MailScanner
MailScanner is an open-source email gateway for server-level mail processing.
What MailScanner is
MailScanner is an open-source email gateway for server-level mail processing. It scans email for spam, viruses, phishing, malware, and other malicious content, and works with open-source tools including ClamAV and SpamAssassin. It is intended for Linux-based gateways and can also run on Unix-based operating systems. Setup guidance covers Sendmail, Postfix, and Exim, while installation instructions address Red Hat-based, Debian-based, SUSE-based, and other Unix-like systems. After installation, administrators configure it through files such as /etc/MailScanner/MailScanner.conf and /etc/MailScanner/defaults. The v5 repository includes the GNU General Public License version 2. MailScanner is free at no cost, with a free plan and no free trial. The project points users to a mailing list for support; Mailborder and Baruwa are also identified as professional-support providers. MailWatch is listed as a logging and monitoring interface, but it does not automate installation or configuration. The install guide recommends keeping the operating system minimal.
Good
- Scans for spam, viruses, phishing, and malware.
- Works with ClamAV and SpamAssassin.
- Setup guides cover Sendmail, Postfix, and Exim.
- Free, with GPL version 2 in the v5 repository.
Watch out
- Designed for server-level gateway use.
- Administrators configure it through files after installation.
- MailWatch does not automate installation or configuration.
Who it suits
MailScanner suits administrators setting up Linux or Unix email gateways who can manage server-level software and configuration files. It may also suit teams seeking open-source scanning with support for common mail transfer agents.
Verdict
MailScanner is a free gateway option for administrators who need email threat scanning and are prepared to configure server software. Its file-based setup and server-level focus make it less suited to users looking for an automated installation experience.
Plans and prices
From MailScanner's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| MailScanner | Free | Open source email gateway |
The facts
Each one read from MailScanner's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Configuration
- After installation, administrators configure MailScanner using files including /etc/MailScanner/MailScanner.conf and /etc/MailScanner/defaults.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- MailScanner is designed for Linux-based email gateways and can run on Linux or Unix-based operating systems.checked 4 Oct 2026
- History
- The about page says Julian Field created MailScanner in 2000 in response to increasing spam.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The install guide describes MailScanner as server-level software for email gateways and recommends keeping the operating system minimal.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mail transfer agents
- The repository links setup guides for Sendmail, Postfix, and Exim.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Management interfaces
- The downloads page lists MailWatch as a logging and monitoring GUI that does not provide automated MailScanner installation or configuration.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Open-source license
- The v5 repository includes the GNU General Public License version 2.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Packages
- The repository provides installation instructions for Red Hat-based, Debian-based, SUSE-based, and other Unix-like systems.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Professional support
- The maker's professional-support page says Mailborder and Baruwa can provide support for MailScanner, including for users who do not use their management suites.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MailScanner is an open source email gateway that processes email for spam, viruses, phishing, and other malicious content.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Scanning
- The project says MailScanner works with other open source software including ClamAV and SpamAssassin.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security checks
- The maker describes scanning for viruses, spam, phishing, malware, and other attacks against security vulnerabilities.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository points users to a MailScanner mailing list for support.checked 4 Oct 2026
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