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docker-mailserver alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded docker-mailserver alternative is mailcow (2.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.

docker-mailserver compared with 5 alternatives: mailcow, Mailu, Stalwart Mail Server, Mail-in-a-Box and Modoboa.

docker-mailserver is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
docker-mailserverThis toolFreeFreeLinux
mailcowFreeFreeWeb
MailuFreeFreeWeb
Stalwart Mail ServerFree plan · from $2.40/yrYesWeb
Mail-in-a-BoxFreeFreeWeb
ModoboaFreeFreeWeb

Price against what you get

docker-mailserver has no paid plan and scores 1.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

mailcow, Mailu, Stalwart Mail Server, Mail-in-a-Box and Modoboa score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10$20$50$100More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessdocker-mailservermailcowMailuStalwart Mail ServerMail-in-a-BoxModoboa

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of email apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from docker-mailserver

  1. mailcow

    Dockerized open-source mail server with a web admin UI

    • mailcow is free.
    • mailcow also lists a web app.
    • mailcow lists no Linux app, which docker-mailserver has.
    • mailcow also covers calendar and email client.

    Suits: Admins who want a ready-made self-hosted mail server for a few domains

    mailcow vs docker-mailservermailcow pricing and details

  2. Mailu

    Free Docker-based mail server with webmail and admin UI

    • Mailu is free.
    • Mailu also lists a web app.
    • Mailu lists no Linux app, which docker-mailserver has.
    • Mailu also covers email client and dMARC.

    Suits: Self-hosters who want a lean mail server without groupware extras

    Mailu vs docker-mailserverMailu pricing and details

  3. Stalwart Mail Server

    Open-source mail and collaboration server written in Rust

    • Stalwart Mail Server starts at $2.40 per mailbox / year, billed annually (25-mailbox minimum).
    • Stalwart Mail Server also lists a web app.
    • Stalwart Mail Server lists no Linux app, which docker-mailserver has.
    • Stalwart Mail Server also covers calendar, email client, file sharing and dMARC.

    Suits: Self-hosters who want one program instead of a separate MTA, spam filter and calendar server

    Stalwart Mail Server vs docker-mailserverStalwart Mail Server pricing and details

  4. Mail-in-a-Box

    Free script that turns a cloud server into your own mail server

    • Mail-in-a-Box is free.
    • Mail-in-a-Box also lists a web app.
    • Mail-in-a-Box lists no Linux app, which docker-mailserver has.
    • Mail-in-a-Box also covers calendar and email client.

    Suits: Individuals and small groups who want to run their own mail service

    Mail-in-a-Box vs docker-mailserverMail-in-a-Box pricing and details

  5. Modoboa

    Open-source mail server with a web admin panel and webmail

    • Modoboa is free.
    • Modoboa also lists a web app.
    • Modoboa lists no Linux app, which docker-mailserver has.
    • Modoboa also covers calendar and email client.

    Suits: Individuals and small organizations that want their own mail server

    Modoboa vs docker-mailserverModoboa pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in docker-mailserver

  • Configuration is done through files, environment variables and command-line tooling, per the documentation.
  • Setup and upkeep, including DNS, TLS certificates and deliverability, are on you.
  • Support comes from the community and documentation, not a paid plan.
docker-mailserver pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to docker-mailserver?

The alternatives to docker-mailserver in this directory are mailcow, Mailu, Stalwart Mail Server, Mail-in-a-Box and Modoboa. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with docker-mailserver.

Is there a free alternative to docker-mailserver?

Yes. mailcow, Mailu, Mail-in-a-Box and Modoboa are free to use. Stalwart Mail Server has a free plan alongside paid ones.

When were these prices checked?

Every listing on this page was checked on Nov 13, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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