Best Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
Managed file transfer (MFT) software enables businesses to securely, reliably, and automatically transfer files between people, systems, and organizations. It replaces manual or ad hoc file-sharing methods with a centralized, secure platform designed for consistent and automated file exchanges.
Companies use MFT to transfer sensitive or business-critical data, such as financial records, customer information, or product files, safely and on schedule. MFT improves operational efficiency, supports digital transformation, and ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) through encryption, automation, and audit trails.
MFT is commonly used across departments like IT, finance, HR, legal, and operations. While IT manages the infrastructure, business users can access self-service portals to send or retrieve files. It helps eliminate risks tied to email or unsecured channels, reduces manual errors, and ensures timely delivery with full visibility.
MFT solutions can differ by deployment model (on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid). They also differ in the types of file transfer methods they support, such as secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), file transfer protocol secure (FTPS), applicability statement 2 (AS2), or representational state transfer application programming interfaces (REST API). Some platforms also include additional features like file-sharing tools, integration with other applications through APIs, or support for electronic data interchange (EDI), which may connect them to related software categories.
Within a company’s tech stack, MFT connects seamlessly with systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), identity and access management (IAM), and security monitoring tools. It serves as a bridge for reliable and automated data movement between internal applications, business partners, and external platforms, playing a crucial role in ensuring data flows are consistent, secure, and audit-ready.
To qualify for inclusion in the Managed File Transfer (MFT) category, a product must:
Featured Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software At A Glance
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AWS Transfer Family offers fully managed support for the transfer of files over SFTP, AS2, FTPS, FTP, and web browsers directly into and out of Amazon S3 or Amazon EFS. You can seamlessly migrate, aut
AWS Transfer Family is a product that provides a fully managed, serverless, and highly available file transfer service, eliminating the need for infrastructure management while still enabling seamless integration with Amazon S3 and EFS. Users frequently mention the ease of use, seamless integration with other AWS services, and the product's ability to handle secure file transfers reliably and cost-effectively. Users reported that AWS Transfer Family is often criticized for high and sometimes unpredictable costs, largely due to hourly endpoint fees combined with data transfer charges, and the setup can be complex, requiring substantial IAM and networking knowledge.
2,220,162 Twitter followers
GoAnywhere MFT is a secure managed file transfer solution that automates and secures file transfers between systems, employees, and partners. Keep sensitive data safe—in transit or at rest—with built-
GoAnywhere MFT is a platform that provides secure file transfer and automation capabilities, with features for encryption, compliance support, and centralized management. Reviewers appreciate the platform's strong security, ease of use, and automation capabilities, which save time and reduce manual work, and its ability to integrate with various systems. Users experienced a steep learning curve during initial setup, found the user interface to be outdated, and reported slow response times from customer support for complex issues.
2,603 Twitter followers
Progress MOVEit is Managed File Transfer Software that enables the consolidation of all file transfer activities to one system to ensure better management control over core business processes. It prov
MOVEit is a tool designed to send large documents as packages to different users, ensuring encryption and zero data loss throughout the process. Reviewers like the seamless transition, the ability to automate file transfers, the secure handling of files, and the user-friendly interface of MOVEit, which gives them confidence in the secure and consistent management of their files. Reviewers mentioned issues such as the slightly higher pricing compared to other tools, difficulties in moving files and uploading folders, problems with third-party encryption key importing, latency while transferring large datasets, and the lack of user-friendliness for beginners.
48,885 Twitter followers
Files.com is the cloud-native, next-generation MFT, SFTP, and secure file-sharing platform built for the cloud-integrated world. It replaces brittle legacy infrastructure with one secure, always-on fa
Files.com is a secure online platform that provides file sharing and storage services, including SFTP and SFTP services, automation capabilities, and integration with other tools. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, intuitive interface, reliable and secure services, and responsive customer support as standout features of Files.com. Reviewers noted occasional downtime, lack of customization options in notifications, and high cost as areas that could be improved in Files.com.
Axway Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a comprehensive solution designed to help organizations effectively manage and control the secure transmission of data. With a strong emphasis on data protection a
Axway Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a product that supports various protocols and DMZ architecture, offering a user-friendly interface and security-related options for file transfers. Reviewers appreciate the product's robust security measures, its ability to handle large volumes of data, and the strong customer support provided by the Axway team. Users mentioned that the initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming, the user interface may feel dated, and some advanced features require additional training to use effectively.
