RainLoop

Free plan Self-hostedWeb

What RainLoop is

RainLoop is a self-hosted, web-based email client for handling mail through IMAP and SMTP. It supports SSL and STARTTLS connections and communicates directly with the mail server, so messages are not stored locally on the web server. Users can connect several accounts to one primary account and keep different accounts open in separate browser tabs. Sieve scripts provide filtering and vacation messages. Security options include client-side OpenPGP, two-factor authentication, removal of hazardous HTML entities, and token-based CSRF protection. Facebook, Google, and Twitter can provide social login, while Dropbox can supply files for attachments. RainLoop offers visual themes, a multilingual interface, and plugins installed through its administration panel. It normally needs no database except for contacts. Installation requires PHP 5.4 or newer on a web server such as Apache, NGINX, or lighttpd. A free Legacy edition is listed as free under MIT; Community and Standard editions have separate licenses.

Who it suits

RainLoop suits people or organizations wanting a browser email client they install on their own web server. It fits users who need multiple accounts, mail-server connections, filtering, and self-managed customization.

What it does well

Supports IMAP and SMTP with SSL and STARTTLS
Multiple accounts can run in separate browser tabs
Includes Sieve filtering and vacation messages
Offers OpenPGP and two-factor authentication
Works without a database except for contacts

What to know first

Requires self-hosting and PHP 5.4 or newer
Commercial Standard use requires a subscription
Basic and Premium plans are deprecated
Refunds are generally not offered

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Legacy Basic	Deprecated	On request
MIT Community	AGPLv3 community edition	On request
Standard edition	RainLoop Software License · Commercial or non-personal use	On request
Legacy edition	MIT license · v1.17.0	Free
Premium	Single web domain · one-year or lifetime subscription · deprecated	On request
Basic	Non-commercial websites · deprecated	On request

As rainloop.net lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

RainLoop combines browser email access with direct server connections, account switching, filtering, and several security controls. Its self-hosted setup and edition licensing require attention before deployment.

Facts from RainLoop's own pages

Accounts: Users can add multiple accounts to a primary account and use different accounts simultaneously in separate browser tabs. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
App coverage: web · rainloop.net, 20 Sept 2026
Customization: It supports visual themes, a multilingual interface, and plugins installed through the admin panel. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Deployment: RainLoop is installed on a web server and requires PHP 5.4 or above; documented web servers include Apache, NGINX, and lighttpd. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Filtering: It supports Sieve scripts for filters and vacation messages. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · rainloop.net, 20 Sept 2026
Integrations: Facebook, Google, and Twitter can provide social login, and Dropbox can be used to attach stored files. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Licensing: The site lists Legacy under MIT, Community under AGPLv3, and Standard under RainLoop Software License; commercial websites require a commercial subscription for Standard edition. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Mail handling: It connects directly to the mail server, and mails are not stored locally on the web server. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Mail protocols: It supports IMAP and SMTP, including SSL and STARTTLS. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Plan status: The purchase page marks Basic and Premium as deprecated and does not display prices in its page text. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Product: RainLoop is a simple, modern, fast web-based email client. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Refunds: The policy says downloads and online demos are available to try before purchase and that refunds are generally not offered, though exceptions may be made at RainLoop’s discretion. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Security: Security features include SSL and STARTTLS connections, client-side OpenPGP, two-factor authentication, hazardous HTML entity removal, and token-based CSRF protection. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Storage: The application does not require a database backend except for contacts. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The site lists [email protected] for questions, concerns, or comments. · rainloop.net, 12 Oct 2026

Where RainLoop stands on Freedom251

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