Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Mailgun · 📬 email
Mailgun vs Hyvor Relay
Self-hosted email API alternative to AWS SES & Mailgun. Open-source AGPL-3.0 with enterprise features, automated deliverability, and cloud version coming 2026. Here is how Hyvor Relay ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Mailgun ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Hyvor Relay is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Mailgun. Switching from Mailgun ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Mailgun.
Hyvor Relay
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Mailgun vs Hyvor Relay Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Mailgun (Paid) | Hyvor Relay (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 922 (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Mailgun to Hyvor Relay
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Mailgun.
How to deploy Hyvor Relay
Clone https://github.com/hyvor/relay or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
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.
Why fork Hyvor Relay instead of vibe-coding a Mailgun clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Mailgun or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 7 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Billion Mail.
Mailgun vs Hyvor Relay FAQ
Is Hyvor Relay a good free alternative to Mailgun?+
Yes. Hyvor Relay is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Mailgun. Self-hosted email API alternative to AWS SES & Mailgun. Open-source AGPL-3.0 with enterprise features, automated deliverability, and cloud version coming 2026.
What is the catch when switching from Mailgun to Hyvor Relay?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Mailgun.
How much do you save switching from Mailgun to Hyvor Relay?+
Mailgun costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Hyvor Relay is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Hyvor Relay instead of Mailgun?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/hyvor/relay or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
