SquirrelMail

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, PHP-based open-source webmail client

Overview

SquirrelMail is a lightweight, open-source webmail client built with PHP, focused on simplicity and compatibility. It supports IMAP/POP3 protocols, multi-language interfaces, and a plugin system for extended functionality (e.g., calendars, spam filters). Its minimal resource footprint makes it ideal for low-end servers. Deployment requires no database—just a web server (Apache/Nginx) and PHP 5.6+ (supports up to 8.x), enabling quick setup for self-hosted email environments.

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

Key Features

Lightweight PHP architecture with minimal resource usage
IMAP/POP3 support and multi-language interface
Plugin system for custom features (calendars, filters)
No database required for deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is SquirrelMail hard to install?

SquirrelMail is relatively easy to install—no database is needed. You just need a web server (Apache/Nginx), PHP 5.6+ (supports up to 8.x), and to configure it to connect to your IMAP/POP3 server. Most PHP-enabled hosting environments can run it quickly.

? Is it a good alternative to Gmail Webmail?

It’s a good alternative for users prioritizing self-hosting and privacy over Gmail’s modern features. While it lacks AI tools or cloud storage, it excels at lightweight, reliable email access for legacy or low-resource systems.

? Is it completely free?

Yes, SquirrelMail is 100% open-source under the GNU GPL license. There are no fees for downloading, installing, or using it—you can even modify its code to fit your needs.

Top Alternatives

Gmail Webmail Search Google

Microsoft Outlook Web App (OWA) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Webmail Clients

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted solution
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Works well on low-resource servers
⊕ Simple configuration with no database dependency

Cons

⊖ Outdated user interface compared to modern webmail tools
⊖ Lacks advanced features like drag-and-drop or AI integration
⊖ Plugin ecosystem is less active than newer alternatives
⊖ Requires basic PHP/web server knowledge for setup