Side by side
Mutt vs RainLoop
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 LinuxMacWindows
Mutt provides extensive configuration and mail-format support in a text interface. It is most suitable for users comfortable managing a configurable desktop mail workflow.
Visit Mutt Free plan Self-hostedWeb
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.
Visit RainLoopThe facts
| Mutt | RainLoop | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | mutt.org | rainloop.net |
| On email clients | #91 of 142 | #87 of 142 |
Mutt: what it does well
- Free GPL-licensed software
- Supports POP3 and IMAP
- Customizable key bindings and macros
- Handles multiple mailbox formats
- Command-line attachment support
What to know first
- Windows package requires Cygwin
- TLS support depends on compilation
- Autocrypt is not full encryption
RainLoop: 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
Alternatives to Mutt Alternatives to RainLoop The whole list