Best FTP Hosting Services Compared: Features & Pricing

Web Hosting Tips Updated on : September 30, 2025

When it comes to managing and transferring files online, FTP hosting services remain among the most relevant and widely utilized solutions. Whether you are a developer uploading website files, a business sharing large documents with clients, or a team collaborating on projects, the right FTP host enables smooth, secure, and fast file transfers. In this blog, we will explore the best FTP hosting services, features, pricing, and more.

What is FTP Hosting?

FTP hosting is a type of web hosting service that uses the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to move files between your local computer and a remote server. It provides a secure and efficient environment for uploading, downloading, and managing files, making it a reliable solution for various tasks. From updating and managing website content to creating data backups or sharing large files with clients and teams, FTP hosting ensures smooth file management with enhanced security and accessibility.

Benefits of FTP Hosting Services

Key benefits of FTP hosting related to managing files include:

1. Efficient and Reliable Large File Transfers

FTP hosting services enable the efficient transfer of large files, whereas other methods can pose challenges. FTP hosting services allow the efficient transfer of large files, whereas other methods can pose challenges. They also provide secure and organized file management, making it easier to collaborate and maintain your website.

2. Centralized File Management

FTP hosts provide centralized file storage and management, allowing you to. So that you can organize and manage all files in one central location. This setup makes it easy to keep track of website content and documents.

3. Access Control and Permissions

FTP hosting services can provide access control and permissions; therefore, you can easily handle and manage who can control the access, upload, and download files. This can be beneficial for businesses and teams as they can easily manage and control access.

4. Secure Data Transfer

Protocols like FTPS and SFTP, which utilize the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), ensure that your data is transferred securely. These protocols protect files and data from unauthorized access during the transfer.

5. Operates 24/7

The FTP server operates 24/7, allowing you to access files at any time, from anywhere. So, if your business operates across time zones, this is highly beneficial.

6. Web hosting and Website Management

FTP plays a vital role in web hosting and website management, enabling you to easily upload files, update website content, and manage server resources efficiently.

7. Secure Data Exchange

FTP setup enables seamless collaborative work by facilitating secure data exchange across teams. They allow remote access for shared projects and can even be configured to support internal intranets, ensuring smooth and controlled file sharing within an organization.

Top 6 FTP Hosting Services Providers

1. Digital Ocean

Price: $200 free credit for 60 days

DigitalOcean ranks among the top FTP hosting providers, offering reliable virtual machines that support FTP services for both individuals and businesses. It provides a secure and efficient way to manage, store, and transfer files over the internet with ease.

One of its biggest strengths is the wide range of features, including highly customizable Droplets, a robust global data center network, and snapshots with automated backups for enhanced security and disaster recovery.

2. OVHcloud

Price: $1.04/month

OVHcloud combines ease of use, security, and scalability, making it suitable for both personal projects and large-scale file transfers. With its intuitive control panel, you can quickly set up FTP or SFTP servers and manage accounts in just minutes, requiring no advanced technical knowledge.

Security is a top priority at OVHcloud. Its FTP hosting plans include SSL/TLS encryption, firewalls, and DDoS protection. Automated backups are also part of the package, ensuring files remain safe from accidental deletion or unexpected events.

3. IONOS

Price: $1/month

IONOS offers secure FTP hosting for Windows and Linux, based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It ensures that data exchanged between the server system and the client is encrypted. This process is performed through the SSH protocol, which utilizes single keys and a secure connection. Additionally, it encrypts the communication even on an unsecured internet connection.

Its server options include Virtual Private Server (VPS), which starts at $2 per month, and cloud Server, through which you can adjust your computing capabilities to meet users’ demands as required (the plan starts at $7 per month). Moreover, with a dedicated server, you get complete access to a physical server.

4. AlexHost

Price: $13.44/month

AlexHost offers robust FTP hosting solutions that enable users to securely store, manage, and exchange files online via FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols. Designed with security and accessibility in mind, it ensures smooth file transfers for both individuals and businesses.

What makes AlexHost stand out is its affordability without compromising reliability. Its cost-effective FTP hosting plans make it a popular choice among businesses seeking a secure and efficient way to handle data storage and transfers. With AlexHost, you can manage files with ease while benefiting from strong security measures that guarantee both data safety and availability.

5. HostArmada

Price: $2.49/month

HostArmada integrates FTP accounts and content management directly into its hosting plans, making file transfers and management more efficient and streamlined. Backed by highly optimized servers, it delivers faster FTP transfer speeds and a smooth hosting experience.

With a redundant network infrastructure offering speeds of up to 7000 Mbps, HostArmada ensures a 99.9% connectivity rate. Unlike many providers, it avoids overcrowding its servers with excessive users, which prevents congestion and helps maintain consistently high FTP performance.