Kiteworks’ mission is to empower organizations to effectively manage risk in every send, share, receive, and save of sensitive content. To this end, we created a platform that delivers content governa
Kiteworks is a secure file sharing and collaboration platform that offers encryption, access controls, and compliance-focused tools, integrating with tools like Microsoft Office and Salesforce. Reviewers appreciate Kiteworks' robust security features, detailed audit trails, and seamless integration with existing tools, which enhance secure collaboration and compliance with regulatory requirements. Reviewers mentioned that the mobile app user experience could be improved, the interface could be more intuitive, and the initial setup can be complex for new users.
3,462 Twitter followers
MetaDefender Managed File Transfer™ (MFT) is OPSWAT’s security-focused managed file transfer solution that unifies automation, usability, and compliance into a single, trusted platform. Secure file an
MetaDefender MFT is a file transfer tool that provides encrypted, audited, and supervised internal file movement across different environments. Users like the centralized logging and policy-driven routing, the built-in security controls, and the visibility and detailed logging that helps track exactly what entered their environment and when. Reviewers mentioned that while the solution is robust, the initial setup experience could be simplified with more guided configuration options and clearer best-practice templates for common use cases, and more transparent or flexible pricing options could also benefit smaller teams or organizations with lower transfer volumes.
7,243 Twitter followers
SFTP To Go is a secure cloud file transfer and storage service built to deliver safe and efficient cloud file storage, sharing and integration for businesses of every size. Powered by the robust infra
SFTP To Go is a system used for secure file transfers between third-party vendors, with features such as 2FA and temporary credentials for enhanced security. Users frequently mention the ease of setup and navigation, the ability to customize credentials, and the reliability of the system as key benefits of using SFTP To Go. Users mentioned limitations in file storage limits, high cost compared to competitors, and a lack of support for FTP only transfers as drawbacks of the product.
50 Twitter followers
MASV is the premier platform for fast, secure, and reliable file management and transfer. Perfect for media and film professionals, video and post-production teams, creative agencies, oil and gas,
MASV is a file transfer solution that allows users to upload, manage, and transfer large files with ease. Reviewers like the intuitive user interface, fast upload speeds, secure services, and the ability to connect to external S3-compatible storage, which automatically directs uploaded content to a specific S3 bucket, making it easy for customer support agents to locate the content. Users experienced occasional issues with the app not downloading files if it isn't open, redundant login requests, and warnings about using Safari, and some found the user interface to be cluttered and hard to read.
511 Twitter followers
IBM Aspera on Cloud is a hosted SaaS service of IBM Aspera. Rather than optimize or accelerate data transfer, IBM Aspera’s high-speed data transfer fully utilizes available network bandwidth to maximi
IBM Aspera on Cloud is a tool used for high-speed file transfer, secure data synchronization, and sharing of large data files across different cloud platforms and global teams. Users frequently mention the tool's high-speed file transfer capabilities, its ability to handle large datasets, and its user-friendly interface that simplifies collaboration with global teams. Reviewers experienced issues with the pricing model of IBM Aspera on Cloud, finding it expensive for small teams and the usage-based pricing can lead to unexpected costs during heavy transfers.
708,744 Twitter followers
Simplify the complexity of how you B2B with IBM webMethods B2B. The B2B integration allows you to share documents—purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, contracts and more—in the cloud and keep
708,744 Twitter followers
Fortra’s Globalscape EFT is a sophisticated Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution built to facilitate the secure, efficient, and automated movement of business-critical or sensitive data within Windows
2,603 Twitter followers
SFTP Gateway is a managed file transfer solution designed to help users securely and efficiently access cloud storage locations through SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). This innovative server fac
3,189 Twitter followers
JSCAPE is a platform-independent managed file transfer server that centralizes all of your file transfer processes into a single easy-to-use application. JSCAPE secure MFT Server supports all major fi
828 Twitter followers
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator supports up to 10 million transactions per day by automating and consolidating B2B processes on a single, always-on B2B platform. IBM Sterling B2B Integrator helps compani
708,744 Twitter followers
Learn More About Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
What is Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software?
