MailTub

MailTub is a self-hosted disposable-email service for users who want to run their own temporary inboxes. It suits developers, testers, and operators able to configure domains and mail delivery, while casual users may find hosted alternatives more convenient. Its live updates, automation tools, and open deployment model are compelling when you control the infrastructure.

Overview

MailTub is free, open-source software under the Apache 2.0 license. Deployment is available as a single Go binary with SQLite and an embedded React interface, or through Docker. You operate the service yourself rather than subscribing to a hosted mailbox, gaining deployment control at the cost of server administration.

Receiving real email requires a domain with an MX record directed to the server, access to port 25 or a redirection, and a matching MAILTUB_DOMAIN setting. That setup requirement makes MailTub less suitable for someone who needs an immediate throwaway address without managing mail infrastructure.

Key features

Live inboxes and expiry controls

Incoming messages are delivered through WebSocket push instead of polling, so the interface can update promptly. A session supports up to five simultaneous inboxes, with expiry choices of 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, or 7 days. These durations cover short testing cycles and week-long temporary use, but the five-inbox ceiling limits larger parallel jobs.

Attachments, exports, and automation

MailTub parses MIME attachments and lets users export an inbox as an .eml ZIP or structured JSON. Its REST API and scriptable CLI support creating, listing, reading, watching, and sending mail, making it more useful in automated test pipelines than a browser-only disposable mailbox.

Deployment and operations

The web interface offers dark, light, and system themes and can be installed as a progressive web app on mobile or desktop. SMTP receiving, WebSocket updates, and a Prometheus-compatible metrics endpoint provide the interfaces operators need to integrate and monitor a deployment. Optional mailbox caching can use a Redis or Upstash URL.

Security and limits

The admin password is stored as a bcrypt hash, while session cookies use HMAC-SHA256 signatures and last 24 hours. API access is open by default unless you configure an API key; the health endpoint remains public, so deployment hardening matters. Mailbox creation is limited to 20 per IP per hour. Default limits allow 25 MiB SMTP messages, 25 MiB per attachment, and 50 MiB in total attachments per email, with those caps configurable.

Pricing

MailTub is free because it is open-source software, with no paid tiers, seat charges, or subscription renewal. Your practical cost is the infrastructure needed to run it and the work of configuring mail delivery. That model suits developers and operators who already have a server and domain; it offers less convenience than a hosted service for occasional personal use.

Platforms

MailTub supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web access, alongside API, CLI, and self-hosted deployment options. The progressive web app makes the interface installable on mobile and desktop without requiring a separate native client.

Who it's for

Choose MailTub for software testing, development workflows, or private disposable-mail infrastructure when you can manage DNS, SMTP reachability, and server security. It is also a strong fit for teams that need WebSocket events, exports, metrics, or scripted mailbox control. Look elsewhere if you want a ready-to-use address with no domain, port, or operational responsibilities.

Pros and cons

• Pros: free Apache 2.0 software; self-hosted control; WebSocket delivery without polling; REST API and CLI automation; inbox exports; configurable attachment limits; broad client and deployment support.
• Cons: real mail requires MX, port 25 access or redirection, and domain configuration; five simultaneous inboxes per session; mailbox creation limited to 20 per IP per hour; API is open by default unless secured with a key; operating and securing the server is your responsibility.

Alternatives

Disposable Email Services is the broader category guide for comparing temporary-mail products. Pick SecureTempMail instead if you prefer a freemium hosted service with API and extension access; its Premium plan costs $39 a year and adds up to 30-day retention, private domains, attachment downloads, no ads, and inbox history and search.

EmailOnDeck suits users wanting a free, ad-supported option with one email at a time and private emails. Temp-Mail.org offers free domains and 1–2 hour message storage, with a 10.00 USD monthly premium tier. MailDrop is a hosted API/web choice with a free 300-requests-per-day allowance and one mailbox per 24 hours, plus paid higher quotas. Mohmal provides web inboxes with a lifetime-free plan and optional paid upgrades.

TempMailPortal provides free Android and web access with messages expiring within up to 24 hours. 1secemail is a free web-only temporary email service. Emailnator offers no-signup public inboxes, deletion after 24 hours, and up to 100 addresses at once.

Verdict

MailTub is a strong recommendation for developers and operators who want open-source, self-hosted disposable mail with real-time events and automation interfaces. Choose it when control and integration matter more than turnkey access; choose a hosted alternative when configuring DNS, SMTP ports, and ongoing server security is not worth the effort.