Mailu

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted email suite for full inbox control

Overview

Mailu is a lightweight, open-source self-hosted email suite with a complete stack: SMTP, IMAP, webmail, spam filtering (Rspamd), antivirus (ClamAV), and an admin dashboard. It uses Docker Compose for easy deployment, supports multiple domains, aliases, auto-replies, and integrates Let’s Encrypt for SSL. Designed to be resource-efficient and secure, Mailu gives users full privacy over their email data, making it perfect for individuals or small teams wanting to escape third-party providers.

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

Key Features

Full email stack (SMTP, IMAP, webmail, spam/antivirus)
Docker-based deployment with Let’s Encrypt integration
Multi-domain support and intuitive admin dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Mailu hard to install?

Mailu uses Docker Compose, so installation is straightforward if you have basic Docker knowledge and can set up DNS records. Official docs provide step-by-step guides, including Let’s Encrypt SSL setup for secure connections.

? Is Mailu a good alternative to Gmail?

Yes—Mailu offers full control over your email data (unlike Gmail’s third-party access) and includes all essential features like spam filtering, webmail, and custom domains. It’s ideal for users prioritizing privacy over Gmail’s convenience.

? Is Mailu completely free?

Mailu is 100% free and open-source under the MIT License. There are no licensing fees—you only pay for your server and domain if you choose to self-host it.

Top Alternatives

Gmail (Google Workspace) Search Google

Microsoft Outlook 365 Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Complete Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full privacy and control over email data
⊕ No subscription fees (open-source)

Cons

⊖ Requires basic Docker and DNS configuration
⊖ Ongoing server maintenance (updates, monitoring)