Roundcube
Self-hosted webmail with a full IMAP inbox in the browser.
Roundcube is an open-source PHP webmail application for accessing IMAP mail accounts through a browser. It provides familiar email-client functions such as folders, search, address books, identities, MIME/HTML message handling, spell checking, and plugin-based extensions.
Why it stands out
- Designed for existing IMAP infrastructure rather than locking users into a hosted mailbox provider.
- Open-source PHP codebase with downloadable releases, GitHub development, and Docker availability.
- Supports advanced mail-server setups, including shared folders, ACLs, LDAP address books, IDNA, and SMTPUTF8.
- Plugin architecture lets administrators extend the webmail interface without replacing the core system.
- Multilingual, responsive interface makes one deployment usable across different devices and user groups.
Good to know
- Roundcube is a webmail client, not a complete email hosting service; it still needs an IMAP/SMTP mail server behind it.
- Deployment and maintenance require server administration, including PHP hosting and timely security updates.
- It is browser-based software rather than a native desktop or mobile mail app.
- Security-sensitive features such as encryption depend on correct configuration and user/admin practices.
Under the radar: If you are evaluating it for an existing mail server, the Docker option is a practical way to test Roundcube against your IMAP setup before doing a full PHP-based installation.
Photos
Mail server administrators who need a self-hosted browser inbox for IMAP users. Give organization members webmail access without adopting a hosted email platform. Manage shared or global IMAP folders with access-control support. Add address-book integration, LDAP lookup, or encryption features to an existing mail stack. Provide a responsive webmail interface that works across desktop and mobile browsers.
Browser-based IMAP email client; drag-and-drop message management; MIME and HTML email support; multiple sender identities; address book with groups and LDAP connectors; threaded message lists; message search; spell checking; responsive skin; shared folders and ACL support; caching; import/export tools; plugin API; PGP encryption support; XSS protection.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- SquirrelMail — squirrelmail.org
- Horde — horde.org
- SnappyMail — snappymail.eu
- Afterlogic WebMail Lite — afterlogic.org/webmail-client
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