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In our mobile-first world, we can send and receive information from one corner of the world to another by simply hitting a "Send" button. Most of us enjoy these features of social media applications and email systems, but we give no thought to understanding the mechanism constructed behind the scenes. When considering an email message, we must look at how it travels from the organization's point to its destination. Let's understand the best Linux mail server you should pick in 2025.
What is a Mail Server?
Mail servers are computerized systems that can send and receive emails. This system is usually a combination of many interconnected servers that help each other send the message to the right recipient. Sending an email may take only one second, but it involves a series of transfers from one mail server to another. If you take away the rest of the Linux mail servers that are not within your domain reach, you are limited to sending emails to only those whose email addresses match your domain.
Advantages of Mail Servers
Mail servers provide immense value, and here are some advantages to prove it:
- You get your emails instantaneously, and there is no delay at all. When you install a mail server with your domain name, all outside mail will come to you directly, with zero waiting time.
- Internal emails are sent to the destination instantly after hitting the send button. Everyone is likely to have the same domain name within an organization, so having a mail server can process the message almost instantly.
- The best part about using mail servers for internal communication is that they do not depend on Internet access and attachment size.
- Mail servers give you complete control over the list of users, so you can add or delete users at any time.
- Mail servers take care of spam filtering and virus scanning to another level that no ISP can match.
- Special emails for printers and faxes can also be executed using your mail server. You can automatically print a copy and send a fax of requested documents.
13 Best Linux Mail Servers
Now that you are clear with all the basic concepts surrounding mail servers, we are ready to dive into some of the marketplace's best Linux mail servers. To get a reliable mail server for your business and organization, you need to consider several features and do some heavy research around them. To save time, we have created a list of the best Linux-based mail servers that meet basic functionality and more.
1. Exim
One of the top-rated mail servers in the marketplace by many experts is Exim. It is a mail server with various features, and each perfectly executes a specific operation. Customization and configuration abilities are the most significant advantages of using Exim as your mail server.
It has the best transfer agents capable of adapting to any business environment, making customization easier. As this is a Linux-based mail server, the GNU GPL license allows administrators to modify the original software.
Exim Mail Server Pros and Cons
Pros:
-On the plus side, Exim is a very versatile mail server that can be configured to suit various needs.
-It's also relatively easy to set up and administer, even for beginners.
-Exim is also highly efficient and can handle large volumes of mail well.
Cons:
However, there are some drawbacks to using Exim too.
-One potential downside is that it's not as widely used as some other mail servers (such as Postfix)
-so there may be less community support available if you run into problems.
-Exim can also be quite complex to configure if you need anything beyond basic functionality.
Overall, Exim is a good choice for a Linux mail server, especially if you need something that's highly configurable. However, it's worth being aware of the potential downsides before deciding.
2. Sendmail
Sendmail is another top pick in our best mail servers list because it is the most reliable. As it doesn't need high network bandwidth, Sendmail can batch different addresses to a single host machine.
When it comes to customization, it uses configuration files to run the instructions. Sendmail is also popular for its delivery methods, which follow standard protocols.
Sendmail Pros and Cons
We’ll go over some of the pros and cons of using Sendmail so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
-Sendmail is a very stable and reliable mail server. It’s been around for a long time and is used by a lot of big organizations.
-It’s easy to set up and configure.
-It works well with other software, such as spam filters.
Cons:
-Sendmail can be complex to configure if you want to do more than just the basics.
-It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like some of the newer mail servers.
3. hMailServer
Free Linux mail servers are also reliable for global operations, and one of the most flexible mail servers is the hMail server. It being open-source allows everyone to download the software without spending a penny.
The main protocols in use for hMail servers are IMAP, SMTP, and POP3. The ability to integrate is present, and on top of that, it can also run multiple antivirus scans on incoming and outgoing emails.
hMailServer Pros and Cons
We'll discuss the pros and cons of using hMailServer so that you can decide if it's the right choice for your needs.
Pros:
-hMailServer is free and open source. This means you can customize it to meet your specific needs without paying for a license.
-hMailServer is very easy to install and set up. Even if you've never used a mail server before, you should be able to get hMailServer up and running in no time.
