Kolab Groupware vs ZenTao
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted groupware options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Kolab Groupware
Open-source groupware server with mail and calendaring
VS
ZenTao
Open-source project and team collaboration platform
| Feature | Kolab Groupware | ZenTao |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Groupware | Groupware |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | PHP | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 2,048 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, docker | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 200 | ★ 1,665 |
| First released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Replaces | Microsoft Exchange, Zimbra | Jira, Confluence |
Why pick each one
Choose Kolab Groupware if…
- Built on proven components
- Strong standards support
Frequently asked questions
Is Kolab Groupware or ZenTao better?
ZenTao is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider Kolab Groupware if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Kolab Groupware and ZenTao free and open-source?
Yes. Kolab Groupware is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and ZenTao under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Kolab Groupware and ZenTao with Docker?
Kolab Groupware: yes. ZenTao: yes.