15 Best Self Hosted Email Marketing Software Reviewed in 2025
Best Self Hosted Email Marketing Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best self hosted email marketing software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Self-hosted email marketing software gives you something most SaaS teams need but rarely get from off-the-shelf platforms: complete control over your data and how your emails are delivered. If you’re wrestling with compliance requirements, hitting the limits of your current tool, or simply trying to rein in costs, bringing email in-house is worth a look.
Over the years, I’ve tested a range of solutions as part of building and scaling marketing programs. In this guide, I’ll share the best self-hosted options I’ve vetted so you can choose what works best for your team today and in the future.
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Best Self Hosted Email Marketing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top self hosted email marketing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for agency use | Free demo available | From $3,529/user (one-time fee) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for marketing automation | 14-day free trial | From €89/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for user-friendly interface | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for real-time analytics | Free demo available | Free (open source) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for easy installation | Free demo available | From $12/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for cost-effective sending | Free demo available | From $1 per 10,000 emails (self-hosted) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for flexible customization | Free demo available | Free | Website | |
| 8 | Best for community support | Free plan available | From $1/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for large volume handling | Free demo available | From $86/website (one-time fee) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for developer-friendly use | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Eloqua
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3 -
Optimizely
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Uberflip
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Best Self Hosted Email Marketing Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best self hosted email marketing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Octeth is a self hosted email marketing software tailored for marketing agencies and businesses that manage multiple clients. It provides tools for campaign management and client collaboration, making it suitable for agencies handling diverse marketing needs.
Why I picked Octeth: Its features cater specifically to agencies, allowing you to manage multiple client accounts with ease. The software offers client management tools so you can organize and track each client's campaigns separately. It also includes a white-label option, which is perfect if you want to present a branded interface to your clients. With its focus on agency needs, Octeth simplifies the process of managing and executing multiple campaigns.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced reporting tools that help your team review and share campaign results with clients. Email automation lets you set up follow-ups and drip sequences without manual effort. Customizable templates make it easy to keep branding consistent across different client accounts.
Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, Mandrill, SparkPost, Google Analytics, and SMTP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- White-label option available
- Manages multiple client accounts
- Designed for agency use
Cons:
- Limited automation options
- Higher initial cost
Mautic is a self hosted marketing automation software tailored for businesses that need to automate their marketing efforts. It serves marketers by providing tools for managing campaigns, tracking user interactions, and automating repetitive tasks.
Why I picked Mautic: Its marketing automation capabilities make it a standout choice for teams looking to streamline their marketing processes. The software offers features like lead scoring and campaign management to help you prioritize and engage with prospects efficiently. You can also set up triggers and actions to automate complex workflows. This focus on automation supports efforts to enhance productivity and drive engagement.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dynamic content personalization that lets your team tailor messages based on user behavior. Comprehensive reporting gives you clear insight into what’s working and what’s not. Social media monitoring helps you keep an eye on brand mentions and audience engagement outside of email.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, SugarCRM, WordPress, Magento, Joomla, Drupal, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports complex workflows
- Dynamic content personalization
- Extensive marketing automation options
Cons:
- Basic email editor
- Occasional update challenges
Mailcow is a self hosted email marketing software designed for businesses and IT professionals. It provides a comprehensive platform for managing email servers, domains, and user accounts.
Why I picked Mailcow: It combines a user-friendly interface with strong backend tools for running email campaigns securely. With built-in support for DKIM, DMARC, and SPF, you can ensure your marketing emails are authenticated and less likely to end up in spam. Its Docker-based setup simplifies deployment, making it easier to launch self-managed campaigns across multiple domains.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include list management, domain control, and web-based admin tools. It offers spam protection, multi-language support, and the flexibility to integrate with other open-source tools for analytics or automation. This makes it ideal for businesses wanting a private, scalable email marketing stack.
Integrations include Let's Encrypt, SOGo, Postfix, Dovecot, ClamAV, SpamAssassin, and Rspamd.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multilingual support
- Advanced email security
- Supports multiple domains
Cons:
- Resource-intensive on servers
- Requires server management skills
Listmonk is a self hosted email marketing software designed for marketers and businesses that need detailed analytics. It excels in managing large-scale email campaigns and provides insights through real-time analytics.
