Your hosting account provides access to webmail applications for managing email directly in the browser. The three most common options are Roundcube, Horde, and (on older servers) SquirrelMail. This guide compares their features to help you choose the right one.
Overview
- Roundcube -- Modern, fast, and lightweight. The most popular choice for everyday email use.
- Horde -- A full-featured groupware suite with calendar, tasks, notes, and advanced email management.
- SquirrelMail -- A legacy webmail client. Simple but outdated; rarely available on modern servers.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Roundcube | Horde | SquirrelMail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | Three-pane layout with preview pane | Three-pane layout with preview pane, mobile interface available | Two-pane list format, basic styling |
| Email Composition | HTML and plain text, attachments, spell check, drag-and-drop attachments | HTML and plain text, attachments, spell check, rich text editor | Plain text only, attachments, basic spell check |
| Address Book | Personal address book, LDAP support, group management, vCard import/export | Personal and shared address books, LDAP, TurboSync support | Basic personal address book |
| Calendar & Tasks | Calendar via plugin (if enabled by admin) | Built-in calendar, task list, event reminders, shared calendars | Not available |
| Folder & Message Management | Drag-and-drop, folders, message flags, search, threaded view, email archiving | Folders, message flags, search, threaded view, email archiving, mail filters (sieve), sharing | Folders, basic search, message flags |
| Plugins & Extensibility | Extensive plugin library; admins can add custom features | Modular design with add-on applications (Turba, Kronolith, Nag, Mnemo) | Limited plugin support |
| Performance | Fast and lightweight, minimal server resources | Heavier -- more features require more server resources | Very lightweight, but dated |
| Security | Regularly updated, active development, TLS support | Regularly updated, TLS support, PGP encryption via plugin | Minimal updates, no longer actively maintained |
Recommendations
- Choose Roundcube if you want a fast, modern interface for everyday email. It is the best default choice for most users and works well on both desktop and mobile browsers.
- Choose Horde if you need integrated calendar, task management, shared resources, or advanced mail filtering (Sieve). It is ideal for business users or teams.
- SquirrelMail is not recommended for active use. It is provided for legacy compatibility only and lacks modern security features.
Important Notes
- You can switch between webmail applications at any time -- your emails, folders, and server-side settings remain unchanged.
- Contacts and calendars are stored separately by each application. Contacts saved in Roundcube will not appear in Horde and vice versa.
- Feature availability depends on your hosting provider's configuration. Some plugins (e.g., PGP, calendar) may not be enabled.
Troubleshooting
- Webmail option not showing in cPanel: Contact your hosting provider to verify which webmail clients are installed.
- Slow performance in Horde: Horde uses more server resources. Try Roundcube for a lighter experience, or clear your browser cache.
- Missing features: Some features require server-side plugins. Check with your hosting provider or system administrator.
