docker-mailserver vs Gmail / Google Workspace
Thinking of swapping Gmail / Google Workspace for the open-source docker-mailserver? Here’s the honest trade-off.
18k Shell MIT 9 days ago
What you give up vs Gmail / Google Workspace
- No admin web UI — all config is via files and the CLI
- No bundled webmail or groupware (calendar/contacts)
- Deliverability, DNS, and TLS setup are entirely your responsibility
- Not a newsletter/marketing tool — mailboxes only
What you gain
- • Full data ownership — self-host docker-mailserver on your own infrastructure.
- • No per-seat SaaS bill (Gmail / Google Workspace: per-mailbox fees and data privacy).
- • Open-source code you can audit and extend (MIT).