Stalwart Mail Server

Self-Hosted

Open-source, secure self-hosted mail server with modern protocol support

Overview

Stalwart Mail Server is a robust open-source self-hosted solution for full email infrastructure control. It supports SMTP, IMAP, and JMAP protocols, ensuring compatibility with all major clients (Thunderbird, Outlook, Apple Mail). Key features include built-in spam filtering, DKIM/DMARC validation, TLS encryption, and anti-phishing tools. It offers Docker deployment and YAML configuration for ease of setup, plus a web-based admin panel for managing domains, users, and settings. Ideal for users seeking privacy and autonomy over their email data without relying on 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:
  stalwart_mail_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: stalwart-mail-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Supports SMTP, IMAP, and JMAP protocols
Built-in spam filtering, DKIM/DMARC, and TLS encryption
Docker deployment & YAML configuration for simplified setup
Web-based admin panel for domain and user management

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Stalwart Mail Server hard to install?

Stalwart offers Docker images to simplify deployment, but configuring a mail server requires basic DNS knowledge (MX, DKIM, DMARC) and server admin skills. Beginners may find initial setup challenging, but detailed docs and community support help ease the process.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Workspace?

Yes—if you prioritize data privacy and autonomy. Unlike Google Workspace, Stalwart lets you host email on your own server. It supports standard clients and protocols but lacks Google’s collaborative features (Docs, Calendar). It’s ideal for users who want full control over their email infrastructure.

? Is it completely free?

Yes! Stalwart Mail Server is open-source under the AGPLv3 license. It has no hidden costs or subscriptions—you only pay for your hosting (VPS/dedicated server) if you don’t use your own hardware.

Top Alternatives

Google Workspace Search Google

Microsoft 365 Search Google

Zoho Mail Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Complete Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over email data (privacy-focused)
⊕ Open-source (free to use, modify, and distribute)
⊕ Compatible with all major email clients
⊕ Modern JMAP protocol support for efficient syncing

Cons

⊖ Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
⊖ Needs regular updates for security and bug fixes
⊖ Steeper learning curve for beginners new to mail servers
⊖ No managed hosting option (self-host only)