How to Host Your Own Email Server with Hostinger’s VPS and CyberPanel

Business owners typically use pre-configured mail servers from third-party providers to host their mailing services. While they are sufficient for some users, others might need higher flexibility and control. For such users, self-hosting email servers can be a better option. In addition to providing complete control over the service, they are more secure since each account has a dedicated, isolated environment.

Why Host Your Own Email Server?

A self-hosted email server requires some technical expertise to set up and manage. However, it has many benefits compared to a third-party service:

Control. Users can choose a mail transfer agent (MTA), set up any email server software, and customize the features.
Data privacy. A VPS provides each account with an isolated environment, improving email server privacy.
Reputation. A free email provider usually lacks a dedicated IP address, impacting deliverability.
Cost efficiency. A self-hosted server can host more email accounts and provide more storage.
Scalability. Users can scale up their private email server hardware and set up a load balancer.
Security. A self-hosted server is safer when properly configured since users can implement any security measures and firewall rules based on their needs.

How to Host Your Own Mail Server

In this section, we will explain the steps on how to host your own private email server, from purchasing a VPS hosting plan to sending a test email.

1. Select the Right VPS Plan

While you can host an email service on a personal computer, managing it requires more time and effort. Email hosting on a VPS is simpler since the provider will set up and manage the hardware. To pick the best VPS hosting provider and plan for your needs, consider resources, reliability and uptime, dedicated IP, and management tool. Hostinger offers reliable VPS KVM plans starting at $4.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Set Up Your Virtual Private Server

After purchasing a plan, complete the setup process by entering a hostname, selecting a server location, and choosing an operating system. Hostinger’s hPanel makes it easy to set up your VPS with AlmaLinux 9 and CyberPanel.

3. Point the Domain to Your Mail Server

Purchase a domain from Hostinger and configure the DNS settings to point to your mail server. Create child nameservers and set the VPS IP address as the A record for your domain.

4. Create a Website Container

Create an empty website as a container using CyberPanel. This is essential for domain binding and DNS configuration.

5. Create Nameservers in CyberPanel

Create nameservers in CyberPanel to connect your mailing service with the domain. This will generate all the necessary DNS records, including MX.

6. Issue an SSL Certificate for the Domain

Enable secure email hosting by issuing a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for your domain through CyberPanel.

7. Set Up Reverse DNS for Your VPS

Improve message deliverability by setting up reverse DNS, allowing other mail servers to track back your server IP address using the domain.

8. Create Your Email Account

Create your mail address in CyberPanel and configure the SMTP and POP3/IMAP server settings for email client setup.

9. Test Your Email Server

Send and receive test emails to ensure your email server is working properly. Use CyberPanel’s built-in webmail client and online tools like Mail Tester to check deliverability and spam score.

Hosting email on a Linux server provides users with control, flexibility, and higher performance. Follow these steps to host your own email server with Hostinger’s VPS and CyberPanel. Good luck!

Host Your Own Email Server FAQ

In this section, we will answer several questions about hosting a private email server.

Is It Worth Hosting Your Own Email Server?

It depends on your needs. Self-hosting your personal email server is worth the effort if you prioritize control, flexibility, and scalability. However, email hosting services are more suitable if you want a preconfigured and simple solution.

How Much Does It Cost to Host Your Own Email Server?

The cost of VPS email hosting depends on the provider. For example, Hostinger VPS plans start at $4.99/month. Also, consider other fees like domain subscriptions and software licenses. We don’t recommend using a personal machine since setting up and maintaining it requires a lot of effort.

Is Hosting My Own Email Server Secure?

A self-hosted mail server is secure if you configure it properly, like installing an SSL certificate and enabling a firewall. Conversely, DIY email hosting is more prone to cyber attacks when misconfigured since the user is responsible for managing all the security aspects.

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