Side by side
Alot vs SquirrelMail
Both stand on email clients. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Alot is a focused terminal client for users already working with notmuch. Its customization and offline operation are useful, but setup depends on external indexing, sending, rendering, and encryption tools.
Visit Alot Free plan Self-hostedWeb
SquirrelMail offers a no-license-fee webmail package with familiar email functions and extensive plugin customization. It requires administrators to host and connect the software, and the listed security notice deserves attention before deployment.
Visit SquirrelMailThe facts
| Alot | SquirrelMail | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | SquirrelMail |
| Website | github.com | squirrelmail.org |
| On email clients | #104 of 142 | #100 of 142 |
Alot: what it does well
- Free GPL-3.0 software
- Offline desktop mail interface
- Supports multiple sending accounts
- Configurable keyboard maps and themes
- PGP/MIME signing and encryption
What to know first
- Requires notmuch and other dependencies
- Sending works only through sendmail
- Does not fetch mail itself
- Inline HTML needs an external renderer
SquirrelMail: what it does well
- Free GPL license with no license fees
- Built-in IMAP and SMTP support
- MIME, address books, and folder tools
- 231 plugins across 14 categories
- Works without requiring JavaScript
What to know first
- Requires self-hosted PHP web server
- Needs access to an IMAP4rev1 server
- Stable download listed as version 1.4.22
- Security page lists a 2025 XSS vulnerability
Alternatives to Alot Alternatives to SquirrelMail The whole list