Data is a key asset for every business and it is critical to ensure that it moves efficiently and securely within the organization. MFT is an evolution of the popular file transfer protocol (FTP) technology. Organizations looking beyond basic ad hoc file transfers like enhanced security, administration, and governance capabilities utilize MFT solutions. Businesses leverage MFT solutions to automate, simplify, and streamline file transfers.
MFT solutions automate file transfers between systems or between companies in a reliable, secure, and auditable manner. Companies use MFT software primarily to allow such transfer of multiple files or data over an established network between both internal and external stakeholders. Common features of MFT software include high-throughput data transfer, the ability to resume and retry file transfers after a connection has been interrupted, and security features such as encryption and authentication. MFT applications may be deployed as both on-premises licensed software packages and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions. MFT solutions are similar to FTP software where both types of tools facilitate the transfer of files and data. However, MFT software has stronger added security and management layers. While FTP can also offer an additional security layer which is known as file transfer protocol secure (FTPS), MFT offers a higher level of security than FTP by supporting secure protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) and SFTP (FTP over SSH).
What Does MFT Stand For?
MFT stands for managed file transfer. However, managing file transfers is one of the many features that this software can offer. The word “managed” refers to how the solution can automate and transfer data across networks, systems, applications, trading partners, and cloud environments from a single, central point of administration.
It offers features that help businesses with exchanging large volumes of electronic business documents (e.g., invoices, purchase orders, ship schedules, load tender responses, purchase order changes, etc.) on a regular basis. An MFT server also makes transactions with multiple organizations seamless and easy through its process automation feature, ensuring reliability and security as well.
What Types of Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software Exist?
MFT solutions offer two main deployment types to cater to the needs of organizations with regard to budget, resource constraints (infrastructure, personnel), scalability, and geographic location requirements. They are cloud-based MFT and on-premises MFT.
Cloud-based MFT
Cloud-based MFT eliminates the cost of setting up in-house infrastructure. A cloud MFT allows the pay-as-you-go pricing option and it also allows usage to scale up or down as and when needed with business expansion.
On-premises MFT
On-premises MFT empowers organizations with total control over the implementation of their MFT solution. Users have to manage and install the software on their system. This type of deployment is best suited for closed IT environments that may not have access to the internet.
What is the best software for secure managed file transfers?
For secure and managed file transfers, these are some of the top G2 rated software options:
- JSCAPE: A versatile solution that supports all secure protocols, has no file size limits, with 100+ workflow templates.
- Files.com: Integrates with enterprise systems, supports cloud deployment, and focuses on secure file transfers with ease of use.
- GoAnywhere: This solution automates secure file transfers, supports integrations, and has a user-friendly interface.
What are the Common Features of Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software?
The following are some core features within MFT software that can help users in secure, compliant, and efficient exchange or delivery of data across a network:
Security and encryption: MFT software supports multiple secure protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), SFTP (FTP over SSH), AS2, secure copy protocol (SCP), accelerated file transfer protocol (AFTP), Odette file transfer protocol (OFTP) and hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTP/S). These protocols provide security and encryption capabilities that protect data at rest or in motion from snooping, leakage, and tampering. Advanced features like session breaks and protocol inspection maximize data protection.
Compliance: MFT solutions support compliance needs associated with data protection mandates such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ISO-27001, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and more.
Audit trails: The software helps to track and audit user activity and file movement, which allows users to have a look into the entire file transfer process—who, when, and what volume is being transferred.
Monitor and alert: MFT solutions provide a browser-based interface to users to monitor file transfers in real time, get complete access and control over the data, and manage file transfers and workflow. This also triggers alerts in real time on potential security violations.
Smart routing: MFT offers the feature of routing files based on content, file and data transformation, and file management with versioning capabilities.
Automation: MFT software automates the file transfer processes. They reduce manual processes with automation and scheduling. They also detect and notify users of failed transfers, then automatically retry such transmissions.
File sharing: MFT solutions offer file sharing capabilities along with file transfer. File sharing allows end users to send and request files over the internet through a password.
End-to-end visibility: MFT acts as a centralized platform that generates a dashboard that provides insight into throughput, the number of users, where the data is flowing, and who opens messages.
Integration with IT systems and cloud solutions: The software supports integrations with preexisting security infrastructures such as antivirus, data loss prevention (DLP), access control systems, and cloud solutions.
Deployment options: MFT applications are available as both on-premises licensed software packages and SaaS solutions.
