Skip to content


7 Best Private Email Services

Email remains a crucial piece of system for professional communication. Your personal accounts, banks, tax, government services are linked to an email account. Over years, email account becomes a repository of your life. A good inbox should keep them safe and secure. However, not all email inbox are made the same. With concerns growing among populace on where their data resides, constant ads in inbox. A secure email is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

We have put together some services which break away the from traditional way of doing email and bring in innovation, security and peace of mind.


1. Proton Mail

Proton Mail is the finest, most polished and well known email provider. Which bring a greatest blend of apps which can help everyone in any situation. Proton is often considered the golden standard when it comes to focus on privacy and security products. Proton Mail was launched more than a decade ago and was the first to bring automatic End-to-End-Encryption and Zero Access Knowledge by default for all users and their email content. With a powerful promise to never have access to your data and never sell its users out to anyone else. Their commitment to protecting their users have helped them develop as leader in secure email providers.

Proton Mail provides not only an email service but a whole host of services for productivity and collaboration such as Drive, Password Manager. To help write emails they have a private AI which never stores or sees your email which is deployed on their own servers. The ability to create notes, aliases for spam protection with Proton Pass. The Proton Drive allows to upload files and securely share them with password protected and self-expiring links. Their lively AI cat LUMO helps to get quick answers without ever training on your data and deletes them after a session is closed. All these services are End-to-End-Encrypted.

Even Proton itself cannot access the data that you have stored in your Proton Account. It’s a superior choice for users who wish for a great user-friendly and privacy-focused solution for their long term storage of an email service which is built to last and protect users.

Proton has apps for almost all of their services and all of the apps are available on almost all major platforms. For Linux, some apps may not be there but are always in the pipeline, so this ensures that Linux users are not forgotten. Proton publishes the source code of all their apps for everyone to inspect and analyze. It adds another layer of trust to the service whose mission is to protect users and make services that benefit them first and foremost.

Key Features

  • End-to-End Encryption: All emails by default are End-To-End Encrypted.
  • Password Protected Email: Emails can be password protected, so they stay on Proton servers for maximum privacy.
  • Zero Knowledge Architecture: Proton employs Zero-Knowledge Encryption and has no access to your data.
  • Powerful Ecosystem: Proton has a powerful ecosystem of apps for all use cases, which integrate perfectly.
  • Free Plan Available: A small free plan with almost all features and access to all Proton apps.
  • Cross-Platform: Proton works on all major platforms Android, iOS, and desktop platforms.
  • Linux App: Yes there is a great native Linux app to access your account securely.
  • Open Source: Yes! All Proton apps are open-source.

2. Tuta

Tuta (formerly tutanota) offers an Encrypted email service which is clean, green and privacy focused. It was been around since 2011 and has a long track record of protecting users inboxes and providing a very good user experience. Tuta is fully commited to never scans emails or sells data, even on its free tier — a rare and commendable policy. The premium users support the product and their support help enables Tuta fund its activities. Because of its user centric approach, it has developed a dedicated and loyal user base.

Tuta offers end-to-end encryption along with Post Quantum Encryption. With a free plan of 1GB it aims to provider everyone with a free and encrypted email box. With Email, it also provides a free calendar and is currently developing its own drive storage. Being based in Germany, it provides comprehensive privacy safeguards. It is entirely open-source and offers a fantastic encryption of all user content including the metadata to maximum extent possible.

Tuta can be accessed using their web app from a web browser. They have created mobile apps for users like other major players like Proton and Gmail. But Tuta didn’t stop at mobile they have gone out of the way to provide a native email client for Linux users as well. Which has made it earn the respect of Linux users. Tuta also provides business plans and discounts for Schools and Non-profits.

With robust encryption, great data protection practices and being user focused email service provider, tuta is a great option for anyone trying to have a secure email provider which can be trusted around the clock.

Key Features

  • End-to-End Encryption: All emails, including subject lines, are End-To-End Encrypted automatically by default.
  • Zero Access to Your Data: Tuta employs a zero-knowledge encryption, even Tuta itself can’t read your emails.
  • Post Quantum Encryption: Tuta provides Post Quantum Encryption to prevent quantum computing attacks
  • User-Friendly: Tuta has a very clean and ease to use UI and great for those who need a clean inbox.
  • Open-Source and Transparent: Tuta’s code is open for review, enhancing transparency.
  • Linux App: Tuta works on mobile, and web browsers. There is even a native Linux app.
  • Open Source: Yes! All apps are open-source

3. StartMail

StartMail, if the name rings a bell of security, then you are in the right. StartMail was created by the same people behind StartPage, (popular privacy search engine). Created by same people but they are two different organizations. Although, StartPage has foreign ownership. StartMail is 100% owned by its creators and is based in Netherlands, offering a secure place for user data

They have a strong policy to never monetize user data or show ads hence they only offer a paid version only. There is a 7 days free trial to help users get comfortable with the service and subscribe if they like it for their email communication.

