SFTPPlus MFT vs GoAnywhere MFT

Comparison criteria ​

For GoAnywhere, the feature column includes optional modules beyond those covered by the price estimate, so a Yes does not mean that the feature is included in every quote.

The SFTPPlus MFT first-year total is $4,750, comprising $3,800 for perpetual server and client licences and $950 for annual standard support. Following years include $950 for support, without another perpetual licence purchase.

GoAnywhere MFT pricing breakdown ​

GoAnywhere uses modular licensing: the price depends on the modules, number of server instances, and each server's role. AS2 also depends on the number of trading partners, as described in Fortra's licensed modules guide.

The following annual estimates in USD cover one production instance on Windows Server with inbound SFTP, browser-based HTTPS access, and AS2. They are budgeting assumptions for this comparison, not published Fortra list prices.

Additional AS2 partners can increase that amount.

Why choose SFTPPlus MFT ​

SFTPPlus MFT is a better fit when the priority is a compact, cost effective, file transfer service with published licence and support costs.

SFTPPlus MFT has a lightweight deployment model and is especially suitable for microservices and Kubernetes.

If you only need managed file transfer without processing the file content as part of your solution, SFTPPlus offers a product that focuses on just that.

SFTPPlus can still perform simple content processing like transforming the encoding of non-binary files.

The single INI file lets administrators review configuration changes and reuse them in automated deployments. Development, testing, and cold recovery instances are included, and AS2 pricing does not increase with partner count. For the SFTP, HTTPS, and AS2 configuration above, this keeps licence costs predictable as partners are added and avoids separate licence charges for the included non-production instances. GoAnywhere's estimated annual module costs and additional DR or UAT licences should be weighed against the workflow and collaboration features your team needs.

SFTPPlus MFT supports configuration promotion through its cluster functionality, which requires a separate cluster licence. Administrators can manage multiple configuration variants from the same Web Manager.

When GoAnywhere MFT is a better fit ​

GoAnywhere offers more built-in tools for workflows that transform business data or involve people sharing files. Its visual project designer supports branching, loops, and interactive debugging, while its data translation tools map records between Excel, CSV, XML, and JSON. SFTPPlus supports text encoding conversion, Oracle transfers, and external processing, but does not provide an equivalent visual data mapping tool.

GoAnywhere Secure Mail, Secure Forms, and GoDrive add sharing links, form submissions, and desktop collaboration that SFTPPlus does not include. GoAnywhere is also a better fit when partners require PeSIT, AS3, AS4, or when the application must run on IBM i, AIX, or Solaris.

Its Cloud Connectors cover services such as Salesforce, Box, and Dropbox, and its Advanced Reporting supplies a PDF reporting interface.

Evidence and updates ​

Reviewed using SFTPPlus product and solution pages and Fortra's public product information. This is a documentation comparison, not a hands-on benchmark.

Confirm with the GoAnywhere team which modules and services the proposed licence includes. Request a quote to confirm the final subscription price, included modules and partner counts, and separate production, DR, and UAT costs.