Side by side

Kolab vs SmarterMail

Kolab

6.7#9 in mail server softwareFree plan

Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI

7.4#3 in mail server softwareFrom $500 a year

Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux

Fact	Kolab	SmarterMail
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.

You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.

You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.