Modoboa

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted mail server management platform

Overview

Modoboa is an open-source, self-hosted mail server management platform unifying Postfix, Dovecot, Amavis, and core email components into an intuitive interface. It supports domain/user management, mailbox creation, alias setup, spam/virus filtering, and webmail (Roundcube integration). Deployable via Docker Compose for simplicity or manual installation for customization, it’s ideal for individuals/small businesses seeking full control over email infrastructure without third-party reliance.

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

Key Features

Unified mail server management dashboard
Spam/virus filtering (Amavis integration)
Domain and user account administration
Webmail support (Roundcube integration)
Docker Compose deployment option

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Modoboa hard to install?

Modoboa offers Docker Compose deployment for simplified setup, which is accessible to most users. Manual installation requires configuring dependencies like Postfix and Dovecot, which may challenge beginners, but detailed documentation helps guide the process.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Workspace?

Yes—Modoboa prioritizes data ownership and privacy (self-hosted) unlike Google Workspace, though it lacks collaborative features like docs or calendars. It’s perfect for users who want full control over their email without SaaS extras.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Modoboa is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute with no hidden fees or subscription plans.

Top Alternatives

Google Workspace Search Google

Microsoft 365 Search Google

Zoho Mail Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Complete Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data privacy (self-hosted)
⊕ No subscription costs
⊕ Integrates with trusted email components
⊕ Extensible via plugins

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration knowledge
⊖ Manual setup can be time-consuming
⊖ Lacks built-in collaborative tools (docs/calendar)