WebDAV vs FTP: Which Is Better for Transferring Files?

If you've ever needed to move files between servers or share large documents with a client, you've probably come across two protocols that keep popping up: WebDAV and FTP. Both do the same basic job of getting files from A to B. But they go about it in very different ways.

So which one should you actually use? For most modern business workflows, WebDAV is the stronger choice. It runs over standard web ports (80 and 443), passes through firewalls without fuss, supports file locking to prevent accidental overwrites, and can be secured with HTTPS encryption out of the box. FTP is faster for raw bulk transfers on local networks, but it sends data unencrypted by default and needs extra configuration to work safely across the internet.

That said, neither protocol is perfect for every situation. And for a lot of Irish businesses handling client deliverables or sensitive documents, there are now purpose-built platforms that skip the protocol headaches entirely. Let's break down the differences so you can make the right call.

How Do WebDAV and FTP Actually Work?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) has been around since 1971. It uses a client-server setup with two separate connections, one for commands and another for the actual data transfer. It typically runs on port 21 for control and port 20 for data. That dual-channel design is part of what makes FTP quick for shifting large batches of files around a local network.

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) came along much later and sits on top of HTTP. It was defined in RFC 4918 and originally built for collaborative file management on web servers. Because it runs through the same ports as regular web traffic, it tends to play nicely with firewalls and proxies without needing special configuration.

Where FTP is built purely for moving files, WebDAV adds features like file locking (so two people can't accidentally overwrite the same document), metadata management, and versioning. If your team works on shared documents regularly, that matters.

Which Protocol Is More Secure?

Plain FTP sends everything in clear text, including your login credentials. Anyone monitoring the network can intercept the lot. Secure variants like FTPS (FTP over TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) bolt on encryption, but they need additional setup and port management.

WebDAV, on the other hand, can run over HTTPS from the start. That means both your credentials and your files are encrypted during transfer without needing a separate security layer. It also supports modern authentication methods like Digest authentication and can be integrated with existing web security infrastructure.

For Irish and EU organisations handling personal data, the European Commission's GDPR transfer rules make encryption a serious consideration, and whatever protocol you choose needs to protect files in transit.

What About SFTP?

SFTP is worth mentioning because people often confuse it with FTP. Despite the similar name, SFTP is actually a completely different protocol that runs over SSH on port 22. It encrypts everything by default, which makes it a solid option for secure transfers. But it doesn't offer WebDAV's collaborative features like file locking or metadata tagging.

If security is your only concern and you don't need collaboration, SFTP is a strong contender. But for teams that need to edit and manage shared files remotely, WebDAV still has the edge.

How Does Speed Compare Between WebDAV and FTP?

FTP is generally faster for raw bulk transfers thanks to its simpler protocol structure and dedicated data channel. If you're moving huge batches of files across a local network, FTP can be hard to beat on speed alone.

WebDAV can match or even exceed FTP speeds in some tests, particularly over high-latency connections. But its performance is less predictable. The HTTP overhead adds variability, and transfer speeds can fluctuate depending on server configuration and network conditions.

For most business file transfers (contracts, design files, project deliverables), the speed difference is negligible. You won't notice it when sending a 500 MB design file to a client. The difference only becomes meaningful if you're regularly moving very large datasets across internal networks.

When Should You Use WebDAV Over FTP?

WebDAV makes more sense when you need any of the following:

• Firewall-friendly transfers that work through corporate networks without IT intervention
• Built-in file locking so team members don't accidentally overwrite each other's work
• HTTPS encryption without bolting on extra security layers
• Integration with content management systems or platforms like SharePoint
• Remote file editing directly on the server, without downloading and re-uploading

FTP still works well for straightforward bulk data movement, especially on local networks where security isn't a primary concern. It's also common in legacy systems, automated scripts and CI pipelines where teams have established file sharing workflows already in place and don't want to change them.

Do You Even Need Either Protocol?

Here's the thing. If you're an agency sending finished design files to a client, or a legal team sharing contracts with an external party, setting up WebDAV or FTP servers is overkill. You don't need to manage server infrastructure just to deliver files.

Purpose-built file transfer platforms have largely replaced manual protocol setups for professional file delivery. Instead of configuring ports, managing certificates and troubleshooting firewall rules, you upload your files and send a secure link. If you're interested in sending large files securely without the technical overhead, platforms like CloudExpress handle the encryption, access controls and delivery tracking for you.

For Irish businesses in particular, EU-hosted platforms remove GDPR transfer headaches entirely. When your data never leaves the EU, you don't need Transfer Impact Assessments or Standard Contractual Clauses. There's a good overview of how EU-hosted platforms handle data protection that's worth reading if compliance is on your radar.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you're managing an internal server environment where teams need to collaboratively edit and version files remotely, WebDAV is the better protocol. If you need fast bulk transfers on a local network with existing infrastructure, FTP (or preferably SFTP) still does the job.

But if your main need is getting files to clients, external partners or remote teams securely, neither protocol is the most practical answer anymore. Sending and receiving files without subscription hassles is exactly what modern EU-hosted file delivery platforms were built for, and they take the protocol decision off your plate entirely.

Ready to skip the server setup? CloudExpress lets you send files up to 2.5 GB free, with EU hosting, GDPR-ready workflows and no account needed for recipients. Give it a go at cloudexpress.ie.