FTP 101 – Part 10: FTPS explained, and FTPS vs FTP vs SFTP
Published {$created} by Carsten Blum
You’ve heard of FTP. You’ve heard of SFTP. But what about FTPS?
While it sounds like a minor variation, FTPS is a fundamentally different protocol than SFTP – and knowing the difference can save you hours of debugging, especially when dealing with firewalls, certificates, and compliance.
In this post, we’ll explain:
What FTPS is
How it compares to FTP and SFTP
When to use (or avoid) it
What is FTPS?
FTPS stands for FTP Secure (or FTP-SSL). It’s essentially the traditional FTP protocol with added TLS encryption, similar to how HTTPS is just HTTP with security.
FTPS uses the same commands and port logic as classic FTP, but encrypts control and/or data channels using SSL/TLS certificates.
There are two types of FTPS connections:
Explicit FTPS: The client connects to the FTP server and then upgrades the connection to TLS by issuing an "AUTH TLS" command. Please not, ftpGrid only supports explicit FTPS. We really recommend using SFTP for secure FTP.
Implicit FTPS: The client connects to a different port (typically port 990) and the connection is encrypted from the start.
FTPS vs. FTP
Feature | FTP | FTPS |
|---|---|---|
Encryption | None | Yes (TLS/SSL) |
Port complexity | Complex | Same (multi-port, passive/active modes) |
Auth method | Username & password | Username & password + certificate support |
Legacy support | Very old systems | Supported by many legacy clients |
FTPS still uses multiple ports, making it harder to configure behind firewalls or NAT – especially in passive mode.
FTPS vs. SFTP
This is where confusion often happens: FTPS and SFTP are not the same.
Feature | FTPS | SFTP |
|---|---|---|
Based on | FTP + TLS | SSH (not FTP at all) |
Ports | Multiple (like FTP) | Single port (usually 22) |
Encryption | TLS/SSL | SSH encryption |
Auth options | Password, client cert | Password, SSH key |
Firewall friendly | No (many ports) | Yes (one port) |
Simpler scripting | Harder (FTP-like commands) | Easier (modern libraries) |
When should I use FTPS?
Use FTPS if:
You’re integrating with a legacy system or partner that only supports FTPS.
Your compliance or enterprise environment mandates SSL certificates.
You already have certificate management and port rules in place.
However, for most modern use cases, SFTP is the better choice.
What does ftpGrid recommend?
At ftpGrid.com, we support FTP, FTPS, and SFTP – but we strongly recommend using SFTP unless you have a specific reason to choose FTPS.
SFTP is:
Easier to secure
Easier to automate
Easier to firewall
Easier to debug
We also support multiple SSH key formats out of the box, so your automation and CI pipelines stay safe and simple.
Summary
FTPS = FTP over TLS, using certificates and multiple ports.
It’s not the same as SFTP.
FTPS may still be required for certain enterprise or legacy workflows.
For modern usage, SFTP is easier, safer, and more predictable.
Want to test all three? Create a free account at ftpGrid.com and explore the differences hands-on. Read more about our features here.