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Ask HN: Looking for a Backup Email Relay

9 points by litoE ↗ HN
We operate a self-hosted email server, just a few users and very low volume. Our server delivers most of our outbound email directly to the destination servers, but, for various reasons, email from us to a few servers sometimes gets rejected. Up to now, the workaround has been to also have a Google G Suite account for our domain, and use the Google server to relay our email to those finicky domains. With Google G Suite/Workspace no longer being "free forever", we are looking for an alternative relaying server. Volume is minimal, probable fewer than 10 relayed emails per day. Any suggestions appreciated.

5 comments

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tiernano
2 Options: 1: Exchange Online Protection: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-365/exchange/excha.... It can also filter incoming email before it gets to your main server. looks to be around $1 per user per month... 2: Migadu: https://www.migadu.com. their micro plan allows you to run multiple domains, but is limited on outbound email numbers... they act as your in and outgoing provider... its about $20 for the year...

Neither option is free, but at least someone won't pull the plug on the service... to an extent...

slowbdotro
If volume low, a cheap option would be to use Postmark (buy credits not their subscription). I have nothing but good things to say about them.

Otherwise, as you are already self hosting, getting a new box in a different datacentre (and provider) and use that for relaying could be an option. A tiny 1cpu, 512mb with an IP whitelist to your main server wouldnt set you back much. I bought a 2cpu 1GB for $40 annually.

Ir0nMan
migadu.com may be of interest to you. They are known for inexpensive low volume email for your domain.