6. SiteGround

Price: $3.99/month

SiteGround is another top FTP hosting provider that includes free SSH and SFTP access in web hosting plans. SiteGround is widely recognized for its reliable web hosting services, and its FTP hosting features are no exception. With FTP accounts included in all hosting plans, SiteGround makes it easy to upload, manage, and transfer files securely across your websites.

SiteGround is perfect for users seeking a secure, beginner-friendly, and performance-driven FTP hosting solution. Its combination of cloud infrastructure, strong security, and ease of use makes it a strong choice for both individuals and businesses.

Comparison of Top FTP Hosting Providers

Provider	Starting Price	Key Features	Best For
DigitalOcean	$200 free credit (60 days)	Highly customizable Droplets, global data center network, snapshots, automated backups, and support for FTP/SFTP.	Developers & businesses needing flexible cloud FTP hosting.
OVHcloud	$1.04/month	Easy setup, secure FTP/SFTP servers, scalable hosting, and a user-friendly control panel.	Beginners & small businesses seeking affordable FTP hosting.
IONOS	$1/month	Secure FTP with SSH encryption, VPS ($2/month), Cloud servers ($7/month), and Dedicated servers.	Users need budget-friendly hosting with scalable server options.
AlexHost	$13.44/month	FTP, FTPS, and SFTP support, strong security, and reliable performance.	Businesses need secure & cost-effective data transfers.
HostArmada	$2.49/month	FTP accounts integrated, 7000 Mbps redundant network, 99.9% uptime, no server overcrowding.	Users want high-speed FTP performance with reliable uptime.
SiteGround	$3.99/month	Free SSH & SFTP access, with FTP included in all hosting plans. Beginner-friendly and featuring strong security.	Individuals & businesses seeking secure, user-friendly FTP hosting.

How to Choose the Best FTP Host?

1. Security Features

Look for FTP hosts that support SFTP (Secure FTP) or FTPS, which encrypt data during transfer to protect sensitive information. Some hosts also offer IP whitelisting, two-factor authentication, and activity logs for added security.

2. Server Performance and Uptime

A reliable FTP host should offer high-speed servers with minimal downtime. Verify the presence of redundant networks, optimized server configurations, and a guaranteed uptime of 99.9% or higher to ensure uninterrupted transfers.

3. Storage and Bandwidth

Consider how much storage space and bandwidth you’ll need. If you plan to transfer large files or manage multiple websites, opt for plans that offer ample storage and high transfer limits to avoid performance issues.

4. Ease of Use

A good FTP host should provide an intuitive control panel for managing accounts, permissions, and files. Features like drag-and-drop file upload, automatic backups, and easy account management save time and reduce complexity.

5. Customer Support

Reliable 24/7 support is essential in case you encounter connection issues or need assistance. Check if the host offers live chat, ticketing systems, or phone support with quick response times.

Conclusion

Choosing the best FTP hosting service is crucial for seamless website management, secure file transfers, and efficient collaboration. While many hosting providers offer FTP access, the best services stand out by combining speed, reliability, robust security, and user-friendly features. Providers like SiteGround, HostArmada, and DigitalOcean excel in performance and developer-friendly tools, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced users. However, the final decision of selecting the best FTP hosting depends on your business needs, budget, and the features you are looking for. Analyze all the crucial factors and choose the one that fulfills your business demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What is an FTP Host?

Ans. An FTP host is a web hosting service that allows you to transfer files between your local computer and a remote server using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). It helps you upload, manage, and organize website files efficiently.

2. How Do I Choose the Best FTP Host?

Ans. To choose the best FTP host, consider factors such as security (SFTP/FTPS), server performance, storage and bandwidth, ease of use, customer support, compatibility with FTP clients, pricing, and scalability. A good FTP host ensures fast, secure, and reliable file transfers.

3. Does All Shared Hosting Come With FTP?

Ans. Most shared hosting plans include FTP access, but the features and limitations vary by provider. Some plans may limit the number of FTP accounts or the storage capacity available. Always review the hosting plan details carefully before making a purchase.

4. How Do I Create an FTP Account?

Ans. Creating an FTP account is usually simple:

• Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk).
• Navigate to the FTP Accounts section.
• Enter a username, password, and select the desired directory access level.
• Save the account and use it with an FTP client, such as FileZilla, to connect to your server.

Q 5. How much does an FTP site cost?

Ans. The cost depends on the hosting provider and plan. Free FTP hosting is available for small projects. Still, professional websites typically require paid hosting, which can range from $3 to $20 per month for basic plans and higher for advanced or managed hosting.

Q 6. What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?

Ans. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Standard method to transfer files, but not encrypted, so data is vulnerable to interception.

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): A secure alternative that utilizes encryption, making it safer for handling sensitive data and professional projects.

Q 7. Do all hosting plans include FTP access?

Ans. Not all hosting plans include FTP access. While most shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans provide FTP or SFTP accounts, some basic or free plans may have restrictions or limited FTP features. Always check the hosting plan details to confirm FTP availability.