FTP and SFTP both move files between systems. That’s about where the similarity ends.
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is the older option. It can upload, download, rename, delete, and list files on a server, but it doesn’t encrypt usernames, passwords, commands, or file data by default.
SFTP, or SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a different protocol built on SSH. It encrypts the full session, including authentication, commands, and file data.
To sum it up:
- FTP is old, widely supported, and unencrypted by default.
- SFTP is SSH-based and encrypted by default.
- FTP usually uses port 21 and separate data connections.
- SFTP usually uses port 22 and a single encrypted connection.
- Use SFTP for sensitive, regulated, external, or business file exchange.
- Use FTP only for non-sensitive legacy workflows on controlled networks, and preferably only while moving away from it.
FTP vs. SFTP comparison table
| Feature | FTP | SFTP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | File Transfer Protocol | SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| Security | No encryption by default | Encrypted through SSH |
| Credentials | Sent in clear text by default | Protected inside the SSH session |
| File data | Sent in clear text by default | Encrypted in transit |
| Default port | Usually port 21 | Usually port 22 |
| Connections | Separate control and data connections | One encrypted connection |
| Authentication | Username and password, with optional anonymous access | Username/password, SSH keys, or both |
| Firewall setup | More awkward because of separate data connections | Usually cleaner because one port handles the session |
| Anonymous access | Supported by many FTP setups | Not part of the usual SFTP model |
| Best fit | Narrow legacy or non-sensitive workflows | Secure business, partner, cloud, and regulated workflows |
| Main risk | Clear-text credentials and files | Poor key, credential, or access management |
What is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It’s one of the oldest file transfer protocols still in use.
It was built to move files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP network. It became popular because it was widely supported and could handle common file operations such as uploads, downloads, directory listing, renaming, and deletion.
It's problem is security, or rather, the lack thereof.
FTP doesn’t encrypt traffic by default. Usernames, passwords, commands, directory listings, and file contents can travel in clear text. That makes FTP a poor fit for customer records, financial files, healthcare files, credentials, backups, partner files, regulated data, or anything confidential.
FTP still appears in legacy applications, hosting setups, old vendor workflows, and internal file jobs. For sensitive business use, though, plain FTP shouldn’t be treated as a safe option.
What is SFTP?
SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. It’s often called Secure File Transfer Protocol, but the more precise name is SSH File Transfer Protocol because it runs over SSH.
SFTP is not FTP with security added. It’s a separate protocol, not a modified version of FTP! It uses SSH to protect authentication, commands, and file data in one encrypted session. That means the login details and transferred files aren’t sent in clear text.
SFTP also supports common file operations: uploads, downloads, directory listing, renaming, deleting, and scripted transfers. The difference is that those operations happen inside an encrypted SSH connection.
That’s why SFTP is the safer default for business file exchange, partner uploads, cloud workflows, developer automation, and regulated data transfers.
FTP vs. SFTP: the main difference is encryption
The biggest difference between FTP and SFTP is encryption.
FTP sends traffic without encryption by default. If someone can inspect the network path, they may be able to read usernames, passwords, commands, directory listings, and file contents.
SFTP encrypts the session through SSH. That protects authentication and file transfer traffic while it moves between the client and server. This reduces the risk level dramatically.
- FTP asks: can we move the file?
- SFTP asks: can we move the file without exposing credentials and data in transit?
For modern business file transfer, that second question is the one worth answering.
FTP vs. SFTP ports: port 21 vs port 22
FTP usually uses port 21 for the control connection. The control connection handles commands such as login, upload, download, rename, delete, and directory listing requests.
FTP then uses a separate data connection for the actual file transfer or listing. That separate data connection is one reason FTP can be awkward through firewalls and NAT.
SFTP usually uses port 22 because it runs over SSH. Authentication, commands, and file data all move through the same encrypted SSH session. That single-connection model is one of the reasons SFTP is easier to run in many modern environments.
So…
- FTP usually starts on port 21.
- SFTP usually uses port 22.
- FTP needs separate control and data connections.
- SFTP uses one encrypted SSH connection.
FTP vs. SFTP firewall setup
FTP’s connection model can make firewall setup painful.
FTP uses one connection for commands and another connection for data transfer. Depending on active or passive mode, that can mean additional ports, firewall rules, NAT handling, and more troubleshooting when directory listings or transfers fail.
SFTP avoids much of that.
Because SFTP usually runs through one SSH connection on port 22, it’s cleaner to allow, monitor, and support. That doesn’t mean every SFTP setup is effortless (unless you use a managed transfer solution like SFTP To Go), but it does remove a lot of FTP’s older connection behavior from the equation.
