listmonk
listmonk is a self-hosted, open-source newsletter and mailing list manager built in Go. It runs as a single binary with PostgreSQL as its database, offering campaign management, subscriber management, and transactional email capabilities through a modern web dashboard.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | knadh/listmonk |
| Owner | knadh |
| Primary language | Go |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 22k |
| Forks | 2.4k |
| Open issues | 98 |
| Latest release | v6.2.0 (2026-06-26) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-08 |
| Source | https://github.com/knadh/listmonk |
What listmonk is
Go-based single-binary application with Vue frontend (Buefy UI), PostgreSQL data store, and support for SMTP, SMS gateway, and transactional email workflows. Installable via Docker Compose, standalone binary, or custom deployment; exposes HTTP API on port 9000 by default.
Get the listmonk source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/knadh/listmonk.gitcd listmonk# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- PostgreSQL installation and maintenance is mandatory; plan for backups, monitoring, and disaster recovery.
- Default port 9000 and authentication configuration should be reviewed before production deployment; reverse proxy (nginx, Caddy) recommended for TLS termination.
- AGPL-3.0 license requires that any modifications or derivative works distributed must include source code; internal-only deployments are not affected, but SaaS offerings or redistributions must comply.
- Single-binary deployment simplifies initial setup but requires operational discipline for config management, logging, and version upgrades.
- Memory and CPU footprint scales with subscriber count and campaign send rates; load testing recommended before large-scale production use.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Managed SaaS preference — If your team prioritizes zero operational overhead and is willing to accept vendor dependency, managed alternatives (Mailchimp, ConvertKit) require no infrastructure management.
- Advanced CRM integration — listmonk is a mailing list manager, not a full CRM. Teams needing deep lead scoring, sales pipeline tracking, or complex automation workflows should evaluate Hubspot, Pipedrive, or similar platforms.
- No database administration capacity — Self-hosting requires basic PostgreSQL administration skills (backups, upgrades, monitoring). Teams lacking DevOps resources may struggle with operational complexity.
- Commercial closed-source requirement — AGPL-3.0 imposes copyleft obligations; organizations unable or unwilling to comply with source code disclosure requirements must seek commercial licensing or alternatives.
License & commercial use
listmonk is licensed under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0), a copyleft license. Use of the software triggers source code disclosure obligations if the software is distributed or offered as a service to third parties. Internal-only deployments are not affected. Any modifications must be made available under the same license.
Internal, non-distributed commercial use (e.g., self-hosted newsletter platform for your own company) is permitted under AGPL-3.0. However, if you offer listmonk as a SaaS or redistribute modified versions externally, you must disclose source code and comply with copyleft terms. Commercial licensing from the maintainer may be available but requires direct inquiry. Requires review before use in any reseller or SaaS context.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Self-hosted deployment shifts security responsibility to the operator. Key considerations: PostgreSQL credentials and SMTP secrets must be secured in TOML config; reverse proxy TLS termination is strongly advised; AGPL-3.0 source code is publicly available on GitHub, enabling community audit but also public vulnerability disclosure. No mention of vulnerability disclosure policy, security audit history, or cryptographic controls in excerpt. Review authentication mechanisms (login/session management) and data encryption practices (in-transit, at-rest) before production deployment.
Alternatives to consider
Mailchimp
Managed SaaS with freemium pricing, broader integrations, and zero infrastructure overhead; best for teams avoiding self-hosting but accepting vendor lock-in and data hosting outside their control.
PostalServer / Postal
Open-source, self-hosted email service with similar AGPL licensing; broader focus on transactional email than listmonk; steeper operational complexity but more feature-rich for hybrid use cases.
Open-source marketing automation platform (GPL-3.0) with email, CRM, and lead scoring; heavier than listmonk but suitable for organizations needing unified campaign + CRM workflows.
Build on listmonk with DEV.co software developers
Evaluate listmonk for your organization. Review AGPL-3.0 licensing requirements, PostgreSQL infrastructure, and operational readiness before deployment. Run the live demo or local Docker test first.
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listmonk FAQ
Can we use listmonk for a SaaS product without open-sourcing our code?
What's the minimum infrastructure needed?
Is there a managed hosting option?
How does it compare to our existing marketing platform?
Software developers & web developers for hire
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like listmonk into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source devops stack.
Ready to self-host your mailing list?
Evaluate listmonk for your organization. Review AGPL-3.0 licensing requirements, PostgreSQL infrastructure, and operational readiness before deployment. Run the live demo or local Docker test first.