Mailcow vs Nextcloud
Both Mailcow and Nextcloud are self-hosted alternatives to Google Workspace.
Side by side
| Field | Mailcow | Nextcloud |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Mail server suite based on Dovecot, Postfix and other software, that provides a modern Web UI for administration. | Access and share your files, calendars, contacts, mail and more from any device, on your terms. |
| GitHub stars | 13,728 | 37,389 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Platforms | Docker, PHP | PHP, deb |
| Latest release | 2026-10, 21 October 2026 | v35.0.2, 15 October 2026 |
| Repository activity | 21 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 |
| Health | Active | Active |
| Categories | Communication - Email - Complete Solutions | File Transfer & Synchronization, Groupware |
| Website | https://mailcow.email/ | https://nextcloud.com/ |
| Source code | https://github.com/mailcow/mailcow-dockerized | https://github.com/nextcloud/server |
Where the records differ
Computed from the two records above: a line appears only where the dataset states a figure, a date or a set relation, and no line recommends one application over the other.
- Nextcloud has more GitHub stars in the dataset, 37,389 against 13,728.
- Nextcloud recorded repository activity more recently, 2 November 2026 against 21 October 2026.
- Mailcow has the newer release on record: 2026-10, 21 October 2026, against v35.0.2, 15 October 2026.
- Licenses differ: Mailcow is listed under GPL-3.0; Nextcloud under AGPL-3.0.
- Platforms differ: Mailcow lists Docker, PHP; Nextcloud lists PHP, deb.
- Mailcow is filed under Communication - Email - Complete Solutions; Nextcloud is filed under File Transfer & Synchronization, Groupware.