Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server vs WeTransfer

Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is self-hosted software for exchanging files within an organization and with business partners. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, and HTTPS over IPv4 and IPv6. Its web and mobile interfaces handle drag-and-drop transfers of files larger than 3 GB and folder synchronization. Users can send or request files through a secure web page, set expiry dates, and email a download link; shared files can also be password protected or automatically deleted after a configurable period. Administrators use a centralized web console to manage users, groups, domains, permissions, sessions, and logs. Integrations include Active Directory, LDAP, external databases, and file storage. Security features include FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography and multifactor authentication. Event-driven actions can send email, run programs, delete files, or write Windows event log messages. The plan costs $335 a month per server, billed annually, and includes unlimited domains, user accounts, and concurrent sessions. A fully functional 14-day trial is available without a credit card.

WeTransfer sends files to recipients through email transfers or shareable links; recipients can download transfers without creating an account. Its free plan is free and permits up to 10 transfers or 3 GB in a rolling 30-day window. Free transfers can remain online for up to 3 days. Free accounts also include file requests, password-protected transfers, paid transfers and mobile app access. Senders can request files by email or link, while Paid Transfers lets them set a price and accept payment through Stripe, WeTransfer's only listed payment provider. Apps are available for iOS and Android, and the Mac app supports sending through the menu bar or Finder. WeTransfer lists web and extension access too; its Help Center says the Public API is retired. Storage allowances vary by plan: default accounts get up to 2 TB, while Teams offers up to 5 TB, extendable to 30 TB on request. WeTransfer says files are encrypted in transit and at rest, and uploaded content is not used to train AI models. Support begins with an AI assistant; phone support is not offered.