VOOZH about

URL: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-networks/difference-between-ftps-and-sftp/

⇱ Difference between FTPS and SFTP - GeeksforGeeks

  • Courses
  • Tutorials
  • Interview Prep

Difference between FTPS and SFTP

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

FTPS (formerly known as FTP over TLS/SSL) and SFTP (technically named the SSH2 File Transfer Protocol) are two common methods for securely transferring files over the internet. FTPS is actually an extension of the FTP, and it adds support for protecting information through SSL/TLS authentication. Whereas the SFTP is a part of the SSH protocol suite, with which all SFTP file transfers are encrypted as well. In this article we will see the differences between FTPS and SFTP.

What is File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS)?

FTPS is known as FTP SSL which refers to File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) which is more secure from FTP. FTPS also called as File Transfer Protocol Secure. It refers to basic FTP with security which protects data from any attack by encrypting it so that no one can be able to make use of any information in between transmission at both the ends. It implements AES algorithm, Triple DES algorithm, and many other algorithms to encrypt data.

Pros of FTPS

  • It is widely known and used.
  • Communication is readable and understandable by humans.
  • It is encrypted.
  • Easy to implement.
  • Provides services for server-to-server file transfers based on SSL/TLS.
  • It has built in support in .NET framework server-to-server.

Cons of FTPS

  • It does not have a consistent directory listing format.
  • Not all FTP servers support SSL/TLS.
  • It can not perform file system operations.
  • It requires a secondary data channel.
  • Older FTP servers do not support SSL.
  • It doesn't have a standard way for getting & changing file or directory attributes.

What is Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)?

SFTP known is known as SSH FTP which refers to File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over Secure Shell (SSH) which encrypts both commands and data while in transmission. SFTP also called as Secure File Transfer Protocol. It works as an extension to SSH. It encrypts files and data then sends them over a secure shell data stream. This protocol allows to remotely connect to other systems and executing commands from the command line. Like FTPS it also implements AES algorithm, Triple DES algorithm, and many other algorithms to encrypt data.

Pros of SFTP :

  • It has a good standard background which defines most aspects of operations.
  • It is easy to use behind firewall as it uses one port.
  • Connection is constantly protected/secured.
  • Directory listing is consistent/uniform.
  • It has only one connection and no need for a Data connection.

Cons of SFTP :

  • The interaction is binary and can not be logged as- is for human reading.
  • It is difficult to manage and validate SSH keys.
  • No server to server copy.
  • There is no built in SSH/SFTP support .NET frameworks.
  • Probability of compatibility problems.

Difference between FTPS and SFTP

FTPSSFTP
FTPS refers to File Transfer Protocol with SSL.SFTP refers to SSH File Transfer Protocol.
It is also known as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).It is also known as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over Secure Shell (SSH).
File Transfer Protocol Secure in short known as FTPS.Secure File Transfer Protocol in short known as SFTP.
Key based authentication is not supported.SSH keys can be used to authenticate SFTP connections.
In this certificates are supported.In this certificates are not supported.
It uses multiport numbers. Each time a file transfer request is made another port number needs to be opened for the data channel.SFTP needs only a single port number for all SFTP communications and makes it easy to secure and provide greater protection.
It is most commonly used due to its ubiquitous legacy.But now a days it is more common in recent devices and software.
Authentication is performed via x.509 certificates.Authentication is performed via SSH keys.
It has separate connection for command and file data.It has no separate connection for command and file data.

Conclusion

Both the protocols FTPS and SFTP are secure methods of file transferring, but both works in different ways. FTPS which gives you the same working as FTP along with extra security from encryption but involves more ports and that makes it a bit more complex to setup. While SFTP with single port connection are easier to configure and maintain. Each protocol has its own benefits and the right one for you will be based on things like system compatibility, ease of use, or perhaps necessary security level when it comes to your data transfer.

Comment
Article Tags:

Explore