The term Webmail (or Web-based email) is used to describe two things. One use of the word is to describe a Webmail client: an email client implemented as a web application accessed via a web browser. This article focuses on this use of the term.
Today, we are showcasing 7 best webmail tools that deliver the look and feel, usability and performance of a desktop application. Some of the webmail clients listed below are open source code that can be easily modified to better suit user’s needs, while others are not. So You must check their license to know the rules.
1. Roundcube
Roundcube is an open source webmail application with a slick, desktop-like interface. It is multilingual (already comes with 60+ languages) and offers most of the functionality you can expect from a webmail. Messages can be managed with drag’n drops, users can have multiple sender identities and it can work with unlimited users/messages. Roundcube is built with PHP and requires MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite or MSSQL for storing the data.It has a plugin API for building extensions and adding custom features.
2. Xeams : Multi-OS & Free E-mail Server
Xeams is a free e-mail server software that supports POP3, SMTP, IMAP & works in all major operating systems (Windows, Linux, Solaris, MacOSX). It comes with a powerful spam engine which can stop most of them by default & lets you to customize the rules further. The server is controlled from a web-based interface which also helps you to live-monitor the system. It has support for detailed logging, mailing lists, customized footers & much more. The company also offers another free product named Synametrics Smtp Gateway which again works in multi-OS.
3. Conjoon : Open Source & Web-based Personal Information
conjoon is a web-based open source application, built with the Zend Framework, that focuses on message exchanging. Currently, it is a full-featured webmail & RSS reader client with contacts management. But the upcoming releases show that it will also have an integrated Twitter client with multiple accounts support. Thanks to Ext JS, the application has a slick desktop-like interface with tabs, drag’n drops & more. It comes with a web-based installer & requires PHP/MySQL to run.
4. Xmail Server Lite
XMail Server Lite is an open source & free mail server with an Ajaxed webmail bundled to it. It is compatible with Window & Linux OSs with 2 different installers provided. The server is capable of managing SMTP/ESMTP & POP3 protocols withweb-based administration panel. It supports unlimited domains/users including virtual domains & aliases. XMail Lite also offers anti-virus integration, bayesian filters (for spam protection) & a logging functionality of all the activities. The Webmail Lite can display folders/nested folders, has an address book,multilingual & much more.
5. T-dah : Free PHP Webmail Application
T-dah is a free PHP webmail application which is built from the well-known Uebimiau script & offers a slick interface. It can be up & running in a few minutes on any PHP (4 or 5) enabled server as no database is required. The application uses the POP3 protocol & can be configured to use SMTP, PHP mail, Sendmail or Qmail for sending e-mails.
6. Hastymail : Free Webmail Software
Hastymail is a free IMAP webmail software (open source) built with PHP. The application is lightweight, has a clean interface & compatible with all major browsers including mobile ones. With its plugin support, new features can be added. Some available plugins are: calendar, filtering, RSS/Atom. Hastymail can be customized via CSS & has a PHP based template system. It has Vcard based contact list with multiple import/export ability & many other features.
7. Xuheki : Free & Ajaxed IMAP Client
Xuheki is an open source IMAP client with an Ajaxed interface. It looks-feels like a desktop application & supports multiple IMAP servers/identities. Some features of Xuheki:
• Supports multiple folders with drag’n drop
• It can stay connected to an IMAP server
• Interface allows you to do multiple things once
• Multiple user support
• Contact list & more..
