Top 7 Free FTP Server Software for Your Choice

What is an FTP Server?

An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server is a computer or software application that facilitates the transfer of files between computers over a network. It acts as a central repository where users can upload, download, and manage files remotely. FTP servers are commonly used in businesses and organizations to enable secure and efficient file sharing and storage.

Users connect to an FTP server using FTP client software, which allows them to navigate through directories, upload files from their local computer to the server, and download files from the server to their computer. FTP servers support various authentication methods to ensure secure access, such as username and password authentication and often offer encryption options like FTPS (FTP Secure) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) to protect data during transmission.

Overall, FTP servers play a crucial role in enabling seamless file management and collaboration across networks, offering a reliable method for transferring files over the Internet or within private networks.

Top 7 free FTP server software

Numerous FTP servers are accessible, yet several necessitate payment. Below are the top free FTP server programs compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. These can be downloaded and utilized for file sharing without any cost.

Option 1. FileZilla Server

FileZilla Server is a free and open-source server application designed for Windows. It enables the management of both local and remote FTP servers.

Users can configure which ports the program listens on, the maximum number of concurrent connections allowed, CPU thread allocation, and timeout settings for connections, transfers, and logins.

Security features include automatic IP address banning after repeated failed login attempts, support for FTP over TLS to enforce encrypted connections and prevent unencrypted FTP usage, and IP filtering capabilities to block specific IP addresses or ranges from accessing the FTP server.

Administrative tasks like taking the server offline or locking it with a single click to halt new connections until unlocked are straightforward.

FileZilla Server also offers comprehensive user and group management functionalities. This includes bandwidth throttling per user, and the ability to assign varying permissions such as read/write or read-only access.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Simultaneous file transfers.
• Secure file transfer support.
• Bookmarks for quick connections.

Cons:

• No built-in file editing functionality.
• Lack of automatic folder view refreshing.

Option 2. Xlight FTP Server

Xlight is a modern-looking FTP server free that offers more customization options compared to FileZilla Server.

Once you create a virtual server in Xlight, you can adjust settings by double-clicking it. Here, you can configure server ports, IP addresses, security settings, bandwidth allocation, and user limits, and impose restrictions on simultaneous logins from the same IP address.

A notable feature of Xlight is its ability to automatically disconnect users who exceed a specified idle time without communication with the server.

Xlight FTP Server supports SSL and allows mandatory client certificates. It also integrates with ODBC, Active Directory, and LDAP for authentication purposes.

Xlight is available for free for personal use and is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. It can be used either as a portable application or installed like a conventional program.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Supports secure file transfers.
• Remote administration feature.
• Handles multiple connections simultaneously.

Cons:

• The steeper learning curve for FTP novices.
• Configuration can be complex.

Option 3. CompleteFTP

CompleteFTP is a free Windows FTP server supporting both FTP and FTPS protocols.

It features a comprehensive graphical user interface that is user-friendly and straightforward. The interface is minimalist, with settings conveniently accessible from a side menu.

Built-in step-by-step guides within CompleteFTP facilitate learning about its various features and options. You can access these guides anytime by selecting "Step-by-step guides" from the program's top menu.

Upon installation, CompleteFTP initially operates as a trial version of its professional edition. Instructions provided on the download page guide users on activating the free edition of CompleteFTP, which includes all the aforementioned features.

Pros:

• Easy installation process.
• Supports encrypted file transfers.
• Offers extensive customization options.
• Includes more features compared to many FTP servers.

Cons:

• The full menu is hidden by default.
• Occasional performance issues.
• Limited features are available in the free version.

Option 4. Core FTP Server

Core FTP Server offers two versions tailored for Windows users.

The first version is a lightweight server that is extremely straightforward to grasp and can be set up within a minute. It is fully portable, requiring only basic inputs such as username, password, port, and root path. Optional configurations are available for those who require additional settings.

The second version of the Core FTP Server is a comprehensive solution. It allows users to specify domain names, configure it to start automatically as a service, create multiple user accounts with detailed permissions and restrictions, establish access rules, and more.

Both versions of Core FTP Server are available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions for Windows.

Pros:

• Easy and quick setup process.
• Supports encrypted file transfers.
• Integration with Active Directory.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• The free version limits support to three domains.

