Head-to-head · Mail Server Software
MDaemon Messaging Server vs Stalwart Mail Server
MDaemon Messaging Server leads on 1 check, Stalwart Mail Server on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMDaemon Messaging Server · 8.0/10
- Free planonly Stalwart Mail Server
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresMDaemon Messaging Server · 5 of 5
MDaemon Messaging Server scores higher on our rubric for mail server software: 8.0 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #12 and #23.
Stalwart Mail Server offers free plan; MDaemon Messaging Server doesn't. On license model, MDaemon Messaging Server gives you Subscription where Stalwart Mail Server offers Open-source. MDaemon Messaging Server offers webmail interface; Stalwart Mail Server doesn't.
MDaemon Messaging Server is the better fit for windows-based managed mail servers. Stalwart Mail Server is the better fit for modern, low-cost open-source mail hosting.
- MDaemon Messaging Server fits best
Windows-based managed mail servers
- Stalwart Mail Server fits best
Modern, low-cost open-source mail hosting
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Side by side
| Feature | MDaemon Messaging Server 8.0/10 Visit ↗ | Stalwart Mail Server 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.0 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #12 in Mail Server Software | #23 in Mail Server Software |
| Best for | Windows-based managed mail servers | Modern, low-cost open-source mail hosting |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $1.09/user/yr |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 10 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features MDaemon Messaging Server 5/5 · Stalwart Mail Server 4/5 | ||
| Webmail interface | ✓ (best) | — |
| IMAP/POP3 access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Antispam tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| High availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| License model | Subscription | Open-source |
| Mailbox limit | Not checked yet | 25 mailboxes |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | MDaemon Messaging Server is a Windows-based mail server for organizations that want an on-premises or hosted alternative to Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365. It combines SMTP, POP3, and IMAP services with browser-based webmail, content… Read the review → |
Stalwart Mail Server is a self-hosted mail and collaboration platform from Stalwart Labs for organizations running their own infrastructure. It combines JMAP, IMAP4rev1, IMAP4rev2, POP3 and SMTP services with calendars, contacts and file… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MDaemon Messaging Server — where it wins
- Supports SMTP, POP3, and IMAP with browser-based webmail
- Includes SPF, DKIM, DMARC, filtering, and mail archiving
- Offers ActiveSync, remote administration, and multi-server clustering
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only deployment limits cross-platform server environments
- Antivirus, antispam, and ActiveSync may require separate licenses
- No free plan is available
Stalwart Mail Server — where it wins
- Free AGPL-3.0 Community edition for self-hosted deployments
- JMAP, IMAP, POP3, SMTP and built-in filtering
- CalDAV, CardDAV, WebDAV, clustering and distributed queues
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires your own infrastructure
- Web interface focuses on administration and account management
- Enterprise pricing varies by mailbox range and annual billing
- MDaemon Messaging Server8.0/10 · 30-day trial
A capable Windows mail server for organizations seeking on-premises or hosted Exchange alternatives.
Visit MDaemonFull verdict → - Stalwart Mail Server6.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A capable self-hosted mail stack with collaboration services, clustering and a free Community edition.
Visit StalwartFull verdict →
All mail server software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update