
Mailcow
All-in-one, Docker-based email server stack with SMTP/IMAP, anti-spam, web UI administration, DKIM, and automated TLS via ACME.

Mailcow is an integrated mail server suite that bundles the components required to run a modern email system behind a single Docker Compose deployment. It provides a web-based administration interface to manage domains, mailboxes, aliases, and policies while shipping a pre-integrated stack for delivery, IMAP access, security, and monitoring.
Key Features:
- Full mail stack via Docker Compose (SMTP, IMAP, web UI, filtering, databases, caches)
- Web admin UI for domains, mailboxes, aliases, forwards, and quotas
- Anti-spam and anti-virus pipeline (Rspamd + ClamAV integration)
- DKIM signing and DMARC reporting support (stack-integrated)
- Automated TLS certificates via ACME/Let’s Encrypt and integrated reverse proxy
- SOGo groupware/webmail integration (calendar/contacts/groupware capabilities)
- Rate limiting and policy controls to help protect against abuse
- Built-in logging/metrics components for basic observability of mail services
Use Cases:
- Host email for one or multiple custom domains with mailbox and alias management
- Replace managed email hosting for small organizations needing administrative control
- Provide an integrated mail + groupware stack for teams (mail, calendars, contacts)
Limitations and Considerations:
- Operational complexity is higher than “SMTP relay only” solutions; correct DNS (SPF/DKIM/DMARC, rDNS) and deliverability tuning are required.
- The stack is tightly coupled to Docker Compose; advanced customization may require deeper familiarity with the containerized components.
Mailcow is suitable for operators who want a pre-wired, production-oriented email stack with a central admin UI and common security features included. It focuses on integrating proven mail components into a cohesive deployment rather than reinventing the underlying protocols and servers.






