SFTPPlus MFT vs AWS Transfer Family MFT

Comparison criteria ​

The header shows approximate annual costs.

This page compares SFTPPlus MFT server and client with AWS Transfer Family using SFTP, FTP, web access, and AS2 sending and receiving. For an SFTP server-only comparison, see SFTPPlus MFT Server vs AWS Transfer Family SFTP.

Annual estimates are in USD, using 8,760 hours per year (730 hours per month) and US East (N. Virginia) prices. SFTPPlus MFT includes standard support and estimated Linux hosting. AWS includes the selected endpoints, sample transfers, 30 GB of S3 storage, and one web app unit.

The AWS subtotal excludes S3 requests, storage above 30 GB, network traffic (including browser transfers), public IPv4 addresses, logging, identity integrations, workflows, SFTP connector usage, and paid support.

Why choose SFTPPlus MFT over AWS Transfer Family? ​

SFTPPlus MFT suits teams that want to operate their file transfer service on Windows, Linux, or containers and decide when to update it. You can retain required legacy algorithms, move the licence and configuration between clouds, and run the same product on your own servers.

Existing applications can exchange files through local folders and Windows shares, and event handlers can call local executables. That can avoid introducing cloud APIs and extra services into an existing workflow. AWS also allows applications to mount EFS directly for SFTP, FTP, and FTPS workflows, so API integration is not required for every AWS deployment.

SFTPPlus MFT is best when you need a complete self-contained file transfer platform, with dedicated Web Management and Web Client interfaces. Administrators and users of SFTPPlus don't need access to the AWS Console, so you can operate the file transfer solution without requiring full cloud administration access.

You have all logs and notifications in a single place. You don't need to use other external cloud services to operate and monitor your file transfers.

Why choose AWS Transfer Family over SFTPPlus MFT? ​

AWS Transfer Family suits teams that prefer AWS to operate, patch, and scale the transfer infrastructure. Its managed redundancy across availability zones is an advantage over the single SFTPPlus MFT VM priced here.

Your team will configure access, networks, storage, and workflows through the AWS Console, rather than through a dedicated MFT UI.

AWS offers native S3 storage, S3 Access Grants for browser users, and integration with IAM Identity Center.

AWS also supports SAML federation through Identity Center, while SFTPPlus MFT uses OpenID Connect for web SSO.

For EDI processing, the separately priced AWS B2B Data Interchange service provides X12 mapping to and from JSON or XML. SFTPPlus MFT transfers the documents but leaves their business interpretation and EDI mapping to another application.

AWS's lack of an upfront software purchase can also suit short projects, although enabled endpoints and web app units continue to incur hourly charges.

Evidence and updates ​

AWS product scope is based on its MFT overview, features, web apps, and AS2 overview.

Automation and access comparisons use AWS documentation for managed workflows, PGP limitations, security policies, custom identity providers, multiple authentication methods, web app identity, and logical directories. Storage and audit features use S3 lifecycle rules, presigned sharing URLs, and CloudWatch and CloudTrail logging. Technical assistance follows the AWS support plan comparison.

SFTPPlus MFT claims use the linked product, protocol, authentication, platform, support, and pricing pages, checked against the site's solution articles and release announcements.