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hMailServer alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded hMailServer alternative is IceWarp (2.6 GPA). The best free one is SmarterMail (2.2 GPA).

hMailServer compared with 5 alternatives: MDaemon, SmarterMail, Axigen, IceWarp and iRedMail.

hMailServer is free to use. 3 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.

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

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
hMailServerThis toolFreeFreeWindows
MDaemonFree trialTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows
SmarterMailFree plan · from $550YesWeb, Windows, Linux
AxigenFree planYesWeb, Windows, Linux
IceWarpFree trial · from $1.50/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
iRedMailFree plan · from $499/yrYesLinux

Price against what you get

hMailServer has no paid plan and scores 1.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 2 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

IceWarp scores 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 lesshMailServerIceWarpiRedMail

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 hMailServer

  1. MDaemon

    Email server for Windows with webmail and Outlook connector

    • MDaemon has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike hMailServer.
    • MDaemon also lists a web app and a macOS app.
    • MDaemon also covers calendar and email client.
    • MDaemon does not cover workflow automation, which hMailServer does.

    Suits: Windows-based IT teams replacing a legacy mail server

    MDaemon vs hMailServerMDaemon pricing and details

  2. SmarterMail

    Business mail server for Windows and Linux with webmail

    • SmarterMail starts at $550 for Professional with 50 mailboxes; license term not stated.
    • SmarterMail also lists a web app and a Linux app.
    • SmarterMail also covers calendar, email client and file sharing.
    • SmarterMail does not cover workflow automation, which hMailServer does.

    Suits: SMBs and ISPs replacing Exchange with a cheaper server

    SmarterMail vs hMailServerSmarterMail pricing and details

  3. Axigen

    Mail server with calendars and webmail for Windows and Linux

    • Axigen also lists a web app and a Linux app.
    • Axigen also covers calendar and email client.
    • Axigen does not cover workflow automation, which hMailServer does.

    Suits: Small teams that fit within 10 free users

    Axigen vs hMailServerAxigen pricing and details

  4. IceWarp

    Business email, chat, files and meetings, cloud or self-hosted

    • IceWarp starts at $1.50 per user / month, billed monthly ($1.35 billed annually).
    • IceWarp has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike hMailServer.
    • IceWarp also lists a web app and macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    • IceWarp also covers calendar, email client, team chat, video calls and file sharing.
    • IceWarp does not cover workflow automation, which hMailServer does.

    Suits: Small teams wanting email plus chat and meetings in one suite

    IceWarp vs hMailServerIceWarp pricing and details

  5. iRedMail

    Open-source mail server installer for Linux and BSD

    • iRedMail starts at $499 for a 1-year iRedAdmin-Pro license, $250 per year to renew.
    • iRedMail also lists a Linux app.
    • iRedMail lists no Windows app, which hMailServer has.
    • iRedMail also covers calendar and email client.
    • iRedMail does not cover workflow automation, which hMailServer does.

    Suits: Admins who want a self-run mail server without per-mailbox fees

    iRedMail vs hMailServeriRedMail pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in hMailServer

  • Runs on Microsoft Windows only; the site lists no Linux or macOS build.
  • It is a server only, with no built-in webmail, so a separate webmail or mail client is needed.
  • Support comes through a community forum, not from the developers directly.
  • The latest stable release on the download page is 5.7.1; 5.7.2 is listed as a beta.
hMailServer pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to hMailServer?

The alternatives to hMailServer in this directory are MDaemon, SmarterMail, Axigen, IceWarp and iRedMail. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with hMailServer.

Is there a free alternative to hMailServer?

Yes. SmarterMail, Axigen and iRedMail have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which hMailServer alternatives work on macOS?

The hMailServer listing does not include a macOS app. MDaemon and IceWarp list one.

Which hMailServer alternatives work on Linux?

The hMailServer listing does not include a Linux app. SmarterMail, Axigen and iRedMail list one.

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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