailored price quotes, as per your requirements, thus making the platform suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries.

    The platform has proven to be highly useful for businesses of different types. Check their site on how Interglobe Aviation, Ltd. is boosting efficiency and meeting compliance standards; and a law enforcement agency is securely sharing files from multiple sources, all with the help of Fortra Globalscape MFT.

    Price: Request a personalized price quote.

    Website: https://www.globalscape.com/solutions/what-managed-file-transfer-mft


    #5) MOVEit

    Best for being a feature-rich, flexible, and scalable platform.

    MOVEit

    MOVEit is an award-winning, flexible, and scalable platform for Managed File Transfers. It is simple and intuitive and can be deployed easily and quickly.

    MOVEit offers easy-to-use workflow automation tools, secure collaboration tools for the end users, a central dashboard for managing all the system’s file transfers, and powerful security features. And the best part is, you can choose what features you would like to use and they will provide you with a suitable price quote based on your demands.

    Features:

    • Supports FTP, HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/FTPS, SSH/SFTP, SMTP/POP3, API (REST, Java, .Net) protocols, and connectors.
    • Helps in meeting regulatory compliance with PCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, SOC2, and more standards
    • Can be deployed on-premises or as-a-Service in the Cloud.
    • Gives you complete visibility into all file transfer activities.
    • Audit trails, MOVEit API, workflow automation, and more useful features.
    • Secure, compliant, ad-hoc managed file transfer.
    • Security features include multi-factor authentication, AES 256-bit encryption, and more.

    Pros:

    • A free trial for 30 days
    • Intuitive user interface
    • Mobile applications for iOS and Android devices
    • Multiple language support
    • Sends customized notifications

    Why we like MOVEit: MOVEit has an amazing set of features. Plus this flexible platform can be customized as per your requirements, which makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes and types.

    When surveyed, it was found that 100% of the organizations (which were surveyed) had received good returns on investment with MOVEit within 12 months.

    Price: You can request a price quote from them.

    Website: https://www.progress.com/moveit


    #6) IBM Aspera

    Best for quick transfer of data of any size.

    IBM Aspera

    IBM Aspera allows you to exchange data with systems, employees, customers, and partners. It works by fully utilizing the available network bandwidth, to work and scale as quickly as possible.

    With IBM Aspera you can build workflows that run on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. They use blockchain technology to maximize the security of digital asset movement.

    Features:

    • Supports FTP, FTPS, FXP, HTTP, SFTP, FASP protocols.
    • Lets you exchange big data files quickly.
    • Tools for collaborating with teams located around the world, for large file sharing.
    • Tools for automating, monitoring, and controlling workflows and file transfers.
    • Tools for building scalable workflows, to run on-premises, in the cloud, or both.
    • Big data synchronization, and backup tools.

    Pros:

    • A free trial for 14 days
    • Different price plans for different business sizes
    • A pay-as-you-go plan is also available.

    Why we like IBM Aspera: IBM Aspera is undoubtedly a popular and trusted name. American Airlines and FOX Sports are among their prestigious clients. Their customer reviews are good.

    They charge you based on the volume of data you transfer using their service. They have different plan for businesses of different sizes. Plus, they have a pay-as-you-go plan that would be best for one-time file-sharing use cases.

    Price: Their price structure is as follows:

    IBM Aspera price

    Website: https://www.ibm.com/products/aspera


    #7) Axway SecureTransport

    Best for budget-friendly price plans.

    Axway

    Axway SecureTransport is an enterprise-scale, secure MFT server that lets you meet SLAs and compliance requirements and offers you flexible deployment capabilities with world-class support.

    The platform has a quick deployment process and guarantees speed, security, simplicity, automation, compliance, integration, and scalability to its clients.

    Check out a demonstration of Axway MFT.

    Features:

    • Offers end-to-end control and visibility over your data from a single point of administration.
    • Keeps data secure through encryption.
    • Auditing, reporting, real-time notifications, REST APIs, and more useful features.
    • Can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, in a hybrid environment, or as SaaS.
    • Use existing MFT templates to establish connections with new partners quickly.

