NcFTP vs Serv-U FTP Server
NcFTP
ncftp.comServ-U FTP Server
solarwinds.comSide by side
| Figure | NcFTP | Serv-U FTP Server |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4.58/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · FTP and SFTP clients | 8.0 (#17) | 8.5 (#8) |
| Spec score · FTP Server Software | 8.0 (#17) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Automation | The ncftpget and ncftpput utilities provide command line FTP transfers for scripts. | MFT adds event-driven automation, including actions triggered by server, domain, group and user events. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| License | The NcFTP Client version 3 license is the Clarified Artistic License. | Serv-U is proprietary software; SolarWinds' EULA prohibits reverse engineering, redistribution, sublicensing and removal of proprietary notices. |
| Purpose | NcFTP is a set of free application programs implementing the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). | Serv-U FTP Server provides FTP and FTPS file transfers for organizations. |
Plans
Serv-U FTP Server
- Serv-U FTP Server$55 a month
- Serv-U File Transfer Protocol Server$55 a year
- Serv-U Gateway$111 a month
- Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server$335 a month
In their own words
NcFTP
NcFTP is a free set of programs for transferring files over FTP. Its client includes an FTP browser, command-line tools for transfers and directory listings, and programs for background work. The browser offers progress meters, filename completion, command-line editing, bookmarks, cached directory listings, resumable downloads and directory tree downloads. It can redial and process work in the background. For scripts, ncftpget and ncftpput provide command-line transfers, while ncftpbatch handles queued FTP requests. Scheduled transfers and automation are supported. NcFTP runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, supports passive FTP, and can be configured to connect through a firewall or proxy. Its protocol coverage is FTP only: there is no built-in encryption or support for secure modes such as SFTP, SSL or SSH tunnels. By default, it attempts anonymous access; a username can be specified with the -u option. The maker lists client version 3.3.0, dated April 23, 2025. There is no registration or licensing fee, and donations are appreciated. Version 3 uses the Clarified Artistic License; LibNcFTP is also available as a C API for adding FTP client services to applications.
Serv-U FTP Server
Serv-U FTP Server provides FTP and FTPS file transfers for organizations, with web and mobile interfaces for viewing, uploading, and downloading files. The FTP Server edition supports IPv4 and IPv6; an edition comparison also lists HTTP. SSL/TLS encrypts transfers. Users can pause or resume multiple and large exchanges, including files larger than 3 GB. Administrators can create users and groups, manage permissions and bandwidth, and review transfer details in a management console. They can set transfer ratios and quotas, limit concurrent sessions, and use IP blocking, reverse DNS options, and anti-hammering controls. Automation can move or delete files after transfer, or disable or reset credentials after a specified number of days. The optional Serv-U Gateway is described as keeping data out of the DMZ and helping meet listed compliance requirements. SolarWinds positions this edition for small businesses and project teams with fewer users and domains on one server. It has no free plan; the listed price is $55 a month, billed annually, and a 14-day trial is available.