Français
Today, Roundcube is one of the most popular open‑source solutions for managing email through a modern web interface. This software, distributed under the GPL (General Public License), allows companies, hosting providers, and professional users to set up an ergonomic and customizable webmail without relying on costly proprietary solutions.
In this review we will examine its main features, explain how to install it, present its use‑cases, and compare it with alternatives such as SquirrelMail and RainLoop.
What problems does Roundcube solve?
n a landscape where most web‑mail solutions are:
either paid and bundled into cloud suites (like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace),
- or feature‑limited for small businesses,
or overly complex to administer,
Roundcube positions itself as an open‑source service that addresses several challenges:
Cost reduction : no proprietary licence fees.
Full data control : you can host your own mail server.
Customization : themes and plugins can be integrated to meet specific needs.
Interoperability : works with standard IMAP and SMTP servers.
Key features and capabilities
User interface
Modern, responsive design.
Support for custom themes.
Intuitive navigation comparable to commercial webmails.
Performance
Optimised for smooth operation even with large mailboxes.
Fast message indexing thanks to advanced IMAP handling.
Customization
Wide selection of plugins available.
- Flexible user settings (filters, signatures, display preferences).
Security
- Native support for SSL/TLS encryption on IMAP/SMTP connections.
- Ability to add PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) plugins to secure communications.
How to install and configure?
Download the latest version from the official site: https://roundcube.net/download.
- Extract the archive and copy the files into your web server’s directory.
- Configure the database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite).
- Run the built‑in web installer to finish the setup.
- Enable plugins and tweak settings to suit your needs.
Use‑cases for Roundcube
Small businesses : deploy a professional webmail without licence costs.
Web hosting providers : integrate into shared‑hosting packages.
- Public institutions : ensure digital sovereignty by hosting mail locally.
System administrators : deep customisation with security plugins and LDAP integration tools.
Because it is an open‑source platform, Roundcube is especially valued in contexts where data sovereignty and control are priorities.
Comparison with alternatives
| Feature | Roundcube | SquirrelMail | RainLoop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open source | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Modern interface | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Plugin support | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| PGP encryption | ✅ (via plugin) | ❌ | ✅ (built‑in) |
| Installation ease | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customisation | ✅ | ❌ | Medium |
Advantages and disadvantages
| Avantages | Inconvénients |
|---|---|
| ✅ Open‑source free software | ❌ Requires a web server and a database, which can be complex for beginners |
| ✅ Modern, intuitive interface | ❌ Technical support mainly comes from the open‑source community, sometimes insufficient compared with commercial solutions |
| ✅ Highly customisable with plugins and themes | ❌ Needs regular updates to keep security up‑to‑date |
| ✅ Universal compatibility with IMAP/SMTP servers |
Conclusion
Roundcube is a solid, flexible open‑source webmail solution suitable for both small teams and larger organisations. It combines modern ergonomics, security, and freedom of customisation, making it a compelling alternative to proprietary products. Moreover, its technical support, driven by a large community, ensures continuous improvement and regular evolution of the software.
