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Why choose Couchdrop over Cerberus FTP?
When looking for a robust SFTP or FTP server, Cerberus FTP and Couchdrop are two of the leading options, each with a different focus and feature set beyond simple SFTP functionality.
Comparing Cerberus FTP and Couchdrop
A traditional enterprise FTP server goes head-to-head with a modern cloud SFTP platform
Cerberus FTP Overview
Cerberus FTP aims for the Enterprise client with a focus on local installation and traditional server setups. It offers a Professional tier, but its full capabilities are unlocked in the Enterprise options.
- Enterprise-focused solution
- Windows-based installation
- 3-year commitment
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Couchdrop Overview
Couchdrop takes a modern approach to SFTP and FTP, built for the cloud. It prioritizes simplicity in setup, configuration, and management, offering a straightforward cloud-based solution.
- Cloud-native solution
- Instant setup
- Monthly subscription
Setup & Deployment
Cerberus FTP Setup
Windows-only deployment requiring extensive manual configuration.
- Create Windows service account and configure privileges
- Configure firewalls and network ports (21, 22, 443, 11000-13000)
- Set up router port forwarding for external access
- Manual SSL/TLS certificate generation and configuration
Couchdrop Setup
60-second cloud deployment with zero infrastructure requirements.
- Sign up with email
- Choose your domain
- That's it
Which is best?
The setup experience couldn't be more different. While Cerberus requires a complex, multi-step Windows deployment process with network configuration, port forwarding, and manual security setup, Couchdrop gets you up and running in under a minute with no technical expertise required.
With Couchdrop you avoid:
- Hours of infrastructure configuration
- Complex network and firewall setup
- Windows Server requirements and maintenance
- Router and port forwarding headaches
Storage Integrations
Cerberus FTP Integrations
Limited to local Windows storage with basic cloud connections that require technical configuration.
- Must deploy and manage Windows VMs for cloud access
- Each cloud connection requires separate license ($3,299+)
- Storage limited to local Windows hard drives
- Requires Azure/AWS technical expertise and setup
Couchdrop Integrations
Connect to any popular cloud storage platform with instant setup and no technical overhead.
- Instant connection to 20+ storage providers including S3, Azure, GCP
- Add SFTP to SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more..
- Connect unlimited storage platforms at no extra cost
- Zero infrastructure - just click and connect
Cerberus FTP |
Couchdrop |
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Cloud Storage
Enterprise cloud storage platform support
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SharePoint Online & On-Premises |
- |  |
Google Drive & Workspace |
- | |
Dropbox Business |
- | |
OneDrive |
- | |
Box |
- | |
Egnyte |
- | |
Block Storage
Cloud block storage support
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Amazon S3 |
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Azure Blob Storage |
- | |
Google Cloud Storage |
- | |
Wasabi |
- | |
Backblaze B2 |
- | |
S3 Compatible Storage |
- | |
Traditional Server Support
Server and protocol support
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Windows Server |
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OSX Server |
- | |
SFTP/FTPS Servers |
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Which is best?
When it comes to storage integration capabilities, Couchdrop is a more comprehensive platform. While Cerberus relies on local Windows storage and requires complex technical setup for cloud connections, Couchdrop offers instant connectivity to all major storage platforms with no configuration required. This means you can start transferring files between different storage systems immediately.
With Couchdrop you get:
- Instant connection to all major cloud storage platforms
- No technical expertise required for setup
- Freedom to use existing storage solutions
- True cloud-first architecture with no local dependencies
File Transfer Automation
Cerberus FTP Automations
Automated file transfers are available only to Enterprise Plus tier ($7,499/year) customers.
- Basic file operations (create, delete, move, zip)
- PowerShell script execution
- Scheduled tasks and event triggers
- Limited to Windows environment
Couchdrop Automations
Cloud-native file transfer automations are included with all accounts, accessible from anywhere.
- Multi-step workflow automation
- Cross-platform file distribution
- File compression and encryption
- Real-time event triggers across storage platforms
Which is best?
For file transfer automation, Couchdrop is the clear winner. Cerberus FTP offers basic automation capabilities, but they're locked behind an expensive Enterprise Plus tier and limited to Windows environments. Couchdrop provides more powerful automation features at a fraction of the cost, with the flexibility to work across any platform or storage provider.
With Couchdrop you get:
- Advanced automation features at $119.99/month vs $7,499/year
- Platform-agnostic workflows that work anywhere
- Unlimited storage platform integrations
- No infrastructure management overhead
Security & Compliance
Cerberus FTP
Comprehensive enterprise security features across all editions with advanced options in higher tiers.
- TLS 1.3 and FIPS 140-2 cryptography
- Active Directory and LDAP integration
- Two-factor authentication
- Detailed audit logging and SQL database capture
Couchdrop
Cloud-native security model with built-in enterprise features for all accounts.
