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FTP vs SFTP: What Actually Separates Them

FTP and SFTP sound like variations of the same thing, but they are built on entirely different foundations.

FTP transfers files in plain text over two channels

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) uses a separate control connection for commands and a separate data connection for the actual file transfer, and by default sends everything β€” including login credentials β€” unencrypted.

SFTP is a completely different protocol, not an add-on to FTP

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is built on top of SSH, the same secure protocol used for remote server login, and was designed from scratch rather than being FTP with encryption bolted on.

"SFTP = FTP + SSL" is a widespread but incorrect shorthand

This mixes up SFTP with FTPS. SFTP does not use FTP or SSL at all β€” it runs entirely over SSH. The similar-sounding name is the main reason this confusion persists.

FTPS is the protocol that actually adds encryption to FTP

FTPS (FTP Secure) is standard FTP with TLS/SSL encryption layered on top, keeping FTP's original two-channel design β€” it is a genuinely different protocol from SFTP despite the similar name.

SFTP is friendlier to firewalls than FTP or FTPS

FTP and FTPS use multiple ports, including a range of dynamically negotiated ports for data transfer, which often requires special firewall configuration. SFTP uses a single port (typically 22, the same as SSH), which is much simpler to allow through a firewall securely.

SFTP is the practical default for most modern use

For any transfer involving sensitive data or the open internet, SFTP (or FTPS as an alternative) is the standard recommendation. Plain FTP is generally only acceptable for transferring genuinely non-sensitive files on a fully trusted, isolated internal network.

Why the naming causes so much confusion

FTP, FTPS, and SFTP all share "FTP" in the name and serve the same broad purpose β€” transferring files between systems β€” but they are built on different underlying protocols with different security models. Assuming they are interchangeable variations of the same protocol is one of the most common mix-ups in basic networking.

What "secure" actually protects against

Both SFTP and FTPS encrypt data in transit, protecting against someone intercepting login credentials or file contents while they travel over the network. Neither protocol on its own controls what happens to files once they reach their destination β€” that depends on the server's own access controls and security practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTP still used today?

Plain FTP is far less common than it once was for anything involving sensitive data, but it still appears in specific legacy systems, internal trusted networks, or cases where compatibility with older software matters more than encryption.

Do SFTP and FTPS use the same port?

No. SFTP typically uses port 22 (shared with SSH), while FTPS typically uses port 21 for control plus additional ports for data, similar to standard FTP's port usage.