Although it doesn’t offer a free tier but it is loaded with many other good things such as PGP support for End-to-End Encryption. It allows you to create unlimited alias to signup for any service without giving away your mail email address, its alias plan is the most generous among all email service providers. It helps with countering spam and keeping your main address which you use to login safe from potential brute force attacks.

StartMail has a appealing user-interface which is easy-to-use and get used to. It tries to making use email as easy as possible. Creating aliases is very easy. If users need require regular Encryption without PGP, there is a password protect feature just like in Proton and Tuta to send Encrypted email to anyone provided they know the password to read the email. This feature is not like End-to-End Encryption.

StartMail can currently be accessed from the web browser and there are mobile apps but nothing yet for desktop Linux. But with IMAP and SMTP support it can be easily added to Thunderbird email client on Linux and other operating systems as well.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Emails are encrypted and stored securely. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope
  • No Ads or Tracking: StartMail does away with tracking. It won’t track you or show ads in the mailbox.
  • Disposable Addresses: Create temporary, disposable email addresses to protect your identity.
  • Password Protected Email: Emails can be password protected much like Proton and Tuta.
  • Clean UI: StartMail has a very clean, easy to use and clutter free user-interface.
  • Linux App: No Linux app but works fine with Thunderbird for desktop.
  • Cross-Platform: Works on Android, iOS, Browser and Thunderbird.

4. Mailfence

Mailfence offers more than just email with calendar and file storage. It can be a rich companion for basic productivity. Simplistic user-interface, a free plan which allows users to taste its offering while providing a compelling no user data monetization and data sharing policy it is a good service for users who need an email which respects its users and provides just enough to act as a great email provider with some basic but useful office tools like storage, contacts and calendar.

Mailfence focuses on being an email service only and it delivers very well, it has various plans to fit according to user or enterprise needs and tools like custom domain, email alias support, document, files storage, digital signatures and also a nifty short domain mf.me. It offers a very compelling email package. And provides everything what major players provide.

Mailfence allows End-to-End Encryption through the usage of PGP which can secure your email content and inbox if your recipient allows uses PGP. For enterprises S/MIME certification feature is also available. Mailfence makes it very easy to add your PGP Keys in the web client or the use of Mailvelope can help achieve PGP End-to-End Encryption.

Although, Mailfence doesn’t employ zero-knowledge encryption like ProtonMail or Tuta but it promises to never look at your private emails and have a long clean record in holding true to their promise. As for encryption of data at rest, Mailfence is currently working on it, that will make it on par with Tuta and ProtonMail.

Mailfence like StartMail and almost all other can be accessed using web browser on desktop. It it also offers an open-source mobile app. For Linux, no native app is present but being IMAP & SMTP compliant can be accessed using Thunderbird.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Mailfence supports email encryption. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope.
  • Secure Calendar and Documents: You can store documents securely and manage events.
  • Free Plan Available: Mailfence offers a limited but a good free plan.
  • User-Friendly: User-interface is beautiful with nice layouts.
  • Cross-Platform: Native iOS, and Android apps currently.
  • Linux App: No Linux app but works with Thunderbird.
  • Open Source: Yes! All their apps are open-source.

5. Kolab Now

Kolab Now put forward a strong case In the search for best email services. It is a Swiss based service running almost entirely on free and open-source software. Manifesting strong data protection practices and ease of use, Kolab Now is a premium only service with no free plan. There is also no trial available as in StartMail but their promise is powerful to never scan emails or sell user personal information for monetary gains. They are strict on their rules.

Apart from being an email, Kolab Now also offers some collaboration tools like Mailfence such as files, notes storage and some office tools. With support for NextCloud, team management features like sharing folders, managing passwords of users and permission controls for enterprises and startups. Although services like Proton, Tuta and Mailbox do provide such features but it is good to have more options.

There is no default End-to-End Encryption. Kolab does not analyze, sell, or profile users data. So, for users who want a Swiss service which is dedicated to provide great open-source email with collaboration tools than Kolab Now offers a fantastic services but users who have greater need for encryption can easily employ E2EE with use of PGP with help of Mailvelope add-on in web browser or in Thunderbird.

