Dovecot
5.8#25 in mail server softwareFree planFree planLinuxSelf-hosted
VisitDovecot vs SmarterMail
SmarterMail
7.4#3 in mail server softwareFrom $500 a yearFree planAndroidiOSWebLinux
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Dovecot | SmarterMail |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | The download page offers source tarballs and official pre-built Docker images. | 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 | Dovecot Pro is described as built for carrier and enterprise-scale email infrastructure, including telcos and hosting providers. | SmarterTools describes SmarterMail as suitable for enterprises, businesses, web hosts, and ISPs, while Professional is aimed at smaller companies or individuals. |
| Security | Dovecot describes a multi-process architecture that isolates tasks to limit the impact of a vulnerability in one component. | The product includes spam filtering and enterprise-level antivirus, with Message Sniffer available as an integration. |
Dovecot plans
- Dovecot Community EditionFree
- Dovecot ProPriced on request
SmarterMail plans
- 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
Pick Dovecot if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.
Pick SmarterMail if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.