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FTP Server Selection in WHM: Pure-FTPd or ProFTPD? Which is Suitable for Which Server?

FTP Server Selection in WHM: Pure-FTPd or ProFTPD? Which One is Suitable for Which Server?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the backbone of file transfer on a web hosting server. On every cPanel server installed via WHM, there are two different options for the FTP server: Pure-FTPd and ProFTPD. There is also the option to completely disable the FTP service. However, each choice has advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, security, and system resources.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what the options in the WHM > FTP Server Selection screen do, when to prefer which one, and what kind of results will occur in which scenario.

What is an FTP Server?

An FTP server is a service infrastructure that allows users to upload or download web files to the server. In WHM/cPanel systems, this service is one of the most basic tools that users use to access their hosting accounts.

⚙️ FTP Server Options (WHM > FTP Server Selection)

1. Pure-FTPd (cPanel's default choice)

Pure-FTPd is a modern, fast, and security-oriented FTP server. It stands out especially with its performance and low system resource usage.

Advantages:

• Consumes much less RAM

• Login time is very fast

• Works perfectly on resource-limited systems such as VPS

• Includes Brute force detection

• Supports virtual user quotas

• Works more stably with RAID structures

Disadvantage:

• Does not support TLS 1.0 (but it is unnecessary in modern systems anyway)

When to choose?

• If high security and low resource consumption are your priority

• If you are using servers with low RAM such as 2–4 GB

• If you are going to provide FTP service to a large number of users

2. ProFTPD

It is a more classic, flexible but slightly heavier FTP server. It allows directory-based custom configurations such as .ftpaccess.

Advantages:

• Custom access controls per directory with .ftpaccess files

• Configuration flexibility (detailed management via conf files)

Disadvantages:

• Uses more RAM

• Does not include built-in protection against brute force attacks

• Does not have login notification support (there may be missing information in logging)

When to choose?

• If advanced directory-based configurations are required

• If specific FTP access rules will be written

• If your server has high RAM and you are managing a few special accounts

3. Disabling the FTP Service (Disable)

This option disables the local FTP server. It can be considered if websites will only be managed via File Manager or SFTP.

Advantages:

• The FTP port that could create a security vulnerability is completely closed

• Fewer services are run, therefore a lower attack surface

Disadvantages:

• Access is completely closed for users who want to connect via FTP

• File transfer can only be provided via SFTP (SSH must be active)

When to choose?

• Servers dedicated to a single user (e.g. only for your use)

• If file uploads are done via SFTP over SSH

✅ Which is the Most Suitable Choice?

⚠️ Extra Recommendations

• If you are going to leave FTP ports open to the outside world, be sure to use a server software with brute-force protection (e.g. Pure-FTPd)

• Use TLS/SSL support for FTP connections. You can make encrypted data transfer mandatory by configuring FTP TLS via WHM.

• Disabling the accounts of users who have not accessed the FTP server for a long time is important for system security.

Conclusion

The FTP server selection to be made via WHM is not just a technical but a strategic decision. When deciding which software to use, your server's hardware, your purpose of use, the number of users, and your security priorities should be decisive.

The default Pure-FTPd is the ideal option for most servers. However, if you have special needs, you can simplify your system with ProFTPD, or with the Disable option if you do not need FTP.