For teams working with vendors, customers, remote systems, or cloud environments, fewer moving parts usually means fewer support threads later.
FTP vs. SFTP authentication
FTP commonly uses username and password authentication.
The issue is not just the password model. The bigger problem is that plain FTP can send the password without encryption. That means the credential itself can be exposed if traffic is intercepted.
FTP also supports anonymous access in many setups. That can be useful for public downloads, but it’s not something you want near private business files unless it has been deliberately designed and tightly restricted.
SFTP uses SSH for authentication. That usually means username and password, SSH public key authentication, or both.
SSH keys are especially useful for automation because systems can authenticate without hardcoding shared passwords into scripts. They still need proper management: keys should be assigned carefully, rotated when needed, and removed when access is no longer required.
FTP anonymous access vs. SFTP controlled access
FTP can allow anonymous access. That means a user may connect without a personal account, often with a generic username such as anonymous.
That model belongs to an older internet. It can still make sense for public, non-sensitive downloads, but it’s a bad fit for private file exchange.
SFTP doesn’t use anonymous access in the same way. It expects SSH-based authentication, which makes it a better match for controlled partner uploads, system-to-system transfers, and business workflows where you need to know who connected and what they did.
For most organizations, this is one of the clearest reasons to avoid FTP for serious file exchange. Anonymous access and confidential files should not be anywhere near each other.
Is FTP secure?
No. FTP is definitely not secure.
It doesn’t encrypt usernames, passwords, commands, or file contents. Anyone who can inspect the network path may be able to read or capture that traffic.
FTP should never be used for:
- Personal data
- Healthcare files
- Financial records
- Customer exports
- Supplier documents
- Credentials
- Backups
- Regulated data
- Confidential business files
FTP might still be tolerated for temporary, non-sensitive legacy workflows on controlled networks. If the data has business or compliance value, however, FTP should be replaced.
Is SFTP secure?
Yes! SFTP is secure when it’s configured and managed properly.
It encrypts the session through SSH, which protects both authentication and file data in transit. It also supports stronger authentication patterns, including SSH public keys. However, no protocol does all the work by itself.
A secure SFTP setup should still include controlled user access, folder permissions, credential or key rotation, logging, account review, protected storage, and monitoring.
Common SFTP mistakes tend to be around stale SSH keys, shared accounts, weak passwords, overbroad folder access, missing logs, and forgotten credentials left active long after a vendor or employee no longer needs access.
SFTP gives you the secure transfer foundation. The surrounding controls decide whether the workflow is actually governed well. The best place to get all these controls in one place is through a secure Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution like SFTP To Go.
FTP vs. SFTP for compliance
FTP doesn’t meet modern expectations for sensitive or regulated file transfer because it sends traffic without encryption by default.
SFTP is a much better fit for compliance-driven workflows because it encrypts data in transit and supports authenticated access. That makes it an ideal choice for healthcare, finance, education, retail, software operations, professional services, vendor exchange, and other workflows involving confidential files.
Still, SFTP alone doesn’t make a workflow compliant by default. You also need access controls, activity logs, log review or export, credential management, encryption at rest, retention policies, account review, and clear ownership of external access.
This is where managed file transfer does the trick. The protocol moves the file. The managed service helps you control access, record activity, protect storage, and expose events that other systems can act on for data processing.
FTP vs. SFTP performance
FTP can be faster in raw terms because it doesn’t encrypt traffic. Of course, that’s not a useful advantage when sensitive files are involved. Sending credentials and files in clear text isn’t worth a small speed gain.
SFTP adds encryption, so there can be a slight performance overhead. In most business workflows, the security benefit is worth it. Performance depends on file size, file count, SSH settings, client behavior, server resources, latency, and network conditions.
To really understand what goes into SFTP performance, read about our SFTP vs. FTPS performance benchmarks.
For most teams, the better question isn’t which protocol is faster in theory. It’s which one can transfer files securely, reliably, and without creating unnecessary work.
FTP vs. SFTP client support and availability
FTP still shows up everywhere because it’s been around forever. Old hosting panels, legacy apps, desktop clients, and vendor systems often support it, which is part of the reason FTP workflows refuse to disappear.
SFTP is widely supported too. Modern file transfer clients, command-line utilities, automation libraries, cloud workflows, and Linux/Unix environments commonly support SFTP. In many technical environments, SSH access already brings SFTP along with it.
