We’ve covered emails in a lot of our articles ranging from titles about the best email marketing services to Android email clients and several wonderful email client apps e.g. Mailspring.
And while we have covered some email services that respect user’s privacy individually, we haven’t ranked them on a top list before.
Today, we’re placing our focus on the top email service applications you can use in 2024, here’s our list of the best privacy-focused email services. It is a mixture of free, paid, open-source, and closed-source applications arranged alphabetically.
1. CounterMail
CounterMail is a safe online email service designed to provide users with maximum security and privacy without the hassle of boring configuration settings.
With it, you can access your email account remotely via an automatically encrypted layer thanks to the awesome OpenPGP encryption protocol it implements.
Its feature highlights include MITM protection, Diskless web servers, dynamic aliases, anonymous email headers, a built-in password manager, a custom domain name, multi-platform support, and compatibility with Android phones.
CounterMail’s encryption happens automatically and doesn’t require any special computer skills. If you’re familiar with using services like Hotmail or Gmail, you’ll find CounterMail’s secure email easy to use!
Countermail is free to try for one week after which you will have to shell out about $29 every 6 months depending on your payment rate.
Before you cop this one for yourself it’s important to know its few drawbacks which are its limited storage capacity and inability to send encrypted emails to non-users.
You can access your email from anywhere in the world, and your account will always be encrypted and anonymous.
2. Criptext
Criptext is a decentralized private email service that enables users to send encrypted emails using the Open Source Signal Protocol Encryption among other nifty tasks such as real-time email tracking, unsend emails, support for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, and a beautiful user interface across platforms.
There have been rumors about subscription plans coming to Criptext with extra features for advanced users but for now, it is completely free.
If you’re familiar with Signal, the privacy-focused messaging app then you will be comfortable using Criptext.
3. Disroot
Disroot is a free platform that provides online services based on strong principles of privacy, freedom, decentralization, and federation.
They offer users no tracking, ads, profiling, or data mining in several services not limited to an online email client, cloud storage using NextCloud, document editing using Pads, decentralized instant messaging, and a private online and open-source paste bin. Disroot is 100% free to use.
4. Hushmail
Hushmail is a popular email service provider geared towards business owners and organizations.
It offers users the ability to read and compose emails online and with their smartphones with important features such as a beautiful UI, email encryption, secure web forms that are personalized and can be built using a drag-and-drop builder, built-in web hosting, and ready-made templates.
5. Librem Mail
Librem Mail is a decentralized end-to-end encrypted email service offered in the Librem One suite, a suite of connectivity applications provided by Purism.
Boasting a beautiful modern UI, it is not free and the company charges at least $7.99 for the complete app bundle.
6. Mailbox.org
Mailbox.org is developed and maintained by several companies bent on maintaining a space where users can communicate securely and freely.
Its features include custom domain names, aliases, cloud storage, anonymous usage, encrypted data transmission, ease of use, ad-free email inbox, servers located in Germany, 2GB storage space, mobile sync, etc. all for as little as €1/month.
7. Mailfence
Mailfence offers users end-to-end encryption for sending messages with features such as 2-factor authentication, a spam blocker, calendar and file storage apps, digital email signatures, and an ad-free environment, among other features.
Its free model gives users access to 500MB emails, 500MB documents, 1 group, support via email, two-factor authentication, and 1000 calendar events. The paid packages start at $3.50/month.
8. POSTEO
POSTEO is an open-source email, calendar, and address book application with an emphasis on privacy and security. Coupled with that fact, it runs on green energy, supports OpenPGP Encryption, and charges £1/month billed annually.
If you’re ready to ignore it not offering custom domains, you get an ad-free experience with an upgradable 2GB storage space, personal support, and anonymous online payments.
9. ProtonMail
ProtonMail is an open-source switzerland-based email service provider that emphasizes complete privacy, user anonymity, and data security.
ProtonMail is a convenient choice to select because of its simplicity and ease of use coupled with support for keyboard shortcuts, PGP keys, rich text formatting, no ads, and no logs.
The free version gives users access to 1GB of storage, 1 free email address, and 150 messages per day. Its Mail Plus and Proton Unlimited offer extra features such as priority support, custom email aliases, built-in VPN protection, etc.
10. Runbox
Runbox is a Norway-based company committed to providing users with privacy and security-focused email service that is flexible, stable, sustainable, and fully featured.
It is designed for businesses and corporations that don’t want their activities monitored or their data mistakenly getting into unauthorized possession.
11. StartMail
StartMail is a paid email service that offers custom domains and aliases, PGP email encryption, and disposable email addresses.
You can try it free for 7-day trial there the Personal plan price is $5/month when billed annually and the custom domain plan at $5.85/month when billed annually.
