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Thunderbird alternatives · Email

Self-hosted alternatives to Thunderbird

The Thunderbird listing does not say it can be self-hosted. 6 of the 73 other email apps in this directory can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

Thunderbird is free to use. 4 of them are free or have a free plan.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from Thunderbird

  1. Roundcube

    Free open-source webmail client you host yourself

    • Roundcube is free. Thunderbird is free.
    • Only Roundcube lists a web app.
    • Only Thunderbird lists Windows, macOS, Linux and Android apps.
    • Roundcube is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Roundcube vs ThunderbirdRoundcube pricing and details

  2. Zimbra

    Self-hosted email, calendar and file sharing for organizations

    • Thunderbird has a free plan. Zimbra does not.
    • Only Zimbra lists a web app.
    • Only Zimbra lists an iOS app.
    • Zimbra is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Zimbra pricing and details

  3. Inbox Zero

    Open source AI email assistant for Gmail and Outlook

    • Inbox Zero starts at $18 per user / month, billed annually ($20 billed monthly). Thunderbird is free.
    • Thunderbird has a free plan. Inbox Zero does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Inbox Zero lists a web app.
    • Only Inbox Zero lists an iOS app.
    Inbox Zero pricing and details

  4. Zero Mail

    Open-source AI email client that connects your existing inboxes

    • Zero Mail starts at $20 per month (billing basis not shown). Thunderbird is free.
    • Only Zero Mail lists a web app.
    • Only Thunderbird lists Windows, macOS, Linux and Android apps.
    • Zero Mail is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Zero Mail pricing and details

  5. SimpleLogin

    Open-source email aliases that forward to your own inbox

    • SimpleLogin starts at $36 per year ($4 billed monthly). Thunderbird is free.
    • Only SimpleLogin lists a web app.
    • Only SimpleLogin lists an iOS app.
    • Only SimpleLogin lists a browser extension.
    SimpleLogin pricing and details

  6. addy.io

    Email alias forwarding that hides your real address from sites

    • addy.io starts at $1 per month, billed yearly (Lite). Thunderbird is free.
    • Only addy.io lists a web app.
    • Only addy.io lists an iOS app.
    • Only addy.io lists a browser extension.
    addy.io pricing and details

Common questions

Is there a self-hosted alternative to Thunderbird?

Yes. Roundcube, Zimbra, Inbox Zero, Zero Mail, SimpleLogin and addy.io can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

Can Thunderbird be self-hosted?

The Thunderbird listing does not say it can be self-hosted. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these email apps are free?

Roundcube, Zero Mail, SimpleLogin and addy.io are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Thunderbird: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.