-hMailServer offers many features, including support for multiple domains, multiple users, POP3, IMAP, SMTP, and more. You can also add additional features via plugins.
-hMailServer is very stable and reliable. It's been around for over 10 years and has been used by thousands of companies and organizations worldwide.
-hMailServer has excellent documentation. If you need help setting something up or troubleshooting an issue, chances are you'll be able to find the answer in the documentation.
Cons:
-Because hMailServer is open source, no official customer support is available. You'll need to rely on the community for help if you run into an issue.
-hMailServer is not as widely used as some of the other mail servers out there. This means fewer resources (such as tutorials and how-tos) are available.
-hMailServer lacks some of the advanced features that are available in other mail servers. For example, it doesn't offer spam filtering or antivirus protection.
4. Axigen
A robust mail server that comes with many innovative features is Axigen. It takes email management to another level by having a massive collection of predefined functions for specific operations. Axigen also has various mobile capabilities, making it more compatible with other platforms and systems.
The free edition of Axigen is limited to only five users, so you better go with a professional plan to access all features. The interface of Axigen is easy to understand and navigate. There is a tool for everything, and it also considers modern-day features like multi-layer access control.
Axigen Pros and Cons
If you're considering Axigen, here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros:
- easy to set up and use
- good documentation
- supports multiple domains
- offers a wide range of features
Cons:
- not as widely used as some other mail servers, so there may be fewer resources available if you run into problems
- no webmail interface
5. Zimbra
Zimbra is another open-source Linux mail server on our list, but this is more powerful and efficient than a Linux distribution. It creates a friendly user environment by providing additional features like group calendars and convenient UI menus.
The recovery solutions of this mail server are impressive as they focuses beyond security. Zimbra also equips its users with a one-click disaster recovery feature that makes it more reliable in emergencies or server failure.
Zimbra Pros and Cons
we'll examine the pros and cons of using Zimbra as your mail server.
Pros:
-Zimbra is a very feature-rich mail server, offering a wide range of options and tools for managing your email system.
-It is relatively easy to set up and administer, even for users with little experience.
-Zimbra offers good scalability, so it can grow with your business as your needs change.
-The software is open source and, therefore, free to use.
Cons:
-Zimbra can be quite resource-intensive, so it may not be suitable for use on lower-powered servers.
-The interface can be somewhat confusing and overwhelming for new users.
Overall, Zimbra is a good choice for a mail server for businesses of all sizes. It offers many features and flexibility but can be resource-intensive and difficult to learn for inexperienced users.
6. Modoboa
A modern-day mail server that can do everything at a high-efficiency rate is Modoboa. The methods are simple to execute and easy to integrate. To manage its communication channels between components, Modoboa uses a SQL database using Python.
Administrators can easily adapt to the new control panel as it has a built-in monitor to help users understand the incoming traffic. Modoboa is capable of creating visuals with the help of several filtering facilities. The protocols in place for proper delivery are DKIM and DMARC.
Modoboa Pros and Cons
we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of using Modoboa to help you decide if it's the right choice for your needs.
Pros:
-One of the biggest advantages of using Modoboa is its ease of use. It features a clean and intuitive web interface that makes managing your mail server a breeze. You can easily add and remove users, create email lists, and even set up auto-responders without hassle. Modoboa has a wide range of plugins that allow you to extend its functionality as needed.
-Another benefit of using Modoboa is its security features. By default, Modoboa uses encrypted passwords and SSL/TLS connections to keep your data safe. Additionally, it offers several other security features that can be enabled, such as two-factor authentication and spam filtering.
Cons:
On the downside, one potential drawback of using Modoboa is its lack of documentation. While the web interface is fairly straightforward to use, there is not a lot of documentation available to help you if you run into problems. Additionally, because Modoboa is still relatively new, there are not as many third-party plugins or integrations available for it yet as there are for other mail servers.
Overall, Modoboa is a great choice for those looking for a secure and easy-to-use mail server. While it lacks some of the features and documentation of other mail servers, its clean interface and wide range of security features make it a good option for anyone looking to set up a new mail server.
7. Apache James
Apache James is a well-known software foundation with a modern server architecture. It offers a feature-rich mail server that can create unique solutions by adjusting the components.
