CompleteFTP

Overview

CompleteFTP is a file-transfer server and managed file transfer platform for organizations handling transfers across on-premises systems and cloud storage. It is best suited to teams that need flexible protocols, identity controls, or automated workflows on a server they manage.

A free edition makes basic FTP and FTPS available, while higher tiers add capabilities up to clustering and custom extensions. The trade-offs are per-server licensing and Linux support limited to the top edition.

Key features

Protocols, storage, and identity

CompleteFTP supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH, but protocol access depends on edition: Free includes FTP and FTPS, Standard adds SFTP, and Professional adds SCP and HTTP/HTTPS. That tiering gives teams a way to start with basic transfers, but buyers needing SSH or the full protocol range should confirm the relevant edition before committing.

Connections to Amazon S3, Azure file shares, Google Cloud Storage, SharePoint, and OneDrive folders help bridge managed servers and cloud repositories. Authentication can use Active Directory, LDAP, external databases, SAML single sign-on, or custom .NET and JSS extensions. Professional adds Active Directory users, while Enterprise MFT adds custom authentication.

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 audit logs help administrators restrict and review transfers. These are useful controls for managed file exchange, but CompleteFTP is not directly PCI DSS certified or FIPS-140 certified; organizations with those requirements should assess whether its support for PCI DSS requirements or operation in FIPS-compliant environments meets their needs.

Event notifications, scheduled and process triggers, email alerts, PowerShell, batch, FTP scripting, and CompleteAgent support automated workflows. Administration is available through a REST AdminAPI, CLI, mobile-friendly web interface, and MCP server for AI-assisted administration. Professional and Enterprise MFT also include a browser-based file manager for organizing, uploading, downloading, and sharing files.

Enterprise MFT adds multiple sites, clustering, load balancing, and failover. Those capabilities suit larger or availability-sensitive deployments, but are reserved for the highest-priced edition.

Pricing

CompleteFTP uses freemium pricing. Licenses are purchased per server, never expire, and include 12 months of technical support and upgrades. The fully functional trial lasts 30 days and can switch among all four editions.

• Free: 0.00 USD per free. Includes FTP/FTPS, a virtual file system, unlimited users, and non-Windows users. It is a practical starting point for basic transfers, but lacks SFTP and the paid editions' Windows-user support and administration features.
• Standard: 369.00 USD per once, billed per server. Adds SFTP, Windows users, auto-banning, and remote administration to Free. It fits teams that need secure SFTP transfers without the higher-tier sharing and automation additions.
• Professional: 749.00 USD per once, billed per server. Adds Active Directory users, SCP and HTTP/HTTPS, email and process events, CompleteBox file sharing, and advanced file permissions. It is the stronger fit when identity integration, broader protocols, or file sharing matter.
• Enterprise MFT: 1699.00 USD per once, billed per server. Adds multiple sites, clustering, a multi-protocol gateway, custom authentication, custom file systems, and custom events. Choose it for multi-site or high-availability requirements, including Linux deployment.

Platforms

All editions are available on Windows. CompleteFTP for Linux is exclusive to Enterprise MFT, and its Linux installer has no graphical interface, so Linux buyers should be prepared for a more technical installation. The product also identifies API, web, and self-hosted platform support.

Who it's for

CompleteFTP suits organizations that want a self-managed file-transfer server with multiple protocols, cloud-storage connections, configurable authentication, and workflow automation. The Free and Standard tiers can serve simpler Windows-based transfer needs; teams needing file sharing, broader protocols, or Active Directory users should look at Professional. Linux deployments, custom extensions, and clustering point to Enterprise MFT.

It is a weaker fit for teams that need Linux support without buying the top tier, or that require direct PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad protocol support and multiple cloud-storage integrations accommodate varied transfer endpoints.
• Pros: Automation, auditing, and several administration interfaces give IT teams options to manage and oversee transfers.
• Pros: Per-server licenses never expire, and the trial spans all four editions for 30 days.
• Cons: Linux is limited to Enterprise MFT, and its installer has no GUI.
• Cons: Clustering, multi-site operation, and custom authentication require the 1699.00 USD per once Enterprise MFT tier.
• Cons: It is not directly PCI DSS certified or FIPS-140 certified, which may rule it out where those certifications are mandatory.

Alternatives

Compare managed file transfer software if you want to assess other products in the category. Consider Files.com if a paid service with Android and iOS support and a monthly Starter plan is a better fit. Progress MOVEit Transfer is another paid option with a free trial. Consider Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server if you prefer a monthly per-server plan. SFTPPlus offers a one-time per-installation license and Linux support. Globalscape EFT offers bundles including a core server and a collaboration option. For a lower monthly price, Serv-U FTP Server has a plan billed annually. Cerberus FTP Server offers Professional and Enterprise plans. Coviant Diplomat MFT is another paid MFT option, with a Standard plan billed annually.

Verdict

CompleteFTP is a strong choice for organizations that want a configurable, self-managed file-transfer server with broad protocol, identity, and automation options, especially on Windows. Its non-expiring per-server licenses and edition ladder are appealing, but look elsewhere if Linux support must come below the top tier or direct PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification is essential.