Comparison

SMB Server vs Fast FTP Server

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SMB Server

Features
Read full description

SMB Server turns your iPhone into an SMB (file sharing) server. From a Mac or Windows PC on the same Wi-Fi network, you can open your iPhone's Documents folder directly and copy, move, or delete files. No cables and no cloud required. [Great for] β€’ Getting photos, documents, and music from your computer onto your iPhone without a cable β€’ Quickly pulling files off your iPhone onto your computer β€’ Moving files around at home without the cloud or an account β€’ Handling files the familiar way, from Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows [Key Features] β€’ File server supporting SMB2 (connect from Mac, Windows, Linux, and other SMB clients) β€’ Start or stop the server with one tap β€’ Bonjour support: appears automatically in the Network list in Mac Finder β€’ Shows the IP address, port, and connection address (smb://...) you need, right on screen β€’ Guest access, or set a password to restrict who can connect β€’ Read-only mode (blocks writing and deleting from the computer) β€’ Automatically start the server when the app launches β€’ Keeps the screen from auto-locking while the server is running, so connections don't drop β€’ View a log of connections, disconnections, and file operations β€’ Shows the free space available in the shared folder β€’ Open the same Documents folder from the Files app, too β€’ Built-in guide for connecting, plus troubleshooting tips [How to Use] 1. Open the app, tap "Agree and Start", then tap "Start" (If asked to allow access to the local network, choose "Allow") 2. Enter the address shown on screen on your computer (YOUR_IP = the IP address shown in the app) β€’ Mac: In Finder, choose Go, then Connect to Server, and enter smb://YOUR_IP:4455/Documents β€’ Windows: Enter \\YOUR_IP@4455\Documents in the File Explorer address bar β€’ Other SMB clients, such as Linux, can connect too 3. Sign in as a guest, or with the password you set Only this app's Documents folder is shared. The share name is fixed as "Documents". [Can't Connect?] β€’ Make sure your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network β€’ Keep the app's screen open on your iPhone β€’ Include the share name (/Documents) and the port number (4455) in the address β€’ Mac Finder keeps a window in its failed state after a sign-in failure. Close the Finder window, then choose "Connect to Server" again. If it still won't connect, delete the old password in Keychain Access [Privacy] β€’ Never connects to the internet. Works only within your local network (Wi-Fi) β€’ Does not collect or transmit personal information, usage data, or file contents β€’ Uses no third-party SDKs of any kind, including ads, analytics, or crash reporting β€’ No account registration or sign-in required β€’ Your Documents folder is shared only while the server is running. When stopped, it cannot be accessed from outside [Notes] β€’ The server runs only while the app's screen is open. Closing the app disconnects all connections β€’ The SMB port number is 4455 (the standard port 445 is not available due to iOS restrictions). You need to specify the port when connecting β€’ With guest access, anyone on the same network can connect. Use it on a trusted network, or set a password

About

Fast FTP Server

Features
Read full description

Fast FTP Server: Turn Your Smartphone into a Powerful Wireless File Sharing Hub! Fast FTP Server is an innovative app that transforms your smartphone into a complete FTP server. Share and manage files quickly and easily anytime, anywhere, without complex cables or cloud services. Key Features: Easy File Sharing: Transfer photos, videos, documents, and more stored on your smartphone to other devices (PC, laptop, other smartphones, etc.) over a Wi-Fi network. Intuitive Interface: Start and stop the FTP server with just a few taps. Designed for everyone to use easily without complicated settings. QR Code Connection: Connect instantly from your FTP client by scanning a QR code, without needing to manually enter the IP address. Background Service: The FTP server continues to run even when the app is closed or you are multitasking, ensuring uninterrupted file sharing. Keep Screen On: Prevents the screen from turning off during file transfers for added convenience. Customizable Folders: Select specific folders to share, enhancing both security and convenience. Network Info Display: Clearly displays the IP address and port number of the current network to assist with connections. Stable Performance: Handles large file transfers smoothly and maintains a stable connection. How to Use: Launch the Fast FTP Server app. Tap the 'Start' button to activate the FTP server. Enter the IP address and port number displayed in the app into your FTP client (e.g., FileZilla, Windows Explorer) or scan the QR code to connect. Now you can freely upload, download, and manage your smartphone files! Fast FTP Server will upgrade your file management experience in every situation, from personal sharing to professional data transfer. Download now and experience the freedom of wireless file sharing!

Screenshots

SMB Server2 screens
Fast FTP Server4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SMB Server at none against Fast FTP Server's shown. Fast FTP Server's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SMB Server ships an update every 3 weeks, Fast FTP Server every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
SMB Server versus Fast FTP Server: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSMB ServerFast FTP Server
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 8 days β€” better
AdsNo β€” betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS15.615.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size1 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMaiji SaitoByoungGun Kwon

In-app purchases

None

SMB Server

No in-app purchases

None

Fast FTP Server

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SMB Server free?
SMB Server is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fast FTP Server free?
Fast FTP Server is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SMB Server or Fast FTP Server have ads?
Fast FTP Server shows ads; SMB Server does not.
Which is updated more often, SMB Server or Fast FTP Server?
SMB Server ships an update every 3 weeks, and Fast FTP Server every 8 days. Most recently, SMB Server was updated on September 24, 2026 and Fast FTP Server on September 11, 2026.

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