CompleteFTP

Overview

CompleteFTP is a file-transfer server and managed file transfer platform for organizations moving files between on-premises systems and cloud storage. It suits teams that need multiple transfer protocols, configurable identity controls, and workflow automation.

Its strongest case is a Windows-based deployment that needs more than basic FTP, with a free entry point and a clear path to clustering and custom extensions. The trade-offs are edition-gated features, per-server licensing, and Linux support confined to the top tier.

Key features

Protocols, storage, and identity

CompleteFTP spans FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH, but the edition determines which protocols are available. Free is limited to FTP and FTPS; Standard adds SFTP; Professional adds SCP and HTTP/HTTPS. It can connect to Amazon S3, Azure file shares, Google Cloud Storage, SharePoint, and OneDrive folders, which makes it relevant to mixed on-premises and cloud transfer setups.

Authentication can draw on Active Directory, LDAP, external databases, SAML single sign-on, or custom .NET and JSS extensions. Standard adds Windows users, Professional adds Active Directory users, and Enterprise MFT adds custom authentication. That progression gives teams room to match identity needs to an edition, though advanced integration is not part of the lower-cost tiers.

Security, automation, and administration

Security controls include TLS 1.3, AES-256, encryption at rest, native PGP, SSH keys, two-factor authentication, SAML, and strong password policies. IP filtering, automatic banning, granular permissions, filename blocking, and auditing and logging add administrative oversight. These are useful controls for managed transfers, but CompleteFTP is not directly PCI DSS certified or FIPS-140 certified; it can help support PCI DSS requirements and operate in FIPS-compliant environments, which is not the same as certification.

Automation can use event notifications, scheduled and process triggers, email alerts, PowerShell, batch, FTP scripting, and CompleteAgent. Administrators also get a REST AdminAPI, CLI, mobile-friendly web administration, and an MCP server for AI-assisted administration. Professional adds email and process events; higher-level capabilities should be weighed against the need to move beyond Standard.

Professional and Enterprise MFT include a browser-based file manager for uploads, downloads, organization, and sharing. Enterprise MFT adds multiple sites, clustering, load balancing, failover, a multi-protocol gateway, custom file systems, and custom events. These features make the top tier the fit for higher availability and more tailored MFT deployments, rather than a necessary upgrade for every file server.

Pricing

CompleteFTP uses freemium pricing. Its fully functional trial runs for 30 days and can switch among all four editions, a practical way to assess higher-tier features before choosing. Licenses are purchased per server, never expire, and include 12 months of technical support and upgrades; those terms favor buyers who want a perpetual license, while ongoing support and upgrades are included only for the first year.

• Free — free: FTP/FTPS, a virtual file system, unlimited users, and non-Windows users. It is a useful starting point for basic transfers, but lacks SFTP and Windows users.
• Standard — $369, paid once: Free features plus SFTP, Windows users, auto-banning, and remote administration. It fits teams that need SFTP and basic operational controls without the Professional additions.
• Professional — $749, paid once: Standard features plus Active Directory users, SCP and HTTP/HTTPS, email and process events, CompleteBox file-sharing, and advanced file permissions. It suits organizations needing broader protocols, identity integration, or browser-based sharing.
• Enterprise MFT — $1,699, paid once: Professional features plus multiple sites, clustering, a multi-protocol gateway, custom authentication, custom file systems, and custom events. Choose it for high availability or tailored deployments; it is also the only edition available for Linux.

All paid prices are per server, so a multi-server deployment increases the license cost. Windows is supported across editions; Linux is exclusive to Enterprise MFT, whose Linux installer has no GUI.

Platforms

CompleteFTP is available for Windows across all editions, with Linux limited to Enterprise MFT. The Linux installer has no graphical interface, so deployments there require comfort with a non-GUI installation. The product also supports web administration and is positioned for on-premises or cloud-connected use.

Who it's for

CompleteFTP is best suited to organizations that need a self-managed transfer server with several protocols, enterprise identity options, automation, and audit controls. Free or Standard can suit narrower Windows deployments; Professional is the more natural fit when Active Directory, additional protocols, or file sharing matter. Teams requiring Linux, clustering, failover, multiple sites, or custom extensions need Enterprise MFT.

It is a weaker fit for buyers requiring formal PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification, or for Linux users seeking a lower edition or graphical installer.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad protocol support across paid tiers, with cloud storage and identity integrations for varied transfer environments.
• Pros: Automation, administrative APIs, security controls, and auditing support operational oversight beyond simple file serving.
• Pros: Perpetual paid licenses with 12 months of support and upgrades give buyers a non-subscription option.
• Cons: Features are divided across four editions, so SFTP, Windows users, file sharing, and high availability require progressively higher tiers.
• Cons: Licenses are per server, which raises costs as deployments scale across servers.
• Cons: Linux requires Enterprise MFT, and its installer has no GUI.
• Cons: It is not directly PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certified.

Alternatives

Compare managed file transfer software if you want to weigh options across the category.

• Waarp R66 is a free alternative with a free plan and web, Windows, and Linux platforms; consider it when zero-cost access or Linux availability matters.
• Files.com is a paid option with a free trial and mobile, desktop, API, and Windows platforms. Its Starter plan is $199 a month, billed monthly, and includes 10 Full Users, 50 System Users, 2 outbound connections, and 1 TB monthly storage. Choose it when those stated user, connection, and storage allowances suit the deployment.
• Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is a paid, trial-offering product available across Linux, self-hosted, web, and mobile platforms; consider it if that platform mix is a better match.
• Progress MOVEit Transfer is a paid product with a free trial and web, self-hosted, and mobile platforms; consider it when that platform combination fits better.
• Serv-U FTP Server is a paid, trial-offering option with Linux and self-hosted platforms. Its plan is $55 a month, billed annually, for 250 user accounts and 100 concurrent sessions; it may suit buyers whose stated account and session limits fit.
• SFTPPlus is a paid alternative with a free trial and Linux, macOS, and self-hosted platforms. Its file transfer server with MFT capabilities costs $1,900, paid once, per installation inside one operating system; consider it when that platform and licensing scope suit.
• Cerberus FTP Server is a paid alternative with a free trial and unlimited users and connections in its Professional and Enterprise plans; consider it if those stated plan characteristics are a priority.
• Coviant Diplomat MFT is a paid, trial-offering option for Linux, self-hosted, and Windows environments. Its Standard plan is $335 a month, billed annually at $3,999, and includes up to 25 workflows and 5 file transfer server accounts; it may fit teams whose needs fall within those caps.

Verdict

Choose CompleteFTP when you need a self-managed transfer server that can combine multiple protocols, identity integrations, automation, and auditing, with higher editions available for sharing or high availability. Its perpetual per-server licenses and broad feature set are compelling for Windows-centered deployments. Look elsewhere if Linux support below Enterprise MFT, a GUI-based Linux installer, or formal PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification is essential.