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Head-to-head · Email Server Software

Apache James vs Synology MailPlus Server

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Apache James #2 in Email Server Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Apache James
Synology MailPlus Server #6 in Email Server Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Synology

Apache James leads on 0 checks, Synology MailPlus Server on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApache James · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSynology MailPlus Server · 4 of 4

Apache James scores higher on our rubric for email server software: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Apache James is the better fit for teams building a flexible self-hosted mail platform. Synology MailPlus Server is the better fit for synology NAS users hosting organizational email.

  • Apache James fits best

    Teams building a flexible self-hosted mail platform

  • Synology MailPlus Server fits best

    Synology NAS users hosting organizational email

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apache James 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Synology MailPlus Server 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #2 in Email Server Software #6 in Email Server Software
Best for Teams building a flexible self-hosted mail platform Synology NAS users hosting organizational email
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Linux, Windows Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 10 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apache James 0/4 · Synology MailPlus Server 4/4
Mail transfer agent Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Mailbox server Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Integrated mail server Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Directory integration Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Self-hosted
Email protocols Not checked yet SMTP, IMAP, POP3
Our review
Pros
  • Supports SMTP, LMTP, POP3, IMAP, plus experimental JMAP and ManageSieve
  • Extensible mail processing with the Mailet container
  • Offers multiple storage integrations and single- or multi-node packaging
  • Supports SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 for mail-client access
  • Migration from Microsoft Exchange and Google Workspace
  • Directory integration, policy controls, filtering, and clustering
Cons
  • Requires teams to host and administer their own mail infrastructure
  • JMAP and ManageSieve are marked experimental
  • Administration and deployment span REST, JMX, command-line tools, and configuration
  • Requires compatible Synology NAS hardware and self-hosted administration
  • Only five email-account licenses are included with compatible NAS hardware
  • License packs add cost, and pricing is not published on the official page
Our verdict

Apache James is an open-source mail server and mail application platform for teams building self-hosted email infrastructure. It covers core mail protocols including SMTP, LMTP, POP3, and IMAP, with JMAP and ManageSieve marked…

Read the review →

Synology MailPlus Server turns compatible Synology NAS hardware into a self-hosted organizational email system. It suits small, mid-market, and enterprise teams that want to host custom or multiple domains and administer mail on their own…

Read the review →
  1. Apache JamesEmail Server Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Synology MailPlus ServerEmail Server Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apache James — where it wins

    • Supports SMTP, LMTP, POP3, IMAP, plus experimental JMAP and ManageSieve
    • Extensible mail processing with the Mailet container
    • Offers multiple storage integrations and single- or multi-node packaging

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires teams to host and administer their own mail infrastructure
    • JMAP and ManageSieve are marked experimental
    • Administration and deployment span REST, JMX, command-line tools, and configuration

  • Synology MailPlus Server — where it wins

    • Supports SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 for mail-client access
    • Migration from Microsoft Exchange and Google Workspace
    • Directory integration, policy controls, filtering, and clustering

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires compatible Synology NAS hardware and self-hosted administration
    • Only five email-account licenses are included with compatible NAS hardware
    • License packs add cost, and pricing is not published on the official page
  • Apache James9.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible self-hosted mail platform with broad protocol support and configurable storage.

    Visit Apache JamesFull verdict →
  • Synology MailPlus Server8.6/10 · Free plan

    A full-featured mail server for organizations already running compatible Synology NAS hardware.

    Visit SynologyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All email server software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update