Roundcube
PHP-based webmail client with MIME support, address book, folder management, threaded views, PGP encryption, and a plugin API for self-hosted email.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/roundcube/roundcubemail or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gmail.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in subscriptions
Roundcube FAQ
Common questions
Is Roundcube free and open source?+
Roundcube is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. PHP-based webmail client with MIME support, address book, folder management, threaded views, PGP encryption, and a plugin API for self-hosted email.
What paid software does Roundcube replace?+
Roundcube serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, saving up to $30/month ($360/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Roundcube?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/roundcube/roundcubemail or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Roundcube?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gmail.