Device support: MFT tools provide support for multiple platforms, devices, applications, and other existing IT infrastructure.
Protocols: MFT supports multiple advanced protocols in addition to protocols such as FTPS, secure shell file transfer protocol (SSH FTP), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).
Other Features of Managed File Transfer Software: Application Integration Capabilities, Extensibility Capabilities, Mobile Support Capabilities, Reporting and Analytics Capabilities
What's the best managed file transfer tool for software firms?
For software firms looking to find the best managed file transfer tool, these are some top G2 recommended solutions:
These MFT platforms offer robust features, including secure file transfer protocols, automation capabilities, compliance support, and strong security measures well-suited for most software companies.
What are the Benefits of Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software?
MFT facilitates the secure, reliable, and automated exchange of electronic data between systems and people. Some of the key benefits of MFT solutions include:
Data security: MFT solutions ensure authentication, authorization, encryption, and completed transfers of files. They help organizations securely manage sensitive data and maintain data integrity and governance.
Regulatory compliance: MFT solutions ensure compliance with major industry and data regulatory mandates. It ensures a company meets its own as well as industry-specific data protection, privacy regulations, and compliance needs.
Fast, large, and secure file transfer solution: This type of software allows the exchange of large and rich media documents with acceleration protocols. They also guarantee delivery along with options like “retry” and “resume” to ensure the delivery success and recovery of failed transfers.
Scalability: MFT solutions let organizations keep business operations moving, irrespective of their file transfer workflows growing in size, complexity, and volume.
End-to-end visibility and management: MFT solutions include real-time monitoring and control, reporting and logging audit trails, and tracking failover and file deliveries in file transfer operations.
Automation: MFT software automates the file transmission process which allows timely and flexible data transfers or movement. It streamlines the workflows in file transfers.
Efficiency: Faster and more efficient transmission of data irrespective of the volume to be transferred or industry compliance standards to be followed with guaranteed delivery.
Who Uses Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software?
Companies that perform large file sharing on a daily basis take advantage of MFT solutions. In particular, industries like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunication, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), media and entertainment, and many more use MFT software. Typically any employee within an organization can use MFT software to transfer documents or files on an ad hoc or regular, scheduled basis.
Retail: MFT solutions allow retailers to transfer customer information securely along with maintaining and protecting the data integrity, maintaining compliance with PCI DSS.
Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI): Data is very confidential and critical to banking and financial services. To comply with governmental and industry regulations and protect and prevent data loss, these industries use MFT solutions for secure file transfers. Insurance firms have moved towards MFT solutions to secure financial control reporting, claims to process, and other private data transfer processes.
Healthcare: Health care providers depend on file transfers that are scalable, secure, compliant with the HIPAA. MFT solutions make sure patient health care information is safely exchanged between providers on a daily basis. The MFT solutions for this domain should provide strong authentication methods, offer detailed auditing and reporting for worldwide data protection regulations (such as HIPAA in the U.S., the EU’s Directive of Data Protection), and others.
What are the Alternatives to Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software?
The primary function of MFT is to share files that are too large for email. Some of the other tools which provide the same functionalities are:
File transfer protocol (FTP) software: FTP transfers files between a computer and a server over the internet. It is built on a client-server model architecture, in which one computer acts as the server to store information, and the other as the client to send or request files from the server. Companies leverage these tools to transfer large files or large amounts of data between multiple stakeholders.
Cloud content collaboration software: Cloud content collaboration software serves as dedicated cloud storage and offers file sharing solutions for documents, images, videos, spreadsheets, and other files created and used by a business. They allow users to easily store, share, create, collaborate on, and find content within the system and are available from multiple types of devices.
Electronic data interchange (EDI) software: EDI software creates a data exchange between two or more computers. This software is typically used for the fast transfer of business documents within companies and between business partners, such as suppliers or customers.
Challenges with Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.
On-premises MFT solutions: Traditional MFT solutions are on-premises software installations, enabling tight integration with internal systems. However, hybrid configurations are becoming increasingly common as organizations look to leverage the private cloud infrastructure for operational and cost efficiencies.
How to Buy Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
If a company is just starting out and looking to purchase the first MFT software, or maybe an organization needs to update a legacy system--wherever a business is in its buying process, g2.com can help select the best analytics platform for the business.
