I need help finding a web-based email application that I can set up on my hosting account. I’m specifically looking for something built with either PHP or ASP.NET that will work on shared hosting plans.
The main reason I need this is because my workplace blocks access to Gmail, but I still need to check my Google email during work hours. I want to install this on one of my domain names so I can access my Gmail account through a different interface.
What I’m hoping to find:
- Threading/conversation view like Gmail has
- Label system for organizing messages
- Ability to star important emails
- Generally similar layout and features to Gmail’s interface
- Compatible with my current productivity system
Has anyone used something like this before? I’d really appreciate any recommendations for webmail clients that offer these Gmail-like features and can be installed on standard shared hosting.
Had the same problem at my old job - corporate firewall blocked all the usual webmail sites. I tried a bunch of options and ended up going with RainLoop. It connects to Gmail through IMAP and looks pretty similar to the real Gmail interface. Super easy to set up on shared hosting - just upload the files and run through the setup wizard. The email threading isn’t perfect compared to Gmail, but it groups related messages well enough. Make sure you enable 2FA on your Google account and generate an app password for the IMAP connection - way more secure than using your main password. Been using it for about a year now and it’s been solid, though large attachments can be slow on cheaper shared hosting.
Check out SnappyMail - it’s basically RainLoop’s successor and handles Gmail pretty well. The interface feels more modern than Roundcube. Works fine on most shared hosts, but you’ll need to set up OAuth2 for Gmail since they killed basic auth. Installation’s straightforward, just make sure to back up your settings in case your host updates PHP versions.
Check out Roundcube - it’s been around forever and works great with Gmail through IMAP. The interface isn’t exactly like Gmail, but it’s got conversation threading and folders that work like labels. I’ve run it on tons of shared hosting accounts without problems. Setup’s pretty easy if you know basic PHP. Just heads up - Google tightened their security lately, so you’ll need to enable ‘Less secure app access’ or use OAuth2 depending on your account. Performance has been solid for me, though search isn’t as good as Gmail’s. Mobile view works fine too if you need phone access.