MailDev

Spec sheet

Purpose

MailDev is a local SMTP server and web inbox for developers to catch and inspect email sent by an app during development.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Audience

The maker describes MailDev as a development tool for developers testing email generated by their projects.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Security

MailDev accepts mail from anyone, stores it unencrypted, and has no authentication by default, so the docs warn against exposing it to the public internet or using it for production traffic.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

AI integration

MailDev includes an optional MCP server that lets compatible AI clients search and read the development inbox and check email delivery.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Email formats

The inbox displays rendered HTML, plain text, headers, and raw email source.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Email retention

MailDev keeps emails without a configured limit by default; its `--max-emails` option can cap the inbox and discard older messages.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Framework integrations

The docs provide setup examples for Nodemailer, Django, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, and Spring Boot, and say any language that speaks SMTP can connect.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Install options

The maker documents running MailDev with npx, a global npm install, or Docker.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Live updates

New messages appear in the inbox over WebSockets without a refresh or polling.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Preview

The web interface offers a responsive preview for checking how email renders at different viewport widths.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Relay

MailDev can selectively relay messages through a configured outgoing SMTP server, with optional auto-relay rules.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

SMTP and API

MailDev listens for SMTP on port 1025 and provides a REST API under `/api` for listing, reading, searching, downloading, and deleting mail.Read 5 Oct 2026 · maildev.github.io

Plans and prices

Every MailDev plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Email Testing Software#18 of 287.7