12. Private-Mail
TorGuard’s Private-Mail offers 100MB of storage space for email and cloud services each, OpenPGP end-to-end encryption, AES256 file encryption, and webmail access only.
It offers 3 subscription plans depending on how much functionality you need access to with the cheapest, i.e. Standard, being $8.95/month.
13. Tutanota
Tutanota is a popular secure email service that enables users to easily take control of their mailbox. It is free to use, open-source, and available to Web, Android and iOS users.
It offers several payment plans for professional and/or enterprise use including special offers for non-profit organizations. Its free version is limited to one use, 1GB storage, typical search functionality, and Tutanota domains only.
14. Thexyz
Thexyz is a comprehensive email service that prioritizes security, privacy, and user-friendly features. Offering a range of solutions, Thexyz provides reliable email hosting with advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and advanced spam filtering ensuring the confidentiality of communication.
Switching to Thexyz is easy, especially if you’re migrating from Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Outlook. Its impressive spam filter goes a step further by offering spam quarantine reports, letting you fine-tune the filter for even better results.
Thexyz is a great choice for those dealing with a high volume of emails. Get a private email with thexyz at $2.95/month.
15. Soverin
Soverin email services stands out as a secure and user-centric platform in the realm of digital communication. Committed to prioritizing user privacy, Soverin provides a haven free from invasive data practices.
The service ensures data protection through end-to-end encryption, fortifying users against unauthorized access. With a user-friendly interface, Soverin simplifies secure email usage without compromising on safeguarding personal information.
Soverin’s website states its use of A+ grade SSL/TLS connections to ensure the security of your data. Additionally, it removes personal information, including your IP address, from the email headers.
Notably, Soverin boasts one of the most aesthetically appealing websites among the secure email providers featured in this list.
By minimizing data collection, it distinguishes itself from mainstream providers. Soverin empowers users to control their data’s destiny, whether through self-hosting on private servers or utilizing disappearing messages. In this digital sanctuary, Soverin Email Services champions privacy as an inherent right.
16. Kolab Now
Kolab Now, an open-source email service, distinguishes itself as a dependable and secure email solution tailored for individuals and businesses seeking privacy-centric communication.
This paid service prioritizes security by replacing ads with Swiss data privacy, employing end-to-end encryption, and ensuring zero user data access.
Kolab Now doesn’t have apps for Android or iOS, but you can use IMAP, SMTP, or ActiveSync. Kolab Now streamlines inbox management with robust filters, integrated calendars, and task features. While it comes at a cost, this service is ideal for privacy-conscious users valuing data control.
Whether prioritizing security or productivity, Kolab Now offers a compelling alternative to free, ad-supported email giants, providing 5GB of storage, end-to-end encryption, a responsive Web Client, IMAP & SMTP, and access to support for just CHF 5.00/month.
Kolab Now is based in Switzerland, all data are stored under Swiss jurisdiction and never transmit data to any third party without explicit consent.
17. ServerMX
ServerMX adheres to GDPR regulations for email services, ensuring the security of your data and emails. The platform provides a dedicated SMTP server for smooth email sending and delivery.
Additional features include two-factor authentication and antivirus protection, bolstering the overall security measures. Users can seamlessly integrate ServerMX with email clients such as Thunderbird or Outlook, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of their email management
18. Skiff
Skiff Mail is like a super-safe email that shields your messages and lets you chat without worries. It’s a private and secure place for your emails. You can even make your email address unique with Skiff Domain or use your own.
When you talk with other Skiff users, everything is locked up, including the subject, content, and outside emails are kept secret using your special keys.
To keep your identity really safe, you can add, change, or remove different names, and your device info and IP address stay hidden when you open emails. It’s like having your own fortress for talking online.
19. Neo
Neo email service is an innovative platform designed to support the growth of businesses, earning the trust of over 15,000 small businesses. Packed with useful features, it includes email templates for efficiently addressing common queries. Users can create a unique email address and a simple webpage, featuring forms linked to email and WhatsApp.
Neo’s business tools, spanning email templates, read receipts, reminders, and priority inboxes, significantly enhance productivity. The service is user-friendly, allowing easy management of multiple email accounts for your website. Choosing Neo is a smart move for business expansion.
Excitingly, Neo is developing booking features to create personalized booking pages seamlessly integrated with Neo Mail and Calendar
Conclusion
Ultimately, irrespective of the email service you choose from this list remember to keep your devices guarded at all times, to be conscious of even common security attack attempts, and to keep your passwords safe.
Do you have any questions for us? Or perhaps some suggestions that I can add to the list? Help yourself in the comments section below.
Nice list, and there were a few on here I hadn’t heard of before. May I ask why KolabNow was not included? I’ve used them for years now and they are very privacy-focused.