Roundcube
Roundcube: A focused, free webmail base for self-hosters who need core IMAP tools. Ranked #7 of 142 in Email Clients by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosters wanting a dependable open-source webmail base.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosters wanting a dependable open-source webmail base
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- App coverageWeb
- Founded2005
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source deployment on a web server
- IMAP folders, search, threading, identities, and address books
- Plug-in API with PGP encryption support
Where it doesn't
- No native mobile applications
- Calendar features are third-party additions
- Multiple-account support is a third-party addition
Our verdict on Roundcube
Roundcube is a browser-based, multilingual IMAP email client for people and organizations that want to host their own webmail. Its application-like interface covers message composition and management, MIME and HTML messages, responsive display, spell checking, and multiple sender identities. The free, open-source software runs on a web server and is suited to self-hosters looking for a focused browser-based email layer rather than a broader productivity suite.
Its core strength is the depth of its everyday IMAP workflow. Users can manage standard, shared, and global IMAP folders; drag and drop messages; search messages and contacts; view threaded message lists; and organize address books with groups and LDAP connectors. PGP encryption support adds an option for protected email workflows, while the plug-in API provides an extension point for additional capabilities. Nextcloud is listed as an integration, giving the product a defined fit within that ecosystem. These features make Roundcube a practical foundation when browser access and server-side control matter more than native applications.
The trade-off is a narrow platform and feature focus. Roundcube is available on the web and for self-hosting, but the official project does not provide native mobile apps. Calendar functionality and multiple-account support are positioned as third-party additions rather than core features, so teams seeking built-in scheduling or account aggregation should consider an alternative with those functions included. Choose Roundcube for dependable open-source webmail centered on IMAP; look elsewhere if mobile clients, integrated calendar tools, or broad platform coverage are central requirements.
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Roundcube pricing
Roundcube fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| App coverage | Web |
| Account limit | Not verified |
| Unified inbox | Not verified |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Scheduled sending | Not verified |
| Calendar tools | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Nextcloud |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | roundcube.net |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Roundcube integrations
Roundcube lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Nextcloud
Alternatives to Roundcube
- Mozilla ThunderbirdA capable free client for multi-account email, offline access, and desktop productivity tools.9.4
- Zoho MailA flexible hosted email service with free access, migration tools, and Zoho collaboration options.9.2
- Apple MailA capable Apple-focused email client with unified inboxes, scheduling, privacy controls, and AI assistance.9.1
See all Roundcube alternatives →
Roundcube vs the competition
- Roundcube vs Mozilla Thunderbird
- Roundcube vs Zoho Mail
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Also Ranked In
Roundcube is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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