Compare software

Postal vs Postfix: catalog facts
PostalPostfix
Free

Free and open source to run on your own server.

Free

Free and open source.

Self-hosted macOS, Linux, Self-hosted
  • Self-hosted alternative to hosted transactional email services
  • Handles both sending and receiving mail
  • Security-focused design
  • Runs on many Unix-like systems
  • Requires running and maintaining your own mail server
  • Deliverability depends on your own server reputation and setup
  • Transfer agent only; needs a separate IMAP server for mailboxes
  • Configuration requires mail server knowledge
Self-hosted Self-hosted
Open source Open source
License not stated License not stated
No account needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.