Mailcow vs SnappyMail
Both Mailcow and SnappyMail are self-hosted alternatives to Gmail and Outlook.com.
Side by side
| Field | Mailcow | SnappyMail |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Mail server suite based on Dovecot, Postfix and other software, that provides a modern Web UI for administration. | Simple, modern, lightweight & fast web-based email client (fork of RainLoop). |
| GitHub stars | 13,728 | 1,738 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Platforms | Docker, PHP | PHP |
| Latest release | 2026-10, 21 October 2026 | v2.38.2.1, 23 October 2026 |
| Repository activity | 21 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 |
| Health | Active | Active |
| Categories | Communication - Email - Complete Solutions | Communication - Email - Webmail Clients |
| Website | https://mailcow.email/ | https://github.com/the-djmaze/snappymail |
| Source code | https://github.com/mailcow/mailcow-dockerized | https://github.com/the-djmaze/snappymail |
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.
- Mailcow has more GitHub stars in the dataset, 13,728 against 1,738.
- SnappyMail recorded repository activity more recently, 2 November 2026 against 21 October 2026.
- SnappyMail has the newer release on record: v2.38.2.1, 23 October 2026, against 2026-10, 21 October 2026.
- Licenses differ: Mailcow is listed under GPL-3.0; SnappyMail under AGPL-3.0.
- Platforms differ: Mailcow lists Docker, PHP; SnappyMail lists PHP.
- Mailcow is filed under Communication - Email - Complete Solutions; SnappyMail is filed under Communication - Email - Webmail Clients.