Overview

CompleteFTP is a file-transfer server and managed file transfer platform for organizations moving files among business systems and cloud storage. It is best suited to teams that want a Windows-based server with several transfer protocols and automation options. Its free edition offers a useful starting point, but advanced features and Linux deployment require higher tiers.

Key features

Protocols, storage, and identity

Protocol support ranges from FTP and FTPS in Free to SFTP in Standard, then SCP and HTTP/HTTPS in Professional; SSH access is also supported. That breadth suits mixed transfer requirements, though choosing an edition means matching its protocol set to the job. Connections to Amazon S3, Azure file shares, Google Cloud Storage, SharePoint, and OneDrive extend the server into common cloud-storage workflows.

Authentication can use Active Directory, LDAP, external databases, SAML single sign-on, or custom .NET and JSS extensions. Standard adds Windows users, Professional adds Active Directory users, and Enterprise MFT adds custom authentication. This progression is useful for organizations with established identity systems, but the more specialized options sit above the free tier.

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 auditing add administrative controls. CompleteFTP is not directly PCI DSS certified or FIPS-140 certified; it can help support PCI DSS requirements and operate in FIPS-compliant environments, but organizations with certification requirements should assess that distinction carefully.

Event notifications, scheduled and process triggers, email alerts, PowerShell, batch, FTP scripting, and CompleteAgent support automated workflows. Administrators also get a REST AdminAPI, CLI, mobile-friendly web administration, and an MCP server for AI-assisted administration. Professional and Enterprise MFT add a browser-based file manager for uploads, downloads, organization, and sharing. Enterprise MFT adds multiple sites, clustering, load balancing, failover, and a multi-protocol gateway for more demanding deployments.

Pricing

CompleteFTP uses per-server licenses that do not expire; each includes 12 months of technical support and upgrades. A fully functional 30-day trial can switch among all four editions, which makes it possible to evaluate higher-tier capabilities before choosing a license.

Free — free: FTP/FTPS, virtual file-system, unlimited users, and non-Windows users. It is a practical starting point for basic transfers, but lacks SFTP and Windows users.
Standard — 369.00 USD per once: adds SFTP, Windows users, auto-banning, and remote administration. This is the entry paid tier for teams that need secure file transfer beyond FTP/FTPS.
Professional — 749.00 USD per once: adds Active Directory users, SCP and HTTP/HTTPS, email and process events, CompleteBox file-sharing, and advanced file permissions. It fits organizations needing richer identity and workflow controls or browser-based sharing.
Enterprise MFT — 1699.00 USD per once: adds multiple sites, clustering, a multi-protocol gateway, custom authentication, custom file-systems, and custom events. It is the choice for multi-site or high-availability deployments and tailored integrations.

Linux is available only with Enterprise MFT, and its installer has no GUI. The other editions are available on Windows, so Linux users face a substantial step up in license cost and deployment complexity.

Platforms

CompleteFTP is available on Windows across all editions. Linux support is exclusive to Enterprise MFT, with a non-GUI installer. The product also lists API, web, and self-hosted availability, reflecting its administrative and deployment options.

Who it's for

CompleteFTP suits organizations that need a self-hosted file-transfer service spanning several protocols, identity integrations, cloud storage, and automated workflows. Its no-expiry per-server licensing can appeal to buyers preferring a one-time license over a recurring subscription. It is less suitable when Linux is mandatory but Enterprise MFT is out of reach, or when direct PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification is a requirement.

Pros and cons

Pros: A free edition supports unlimited users, and one-time per-server licenses do not expire.
Pros: Cloud-storage integrations, identity options, and scripting and trigger-based automation cover varied transfer workflows.
Pros: Enterprise MFT includes clustering, load balancing, failover, and multiple sites for higher-availability needs.
Cons: Linux requires the top edition, whose installer has no GUI.
Cons: Protocols, file sharing, advanced identity, and high availability are divided among paid tiers.
Cons: It is not directly PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certified, which may rule it out for strict certification requirements.

Alternatives

Browse Managed File Transfer Software for more options. Files.com is worth considering for teams that prefer a paid monthly service with Android, iOS, and macOS support; its Starter plan is 199.00 USD per month, billed monthly, for 10 Full Users, 50 System Users, two outbound connections, and 1 TB monthly storage.

Serv-U FTP Server may suit buyers who want a subscription-priced FTP server, with a stated 55.00 USD per month billed annually. For managed transfer, Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is another paid option, priced at 335.00 USD per month per server.

Progress MOVEit Transfer is an alternative with a free trial. SFTPPlus offers a paid file-transfer server with MFT capabilities for 1900.00 USD per once. Globalscape EFT and Cerberus FTP Server are also options to compare. Coviant Diplomat MFT is a paid alternative whose Standard plan is 335.00 USD per month, billed annually at $3,999.

Verdict

Choose CompleteFTP if you want a configurable file-transfer server with a free entry tier, broad integrations, and a clear upgrade path to automation and high availability. Look elsewhere if Linux support must be available below the top tier or direct PCI DSS or FIPS-140 certification is essential.

	CompleteFTP	Progress MOVEit
Free plan	Yes
Free trial	Yes
Paid from	Free
Platforms	api, Linux, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Windows, Web, iOS, Android
Free plan	Yes	No
Protocol support	broad	enterprise
Deployment options	hybrid	on-premises
Workflow automation	Yes	Yes
Audit trail	Yes	Yes
API access	Yes	Yes

CompleteFTP vs Progress MOVEit

CompleteFTP

Progress MOVEit