Kolab vs SmarterMail
Kolab
kolab.org
SmarterMail
smartertools.comSide by side
| Figure | Kolab | SmarterMail |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $41.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Mail Server Software | 8.0 (#11) | 8.0 (#14) |
| Collaboration | Kolab provides shared email folders, calendars and task lists with granular access control, video conferencing and collaborative document editing. | It includes calendars, contacts, tasks, notes, group chat, and online meetings. |
| Deployment | Kolab is packaged as containers that can run on one host or be distributed across a larger environment. | SmarterMail is available for Linux and Windows and has a Docker version; the download page lists supported Linux distributions and Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025+. |
| Intended users | Kolab describes itself as a solution for companies and families that need to work and communicate together while retaining control over their data. | SmarterTools describes SmarterMail as suitable for enterprises, businesses, web hosts, and ISPs, while Professional is aimed at smaller companies or individuals. |
| Product | Kolab is a free and open-source communication and collaboration solution that can be run on your own infrastructure. | SmarterMail is an email, groupware, and collaboration server positioned as an alternative to Microsoft Exchange. |
| Security | The feature page lists PGP, two-factor authentication, DKIM/DMARC and spam protection among its email security features. | The product includes spam filtering and enterprise-level antivirus, with Message Sniffer available as an integration. |
Plans
SmarterMail
- SmarterMail FreeFree
- SmarterMail High Availability — Hub$150 a month
- SmarterMail High Availability — Node$250 a month
- SmarterMail Professional (50 mailboxes)$500 a year
- SmarterMail Enterprise (50 mailboxes)$700 a year
In their own words
SmarterMail
SmarterMail has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.