Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What is TurboMTA?

TurboMTA is a self-hosted Mail Transfer Agent written in Go. It accepts mail over SMTP or a REST API, queues it in Redis, signs it with DKIM and delivers it from your own IP addresses, with a real-time dashboard. You run it on your own VPS or PC.

Is TurboMTA an alternative to PowerMTA?

It is an independent product that covers similar ground: SMTP delivery, virtual MTAs and IP pools, DKIM signing and per-domain rate limits. It is not affiliated with PowerMTA or Bird. PowerMTA is far more established; TurboMTA is newer, and we say so on our comparison page.

How much does TurboMTA cost?

A single one-time payment per licence: $249 for Linux, $249 for Windows, or $299 for the Linux + Windows bundle. There is no per-message fee and no yearly renewal for the licence. One licence covers one PC or server.

What does the free setup include?

Give us SSH access to your VPS and we install and configure TurboMTA for you: mail configuration, a sending policy that respects your VPS provider's limits, and the DNS records you need (handled through a support ticket for your domain). You can also configure everything yourself.

Which operating systems are supported?

Linux and Windows. Each purchase is for one operating system and one PC or server, or choose the bundle for both.

What server do I need?

A VPS or PC with a public IP address and outbound port 25 open. TurboMTA is designed for modest hardware; we recommend at least 2 GB of RAM. A domain you control is needed for DKIM, SPF and DMARC records.

Why is port 25 blocked and what can I do?

Many VPS providers block outbound port 25 by default to limit abuse. Ask your provider to unblock it, or choose a provider that allows it. We cannot unblock it for you, but we will tell you what to ask for and set a sending policy that fits the limits your provider gives you.

Does it handle SPF, DKIM and DMARC?

TurboMTA signs mail with DKIM and guides you through the SPF, DMARC and reverse-DNS (PTR) records that mailbox providers expect. DNS changes are made by you or, with the free setup, through a support ticket. Correct records improve deliverability but never guarantee it.

Can I rotate IP addresses?

Yes. VirtualMTA IP pools let you spread sending across IP addresses you own or rent, with per-domain rate limits and backoff. Always stay within your provider's rules and warm new IPs up gradually.

Is there a REST API?

Yes. TurboMTA has a native REST API for injecting mail and managing the server, alongside standard SMTP.

Can I use it for bulk or marketing email?

Only for recipients who have a lawful basis or have consented, with working unsubscribe handling and honest headers. Spam, purchased or scraped lists, phishing and other abuse are prohibited and end your access to support. See the acceptable-use policy.

Does the licence expire, and what about updates and support?

The licence itself is a one-time payment with no renewal, and setup help is free with every purchase. Optional Annual Support and Updates ($149) adds 12 months of priority support, version updates and a configuration review session; the Linux + Windows bundle includes 12 months of priority support. Support and updates need an active licence.