Why I picked Listmonk: The tool's real-time analytics feature is invaluable for tracking campaign performance as it happens. It offers detailed metrics on opens and clicks, allowing you to gauge engagement instantly. The software also supports high-volume email sending, making it ideal for large campaigns. With its focus on analytics, you can make informed decisions to optimize your strategies.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a powerful query language that lets your team segment audiences with precision. It supports multiple databases, so you can match it to your existing setup. The web-based UI makes it easier to manage and monitor campaigns without needing extra tools.
Integrations include PostgreSQL and MySQL.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced audience segmentation
- Flexible database support
- Supports high-volume email sending
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited third-party integrations
Mail-in-a-Box is a self hosted email marketing software aimed at small businesses and individuals. It simplifies the process of setting up and maintaining an email server, making it accessible for those without extensive technical expertise.
Why I picked Mail-in-a-Box: The tool is designed for easy installation, which is perfect for users who want to quickly set up their own email server. It automates the configuration of security settings like DNS and SSL, reducing the need for technical know-how. The software also provides a straightforward web-based interface for managing emails and domains. This ease of use makes it a great choice for small teams looking to manage their own email infrastructure.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated DNS configuration that helps you get your email server up and running quickly. SSL certificate management is built in, so your messages stay secure without extra setup. The web-based admin panel gives you simple, direct control over email and domain settings.
Integrations include Let's Encrypt, Dovecot, Postfix, Roundcube, Nextcloud, and SpamAssassin.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for small teams
- Web-based management interface
- Simple installation process
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Requires regular updates
Sendy is a self hosted email marketing software aimed at businesses looking for a cost-effective solution for sending bulk emails. It leverages Amazon SES to provide affordable email delivery services.
Why I picked Sendy: Its cost-effective sending capability makes it a great option for businesses wanting to save on email marketing costs. The software integrates with Amazon SES, significantly reducing the cost per email. Sendy also offers features like list segmentation and detailed reporting, helping you target your audience effectively. With its emphasis on affordability, it allows you to manage large-scale campaigns without breaking the bank.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include autoresponder tools that help your team automate follow-up messages without manual effort. You can create and edit customizable templates to keep your emails aligned with your brand. Detailed campaign reports show how your emails perform so you can make adjustments based on real data.
Integrations include Amazon SES, Google Analytics, Zapier, and Mailgun.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One-time purchase model
- Integrates with Amazon SES
- Cost-effective email delivery
Cons:
- No built-in CRM
- Requires self-hosting setup
Apache James is a self hosted email marketing software designed for developers and IT professionals. It offers a flexible platform for handling email protocols and customizable components for email processing.
Why I picked Apache James: This tool is well-suited for those needing flexible customization. It supports multiple email protocols like SMTP and IMAP, allowing you to tailor the system to your needs. Its modular architecture lets you choose different storage options such as Cassandra and PostgreSQL. You can manage it through JMX, REST, or the command line, making it adaptable for various technical environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a Mailet container that lets your team build custom email processing logic. You can choose from multiple storage backends depending on your setup. Since it’s open source, you can modify or extend the platform as needed.
Integrations include Apache Cassandra, Apache Lucene, Apache HBase, Apache Zookeeper, MySQL, PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, ElasticSearch, and LDAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open-source community contributions
- Wide protocol support
- Modular architecture for customization
Cons:
- No built-in analytics
- Requires technical expertise
pHpList is a self hosted email marketing software designed for businesses and organizations looking to manage email campaigns efficiently. It caters to a diverse user base, offering tools for list management and campaign tracking.
Why I picked pHpList: The strong community support makes it a reliable choice for users who value shared knowledge and collaboration. The software provides extensive documentation and a user forum where you can get help and advice. Its open-source nature means you can customize it to fit your specific needs. pHpList also offers features like bounce processing and click tracking, which are essential for effective email marketing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced tracking tools that help your team see how campaigns perform in real time. Automated bounce management keeps your contact lists up to date without extra work. You can also schedule campaigns to send at the times that work best for your strategy.
Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, Postmark, SendGrid, SparkPost, and SMTP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated bounce handling
- Extensive documentation
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Limited native analytics
- Steeper learning curve
MailWizz is a self hosted email marketing software designed for businesses needing to manage large-scale email campaigns. It caters to marketers who require robust tools for sending a high volume of emails efficiently.
Why I picked MailWizz: The tool is specifically built for handling large volumes of emails, which is crucial for businesses with extensive mailing lists. It offers features like automated campaigns and detailed statistics to help you optimize your email marketing efforts. The software's multi-threading capabilities ensure fast email delivery, even at scale. With its focus on performance, MailWizz is ideal for teams looking to manage high-volume email marketing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include campaign scheduling that lets your team plan and automate email sends. Built-in bounce handling helps keep your lists clean by removing invalid addresses. The customer management system makes it easy to organize, tag, and manage your contacts in one place.
Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, SparkPost, Elastic Email, Mailjet, and SMTP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed statistical reports
- Built-in customer management
- Handles large email volumes
Cons:
- Occasional update issues
- Requires technical setup
SendPortal is a self hosted email marketing software designed for developers and tech-savvy users who want control over their email campaigns. It provides a platform for managing emails, lists, and campaigns with a focus on customization and flexibility.
Why I picked SendPortal: Its developer-friendly nature allows you to customize and extend the platform according to your needs. The software is open-source, providing you with the freedom to modify the codebase. It supports multiple sending services, giving you the flexibility to choose the best fit for your team. With its API-first approach, you can seamlessly integrate SendPortal into your existing workflows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include campaign management tools that let your team plan, send, and track emails in one place. List segmentation helps you tailor content for different groups based on behavior or data. The API-first architecture gives developers the tools they need to connect SendPortal with your existing systems.
Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, Postmark, SendGrid, SparkPost, and SMTP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible platform for tech-savvy users
- Developer-friendly environment
- API-first architecture
Cons:
- Limited built-in analytics
- Requires technical expertise
Other Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
Here are some additional self hosted email marketing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Modoboa
For small business integration
- Mailtrain
For multi-user support
- nuevoMailer
For multilingual campaigns
- TempMail
For temporary email addresses
- DoveCot
For secure email storage
Self Hosted Email Marketing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best self hosted email marketing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data privacy concerns and cost management. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage email campaigns
- Segment email lists
- Track email performance
- Automate email sends
- Ensure data privacy
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced analytics tools
- Multilingual support
- Integration with CRM systems
- Customizable templates
- A/B testing capabilities
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Clear labeling of features
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Comprehensive user guides
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- Responsive email support
- Access to a knowledge base
- Community forums
- 24/7 support availability
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing compared to competitors
- Features included in the price
- Scalability of pricing plans
- Availability of free trials
- Flexibility of payment options
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly reported issues
- Positive feedback trends
- Frequency of updates
- User experience feedback
How to Choose Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your business? Consider the number of emails you plan to send and whether the tool can handle increased volume without performance issues. |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? Check for compatibility with your CRM, analytics platforms, and other marketing systems to ensure seamless data flow and efficient workflows. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to your needs? Look for options to customize email templates, workflows, and user roles. Avoid tools that restrict your ability to align with your brand and processes. |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive? Consider how quickly your team can learn to use the tool efficiently. A steep learning curve can slow down productivity and lead to frustration. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long does setup take? Evaluate the resources needed for installation and initial configuration. Look for tools offering comprehensive onboarding support, such as tutorials and customer service. |
| Cost | Does the pricing fit your budget? Compare the total cost, including any add-ons or extra fees. Be wary of hidden costs that might inflate your budget unexpectedly. |
| Security safeguards | Are your data and emails secure? Ensure the software provides strong encryption, regular updates, and compliance with data protection regulations to protect sensitive information. |
| Support availability | What support options are there? Consider the availability of customer support, such as live chat or phone support, especially if you anticipate needing help during setup or troubleshooting. |
What Is Self Hosted Email Marketing Software?
