# MailDev

MailDev is a lightweight simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) server and web interface for viewing and testing emails during development. It is open source and self-hosted, installable on Docker Hub, Kubernetes (Helm) and Unraid.

Canonical page: https://ourlocalhost.com/app/57/maildev

## Description

MailDev is a lightweight simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) server and web interface for viewing and testing emails during development. It captures outbound development messages and displays them in a local web interface, making it useful for developers who need a local SMTP endpoint without sending real email.

## Platform availability

Available on 2 of 9 platforms: Unraid, Helm.

## Health score

76/100 (Good), based on 4 of 5 factors.
- Maintained: 100 (last commit 29 days ago)
- Popular: 76 (6,127 GitHub stars)
- Easy to install: 45 (2 install platforms, install notes, Docker image)
- Security check: 60 (no serious findings, 5 minor, CI, tests, OpenSSF Scorecard 4.6/10)

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/maildev/maildev
- Docker Hub: https://hub.docker.com/r/maildev/maildev
- Kubernetes (Helm): https://artifacthub.io/packages/helm/christianhuth/maildev
- Unraid: https://ca.unraid.net/apps/maildev-0ltdlvm0yzetny?q=MailDev
- Official website: https://maildev.github.io/maildev/
- Documentation: https://maildev.github.io/maildev/docs/

## Common questions

### Which ports must be available for MailDev to work?

Port 1025 receives SMTP mail and port 1080 serves the web inbox and API. If either port is blocked, mail will not arrive or the web page will not load.

### How do I connect an app running in Docker to MailDev?

If MailDev runs in Docker, do not use localhost from the app because localhost points to the container. Use the MailDev service name or host.docker.internal as the SMTP host.

### Can MailDev forward selected development emails to a real SMTP service?

MailDev can selectively relay individual emails to a real outgoing SMTP server. Configure the outgoing SMTP options, then use the Relay action on the email you want to send.

### How do I serve the MailDev web interface over HTTPS?

Start MailDev with --https and point --https-key and --https-cert to your SSL key and certificate files. Otherwise, the web interface remains on plain HTTP.

## Alternatives

- FakeSMTP: FakeSMTP is a Free Fake SMTP Server with GUI for testing emails in applications easily.
- MailCatcher: MailCatcher is a simple SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server and web viewer that catches emails sent to it so developers and self-ho…
- MailDrop: MailDrop is a free throwaway e-mail address.
- Mailpit: Mailpit is a multi-platform email testing tool & API for developers.
- Mailtrap: Mailtrap is an Email Delivery Platform for businesses and individuals to Test, Send, and Control their email infrastructure performance.
- Papercut: Papercut is a simplified SMTP server designed to only receive messages (not to send them on) with a GUI on top of it allowing you to see th…
- mailhog: MailHog is an email testing tool for developers that captures outgoing SMTP messages locally, shows them in a web UI or JSON API, and can o…

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Source: Our Local Host (https://ourlocalhost.com/app/57/maildev), the self-hosted and open-source app directory.