What is phpList?
phpList is an open-source mailing list manager for creating, sending and analyzing newsletters and email campaigns. It is written in PHP, stores its data in MySQL or MariaDB and runs on standard shared or virtual PHP hosting, which makes it one of the easiest open-source newsletter tools to install. It has been developed since 2000 and is used by nonprofits, community groups and small organizations with long-lived lists.
The software is free under the AGPLv3 license, with no license cost when self-hosted. A paid hosted option is also available from phpList.com for teams that do not want to run a server. Version 3.7.0, the latest stable release, shipped in August 2026.
phpList at a glance
How does phpList work?
- Install it on PHP hosting
Install phpList on any standard Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP host, or use the hosted option from phpList.com.
- Create lists and subscription pages
Set up one or more lists with subscription pages you can embed in your website.
- Import subscribers
Import contacts and let new subscribers join through double opt-in pages.
- Compose and send campaigns
Write campaigns, schedule the send and let phpList throttle delivery and handle bounces.
- Review the results
Check opens, clicks, bounces and unsubscribes for each campaign.
phpList key features
Multiple mailing lists
Run several lists from one install, each with its own subscription page.
Double opt-in
Mature subscription management with confirmed opt-in and automated unsubscribe handling.
Bounce handling
Detailed bounce rules that clean bad addresses from your lists automatically.
Sending throttling
Control send speed so shared hosts and sending providers stay within their limits.
Plugin system
Extend phpList with community plugins for extra sending, editing and reporting features.
Campaign analytics
Track opens, clicks and unsubscribes per campaign.
Why use phpList?
- Free under AGPLv3, with no license cost when self-hosted.
- Runs on ordinary PHP and MySQL hosting, so almost any cheap web host works.
- Subscription management and double opt-in are mature after more than two decades of use.
- Bounce rules and throttling suit shared hosting and small sending providers.
- A hosted option exists for teams that do not want to run a server.
Who is phpList best for?
A good fit for
- Nonprofits and community groups running a long-lived list on standard PHP hosting
- Small organizations that want a stable, no-cost newsletter tool
- Teams with several lists that need separate subscription pages
- Anyone on shared hosting who needs throttled sending and bounce handling
Less suited to
- Teams that want a modern visual editor or drag-and-drop builder
- Marketers who need visual automation or branching journeys
- Publishers who want paid memberships or a full publishing platform
phpList pricing
| Pricing model | Free open source |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes |
| Free trial | Not confirmed |
| Starting price | Free (self-hosted; you pay for hosting and sending) |
phpList is free software under AGPLv3 with no license cost when self-hosted. You pay for PHP hosting and for the service that delivers your mail. A paid hosted option is available from phpList.com for teams that prefer not to run a server.
Prices checked November 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official phpList pricing page before you buy.
phpList pros and cons
Pros
- Free under AGPLv3 with no license cost when self-hosted
- Runs on standard PHP and MySQL hosting, including shared hosts
- Mature subscription management, double opt-in and bounce rules
- Stable release 3.7.0 shipped in August 2026
Cons
- Interface looks dated next to newer tools
- Basic campaign builder with no drag-and-drop editor
- Automation is limited to scheduled sends, with no visual journeys
phpList integrations and platforms
Works with
Available on
phpList alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best Newsletter Platforms.
phpList FAQ
Is phpList free?
Yes. phpList is free and open-source software under the AGPLv3 license, with no license cost when you self-host it. You still pay for PHP hosting and for the service that delivers your mail. A paid hosted option is also available from phpList.com.
What license does phpList use?
phpList is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3. If you modify it and offer the modified version to others over a network, the license requires you to share those changes. Running it unmodified for your own lists carries no such duty.
What do I need to run phpList?
You need standard PHP hosting with a MySQL or MariaDB database and a cron job for scheduled sends. Because it runs on ordinary LAMP hosting, most shared hosts work, and you do not need a dedicated server.
Is phpList still maintained?
Yes. phpList version 3.7.0, the latest stable release, shipped on August 10, 2026, and development continues on its public repository.
Sources
This overview is based on phpList's official website and documentation, checked November 2026.