Self hosted email marketing software is a platform that allows businesses to manage and send email campaigns from their own servers. These tools are generally used by marketing professionals, IT teams, and businesses that want more control over their email marketing efforts and data security. Customizable templates, list segmentation, and automation capabilities help with personalizing content, targeting specific audiences, and saving time. Overall, these tools provide users with greater control, cost savings, and enhanced data privacy.
Features of Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
When selecting self hosted email marketing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Customizable templates: Allows you to design and modify email templates to fit your brand, making your emails look professional and consistent.
- List segmentation: Enables you to divide your email list into smaller groups based on demographics or behavior, allowing for more targeted and effective campaigns.
- Automation capabilities: Automates repetitive tasks like sending welcome emails or follow-ups, saving time and ensuring timely communication with your audience.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into email performance, such as open and click rates, helping you understand what works and refine your strategy.
- Data privacy controls: Ensures your data is secure by offering encryption and compliance with data protection regulations, giving you peace of mind.
- Integration options: Connects with other tools like CRM systems and analytics platforms to streamline workflows and improve data accuracy.
- Scalability: Supports growing email lists and increased sending volumes, allowing your email marketing efforts to grow alongside your business.
- API access: Offers programmatic access to the software, allowing developers to integrate and customize the tool to meet specific needs.
- Bounce management: Automatically handles email bounces to keep your list clean and improve deliverability rates.
- Multilingual support: Enables you to create and manage campaigns in multiple languages, broadening your reach to diverse audiences.
Benefits of Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
Implementing self hosted email marketing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Greater control: You have complete control over your data and email campaigns, allowing for tailored strategies and better data security.
- Cost savings: By hosting the software yourself, you can reduce ongoing subscription fees and lower overall costs for email marketing.
- Enhanced privacy: With data stored on your servers, you can ensure compliance with privacy regulations and protect sensitive information.
- Customization options: The ability to modify templates and workflows allows you to create emails that align perfectly with your brand identity and marketing goals.
- Improved targeting: Features like list segmentation enable more precise targeting, leading to more effective and personalized communication with your audience.
- Scalable solutions: As your business grows, the software can scale with you, accommodating larger email lists and higher sending volumes without issue.
- Integration flexibility: Connect with various tools to streamline operations and ensure data consistency across platforms, enhancing efficiency.
Costs and Pricing of Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
Selecting self hosted email marketing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in self hosted email marketing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Self Hosted Email Marketing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic email sending, limited templates, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25 /user /month | Email automation, list segmentation, and customizable templates. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60 /user /month | Advanced analytics, integration options, and priority customer support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $70-$150 /user /month | Dedicated account manager, custom integrations, and enhanced security measures. |
Self Hosted Email Marketing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about self hosted email marketing software:
Is it worth self hosting email?
Self-hosting email can offer significant cost savings, especially for organizations with many users or high storage needs. It provides flexibility, allowing you to create unlimited email accounts and allocate storage as needed. However, consider the technical expertise required for setup and maintenance.
How does self-hosted email work?
Self-hosted email servers are managed and maintained by the user or organization, giving you full control over the email infrastructure. This contrasts with hosted email servers, which are managed by third-party providers like Gmail or Outlook, offering less control but more convenience.
What is the difference between self hosted email software and open source email software?
Self hosted email software refers to email tools that you can deploy and manage on your own servers, whether those tools are open source or proprietary. Self-hosting gives you full control over your data, configuration, and security, but it also means you’re responsible for setup, maintenance, and compliance.
Open source email software, on the other hand, means the software’s source code is publicly available and can be modified or redistributed. You can choose to self-host open source email software (like Mailcow or Zimbra), or use it through a third-party hosting provider.
In short, ‘self-hosted’ describes where the software runs, and ‘open source’ describes how the software is licensed and developed. They often overlap, but not always.
How do I ensure data security in self hosted email marketing?
To ensure data security, implement strong encryption, regular software updates, and compliance with data protection regulations. Regularly audit your systems and train your team on security best practices to protect sensitive information from breaches and unauthorized access.
What technical skills are needed for self hosting email?
Self-hosting email requires skills in server management, networking, and security. You’ll need to understand how to configure and maintain email servers, handle DNS settings, and ensure data protection. It’s beneficial to have IT support or a team member with relevant expertise.
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