So client support usually isn’t the deciding factor anymore. Most teams can connect to either protocol without much drama.
The real question is whether the protocol suits the files being moved. FTP may still work for public, non-sensitive legacy transfers. For business files, partner exchange, regulated data, automation, or anything that shouldn’t cross the network in clear text, SFTP is the only secure choice.
When should you use FTP?
Use FTP only in narrow, no-other-choice situations.
FTP may be acceptable when the files are non-sensitive, the network is controlled, the workflow is legacy, the use is temporary, and there is a plan to move to a secure option.
That’s a short list for a reason. If the file contains business data, personal data, customer data, payment information, healthcare information, credentials, or anything regulated, FTP shouldn't be used as it puts your data at risk!
When should you use SFTP?
Use SFTP when the files, credentials, or workflows involved shouldn’t be exposed in transit.
It’s a good fit for partner uploads, system-to-system transfers, customer downloads, backups, cloud workflows, vendor files, and regulated file exchange. Basically, if the file has business value, personal data, compliance relevance, or anything you wouldn’t want crossing the network in clear text, SFTP is the safer choice.
It also makes day-to-day management easier than FTP in many cases. You get encrypted transfer, SSH key authentication, controlled folder access, audit records, and a single connection that’s usually easier to manage through firewalls.
For modern business file transfer, SFTP is a secure default. FTP only makes sense in narrow legacy cases where the files aren’t sensitive and there’s a clear reason the workflow hasn’t been moved to SFTP or FTPS yet.
SFTP in managed file transfer
A protocol alone rarely covers the whole file exchange process.
Business workflows usually need more than a port, a login, and a folder. You may also need user isolation, partner folders, audit logs, storage controls, notifications, APIs, browser access, and a way to review what happened when a transfer fails.
That’s where managed file transfer belongs.
SFTP To Go is an enterprise MFT that supports secure file transfer with SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS, built-in managed S3 cloud storage, access controls, audit logs, APIs, webhooks, browser-based file access, SSH public key authentication, and partner-level folder separation.
That means teams can use SFTP for secure transfer without running the server, storage setup, and access model themselves.
FTP vs. SFTP: what’s the verdict and which should you choose?
FTP vs. SFTP is not a difficult call for business or regulated file exchange.
FTP is old and widely supported, but it's unencrypted and insecure by default. SFTP is SSH-based, encrypted by default, and usually easier to manage through firewalls.
Use FTP only for narrow, non-sensitive legacy use cases. Use SFTP when files, credentials, or partner workflows need protection.
For modern business workflows, we recommend using SFTP through a secure enterprise MFT solution like SFTP To Go. FTP should be treated as "well past retirement age".
Explore the difference between FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
Frequently asked questions
Is SFTP better than FTP?
Yes. SFTP is better than FTP for sensitive file transfer because it encrypts authentication, commands, and file data through SSH. FTP sends traffic in clear text by default.
What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?
FTP is the original File Transfer Protocol. SFTP is SSH File Transfer Protocol. The main difference is that FTP does not encrypt traffic by default, while SFTP encrypts the full session through SSH.
Does SFTP use SSH?
Yes. SFTP runs over SSH. SSH provides the encrypted session used to protect authentication, commands, and file data during transfer.
What port does SFTP use?
SFTP usually uses port 22 because it runs over SSH. Authentication, commands, and file data move through the same encrypted SSH connection.
What port does FTP use?
FTP usually uses port 21 for the control connection. It also uses a separate data connection for file transfers and directory listings, which can complicate firewall and NAT setup.
Is FTP secure?
No. FTP is not secure by default because it does not encrypt usernames, passwords, commands, or file data. It should not be used for sensitive, confidential, regulated, or business-critical file transfer.
Is SFTP secure?
SFTP can be secure when configured properly. It encrypts the session through SSH and can support SSH key authentication, but teams still need access controls, logging, account review, folder permissions, and proper key management.
Does FTP allow anonymous access?
Yes. FTP can allow anonymous access, depending on the server configuration. That can be useful for public, non-sensitive downloads, but it should not be used for private or business-critical file exchange.
Why is SFTP easier for firewalls than FTP?
SFTP usually uses one encrypted SSH connection on port 22. FTP uses separate control and data connections, which can require extra firewall rules, passive ports, and NAT handling.
When should I use SFTP instead of FTP?
Use SFTP when files, credentials, or partner workflows need secure transfer. SFTP is the better choice for business files, regulated data, automated workflows, vendor exchange, backups, and confidential file sharing.