phpList

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted mailing list and newsletter manager

Overview

phpList is an open-source, self-hosted tool for managing mailing lists and sending newsletters. It offers audience segmentation, automated campaigns, bounce handling, GDPR-compliant opt-in/opt-out, and detailed analytics. Deploy via PHP/MySQL environments or Docker—ideal for small businesses to large orgs needing control over email campaigns without third-party reliance. Customize workflows and ensure data privacy while running effective communication strategies.

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

Key Features

Segmented audience targeting
Automated email sequences
GDPR-compliant subscriber management
Bounce and engagement analytics
Flexible deployment (PHP/MySQL/Docker)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is phpList hard to install?

Installation difficulty varies: Docker deployments are straightforward for beginners, while traditional PHP/MySQL setup needs basic web server knowledge. Official docs and community guides simplify both processes.

? Is it a good alternative to Mailchimp?

Yes—if you prioritize self-hosted data control and no recurring fees. It lacks Mailchimp’s modern UI and advanced marketing integrations but excels at privacy and customizable mailing list management.

? Is it completely free?

The self-hosted version is 100% free (GPL license). Paid hosted plans are available via phpList’s official site, but self-hosting incurs only server/hosting costs with no software fees.

Top Alternatives

Mailchimp Compare

Constant Contact Search Google

ConvertKit Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Mailing Lists and Newsletters

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over email data (self-hosted)
⊕ No subscription fees (open-source core)
⊕ GDPR and compliance-focused tools

Cons

⊖ Requires basic PHP/MySQL or Docker setup knowledge
⊖ User is responsible for email deliverability (SPF/DKIM setup)
⊖ Interface lacks modern design compared to SaaS alternatives