---
id: cloud-accounts.ftp-vs-sftp
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/ftp-vs-sftp
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "FTP and SFTP servers"
question: "What's the difference between FTP and SFTP?"
alt_questions:
  - "FTP or SFTP which is safer?"
  - "Is FTP secure?"
  - "SFTP vs FTP for backups"
  - "Should I use FTP with Storage Studio?"
  - "Why prefer SFTP over FTP?"
short_answer: "SFTP is encrypted (it runs over SSH); FTP isn't, so FTP exposes your password and files on the network. Use SFTP whenever your server offers it — Storage Studio asks you to confirm the risk before saving FTP."
tags: ["ftp", "sftp", "security"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-add-an-ftp-server", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-add-an-sftp-server"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between FTP and SFTP?

SFTP is encrypted and FTP isn't. SFTP runs over SSH, so your sign-in and your files are protected on the way to the server; plain FTP sends both in readable form across every network in between, from café Wi-Fi to your internet provider.

Use SFTP whenever your server offers it. Storage Studio still supports FTP for servers that only speak FTP, but asks you to confirm you understand the risk before saving such an account.