    Why we like Axway SecureTransport: Axway SecureTransport claims to reduce your costs and complexities involved with managed file transfers. The platform’s fault-tolerant and high availability architecture makes it a highly recommended one. Check their site to see how Axway SecureTransport is helping the State of California IT in cutting costs and securing data.

    Price: Contact them to request a price quote.

    Website: https://www.axway.com/en/products/managed-file-transfer/securetransport


    #8) Stonebranch MFT

    Best for being an all-in-one solution for workflow orchestration and MFT.

    Stonebranch MFT

    Stonebranch MFT is built for simplifying and securing your internal and external file transfers. It allows you to securely transfer data from any platform, in any format.

    Their real-time automation tools, deployment and integration capabilities, ease of use, analytical tools, and exceptional customer support are the top plus points.

    Features:

    • A central place for managing all data transfers.
    • Fault-taulerent technology that helps in avoiding failures and other issues.
    • Offers real-time, powerful analytics.
    • Offers complete audit trials that help in ensuring regulatory compliance.
    • FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, and HTTPS protocols for external file transfers.
    • Drag-and-drop workflow design and task automation tools simplify file transfers.

    Why we like Stonebranch MFT: Stonebranch MFT is a highly scalable MFT solution that has complete workflow automation tools along with reliable managed file transfer capabilities. This platform-independent MFT server allows hybrid cloud file transfers and B2B critical data flows with third parties.

    Stonebranch has received many awards for being a leader and a customer-favorite platform.

    Price: Contact them to get a price quote.

    Website: https://www.stonebranch.com/it-automation-solutions/managed-file-transfer


    #9) Thru

    Best for being easy to use.

    Thru

    Thru has won many awards namely, ‘Best Usability’, ‘Easiest to use’, ‘Easiest Administration’, and more. It is trusted by businesses from all over the world. Richemont, Bottomline, Crocs, Pioneer, and Sage are some of their clients.

    Thru lets you share a link for downloading a specific file. You can send large files of over 10 GB in size over email. You can view all file transfers and user activities through their dashboard.

    Thru dashboard

    Features:

    • Data security features like antivirus scanning, access controls, and end-to-end encryption.
    • Can be deployed on the cloud or managed as a service.
    • Helps in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards like GDPR, GxP, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
    • Full audit trails, monitoring tools, APIs, automated alerts, and more useful features.
    • Ad-hoc file transfers and SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS protocols for automated file transfers.

    Why we picked Thru for our list: Thru guarantees 99.9% uptime, SLA management, scalability, lower cost of ownership, 24/7/365 support, and continuous updates. Their customer reviews are impressive.

    Thru offers a free trial and a mobile app for iOS users. It can be used in French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Chinese languages.

    Price: Their price structure for MFT as a Service is:

    Thru price

    Website: https://www.thruinc.com/managed-file-transfer/


    #10) Cleo Integration Cloud MFT

    Best for enabling quick connection with internal systems as well as trading partners.

    Cleo Integration MFT

    Cleo lets you share files using any secure protocol, without having to use any programming or special skills. With more than 4,000 clients including Duraflame, Sauder, TaylorMade, and Verst Logistics, Cleo comes out to be a preferred MFT server.

    With Cleo, you will get end-to-end visibility, SLA management, quick partner onboarding, business process streamlining, and more plus points.

    Features:

    • Tools for monitoring data located across your enterprise.
    • Offers advanced automation capabilities for complex workflows.
    • Security features include multi-level user access, PGP and XML encryption, and more.
    • REST API, monitoring, alerting, and more useful features.

    Why we like Cleo Integration Cloud MFT: Cleo Integration Cloud MFT has been ranked as a G2 Leader for 4 consecutive years. It has a 95% renewal rate.

    They provide you with an easy-to-use interface that offers tools for managing partner details, monitoring system and data health, and much more.

