BillionMail: Your Open-Source Email Server for Smart Marketing

Email remains one of the most reliable ways to connect with people today. Businesses use it for newsletters, special offers, and updates, while individuals rely on it for everyday communication. But many email tools come with high costs, limited features, or strict rules. That’s where BillionMail steps in—an open-source email server built for intelligent marketing that’s free, flexible, and easy to use. In this post, we’ll walk you through what BillionMail is, how it works, and how you can set it up to take control of your email needs.

What is BillionMail?

BillionMail is a free, open-source email server designed to help you send and manage emails smarter. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to run email campaigns—think newsletters, promotions, or order confirmations—without relying on pricey services. Beyond just sending emails, it offers tools to track how your emails perform and manage your contacts, all while keeping things simple and under your control.

So, what’s an email server? It’s the system that powers email delivery, like a digital post office. BillionMail goes further by adding marketing features, such as data tracking and ready-to-use templates, making it a one-stop shop for email tasks.

Key Features of BillionMail

Here’s what you can do with BillionMail:

• Send All Kinds of Emails: Create newsletters, promotional deals, or transactional messages like receipts.
• Track Performance: See how many emails were delivered, opened, or clicked on.
• Organize Contacts: Keep your customer list neat and accessible.
• Host It Yourself: Run it on your own server for full ownership.

If you’re curious about a tool that’s free yet packed with features, BillionMail might be worth a look. Let’s explore why it’s different.

Why BillionMail Stands Out

With so many email options available, why pick BillionMail? Here’s what makes it special, based on its design and capabilities.

1. Free and Open-Source

BillionMail doesn’t cost a penny. It’s open-source, meaning its code is free for anyone to use or change. It uses the AGPLv3 license (check the LICENSE file for details), so there are no hidden fees or limits holding you back. You can tweak it to fit your needs without worry.

2. Smart Analytics

Knowing how your emails perform is key to improving them. BillionMail gives you:

• Delivery Rate: Confirms if your emails reached inboxes.
• Open Rate: Shows how many people opened them.
• Click-Through Rate: Tracks who clicked links inside.

These details let you adjust your approach with real facts, not guesses.

3. No Sending Limits

Unlike many services that cap how many emails you can send—or charge more to lift those caps—BillionMail lets you send as much as your server can handle. It’s great for anyone with a big audience.

4. Easy-to-Use Templates

Not a designer? No problem. BillionMail offers customizable templates that look good and work well. You can adjust them to match your style without starting from scratch.

5. Your Data, Your Rules

Privacy matters. By running BillionMail on your own server, you keep your data safe and private. No third parties can peek at your emails or contacts, which is a big plus if security is a priority.

6. Full Control with Self-Hosting

Self-hosting means you set up BillionMail on your own server instead of using someone else’s system. This gives you the freedom to customize it however you like and keep everything in-house.

(The BillionMail banner highlights its clean, user-friendly design—professional and approachable.)

How to Set Up BillionMail

Ready to try it? Installing BillionMail is straightforward, with two methods to choose from: a simple script or Docker. Both are beginner-friendly, and I’ll guide you step by step.

Option 1: Installation Script (Easiest)

This method uses a script that does most of the work for you, including setting up Docker. You’ll need a server with internet access. Here’s how:

1. Open your server’s terminal (a text-based tool common on Linux systems).
2. Type this command and hit Enter:

cd /opt && git clone https://github.com/aaPanel/BillionMail && cd BillionMail && bash install.sh

3. Wait a few minutes while it installs everything.

That’s it! This is the fastest way to get started, perfect if you want simplicity.

Option 2: Docker Setup

If you’re comfortable with Docker or want more control, use this method. Docker is a tool that runs software in isolated containers. Here’s what to do:

1. Make sure your server has Docker and docker-compose-plugin installed (visit the Docker website if you need help setting them up).
2. Open your terminal and run:

cd /opt && git clone https://github.com/aaPanel/BillionMail && cd BillionMail && cp env_init .env && docker compose up -d || docker-compose up -d

3. Before running, open the .env file to tweak settings like ports or your domain name. The official docs explain what each option does.
4. Once finished, BillionMail starts quietly in the background.

After setup, check it out at https://demo.billionmail.com/billionmail. Log in with the username and password: billionmail.

Want a visual walkthrough? Watch this installation video on BiliBili: Installation Guide.

Managing BillionMail

Once it’s running, BillionMail comes with handy commands to keep things smooth. Here’s a quick look at the basics:

These commands are simple—like typing bm update to keep your software current. It’s as easy as updating a phone app.

Webmail Made Simple

BillionMail includes RoundCube, a webmail tool that lets you manage emails right from your browser. Just go to /roundcube/ on your server (like yourdomain.com/roundcube/), and you’re ready to send or check emails. No extra apps needed—perfect for quick access anywhere.

Who Should Use BillionMail?

Wondering if this fits your needs? Here’s who can get the most out of it:

• Small Business Owners: Save money while sending professional emails to customers.
• Marketers: Use detailed tracking to make campaigns more effective.
• Tech Hobbyists: Enjoy experimenting with servers and open-source tools.
• Privacy Fans: Keep your email data secure on your own system.

Whether you’re new to tech or a seasoned user, BillionMail adapts to what you need.

How to Support BillionMail

BillionMail thrives because of its community. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to help—every bit counts. Here’s how:

1. Star It on GitHub: Head to GitHub and click the star button to show support.
2. Tell Others: Share it with friends or online to spread the word.
3. Give Feedback: Got ideas? Post them as issues on GitHub—the team listens.
4. Add Code: If you code, watch for updates on how to contribute directly.

Your support keeps BillionMail growing and useful for everyone.

Common Questions Answered

New tools often spark questions. Here are answers to some you might have:

1. How do I install BillionMail?

Choose the script or Docker method—both are explained above.

2. What can it do?

Send emails, track results, manage contacts, and offer templates and webmail.

3. Is it actually free?

Yes, it’s 100% free under the AGPLv3 license.

4. Can I use my own server?

Yes, it’s built for self-hosting on your own setup.

5. How do I update it?

Run bm update to stay current.

6. Does it have webmail?

Yes, RoundCube lets you manage emails online.

7. What if I forget my login?

Use bm default to see the default username and password.

8. Does it work in multiple languages?

Yes, it supports Chinese, English, and Japanese, with easy switching.

9. How can I help out?

Star it, share it, suggest improvements, or code—see the section above.

10. What’s the license?

AGPLv3, meaning it’s free to use, modify, and share. Details are in the LICENSE file.

Why BillionMail Matters

After looking at countless email tools, BillionMail feels refreshing. It’s free, yes, but it also hands you the reins—saving cash and boosting control. Whether you’re reaching customers, testing tech, or guarding your privacy, it’s a practical choice that’s easy to start with.

Why not test it out? Install BillionMail and see how it simplifies email marketing. If you need help, the GitHub community is there to back you up.

The Road Ahead with BillionMail

BillionMail isn’t just an email server—it’s a tool for smarter communication. Its open-source nature means it can grow with your ideas, and its features make email marketing approachable for anyone. From sending unlimited emails to digging into analytics, it’s built to last and adapt.

Take a moment to explore it. Set up your server, play with the templates, and track your results. You might find it’s the email solution you’ve been looking for.

BillionMail – Powering Open-Source Email Marketing for Everyone.

Official Website |
GitHub Repository |
Installation Video