Running in production · Independent · 22 Oct 2026

mail-in-a-box/mailinabox

Mail-in-a-Box helps individuals take back control of their email by defining a one-click, easy-to-deploy SMTP+everything else server: a mail server in a box.

← Running in production
Mail-in-a-Box: private mail server. Turns a blank server into a complete email provider.

In simple English

This tool sets up a private email server on your own cloud computer. You do not need to pay Google or Microsoft for business email anymore. It installs webmail, spam filters, calendars and security records all at once. You must use a completely fresh server that runs Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. There is no graphical installer and it is not meant to be customized by advanced users.

What it is

A complete mail server bundle that automates the setup of postfix (a program that routes and delivers email), dovecot (a program that lets you read your email through an app), spamassassin (a tool that catches spam) and other security tools on a single machine. It includes a web panel for adding users, managing DNS records and setting up backups.

What it is good for

Solo builders and small teams who want to own their data, host their own email on a custom domain and stop relying on big technology companies for communication.

Stars15k
LicenceCC0-1.0
Latestv77 (2026-09-26)checked 22 Oct 2026
Last code change2026-09-26
Written inPython
Setup effort
3 / 5
Payoff
4 / 5
Good
  • Sets up complex mail security records like SPF, DKIM and DMARC automatically.
  • Includes a clean web interface for managing users and domains.
  • Handles automatic security certificates through Let's Encrypt.
Watch for
  • Requires a dedicated, completely fresh Ubuntu server with no other software installed.
  • Does not allow advanced customization because the maintainers enforce a strict single way of working.
  • Other major email providers may still block or filter mail from self-hosted servers.
Replaces

Google Workspace and paid business email hosting

Works well with

Nextcloud for shared contacts and calendars

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Install
git clone https://github.com/mail-in-a-box/mailinabox
cd mailinabox
git checkout v77
sudo setup/start.sh

Independent: reviewed for Repo Radar outside the daily editions. Every independent repository

On Stack Radar: Infrastructure & Security › Hosting & Deployment › Email Servers.

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