imap-backup

Name: imap-backup
Author: Joeyates

A command-line utility for backing up, restoring and migrating IMAP email accounts.

By Joeyates

Free Open sourcemacOS Linux Command line

Official websitegithub.com

Compare imap-backup with another product

Alternatives

getmail6getmail6 fetches mail from POP3 and IMAP servers into local mailboxes, while imap-backup also supports restoring and migrating IMAP accounts.
Mail Backup XA Mac and Windows app that backs up, archives and converts email from many mail clients.
Got Your BackA command-line tool that backs up Gmail messages to your computer through the Gmail API.
EmailchemyEmail migration software that converts mail from old and proprietary client formats into standard portable formats.

See all alternatives

About imap-backup

imap-backup stores email account backups on disk and can restore or migrate IMAP accounts. It is designed to resume from messages already downloaded and to run without an email client or mail transfer agent.

The project provides installation instructions for macOS with Homebrew and Linux with RubyGems.

Strengths

Backs up, restores and migrates IMAP mailboxes
Can resume from messages already downloaded
Does not depend on an email client or mail transfer agent

Limitations

Requires IMAP account configuration

Details

Pricing: FreeFree and open source under the MIT license.
License: MIT
Developer: Joeyates
Platforms: macOS, Linux, Command line
How it runs: Downloadable app
Best suited for: People who want local backups or migrations for IMAP email accounts
Categories: Backup tools, Email clients
Last verified: October 8, 2026
Added: October 8, 2026
Provenance: Selected from the Homebrew formula
Sources: github.com/joeyates/imap-backup

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