01/ mailcow
Best for: A complete self-hosted mail server with webmail.
Runs on: Self-hosted
Visit mailcowWeb Hosting & Cloud · Business email and collaboration
Free alternatives to Google Workspace
Google Workspace by Google: Business Gmail on your domain, plus Drive, Docs, Calendar and Meet. Pricing: per-user subscription. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.
| Alternative | Type | Platforms | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
mailcow | Open source | Self-hosted | A complete self-hosted mail server with webmail | Get it |
 Mail-in-a-Box | Open source | Self-hosted | Turning one server into a working mail server in minutes | Get it |
Nextcloud | Open source | Self-hosted, Web | Files, calendars, contacts and online office | Get it |
 Google WorkspaceThe paid original | Per-user subscription | – | Business email and collaboration | Visit |
The alternatives in detail
02/ Mail-in-a-Box
Best for: Turning one server into a working mail server in minutes.
Runs on: Self-hosted
Visit Mail-in-a-Box03/ Nextcloud
Best for: Files, calendars, contacts and online office.
Runs on: Self-hosted, Web
Visit NextcloudFrequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Google Workspace?
Yes. mailcow is a strong free option for a complete self-hosted mail server with webmail. Other choices include Mail-in-a-Box, Nextcloud.
Which Google Workspace alternative is open source?
mailcow, Mail-in-a-Box, Nextcloud are open source.