Microsoft Outlook vs Roundcube

Fit:

Migration notes

Browser webmail alternative for ordinary mailbox access using your own compatible IMAP/SMTP service. Requires server deployment; contacts and messages have import/export tools. Core Roundcube is not a replacement for the Microsoft 365 suite, hosted mailbox service, or Exchange calendar workflows; calendars are third-party additions.

Sources: roundcube.net, roundcube.net, www.microsoft.com · checked 2026-10-21

Microsoft OutlookPaid incumbent

Entry priceUSD 19.99 / account / year

Pricing modelflat, billed annual

OwnerMicrosoft Corporation

Microsoft 365 Basic, US annual price; includes ad-free Outlook and 100 GB mailbox. Free Outlook also exists; this record represents paid subscription benefits, not an OSS edition. Source

Microsoft Outlook plans reviewed
Microsoft 365 Basic	entry	USD 1.99 / person / mo
Microsoft 365 Apps for business	business	USD 120 / user / yr
Microsoft 365 E7	enterprise	USD 1,188 / user / yr

RoundcubeOpen-source alternative

Fit for Microsoft Outlook

License

GNU General Public License v3.0 Permissions of this strong copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications, which include larger works using a licensed work, under the same license. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. May Commercial useModificationDistributionPatent usePrivate use Must License and copyright noticeState changesDisclose sourceSame license No LiabilityWarranty Summary from GitHub's choosealicense.com

Paid-feature tier A

Self-host

Paid-feature limitsNone established

Roundcube plans reviewed
Roundcube core	free self-hosted webmail core	Free
Roundcube Enterprise	commercial support subscription	Quote only
Roundcube Enterprise	commercial support subscription	Quote only

What you may give up

No paid-feature limits established for this edition.

Requires a web/PHP/database deployment plus compatible IMAP and SMTP services; Roundcube alone does not provide mailbox hosting or email delivery.
Calendar and multi-account extensions are listed as third-party additions; verify their licenses and availability separately.
Hosted mail services and enterprise support can cost money without restricting the core webmail software.

Tier A: Identified edition is core Roundcube webmail: GPLv3-or-later with custom skins/plugins exception, freely deployable and listing unlimited users/messages. The exception permits separately licensed commercial plugins; such plugins are not represented as included. Nextcloud sells enterprise support/SLA and optional separate server bundles; no core webmail feature paywall identified. Hosted availability refers to independent providers listed by the project, not a first-party Roundcube SaaS. License source

What running it takes

Web server

Hover or focus an icon for its name. Dashed means not established; struck through means no; grouped icons are alternatives.

Version 1.7.5 stable confirmed on download page; deployment source is current official install documentation plus 1.7.5 composer.json. No Redis/queue/object store required by core path; mail transport separate. Infrastructure and staff time are not priced here; this page does not compare total cost.