- Azure AD SSO and SAML integration
- Global firewall controls and 2FA
- Comprehensive audit logging
- 6-month data retention included
Which is best?
Both platforms offer enterprise-grade security features, with different approaches to implementation. Cerberus provides traditional Windows-based security with extensive configuration options, while Couchdrop delivers cloud-native security that's pre-configured and managed.
Key considerations:
- Cerberus requires infrastructure setup but offers more control over security configuration
- Couchdrop provides immediate security implementation with zero infrastructure
- Both platforms support SSO, 2FA, and provide encryption and comprehensive loggings/audit trails
- Additional compliance features (HIPAA, extended retention) available at extra cost for both platforms
Pricing
Cerberus FTP Pricing
Three-year commitment required with annual billing and per-server licensing.
- Professional: $1,499/year (basic SFTP only)
- Enterprise: $3,299/year (web client access)
- Enterprise Plus: $7,499/year (automation included)
- Additional license required per server/VM
Couchdrop Pricing
Simple monthly pricing with no long-term commitments required.
- $119.99/month - all features included
- 5 users, automations, and inboxes included
- No per-server or VM licensing
- Cancel anytime - no lock-in
Which is best?
For pricing flexibility and total cost of ownership, Couchdrop is the obvious choice. While Cerberus requires a three-year commitment and charges thousands per server, Couchdrop offers a simple, predictable monthly fee with all features included. There's no hidden infrastructure costs, no VM licensing, and no long-term lock-in.
With Couchdrop you get:
- All features for $119.99/month vs $7,499/year for Cerberus
- No additional server or infrastructure costs
- No long-term commitment required
- Predictable monthly billing with no surprises
Support & Customer Experience
Cerberus FTP
Tiered support model based on license level.
- Professional: Business hours support
- Enterprise: Business hours support
- Enterprise Plus: 24/7 Severity 1 support
- Phone and email channels
Couchdrop
Modern multi-channel support included with all accounts.
- Standard: 24-hour response
- Enterprise: 30-minute response, 24/7 support
- Live chat via Intercom
- Bookable screen sharing sessions
"I requested this feature about 3 years ago and was told this would be coming soon. Can you provide a more definitive timeline?"
- Cerberus Customer, Azure Integration Request
"The team is super responsive to feedback... Support is very quick to respond and help out."
- Couchdrop Customer, G2 Review
Which is best?
Both platforms deliver enterprise-grade support at their highest tiers, but differ significantly in their broader customer experience. Cerberus follows a traditional tiered model where support level increases with price, while Couchdrop provides comprehensive support across all plans.
Key considerations:
- Both platforms offer enterprise-grade 24/7 support
- Cerberus requires Enterprise Plus ($7,499/yr) for premium support
- Couchdrop provides comprehensive support access to all customers
- Couchdrop's cloud-native platform enables faster feature delivery
What Couchdrop customers say
“Outstanding SFTP/MFT solution that integrates with your own cloud storage provider!”
Marcus – G2 Review
“The technical support is fantastic, always willing to help and resolve the issues quickly.”
Obed – G2 Review
“Couchdrop allows our newer tech stack based on real-time events to work with our customer’s older tech stacks that are dependent on SFTP.”
Joel – G2 Review
“Couchdrop is very easy to setup and maintain. The solution just works.”
Verified User in Financial Services – G2 Review
Why Couchdrop is the better alternative to Cerberus FTP
Enterprise file transfer without the enterprise costs or headaches
60-Second Setup
Deploy your SFTP server instantly. No configuration. Just connect and go.
85% Cost Saving
$119.99/month for everything vs $7,499/year for basic automation. All features included.
30+ Storage Platforms
Near-instant connections to SharePoint, Google Drive, S3, Azure, Dropbox, and more.
Powerful Automation
Multi-step workflows and real-time triggers across storage platforms with zero coding.
No Lock-in
Simple, monthly billing. No 3-year contracts. Scale up or down anytime.
Zero Infrastructure
No Windows servers. No VM licenses. No maintenance costs. Ever.
Couchdrop is trusted by companies around the world
When Cerberus FTP may be the better option
While Couchdrop suits most businesses, there are specific scenarios where Cerberus might be preferred
No Cloud Policy
While Couchdrop's zero-storage model is highly secure, some organizations simply cannot use cloud services due to internal policies. Cerberus can be deployed entirely within your network with no external dependencies.
On-Prem File Sharing
For organizations requiring complete on-premise file server control, Cerberus provides native Windows Server integration with full visibility over data location and access. This includes local Active Directory integration, internal file sharing, and the ability to maintain all data within your infrastructure.
Try Couchdrop free for 14 days, no credit card required.
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