Migadu vs SHIPMAIL: email hosting compared for multi-domain setups

If the setup is many domains with basic mailboxes, Migadu is a solid choice. If the team needs shared inboxes and mailbox-based pricing, SHIPMAIL is the better fit. The deciding factor is whether the workflow involves team collaboration or just basic email presence.

By Julien
March 9, 2026
MigaduMultiple domainsFlat pricing

Migadu: unlimited domains, flat pricing, basic mailboxes

SHIPMAIL: flat pricing, shared inbox built in, mailbox-based plans

The gap: Migadu has no shared inbox. SHIPMAIL structures plans around mailbox tiers.

Rust-based mail engine, independently audited by Radically Open Security. Open protocols, no lock-in.

When SHIPMAIL is the better choice

SHIPMAIL is the better choice when the team needs to collaborate on shared addresses across domains. Agencies managing client email, startups with multiple brands, and teams with operational inboxes all benefit from having shared inbox built into the email host.

The mailbox-based pricing also makes more sense when the setup involves active mailboxes with team access rather than just domain-level forwarding.

When Migadu is still the better choice

Migadu is the better choice for setups with many domains and minimal collaboration needs. A domain portfolio holder who needs basic email presence on 20+ domains with mostly forwarding and a few mailboxes will find Migadu's unlimited-domain model more economical.

Migadu also appeals to technical users who appreciate its transparency and simplicity.

Verdict

For team workflows with shared inboxes, SHIPMAIL. For domain-heavy basic setups, Migadu. The pricing unit tells the story: if you care more about mailbox collaboration, choose the mailbox-based product. If you care more about domain coverage, choose the domain-based product.

FactorSHIPMAILMigadu
Pricing modelFlat plan (mailbox-based tiers)Flat plan (domain + message limits)
Entry cost$4/mo for 3 mailboxes$9/mo (Micro, unlimited domains)
Shared inboxBuilt inNot available
Domain handlingIncluded in planUnlimited on all plans
Best fitTeams needing shared inboxes across domainsDomain-heavy setups with basic forwarding and mailboxes

Pricing breakdown

Last verified March 2026

1 domain, 3 mailboxes

SHIPMAIL

$4/mo (Solo)

Migadu

$9/mo (Micro)

SHIPMAIL is cheaper for simple setups.

5 domains, 10 mailboxes, team access

SHIPMAIL

$9/mo (Pro)

Migadu

$9/mo + no shared inbox

Same price, but SHIPMAIL includes shared inbox for 5 team members.

20 domains, basic forwarding

SHIPMAIL

$29/mo (Team)

Migadu

$9/mo (Micro)

Migadu is cheaper when the need is many domains with few active mailboxes.

FAQ

Questions worth answering.

Common questions about choosing between SHIPMAIL and Migadu.

Why compare mailbox-based pricing to domain-based pricing?
Because the pricing unit determines which setup is cheaper. Teams with operational mailboxes and shared access save with SHIPMAIL. Setups with many domains and few active mailboxes save with Migadu.
What is SHIPMAIL's clearest edge over Migadu?
Shared inbox support. Migadu does not offer team collaboration on shared addresses.
When does Migadu still make sense?
When the setup involves many domains with basic forwarding and mailbox needs, and shared inbox collaboration is not part of the workflow.