Linear scalability is possible with this mail server, allowing the changes to happen without disrupting the middleware. The configuration allowed to the user is vast, so one integrates well with other similar caliber technologies.
Apache James Pros and Cons
we'll be taking a look at the pros and cons of Apache James so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it's the right choice for you.
Pros:
-Open source software released under the Apache License 2.0
-Can be run on most major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
-Has a web interface for managing users and messages
-Can handle large amounts of email traffic
-Can be easily configured to work with other applications and services
Cons:
-Not as widely used as some other mail servers, so there may be less community support available
-May not have all the features that some users need
8. Courier Mail Server
Courier is one of the few mail servers that provide individual protocols like ESMTP or IMAP for meeting specific requirements and services. Linux, Mac OS X, and Solaris are major platforms compatible with courier mail servers.
The admin panel is much more comfortable to use than other options in this list because it has a wide variety of web-based administration and configuration tools. Courier servers also have a unique integrated filtering mechanism to reduce spam emails.
Courier Pros and Cons
We'll look at one of the most popular mail servers for Linux and discuss Courier's pros and cons.
Pros:
One of the most popular mail servers for Linux is Courier. Courier has many features that make it a great choice for many users. For example,
-it supports IMAP and POP3, so you can use it with most email clients.
-It also has a web interface that makes it easy to check email from any computer.
-Courier is also very configurable, so you can set it up to work how you want it to.
Cons:
-However, there are also some downsides to using Courier. One downside is that it can be difficult to set up. If you're unfamiliar with server administration, you may have trouble getting Courier up and running.
-Courier doesn't have as many features as the other mail servers we'll discuss below.
If you're looking for a simple mail server that's easy to set up and use, Courier might be a good choice for you. However, if you need more features or flexibility, you may want to consider one of the other options on this list.
9. Cyrus IMAP Server
It is another Linux mail server used in organizations having multiple protocol requirements. Cyrus mail servers come with robust system software having powerful mail filtering mechanisms. The software also uses Sieve filtering language to eliminate unnecessary messages in the users' accounts.
Two protocols generate the email solutions, and they are CalDAV and CardDAV. An important point to note here is that this software is still in development, so there will be regular updates to fix errors and bugs.
Cyrus IMAP Pros and Cons
we'll look at the pros and cons of Cyrus IMAP, one of the most popular Linux mail servers.
Pros:
- Can be easily integrated with other applications and systems
- Provides a wide range of features and options
- Excellent documentation and support
- Highly configurable
- Rock-solid stability
Cons:
- Requires a bit more technical expertise to set up and configure than some other mail servers
- Not as widely used as some other mail servers, so there may be less community support available
10. Postfix Mail server
A Postfix mail server is a free and open-source mail transfer agent (MTA) that routes and delivers electronic mail. Postfix is popular for setting up a mail server on a Linux system. It is easy to set up and configure and has a wide range of features. Postfix can be used with other software to create a complete mail server solution. Postfix created at IBM research and used instead of the Sendmail program. Postfix supports AIX, BSD, HP-UX, Linux, macOS X, and Solaris.
Postfix Pros and Cons
we’re going to go over both the positive and negative aspects of using Postfix so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right mail server for you.
Pros:
-It’s easy to set up and configure
-It has a low memory footprint
-It supports multiple domains
-It can act as a relay server
-It has a wide variety of options for security and anti-spam features
Cons:
-The configuration file can be confusing for beginners
-It doesn’t have a web interface
11- Forward Email
Forward email which focuses on security and simplicity was popular since 2024. It protects your data and has a very simple email forwarding and delivery process. Also, it is open-source.
Forward Email Pros and Cons
pros:
- High privacy: You’ll ensure no emails are stored or logged. So, if you care about security and privacy, it provides peace of mind for you.
- Open-Source: As it is open-source, you’ll access codes and you can change them like what you want.
- Free to Use: If you want an email server for personal uses or you’re a small business that just started, Forward Email is a good option for you because it’s free.
- Supports Custom Domains: For email forwarding, you’re able to configure it with your custom domain name. It gives you more flexibility and better email management.
cons:
- Limited Functionality: As it is a mail forwarding service, not a mail server, it lacks some features like mailbox hosting and webmail.
