Local email testing: catch every email before it leaves your machine.
A desktop app with a built-in SMTP server. Every email your app sends during development is caught locally, previewed across devices, tested in dark mode, and inspected down to raw headers. No cloud. No subscription.
Works with any framework
Two lines of config. That’s it.
[00] Interactive demo
Try the local inbox right now.
A working replica of LocalMail.dev. Click emails, star them, switch collections, toggle dark mode, replay through SMTP.
[01] What is LocalMail.dev?
Email testing that never leaves your machine
LocalMail.dev is a local email testing tool for software developers. It runs a real SMTP server directly on your machine, intercepting every email your application sends during development before it can reach a real inbox or an external cloud service.
Unlike cloud-based mail catchers such as Mailtrap or Mailhog, LocalMail.dev is a native desktop application. Point any framework at localhost:1025 and every outgoing email appears instantly in a local inbox.
[02] Skills & features
Everything you need to test emails locally
Stop sending test emails to cloud services. LocalMail.dev runs entirely on your machine. Fast, private, and always available offline.
[03] How it works
Running in under a minute
No cloud accounts, no DNS records, no API keys.
[04] Comparison
LocalMail.dev vs cloud email testing services
Cloud services like Mailtrap charge monthly, require internet access, and store your email data on external servers. LocalMail.dev is a one-time purchase that runs entirely offline.
Works with every framework that supports SMTP
If it can send an email over SMTP, LocalMail.dev will catch it.
[05] FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a local SMTP server and why do developers use one?
A local SMTP server is a mail transfer agent that runs on your development machine. Developers use one to intercept outgoing emails from their applications without sending anything to a real inbox or a cloud service. It lets you test transactional emails, verify template rendering, and debug header issues safely during development.
How is LocalMail.dev different from Mailtrap?
Mailtrap is a cloud-based email testing service that requires an account, stores your email data on external servers, and charges a monthly subscription fee. LocalMail.dev is a native desktop application that runs a real SMTP server on your machine. All email data stays local, works offline, and costs $14.95 once with no ongoing fees.
Does LocalMail.dev work with Laravel mail testing?
Yes. Set MAIL_HOST=localhost and MAIL_PORT=1025 in your .env file and every email sent via Laravel's Mail facade or Mailables is captured by LocalMail.dev instantly. No credentials required.
Can I use LocalMail.dev without an internet connection?
Yes. LocalMail.dev is fully offline after the initial download and licence activation. The SMTP server runs locally on your machine at all times, requiring no network access.
What platforms does LocalMail.dev support?
LocalMail.dev is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. One licence covers up to three personal machines simultaneously.
Is there a free trial?
LocalMail.dev does not offer a free trial, but it does come with a 14-day no-questions-asked refund policy. If it does not fit your workflow within 14 days, email [email protected] for a full refund.