Mailman
Self-HostedOpen-source mailing list management software for communities and organizations
Overview
Mailman is a robust open-source tool for managing mailing lists, ideal for communities, projects, and nonprofits. It offers subscription/unsubscription controls, moderation workflows, message archiving (web and email), multi-language support, and integration with MTAs like Postfix/Exim. Deployable on Linux servers with Python and a web server (Apache/Nginx), it provides admins with a web interface to configure permissions, auto-responders, and list settings. Users can manage subscriptions and access archives without technical expertise, making it a reliable choice for discussion groups and newsletter distribution.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
mailman:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: mailman
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Moderation workflows for list messages
- Subscription/unsubscription management
- Web and email-based message archiving
- Integration with Postfix/Exim MTAs
- Multi-language support
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Mailman hard to install?
Mailman requires a Linux server with Python, a web server (Apache/Nginx), and an MTA (Postfix/Exim). Installation steps are well-documented, but beginners may find it challenging without server admin experience. Docker images are available to simplify setup for those familiar with containerization.
? Is it a good alternative to Mailchimp?
Mailman is better suited for community discussion lists and internal newsletters, whereas Mailchimp focuses on marketing campaigns. For teams needing open-source, self-hosted list management with full data control, Mailman is an excellent choice. However, it lacks Mailchimp’s advanced marketing tools like audience segmentation or email templates.
? Is Mailman completely free?
Yes! Mailman is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. You only incur costs for hosting the server (if self-hosted) or any associated services like domain names or email delivery.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Mailman
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ 100% open-source with no licensing fees
- ⊕ Full control over data (self-hosted)
- ⊕ Proven reliability (decades of development)
- ⊕ Highly customizable via plugins and configurations
Cons
- ⊖ Requires Linux server setup and administration
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for initial MTA integration
- ⊖ Outdated UI compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- ⊖ Lacks advanced marketing features (e.g., analytics, templates)