    Price: Contact them for pricing information.

    Website: https://www.cleo.com/solutions/technology/mft-managed-file-transfer


    #11) Citrix ShareFile

    Best for being a modern, feature-rich platform for sending, storing, and sharing files.

    Citrix ShareFile

    Citrix ShareFile is a reliable MFT server that has served over 90,000 clients since its launch in 2005.

    The platform offers tools for secure file sharing, file sync and versioning, file encryption, anytime access, custom branding, multi-factor authentication, activity logs and reports, personal cloud connectors, automated workflows, folder creation templates, integrated e-signature, bulk sending, threat detection alerts, automated threat remediation, account storage and much more.

    Features:

    • Offers tools for file sharing and collaboration.
    • Lets you manage workflows from a centralized place.
    • Connects easily with your workplace tools.
    • Threat detection alerts, rapid client onboarding, 256-bit encryption, analytics and reporting, and more useful features.
    • Lets you lock or delete data from a device remotely.
    • Security features include multi-factor authentication, Active Directory, single sign-on (SSO) and data encryption

    Why we like Citrix ShareFile: Citrix ShareFile has an easy setup process and offers a good range of features at quite reasonable prices. It offers desktop as well as mobile applications.

    The range of features they offer is commendable. I would recommend the software for businesses of all sizes.

    Watch how Hopscotch is benefitting with ShareFile:

    Price: Their price plans are as follows:

    • Advanced: $16 per user per month
    • Premium: $25 per month per user
    • Virtual Data Room: $67.50 per user per month

    Website: https://www.sharefile.com/


    How We Chose These Platforms

    We did a study to examine many of the MFT solution providers in the industry, to provide you with a reliable list. The features that we studied for picking the best platforms are:

    1. Features set
    2. Value for money delivered
    3. Customer reviews and testimonials
    4. Clients’ list
    5. Deployment/integration capabilities
    6. Scalability
    7. Ease of use
    8. Security features

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is an MFT server?

    A server that allows secure and compliant transfer of files digitally and lets you automate file transfers the way you want is called an MFT server. It simplifies and quickens the file transfer process and gives you a centralized point of controlling and monitoring all user activities and logs.

    2. What are the advantages of MFT?

    MFT servers have several advantages over the traditional file transfer techniques, for example:
    Support multiple protocols and are more secure
    Save a lot of time by avoiding manual work
    Allow quick transfer of large files or files in bulk
    Monitor all transfer activities
    They help in meeting compliance requirements

    3. What are the drawbacks of MFT?

    An MFT solution may have the following drawbacks for certain businesses:
    It needs good technical know-how to run an MFT software
    You may need to buy a subscription plan for a software

    However since businesses are undergoing digital transformation at a very rapid rate, they are making efforts towards learning new techniques of making business operations more efficient. And using an MFT server can be a bit difficult at the beginning but within a very short time, users can learn how to get the most out of it.

    4. Is MFT encrypted?

    Yes, Managed File Transfers are encrypted. Some platforms even offer multi-layer encryption features along with other security tools.


    Conclusion

    We are now in a positive to conclude that JSCAPE MFT Server, Fortra GoAnywhere, Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server, Fortra Globalscape MFT, MOVEit, IBM Aspera, Axway SecureTransport, Stonebranch MFT, Thru, Cleo Integration Cloud MFT and Citrix ShareFile are the best MFT solutions.

    All of these let you share files through multiple protocols, provide advanced deployment capabilities, have impressive security features, deliver good value for money, have good customer reviews, are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the world, and have proven to be highly beneficial in scaling the operations and making them more efficient.

    While you choose a software, you must talk to their representative about the issues you are facing, your growth objectives, and the capabilities of the software in tackling those issues, considering your business model.

    Research Process:

    • Time taken to research this article: We spent 27 hours researching and writing this article so you can get a useful summarised list of tools with a comparison of the top 5 of them.
    • Total software researched online: 34
    • Top tools shortlisted for review: 11
    =>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

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