# Roundcube: Free Open Source Alternative to Gmail, Microsoft Outlook

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/roundcube
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Roundcube (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Gmail, Microsoft Outlook. PHP-based webmail client with MIME support, address book, folder management, threaded views, PGP encryption, and a plugin API for self-hosted email.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Roundcube
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://roundcube.net/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/roundcube/roundcubemail
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 7.3k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/roundcube/roundcubemail or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gmail.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Roundcube saves up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Gmail](https://caniforkit.com/gmail) | [email](https://caniforkit.com/category/email) | $15/mo | [Compare Gmail vs Roundcube](https://caniforkit.com/vs/gmail-vs-roundcube) |
| [Microsoft Outlook](https://caniforkit.com/microsoft-outlook) | [email](https://caniforkit.com/category/email) | $15/mo | [Compare Microsoft Outlook vs Roundcube](https://caniforkit.com/vs/microsoft-outlook-vs-roundcube) |

## Frequently Asked 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 is the trade-off or limitation of using Roundcube?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gmail.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)