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Amavis

Email Security

Open Source
Free Tier
E
Enterprise
Self-hosted
OpenMSP Score
50
30
Reddit Impact Score
Github Score
1
1Stars
2Forks
2Commits
GNU General Public License v2.0License
Feb 12, 2015Last commit

Alternative Vendors

Rspamd
Rspamd
SpamAssassin
SpamAssassin
Piler
Piler
MailScanner
MailScanner

Commercial Alternatives

Barracuda Email Security
Barracuda Email Security
Mimecast Email Security
Mimecast Email Security
Proofpoint Essentials
Proofpoint Essentials
Amavis is an open-source content filter for email that integrates with mail transfer agents. It provides virus scanning, spam detection, and content filtering with support for various anti-virus engines and spam detection tools.
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Key Features

High-performance interface between mailer and content checkers

Optimized interface between Mail Transfer Agent and content analysis tools including spam and antivirus scanners, with high-throughput processing capabilities.

Policy-based message processing

Flexible policy engine processes messages based on sender, recipient, content, and other criteria, enabling complex filtering rules and compliance requirements.

Antivirus engine integration

Seamless integration with multiple antivirus engines for comprehensive malware detection with automatic signature updates and health monitoring.

Spam scoring and filtering

Advanced spam detection using multiple techniques including statistical analysis, pattern matching, and real-time blacklist checking.

Quarantine and notification system

Automated quarantine of suspicious messages with configurable notification policies for administrators and end-users.

Performance optimization

Optimized for high-volume email processing with connection pooling, process management, and efficient resource utilization.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Content filter framework

Flexible framework for content filtering

Multiple scanner integration

Can use multiple virus scanners simultaneously

MTA integration

Seamless integration with major MTAs like Postfix

Open source

Free and open source with community support

SpamAssassin integration

Works well with SpamAssassin for spam filtering

Cons

Complex configuration

Configuration can be complex and daunting

Resource intensive

Can be resource-heavy with multiple scanners

Limited GUI

No native graphical interface

Maintenance overhead

Requires regular maintenance and updates

Feature Comparison

Comments

Armina RustamiSecureFlow Hub

Armina Rustami • SecureFlow Hub

Jun 22, 2025

Solid email filtering for MSP clients

We use Amavis for several small business clients who need reliable email security without enterprise costs. Setup takes some Linux knowledge but works well once configured. Spam filtering is effective and virus scanning integrates nicely with ClamAV. Not fancy but gets the job done.

Alina DimitrovaDataGuard Central

Alina Dimitrova • DataGuard Central

Jun 19, 2025

Good performance but requires tuning

Deployed Amavis for multiple client mail servers. Performance is solid under load and the logging is detailed for troubleshooting. Configuration can be complex and documentation could be better. Works well as part of a complete mail security stack for cost-conscious clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

OpenMSP is The MSP Knowledge Hub & Community Platform designed specifically for Managed Service Providers seeking to optimize their technology stack, reduce vendor costs, and discover open-source alternatives. We combine a comprehensive vendor directory, open-source solution catalog, and integrated community discussions to help MSPs make informed decisions.
Yes, completely free. Browse vendors and tools, read comparisons, and join community discussions - no cost, no registration required. OpenMSP is community-supported and focused on empowering MSPs to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through open-source technology.
We help MSPs identify cost-effective alternatives to expensive commercial solutions, provide transparent vendor information, and connect you with proven open-source alternatives. Our platform enables MSPs to make informed decisions about their technology investments.
No account required for browsing vendors, reading comparisons, or accessing community content. Creating a free account with SSO (Microsoft, Google, or Slack) allows you to participate in discussions and save your favorite tools.

Platform Information

OpenMSP is currently community-supported. We focus on providing value to the MSP community first. Any future monetization will keep the core platform free for MSPs while maintaining our independence and commitment to unbiased information.
We focus exclusively on MSP needs with transparent vendor information and open-source alternatives. No vendor partnerships or sponsored listings - just honest, community-driven information to help MSPs make better technology decisions. Our biggest value is our community where MSPs help each other with questions, setup guidance, and sharing real-world experiences.
Our community of MSP professionals helps verify and update information. We also maintain direct research on tools and vendors to ensure accuracy. Community members can report outdated information, and we work to keep everything current.
OpenMSP was founded by Michael Assraf, who has extensive experience in the MSP industry and product leadership. As the former CEO & Founder of Vicarius, Michael grew a startup from $0 to $9M ARR with 500+ customers and deep experience working with MSPs, partners, and fundraising. OpenMSP represents his commitment to empowering the MSP community through better technology decisions and cost optimization.

Open-Source Tools & Alternatives

We assess tools based on active development, community size, documentation quality, production deployments by MSPs, and available support options. Tools must meet strict criteria for reliability and enterprise readiness.
Many open-source projects offer multiple support options including community forums, commercial support from vendors, professional services, and our community discussions where experienced MSPs share implementation guidance.