Gmail vs Zimbra
In short: Zimbra wins on privacy, Gmail wins on price, and Gmail wins on features. The full comparison is below, last checked 22 October 2026.
Should you pick Gmail or Zimbra?
- Zimbra is the better pick if you want a provider with no advertising business behind it; an address on your own domain; and open-source apps.
| Feature | Gmail | Zimbra |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2.5 | Not rated |
| Privacy | 0.0 | Not rated |
| Price | 5.0 | Not rated |
| Features | 4.0 | Not rated |
| Cheapest plan | Free (Google One 100 GB for more space) Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month | Open source Free |
| Free plan | Yes, 15 GB shared with Drive | Open-source edition; paid Network Edition |
| Storage | 15 GB | Not confirmed |
| Your own domain | No | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | United States | United States |
| Your data is kept in | United States and worldwide | Your own server |
| Founded | 2004 | Unknown |
| Free trial | Free | Unknown |
| Funded by advertising | Yes, or its parent company is | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | Plus addressing only | Yes |
| Open-source apps | No | ✓ Yes |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
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How Gmail and Zimbra differ
- Cheapest plans: Gmail Free (Google One 100 GB for more space), Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month. Zimbra Open source, Free.
- Gmail has a free plan (15 GB shared with Drive); Zimbra has Open-source edition; paid Network Edition.
- Space: Gmail gives 15 GB of storage, Zimbra storage not confirmed.
- Gmail keeps your mail in the United States and worldwide, while Zimbra keeps it in Your own server.
- You can use your own domain with Zimbra, but not with Gmail.
- Gmail (or its parent company) makes money from advertising; Zimbra doesn't.
- Aliases: Gmail offers plus addressing only, Zimbra yes.
Gmail and Zimbra: your questions
Can I use my own domain with Gmail or Zimbra?
Only Zimbra does (Yes). With Gmail your address stays on its own domain.
Where is my email stored with Gmail and Zimbra?
Gmail keeps it in the United States and worldwide. Zimbra keeps it in Your own server.
Price changes and news
I haven't seen either change its price since I started checking on 22 October 2026.
The latest headlines: Gmail news · Zimbra news.
Alternatives to Gmail and Zimbra
Gmail vs Posteo · Zimbra vs Posteo · Gmail vs mailbox.org · Zimbra vs mailbox.org · Gmail vs Proton Mail · Zimbra vs Proton Mail
Switching between them
Moving to Gmail · Moving from Gmail. Or see all my switching guides.