docker-mailserver vs Modoboa
| Tagline | Production-ready, config-driven mail server in a single container | Web-based mail hosting platform with modern UI for managing domains and accounts |
| Category | Email & Newsletters | Email & Newsletters |
| Replaces | Gmail / Google Workspace | Mailchimp, SendGrid, Gmail / Google Workspace |
| GitHub stars | 18k | 3.5k |
| Language | Shell | Python |
| License | MIT | ISC |
| Self-host difficulty | 4/5 Involved | 4/5 Involved |
| Deploy options | Docker Docker Compose Manual | Docker Manual |
| Managed hosting | ||
| Last updated | 8 days ago | yesterday |
| View repo | View repo |
Where each falls short
The honest trade-offs — what you give up with each, versus the proprietary tools they replace.
docker-mailserver
- 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
Modoboa
- Still depends on external Postfix and Dovecot daemons; not truly all-in-one
- Webmail plugin (Rainloop/SOGo) requires separate configuration
- No bulk mailing or newsletter campaign features
- Documentation can be incomplete for advanced plugin setups
Bottom line
Both are a similar lift to self-host; choose docker-mailserver for the larger community and ecosystem. Modoboa has seen more recent development. Open each guide below for deploy steps and the full feature gap.
docker-mailserver
Production-ready, config-driven mail server in a single container
Modoboa
Web-based mail hosting platform with modern UI for managing domains and accounts