Email Self-Hosting Debate

Cluster discusses pros, cons, and recommendations for self-hosting email servers (e.g., Mail-in-a-Box, Postfix) versus using third-party providers like Fastmail, Protonmail, or Migadu with custom domains.

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Sample Comments

oblib Aug 27, 2017 View on HN

Have you looked into building your own mail server?It's certainly a bit of work but it may be worth your effort.Check out https://mailinabox.email

core-utility Oct 10, 2024 View on HN

You don't need to deal with the hassle of your own email server for this. Just buy a domain and use Fastmail, Protonmail, or any other service you trust.

dingo_bat Sep 13, 2017 View on HN

You should be hosting your own if you're serious about email.

BaudouinVH Apr 27, 2022 View on HN

you can host your own email : https://mailinabox.email/

bhaney Jun 7, 2024 View on HN

I've been self-hosting my email for over 7 years now. Just threw postfix and a couple standard milters on the smallest digital ocean droplet (so it would have an IP with a good reputation) and let it go. Had some deliverability issues to microsoft mail services at first but went through a support process that took care of that. Never had any other issues.If you aren't familiar with postfix it can be a pain to setup correctly, but I think there are a bunch of mail server software bun

dddddaviddddd Jul 3, 2019 View on HN

Maybe consider setting up postfix to self-host email for a domain.

be-prepared Oct 24, 2013 View on HN

Ditch Gmail and host your own email server.

Axiol Sep 24, 2018 View on HN

Same here. FastMail with a custom domain name. First I was planning to self host. But I thing mails are quite touchy and doing it myself may be a risk.

astoriafloyd Sep 23, 2021 View on HN

Do you host your email yourself?

x4e Aug 4, 2021 View on HN

I would say self hosting is best. At least if you lose your domain name you still have your emails.