The best managed file transfer software moves files between your systems and partners securely and automatically, with full logs: smaller teams usually want hosted SFTP that drops files straight into cloud storage, while regulated enterprises need full MFT platforms with automation and audit trails. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
Plenty of businesses still swap important files with banks, suppliers and clients through an old FTP server that someone set up years ago. It works, until a partner asks for proof of encryption, an auditor asks who downloaded what, or the server becomes a way in for attackers. That's usually when people realise it's the most fragile system they've got.
Managed file transfer, or MFT, replaces that with secure, logged and automated transfers. The eleven tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the vendor's own site, read this week. For a wider look at the risk, see why manual file sharing gets riskier as you grow.
MFT tools compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free version, a free edition or open-source code. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axway MFT | Enterprise managed file transfer | Large firms with many trading partners | Not stated |
| Boomi Managed File Transfer | Managed file transfer within an integration platform | Teams already integrating apps on Boomi | Trial only |
| Cerberus FTP Server | Secure FTP and SFTP server | A compliant file server you host | Trial only |
| Couchdrop | Cloud SFTP and managed file transfer | SFTP straight into cloud storage | Trial only |
| FileCloud | Secure file sharing and sync | Self-hosted or cloud file sharing | Trial only |
| Files.com | Cloud file orchestration platform | Replacing old FTP servers quickly | Trial only |
| GoAnywhere MFT | Secure file transfer software | Automating transfers with trading partners | Trial only |
| Kiteworks | Private data network | Regulated firms sharing sensitive content | Trial only |
| MOVEit | Managed file transfer software | Compliance-heavy transfers in the cloud | Trial only |
| Serv-U | Managed file transfer server | Windows-based teams wanting a familiar server | Trial only |
| SFTPGo | SFTP and FTP server | Hosted or on-premises SFTP | Not stated |
Eleven managed file transfer tools to look at
Axway MFT
Best for: Banks, insurers and large organisations that exchange files with many partners and need enterprise-grade control.
Boomi Managed File Transfer
Best for: Businesses already connecting applications through Boomi that want partner file transfers managed on the same platform.
Cerberus FTP Server
Best for: Organisations that want to run their own secure, compliant FTP and SFTP server rather than rely on a cloud service.
Couchdrop
Best for: Teams that want partners sending files by SFTP straight into SharePoint or cloud storage without running servers.
FileCloud
Best for: Organisations with strict data rules that want secure file sharing and sync they can host themselves or in the cloud.
Files.com
Best for: Businesses ready to retire ageing FTP servers and move managed file transfer and automation to a hosted service.
GoAnywhere MFT
Best for: Enterprises that want file transfers with partners, employees and systems automated and encrypted from one platform.
Kiteworks
Best for: Regulated organisations that want file transfer, email and sharing of sensitive content tracked and controlled in one place.
MOVEit
Best for: Compliance-led businesses that need managed file transfer with compliance reporting for rules such as HIPAA and GDPR.
Serv-U
Best for: Windows-based IT teams that want a long-standing managed file transfer server from SolarWinds with a short trial.
SFTPGo
Best for: Teams that want SFTP and FTP either as a managed service or on their own servers, from a project with open-source roots.
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Why file transfer servers are a target
CISA and the FBI reported that from May 27, 2023 the CL0P ransomware gang exploited a previously unknown SQL injection flaw in MOVEit Transfer, stealing data from the databases behind internet-facing servers. They added that the same group had earlier run similar campaigns against other file transfer products.
File transfer servers face the internet and hold exactly the data attackers want. That doesn't rule out any vendor, but it does mean you should ask how fast each one ships security fixes, how it tells customers, and how quickly you can apply them.
Hosted service or self-hosted server?
Hosted MFT services run the servers for you, which takes patching off your plate and suits teams without much infrastructure. Self-hosted platforms keep everything inside your own network, which some regulated firms prefer.
Either way, you'll want encryption in transit and at rest, detailed logs, and automation that can pick up a file, process it and deliver it without anyone touching it. If a vendor can't show you those three things in a demo, they're not the right fit.
Questions to ask an MFT vendor
- Which protocols do you support, such as SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS?
- How quickly do you release and announce security fixes?
- Can transfers trigger automatically when a file arrives?
- What do the audit logs show, and for how long?
- Can partners send files without installing anything?
- Can files land straight in our cloud storage?
Signs it's time to replace your file transfers
- An old FTP server is still running. Nobody wants to touch it.
- Partners send files by email. Sensitive data travels unprotected.
- Transfers depend on one person. Holidays cause delays.
- Auditors ask for logs you don't have. There's no record of who moved what.
Do you make managed file transfer software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing managed file transfer software
List every file exchange you run today, who it's with and how often. Most businesses find a handful that matter enormously and a long tail nobody remembers setting up, and that list tells you how much platform you need.
If you don't have people to patch and watch servers, lean towards a hosted service. Keep an eye on everyday sharing as well, because big email attachments are their own risk; my guide to sending large files in Gmail covers the simple cases.
Frequently asked questions
What is managed file transfer?
It's software that moves files between systems and organisations securely and automatically, with encryption, logging and alerts built in.
How is MFT different from FTP?
Plain FTP just moves files. MFT adds encryption, automation, audit logs, user controls and alerts on top.
Is SFTP the same as MFT?
SFTP is a secure transfer protocol. MFT platforms usually support SFTP alongside other protocols and add management features.
Do small businesses need MFT?
If you regularly exchange sensitive files with banks, payroll providers or large customers, a hosted MFT or SFTP service is often worth it.
Can MFT connect to SharePoint or cloud storage?
Many tools can deliver files straight into cloud storage, which removes a manual step.
What should MFT logs show?
They should show who sent or received each file, when, from where, and whether the transfer succeeded.
