Maddy Mail Server

Self-Hosted

Open-source all-in-one mail server for self-hosting

Overview

Maddy is a complete mail server stack designed to simplify self-hosted email. It replaces fragmented tools like Postfix and Dovecot with a single binary, supporting SMTP, IMAP, POP3, DKIM, SPF, and DMARC. Features include automatic TLS via Let's Encrypt, Rspamd spam filtering, user management via flat files/SQL, and Docker deployment for quick setup. Ideal for users wanting full control over their data, it minimizes configuration complexity while maintaining security and functionality for personal or small business use.

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:
  maddy_mail_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: maddy-mail-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

All-in-one binary (replaces Postfix, Dovecot, etc.)
Automatic TLS with Let's Encrypt integration
Spam filtering via Rspamd
Simple user management (flat files/SQL)
Docker support for easy deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Maddy Mail Server hard to install?

Maddy is easier than traditional stacks—supports Docker for one-click deployment or binary installation with minimal dependencies. Setup guides exist, but you need basic DNS knowledge (MX, SPF records) to ensure emails work correctly.

? Is it a good alternative to Gmail?

Yes, if you prioritize privacy and control. It lacks Gmail's webmail (pair with Roundcube) and AI features but offers ad-free, unmonitored email without third-party reliance.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely—Maddy uses the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. You only pay for hosting (VPS/server) if you don’t run it locally.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Complete Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over email data (privacy-focused)
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Simpler setup than traditional mail stacks
⊕ Lightweight and low-resource usage

Cons

⊖ Requires Linux server or Docker environment
⊖ Needs basic DNS knowledge (MX, SPF, DMARC records)
⊖ Limited GUI (primarily CLI-based configuration)
⊖ Smaller community compared to established tools like Postfix