Zavu Inbox
Zavu Inbox: A self-hosted, contact-centered inbox foundation for teams building around Zavu API. Ranked #24 of 30 in Shared Inbox Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers wanting a self-hosted inbox foundation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDevelopers wanting a self-hosted inbox foundation
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Organizes SMS, WhatsApp, email, Telegram, Instagram, and Messenger in contact threads
- Includes assignments, private notes, saved replies, tasks, and scheduled messages
- Supports Docker or Node with SQLite, Turso, and PostgreSQL backends
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosting and a Zavu account with at least one sender
- No verified mobile apps or collision detection
- Assignment-rule automation is not verified
Our verdict on Zavu Inbox
Zavu Inbox is an open-source, self-hosted shared inbox built on the Zavu API. It brings SMS, WhatsApp, email, Telegram, Instagram, and Messenger conversations into contact-centered threads, with assignment and status filters for teams handling customer messages. Private notes with teammate mentions, saved replies, contact properties, and tasks support shared work around those conversations. Its clearest fit is for developers wanting an inbox foundation they can run themselves rather than a separately priced hosted inbox product.
The project documents Docker or Node deployment and support for SQLite, Turso, and PostgreSQL backends. Zavu handles messaging infrastructure, delivery, compliance, and AI-agent functionality. This makes the inbox part of a Zavu-centered setup: teams can use scheduled outbound messages, business-hours settings and out-of-hours auto-replies, while AI-agent conversation transcripts and dry runs are also included. The listed integrations are the Zavu API and those database backends, so buyers should assess the fit against their intended infrastructure before adopting it.
Operational flexibility comes with responsibilities: the repository documents self-hosting, and setup requires a Zavu account with at least one sender. The available collaboration features include assignment, notes, filters, and tasks, but assignment-rule automation and collision detection are not verified. Teams looking for a hosted inbox, mobile apps, or a more automated assignment workflow should compare alternatives; developers comfortable operating a self-hosted service and building around Zavu API have a more aligned use case.
Your product? Our editors can test Zavu Inbox in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Zavu Inbox pricing
Zavu Inbox fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Shared mailboxes | Not verified |
| Internal comments | Yes |
| Collision detection | Not verified |
| Assignment automation | Not verified |
| Mail platforms | Standalone |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Zavu API, SQLite, Turso, PostgreSQL |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | zavu.dev |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Zavu Inbox integrations
Zavu Inbox lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Zavu API
- SQLite
- Turso
- PostgreSQL
Alternatives to Zavu Inbox
- FrontA full-service support workspace with shared inboxes, ticketing, and omnichannel tools.9.4
- HiverHiver combines collaborative email, ticketing and helpdesk features, with a 7-day trial and paid tiers.9.2
- Help ScoutA free-to-paid support platform with strong collaboration, automation, and help-center depth.9.1
See all Zavu Inbox alternatives →
Used Zavu Inbox? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Zavu Inbox for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Zavu Inbox is listed in our Shared Inbox Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/zavu-inbox/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/zavu-inbox.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update