chasquid

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, secure SMTP server for self-hosting

Overview

chasquid is a lightweight, secure SMTP server built for easy self-hosting. It supports modern security standards like TLS 1.3, DANE, and SPF, ensuring secure email transmission. Key features include virtual hosting, email aliases, and integration with Dovecot for user authentication. Deployment is simple via Docker, binary packages, or source builds, with minimal resource requirements (ideal for small/medium setups). It prioritizes default security—enforcing strict TLS policies and offering optional Let’s Encrypt integration for certificates. Designed to be low-maintenance, chasquid is perfect for users wanting a reliable MTA without the complexity of larger solutions like Postfix.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  chasquid:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: chasquid
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Lightweight with minimal resource usage
Supports TLS 1.3, DANE, and SPF for security
Easy integration with Dovecot for authentication

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is chasquid hard to install?

No—chasquid is designed for simplicity. You can deploy it via Docker (official images), binary packages for major distros, or build from source. Configuration files are intuitive, with clear docs guiding TLS setup, virtual hosting, and aliases.

? Is chasquid a good alternative to Postfix?

Yes, for users seeking a lighter, easier-to-maintain option. Chasquid trades Postfix’s extensive customization for simplicity and modern security defaults, making it ideal for small self-hosted email setups.

? Is chasquid completely free?

Yes—chasquid is open-source under the Apache 2.0 License. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs; you can use, modify, and distribute it freely for any purpose.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Mail Transfer Agents

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted solution
⊕ Straightforward setup with Docker or binary packages

Cons

⊖ Limited advanced features compared to enterprise MTAs
⊖ Requires basic server administration knowledge