CompleteFTP vs Core FTP

CompleteFTP is a file server and managed file transfer product for moving files on premises or in the cloud. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH, and can integrate Amazon S3, Azure file shares, Google Cloud Storage, SharePoint, and OneDrive folders. Authentication options include Active Directory, LDAP, external databases, SAML single sign-on, and custom extensions. Workflows can use event notifications, scheduled and process triggers, email alerts, scripts, and CompleteAgent. Administration options include a REST AdminAPI, CLI, mobile-friendly web administration, and an MCP server. Security controls include TLS 1.3, AES-256, encryption at rest, PGP, SSH keys, and two-factor authentication; auditing includes IP filtering, automatic banning, permissions, and logs. All editions run on Windows; Linux is available only with Enterprise MFT, whose installer has no GUI. Professional and Enterprise MFT include a browser-based file manager. The free edition supports FTP and FTPS; paid licenses start at $369 once.

Core FTP is Windows software for transferring and managing files using multiple protocols. Its free client, Core FTP LE, provides FTP features without popup ads, advertising, spyware, or registration reminders. Transfers can use SSL, TLS, FTPS, HTTPS, or SFTP. The software also supports file synchronization, scheduled transfers, automation, site-to-site transfers, command-line operations, a portable version, and browser integration. Core FTP Pro can encrypt and decrypt files to servers and adds email notifications, external program execution, and IBM Information Exchange support with command-line updates. The client includes HIPAA-compliant security, and educational institutions qualify for a free FTP client site license. Client licenses are restricted to use with the client software, and listed license support is by email only. Paid Standard and Pro license listings vary by quantity and billing terms: a Standard single-user license is listed at $24.95 a month, while another Standard single-user listing is $24.95, paid once. Check each license’s terms before choosing, since the listings show different billing formats.