Option 5. vsftpd

vsftpd is a Linux FTP server renowned for its emphasis on security, performance, and stability. It serves as the default FTP server for Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, and similar operating systems.

Key features of vsftpd include user management capabilities, bandwidth throttling, and support for SSL encryption. It also offers customizable settings on a per-user basis, along with controls for limiting connections based on source IP addresses and configuring IPv6 support.

Pros:

• High-speed FTP server.
• Supports secure file transfers.
• Lightweight.

Cons:

• Exclusive to Linux.
• Complex installation and configuration process.
• Limited functionality.

Option 6. ProFTPD

ProFTPD is a favorable choice for Linux users seeking an FTP server with a graphical user interface, simplifying usability compared to command-line operations.

However, upon installation of ProFTPD, users must additionally install the Gadmin GUI tool and establish connectivity with the server.

Highlighted features of ProFTPD include IPv6 support, modular extensibility, robust logging capabilities, support for hidden directories and files, standalone server functionality, and customizable per-directory configurations.

ProFTPD is compatible with various platforms such as macOS, FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris, Cygwin, IRIX, OpenBSD, and others.

Pros:

• Enhanced security compared to other FTP servers.
• Add-on modules expand functionality.
• Well-suited for web servers.

Cons:

• Limited to Linux operating systems.
• Installation can be challenging for beginners.

Option 7. Rebex Tiny SFTP Server

This Windows FTP server is lightweight and portable, capable of being operational within seconds by simply extracting the downloaded program and clicking Start.

The main drawback of this software is that all configuration adjustments must be made through the RebexTinySftpServer.exe.config text file. This file allows users to modify settings such as usernames, passwords, root directory paths, FTP port numbers, application startup preferences for the server, and security settings.

To begin using the program, extract the contents of the ZIP file and launch RebexTinySftpServer.exe.

Pros:

• Accessible tutorials for guidance.
• Requires no setup; straightforward configuration.
• Ensures user privacy.
• Secure file transfers.

Cons:

• Minimalist interface with limited advanced features.
• Requires .NET 4.0.
• Only compatible with Windows.

Bonus tip: Using AnyViewer for file transfer

When seeking a reliable solution for file transfer that goes beyond conventional FTP servers, AnyViewer emerges as a versatile alternative. Although primarily recognized for its remote desktop capabilities, AnyViewer offers robust file transfer functionalities that can effectively serve your needs.

Key advantages of using AnyViewer

Here are the key advantages of using AnyViewer for file transfer:

• Ease of use: AnyViewer provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of transferring files between devices. It eliminates the complexities often associated with configuring traditional FTP servers.
• Security features: AnyViewer incorporates encryption protocols (Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and two-factor authentication) to secure your file transfers, ensuring data privacy during transmission.
• Remote access capabilities: Beyond file transfer, AnyViewer allows remote access to desktops and servers, making it a versatile tool for collaborative work environments.
• No cost for any use: AnyViewer is available free of charge for any use, making it a cost-effective solution compared to paid FTP server alternatives.

How to use AnyViewer for file transfer

Follow the steps below to use AnyViewer for file transfer:

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Step 2. On the remote computer, sign up for an AnyViewer account. Once signed up, you should see a successful login notification.

Step 3. On the local computer, log in using the same AnyViewer account.

Step 4. Navigate to the Device tab, select the remote computer, and click on File transfer to initiate the file transfer process.

Step 5. A File Transfer dialog box will appear. Select the target files and use the arrows to transfer files between both computers.

★Tips: 

For transferring larger files from your local to a remote desktop at a faster speed, consider upgrading to AnyViewer Professional or Enterprise:

File Size: Transfer files up to 1 TB.

Speed: Achieve transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s.

Efficiency: Utilize up to 5 threads for efficient file transfers.

Convenience: Transfer multiple files simultaneously.

The bottom line

In conclusion, FTP servers are essential for secure and efficient file transfers over networks. Free FTP server software like FileZilla, Xlight, CompleteFTP, Core FTP Server, vsftpd, ProFTPD, and Rebex Tiny SFTP Server offers various features for different platforms and needs. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, helping users choose the best fit.

Additionally, AnyViewer presents an alternative to software FTP server free for file transfer with its user-friendly interface, robust security, and remote access capabilities, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.