Overview

CompleteFTP is a secure file server and managed file transfer platform for teams moving files between on-premises systems and cloud services. It is strongest for Windows-based environments that need multiple transfer protocols, identity integration and automated workflows; Enterprise MFT extends that choice to Linux and clustered deployments.

The central trade-off is a capable, tiered server product rather than a one-size-fits-all service: licenses are per server, and key protocols and administration features depend on the edition. Teams requiring direct PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification should look elsewhere.

Key features

Protocols, storage and identity

CompleteFTP supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP, HTTPS and SSH, but not every edition includes every protocol. Free covers FTP and FTPS; Standard adds SFTP; Professional adds SCP and HTTP/HTTPS. Enterprise MFT adds a multi-protocol gateway. This breadth suits organizations consolidating varied transfer partners, while a team needing only basic FTP may not need the paid tiers.

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

Security, automation and administration

TLS 1.3, AES-256, encryption at rest, native PGP, SSH keys, two-factor authentication and password policies provide a substantial set of controls. IP filtering, automatic banning, granular permissions, filename blocking and detailed logging support operational oversight. These controls do not make the product directly PCI DSS certified or FIPS-140 certified; it can help support PCI DSS requirements and operate in FIPS-compliant environments, which is not equivalent to certification.

Scheduled and process triggers, event notifications, email alerts, PowerShell, batch, FTP scripting and CompleteAgent give teams several routes to automate transfers and downstream work. The REST AdminAPI, command-line administration, mobile-friendly web console and MCP server offer different ways to manage deployments, including AI-assisted administration. Professional and Enterprise MFT also include a browser-based file manager for organizing, uploading, downloading and sharing files.

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. The free tier makes a no-cost start possible, but the paid tiers are one-time license prices rather than monthly subscriptions.

Free: 0.00 USD per free. FTP and FTPS, a virtual file system and unlimited users make it suitable for basic transfers; it excludes SFTP, Windows users and remote administration.
Standard: 369.00 USD per once, billed per server. It adds SFTP, Windows users, automatic banning and remote administration, fitting teams that need secure transfer and basic oversight without the higher-tier identity and workflow features.
Professional: 749.00 USD per once, billed per server. It adds Active Directory users, SCP, HTTP/HTTPS, email and process events, CompleteBox file sharing and advanced permissions. It is the more complete fit for teams integrating directory users or exposing file sharing.
Enterprise MFT: 1699.00 USD per once, billed per server. Multiple sites, clustering, a multi-protocol gateway, custom authentication, custom file systems and custom events make it the tier for high availability and tailored deployments.

Platforms

All editions are available on Windows. Linux is supported only by Enterprise MFT, and its Linux installer has no GUI, so Linux-first teams should account for both the edition cost and command-line installation. The product also spans API and web administration, with hybrid deployment options.

Who it's for

CompleteFTP fits IT and operations teams that run their own file-transfer infrastructure and need to connect established identity systems, cloud storage and automated processes. It is particularly compelling when a Windows server is already part of the stack and requirements may grow from SFTP into file sharing, custom integrations or clustering. It is a weaker fit for Linux deployments below Enterprise MFT or procurement rules that require direct compliance certification.

Pros and cons

Pros: Broad protocol support and multiple cloud-storage integrations let one server address varied transfer endpoints.
Pros: Automation, API, CLI and web administration give teams several ways to connect transfers to existing operations.
Pros: Per-server licenses never expire, which can suit buyers who prefer a one-time license over recurring subscription pricing.
Cons: Linux requires Enterprise MFT, and the installer has no GUI, limiting lower-cost and graphical Linux deployments.
Cons: Major capabilities such as SFTP, Active Directory users, file sharing and clustering are tier-gated, so the entry price does not cover every common MFT need.
Cons: It is not directly PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certified, a blocker for teams whose procurement demands those certifications.

Alternatives

Managed File Transfer Software is a useful starting point for comparing products across the category.

Cerberus FTP Server is worth considering for teams seeking a Windows-focused, self-hosted alternative with unlimited users and connections in its Professional and Enterprise plans.
Files.com is a fit for teams that want a paid service with mobile and desktop platform support; its Starter plan is 199.00 USD per month and includes 10 Full Users, 50 System Users, two outbound connections and 1 TB monthly storage.
Globalscape EFT offers another Windows-based, self-hosted option with FTP over SSL/TLS, HTTPS and a web client in its Core Server Bundle.
Coviant Diplomat MFT suits teams looking for a Linux-capable, self-hosted alternative; its Standard plan is 335.00 USD per month, billed annually at $3,999, with up to 25 workflows and five file-transfer server accounts.
OpenText Managed File Transfer is another paid option with API support.
Progress MOVEit Transfer is an alternative for teams that want a paid product with a free trial and mobile, web and self-hosted platform support.
Raysync may suit teams comparing cloud transfer plans; Raysync Cloud costs 99.00 USD per month and includes 2 TB transfer/download traffic, 1 TB storage, 10 users and 1 Gbps UDP bandwidth.
Serv-U FTP Server is another Linux-capable, self-hosted alternative; its plan is 55.00 USD per month, billed annually, and includes 250 user accounts and 100 concurrent sessions.

Verdict

Choose CompleteFTP if your team needs a self-managed transfer server with broad protocol coverage, useful automation and a route from Windows deployment to enterprise clustering. Its durable per-server license is attractive, but the tier boundaries matter: Linux means Enterprise MFT, and certification-driven buyers should choose a product that meets their direct compliance requirements.

	CompleteFTP	Raysync
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	Free	$50/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, self-hosted, Web, Windows	api
Free plan	Yes	No
Protocol support	broad	—
Deployment options	hybrid	—
Workflow automation	Yes	—
Audit trail	Yes	—
API access	Yes	Yes
Paid from	—	99 /mo

CompleteFTP vs Raysync

CompleteFTP

Raysync