This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them

Period

–Visits

–Page views

–Clicks to vendors

–Time on page

–Reading now

Clicks to vendors, by tool

Top countries

Devices

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

vsftpd

Free#18 of 33 in FTP Server Software

vsftpd: A focused, self-hosted FTP/FTPS daemon for minimal Linux deployments. Ranked #18 of 33 in FTP Server Software by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for minimal Linux FTP server deployments.

7.4/10Editor score

Visit vsftpd

vsftpd7.4 Visit vsftpd

At a glance

Editor score
7.4 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Minimal Linux FTP server deployments
Paid from
Free
Protocols supported
Ftp_ftps
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Virtual users, per-user settings, and chroot-based access restrictions
- SSL/TLS, IPv6, transfer logging, and server logging
- Bandwidth throttling and per-source-IP connection controls
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted configuration requires files and standard system tooling
- Protocol support is focused on FTP and FTPS
- No verified web administration or automation API

Our verdict on vsftpd

vsftpd is a GPL-licensed, open-source FTP server daemon for UNIX-like systems, including Linux. It is designed for self-hosted deployments where administrators manage configuration through files and standard system tooling. The product fits teams that need a focused FTP service with virtual users, virtual folders, per-user configuration, and controls for access, bandwidth, and connections. It supports standalone or inetd operation and can use virtual IP configurations.

The published positioning makes security and operational control central to the product. SSL/TLS encryption support protects FTP connections, while chroot-based access restrictions can limit user environments. Virtual users and per-user configurability support differentiated access settings, and bandwidth throttling helps control transfer rates. Per-source-IP limits provide another connection-control option. IPv6 support extends its network compatibility, while transfer and server logging support operational visibility and audit logging.

vsftpd is distributed as self-hosted open-source software rather than a hosted service, so it suits Linux administrators who want direct control over deployment and configuration. Its scope is deliberately focused: the documented protocol support is FTP and FTPS, and the product does not provide a verified web administration interface or automation API. Choose it when a minimal Linux FTP deployment, TLS support, access restrictions, and file-based configuration are the priorities. Consider another FTP server when a broader protocol set, browser-based administration, or API-driven automation is required.

Your product? Our editors can test vsftpd in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

vsftpd pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on security.appspot.com

vsftpd fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Protocols supported	Ftp_ftps
User account limit	Not verified
Connection limit	Not verified
Virtual folders	Yes
Web administration	Not verified
Automation API	Not verified
Audit logging	Yes
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	security.appspot.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to vsftpd

See all vsftpd alternatives →

Used vsftpd? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used vsftpd for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Title

Your review

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Pros (optional · one per line)

Cons (optional · one per line)

Your name (shown with your review)

Role (optional)

Company (optional)

How long have you used it?

I've used vsftpd myself and this is my honest opinion — nobody paid or asked me to write it.

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

vsftpd is listed in our FTP Server Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/vsftpd/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/vsftpd.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update