FTP server lets you upload files via the file transfer protocol. To do this, you connect it with an FTP client and transfer the data from your local machine to a cloud or any other server. Being said that, there are a lot of freeware FTP servers out there in the market. Almost all of them are lucrative enough to catch your eye, but are they worthy enough to cater to your file transfer needs?
Here in this segment, we share some of the best Free FTP Servers available for Windows, Mac, and Linux that you can download to share files right away. We have kept a lot of technical things in mind while selecting them. So let’s get started.
Best Free FTP Servers
Please note that some of them might ask you to upgrade to a premium version, but it entirely depends on your requirements and the features that you want. You can choose any of these and go ahead with your file transfer quests.
1. FileZilla Server
FileZilla is an open-source server that promises to fulfil all your basic FTP server requirements. It’s even cross-platform, and that makes it popular among developers. You can control an FTP or a local server. Going to the technical part, you can choose the port from which the software listens.
Furthermore, you can even control how many users will connect to your Server at once. It consumes the computer’s resources efficiently as there’s also an option to select how many threads it can utilize. It comes with an intuitive user interface where one side of the screen displays your local file structure, and the other side is reserved for the server’s file system. Here, you can even use drag and drop functionality to transfer files.
Fast connection bookmarks for frequent transfers and file updation, secure and simultaneous file transfers, and the ability to transfer files over 45GB are some of the notable features that you get on FileZilla. One particular thing that might annoy you while doing your job is the minute’s timeout period, which means your connection gets interrupted every 15 mins, and you need to re-establish it again.
It’s entirely secure, and you can even auto-ban any IP address that keeps trying to log in with the wrong credentials. A lockdown feature can be enabled where you can put specific IP’s or a set of IPs to not log in via IP filtering. Unencrypted file transfer can be prevented if you disallow it. Complete user access control to provide read-write access and read-only access to specific users is also achievable.
Get FileZilla Server from here.
2. CompleteFTP
CompleteFTP is a free Windows-only FTP server. It is comparatively easier to get started with CompleteFTP for a beginner as it has built-in step-by-step guides that you can check out and learn different features that come along with this free FTP server software. You will find most of the settings are hidden inside menus, and the GUI is straightforward and easy to use.
Installation is simple, and you can get started in no time. It also supports secure and encrypted file transfer, comes with many customization features. The only con here is the visibility of features as most of them are hidden by default, But the guide comes in handy while you are trying something new.
It installs a trial version of the premium edition of CompleteFTP. After the trial expires, you may choose to upgrade it or run the free version. Details on activating the free version are available on their website. You must definitely try this one out as it provides more features in its free version than any other free FTP server software.
Get CompleteFTP from here.
3. Commander One
For Mac users, managing files has never been simpler, thanks to the dual-panel Mac file manager. They’ve taken inspiration from classic solutions and combined ease of use with enhanced features to create the perfect tool.
The all-new Commander One for Mac is entirely written in Swift, offering a seamless experience reminiscent of the speedy and user-friendly Finder alternative. Searching for file contents is a breeze, even if you can’t recall the document’s name. Its flexible settings allow you to search for specific words inside files, and you can even select text encoding. It is one of the best FTP file manager for Mac users.
4. XlightFTP Server
Xlight is another free FTP for a system that operates on Windows. It is lightweight, and you can choose a complete install or go along with a portable version. Similar to CompleteFTP, it also installs as a trial version to its premium subscription. You can always downgrade and run the free version after the 30-day trial ends, but it is only available for personal use.
It is more inclined towards power users and administrators in general. When it comes down to configuration, it can be a bit complicated for a novice. Xlight supports IPV6 and encrypted file transfers, and even remote administration control, though it is only available during the free trial.
Furthermore, you can control the bandwidth of the Server and enforce login limits on any IP address. Apart from this, it allows you to set maximum idle time and kicks anyone out who goes beyond the stated limit.
Many features such as support for LDAP authentication, support for active directory, and enforcing certificate requirements for a client to connect comes only with the premium version. If you feel the need for those extra features, then you can upgrade at any time after the trial expires.
Get XlightFTP Server from here.
5. Cyberduck
It is a free FTP software solution available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Cyberduck packs itself with easy to use interface and more straightforward functionalities. It misses some features that you might need in the future. It is best suited for occasional and quick file transfers, best suited for small and static web presence.
You get quick to connect options to file-sharing services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3 along with the remote servers. It also lets you integrate with the text editor of your choice to edit files directly, its a functionality that some popular free FTP serves such as FileZilla and others miss on.
Cyberduck comes with a cryptomator that encrypts all the files that you transfer and also blurs the directory structure, ensuring complete privacy from prying eyes. Here, no one else can make out on which directories were used for the transfer, even if they get their hands on the transfer information. It lacks server administrator tools such as user access and IP control.
Get Cyberduck from here.
6. ProFTPD
Inclined towards only Mac and Linux operating system, ProFTPD is a great option if you want a meaningful GUI instead of scrambling with a regular command-line interface. Do note that gadmin is required for connecting with the Server via ProFTPD. It is best suited for web servers.
Some notable features that go along with this free FTP server are activity logging, hidden directories, and files, IPv6, and module support. You can also use it as a standalone server with add-ons to add more features and maximize efficiency.
If you intend to go ahead with ProFTPD, then you ensure secure file transmission. Beware that it can give a hard time while configuration despite having a GUI.
Get ProFTPD from here.
Conclusion
Free FTP Servers work just as good as the premium ones. If you are just starting out owning a small business and need to take care of uploading files, then you can select any of the FTP Server software from above, and you will be hitting the ground in no time. Do let us know on which Free FTP server software did you choose in the comments section below.