- No Email Storage or Hosting: For email storage and management, users will need third-party services because it doesn’t store or host emails.
- Not enough scalable for Larger Operations: As we mentioned before, Forward Email is suitable for personal uses or small businesses as it doesn’t include complex management features.
- Requires External Mailbox Solutions: You should integrate it with other email providers to receive and manage emails.
- DNS Management Knowledge Required: If you’re unfamiliar with DNS and domain management, it may be challenging for you to set up DNS records for email forwarding.
- No Advanced Features: If you need advanced features like spam filtering, email archiving, or customizable security settings, Forward Email is not suitable for you.
12- Docker Mailserver
Docker Mailserver is ready to be produced and offers multiple features while being simple to use. It is especially suitable for people who need configurable options and want it to integrate with Docker environments.
Docker Mailserver pros
- Easy Installation: It will be easier for you to set up a full mail server because Docker Mailserver makes the installation process easier with Docker.
- Comprehensive Solution: It integrates various tools (Postfix, Dovecot, SpamAssassin, etc.) into one containerized setup.
- Security: Docker Mailserver has very secure email communication as it supports SSL/TLS encryption.
- Scalable: It is a good scalable option for businesses and people who want to scale up their resources in the future. Also, it allows you to manage your mail server efficiently.
Docker Mailserver Cons
- Docker Dependency: Doocker Mailserver, as the name suggests, depends on Docker. So, if you’re not familiar with containers, it may have a learning curve for you.
- Resource Intensive: As you need Docker, its containers may consume more resources compared to traditional setups.
- Limited GUI: Using it, you need to manage your server with a command line or third-party software. It doesn’t have a built-in graphical interface.
- Complex for Beginners: If you’re new to mail servers or Docker, it may be challenging for you even tough
Docker simplifies deployment.
13- Maddy Mail Server
Managing emails will be so easy with Maddy Mail Server. It is lightweight but modern. If you want an efficient and minimal email server without unnecessary bloat, it is an ideal option for you.
Maddy Mail Server Pros
- Lightweight: It doesn’t consume much resources, it has a minimal design, and it is an efficient mail server.
- Modern: Do you want an up-to-date solution that is also simple to use? So, it is a good option as it uses modern protocols.
- Performance-Focused: With minimal overhead, it is optimized for speed and high performance which you’ll enjoy.
- Configurable: Advanced users will have flexible configuration options to modify it based on their needs.
Maddy Mail Server Cons
- Limited Documentation: Compared to other mail servers, Maddy has less comprehensive documentation because it is a new solution.
- Absence of a GUI: For beginners, it may be more difficult because it lacks a graphical user interface.
- Small Community: In comparison to more well-known systems, a smaller user base results in fewer resources and assistance.
Things to Consider Before You Select a Mail Server
Here are the things you should consider before choosing a mail server:
- Functionality: The servers' functionality is always associated with core features such as POP, SMTP, and WebMail. Still, you can also add specific functionalities for your mail server to maximize its potential.
- Scalability: When you are an organization looking to expand, you must consider the scalability factor to support thousands of users.
- Ability to Integrate: If you spend a fortune on mail servers, you likely want to integrate them with other software to ease business operations.
- Migration Facilities: If you are requested to transfer data from one mail system to another at some point, it will cost you a lot of money.
- Security: Security features are highly important when it comes to managing mail servers. Many providers give not one but several authentication features to restrict unauthorized access.
- AntiVirus and AntiSpam Management: It is important to prevent malware from entering your mail server because it can leak confidential messages to other servers.
We highly recommend reading the difference between Bulkmail and Spam to understand further the mechanisms of mail servers and 'mail' itself.
Conclusion
Linux Mail servers make tremendous contributions to mail management, making them more flexible and easy to operate. The protocols used to send and receive messages are also crucial to landing a suitable mail server for your organization. The first step to achieving significant success with your mail server would be incorporating all the right features. Our top 13 mail servers have an excellent chance to increase speed, performance, and security levels. Make sure to check their official websites and explore plans one by one. You can also choose any of the above for Linux VPS hosting.
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