The particular business pain points might be related to all of the file transfers that must be fast, secure, and reliable. If the company has a lot of data transfers on a day to day basis, the need is to look for a solution that can grow with the organization. Users should think about the pain points and jot them down; these should be used to help create a checklist of criteria. Additionally, the buyer must determine the number of employees who will need to use this software, as this drives the number of licenses they are likely to buy.
Taking a holistic overview of the business and identifying pain points can help the team springboard into creating a checklist of criteria. Identify the features they want in an MFT solution and have an idea of what the organization needs in terms of deployment, industry, and cybersecurity. Buyers must create a checklist of requirements that can be easily referred to when evaluating different MFT solutions.
Compare Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software Products
Create a long list
From meeting the business functionality needs to implementation, vendor evaluations are an essential part of the software buying process. For ease of comparison after all demos are complete, it helps to prepare a consistent list of questions regarding specific needs and concerns to ask each vendor.
Create a short list
From the long list of vendors, it is helpful to narrow down the list of vendors and come up with a shorter list of contenders, preferably no more than three to five. With this list in hand, businesses can produce a matrix to compare the features and pricing of the various solutions.
Conduct demos
To ensure the comparison is thorough, the user should demo each solution on the shortlist with the same use case and datasets. This will allow the business to evaluate like for like and see how each vendor stacks up against the competition.
Selection of Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software
Choose a selection team
Before getting started, it's crucial to create a winning team that will work together throughout the entire process, from identifying pain points to implementation. The software selection team should consist of members of the organization who have the right interest, skills, and time to participate in this process.
Negotiation
Many companies are willing to negotiate pricing that is listed on their website. It is imperative to open up a conversation regarding pricing and licensing. For example, the vendor may be willing to give a discount for multi-year contracts or for recommending the product to others.
Final decision
After this stage, and before going all in, it is recommended to roll out a test run or pilot program to test adoption with a small sample size of users. If the tool is well used and well received, the buyer can be confident that the selection was correct. If not, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.
What Does Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software Cost?
Secure MFT solutions come in all sizes and packages, from small, free tools to enterprise-sized solutions that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. As mentioned above, MFT solutions come as both on-premises and cloud solutions. Based on the deployment models the software is further available as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. MFT tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software solutions, whereas for cloud-based MFT software, it is available on a subscription basis.
Beyond initial software licenses, most buyers purchase a support package and annual maintenance, so they can upgrade to the latest product version as soon as it’s available.
Buyers should also consider any optional investments to put into the product, such as professional services (e.g., migration and implementation assistance, software training) or add-on modules that expand the functionalities of the MFT solution.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Apart from the ability to secure and automate file transfer tasks, one of the most striking aspects of implementing an MFT solution is the positive ROI. ROI varies, however, as the amount a buyer can save depends on the vendor and product. When evaluating solutions, businesses must ensure the vendor has an ROI tool or resource that will calculate how much their organization stands to save after replacing legacy products, manual file transfers and scripts, and homegrown workflows.
Users must consider how much is spent and compare that to what is gained, both in terms of efficiency as well as revenue. Therefore, businesses can compare processes between pre- and post-deployment of the software to better understand how processes have been improved and how much time has been saved.
Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software Trends
With the increase in file sizes and the complexity of information sharing, the demand for adopting an easy, secure, efficient, and auditable file transfer system is rising. Information leakage, cost reduction, security risks associated with FTP, and the need for an end-to-end operational visibility and control file transfer system are the key factors boosting the demand for MFT solutions.
MFT solutions came into the market to overcome the challenges of using FTP solutions. As the name implies, MFT adds management features required as the need for file transfers grows from occasional and noncritical to high volume and mission critical. Additionally, MFT solutions also provide a rich set of security and compliance features that are not easy to be made available in FTP products. MFT software is a powerful business facilitator that reduces costs and risk, improves efficiency and agility. MFT is observed as a centralized platform that allows users to manage, secure, and control all file transfer activity.
Shift from on premises to cloud
With the cloud growing in popularity, MFT vendors are working hard to make sure organizations have the flexibility they need to meet their business requirements. This includes the ability to work in multiple environments, from on premises to the cloud to somewhere in between (hybrid). Purchasing hardware, setting it up, maintaining it, and buying software licenses is an expensive expenditure for organizations. Paying for a monthly cloud MFT service may be easier to initiate and to scale, which is why many companies are moving towards adopting cloud MFT solutions.