IMAP enables for integration with Thunderbird client as well. Which is great if you need to use Mailvelope with this service on a desktop.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Kolab Now supports email encryption. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope
  • Nextcloud Integration: Nextcloud integration for extensive office work and collaboration
  • Good Collaboration Suite: Office tools like notes, tasks, file sync, calendars and more
  • Open Source : Kolab Now uses open-source technologies like Roundcube, Postfix.
  • Cross-Platform: Apps for Android, iOS, and Desktop platforms.
  • Linux App: There is no native Linux app to access your email.
  • Open Source: Yes! Open Source Webmail Client.

6. Swisscows

Swisscows is a Switzerland based Internet company which offers a great portfolio of useful apps. Most people may know its search engine but it also offers an email service. Swisscows search engine has been in game for a long time and is a very good engine as a privacy respecting one. The email service is however somewhat newer. The email web client runs on open-source software

Swisscows initially offered a free plan but to prevent spam sign ups, it is now entirely paid. Also, as they don’t sell their users to highest bidder they run their service by never sharing data for ads or monetizing users. It makes sense to go premium only. The email itself is very easy to use and has a nice interface along with a calming theme. There is no other offering such as files, notes or calendar, just a solid email experience.

End-to-End Encryption like almost all other services requires user input. You can add your keys in the client or use Mailvelope for PGP End-to-End Encryption. Email can only be accessed using web browser currently as there is no Linux app yet. But Thunderbird can be used to access them on Linux.

Swisscows bring a complete ecosystem of internet security along with search engine and email also offers drive storage, a browser based VPN add-on and a messaging app, teleguard. So, it has created an ecosystem of its own. This email service can be a pretty good if you combine all these service and are happy with them.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Swisscows supports email encryption. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope
  • Open-Source: The email web client software is open-source, running open-source email software.
  • Good Privacy: Good privacy, user data is hosted on their own data centers servers in Swiss Alps
  • Integration with Swisscows Ecosystem: Multiple Swisscows apps for smooth experience.
  • Cross-Platform: Apps for Android, iOS, but requires Thunderbird for Desktop platforms.
  • Linux App: No native Linux app but works fine with Thunderbird.
  • Open Source: Open Source Web Email Client.

7. Mailbox

Mailbox.org in the world of emails stands as one of the most feature-rich and all in one email services. It is more than just an email but a complete ecosystem of productivity and collaboration. Mailbox offers a 30 day trial but no free plan but the free plan is quite affordable. But that affordability only matters if you just need a basic email and nothing else as all the goodies are in store for the higher personal and business plans.

Mailbox offers the usual Email, Contacts and Calendar. It it takes steps further to bring Drive Storage, Online Office Suite, XMPP Chat even Video Conference. The office suite, chat and video conference tools are self-hosted on their own servers with no third-party and are built using open-source software (Jitsi Meet, XMPP, NextCloud). Mailbox also offers temporary throwaway aliases for sign-ups where you don’t wish to share your main email address.

Although, mailbox is built more from a security standpoint it boast a unique style of privacy and encryption. Its model of End-To-End Encryption is different, it offers Mailvelope support but makes the process very easy by offering Guard, which is Mailbox’s own built-in encryption tool which allows to encrypt emails and attachments with OpenPGP directly from the web client and on top of that it PGP encrypts the mailbox.

Mailbox leans in middle in terms of features, privacy and security. It is leagues above many but it lacks Zero-Access Encryption like Tuta and ProtonMail. It offers great alias features but not as good as StartMail or Proton’s hide-my-email aliases. And the fact that your username is only reserved for few years before publically available again is a problem as it can cause many problems.

Mobile apps are available but nothing on Linux yet, but the presence of mobile apps gives hope that there maybe a desktop app if there is enough demand. Meanwhile, Thunderbird works well. But to access all these great features of Mailbox.org, web client can only do so.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Mailbox supports email encryption. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope and Guard
  • Guard: In house encryption system to encrypt emails and attachments with OpenPGP in a single click
  • Business-Friendly: Service designed more for enterprise and business users.
  • Powerful Office Suite: A superb built in office suite on par with Microsoft 365.
  • Linux App: There is no Linux app yet. But works great with Thunderbird.
  • Cross-Platform: Apps for Android, iOS. Desktop requires Thunderbird.
  • Open Source: Uses many open source tools for office and collaboration.

Honorable Mention

~ Soverin Email

Soverin email just like its names is a service aiming to make its users Soverin and give power to its users when it comes to their email communications. The email service is premium only with strong emphasis on users experience and service quality. The interface is nice and easy to get used to. With strong support to safeguards user privacy. It is a good service, especially geared for people who might want an email with their own. Almost all email provders support custom domains but Soverin places it is limelight as on the sign-up page, it is prominently mention.

Soverin encrypts the email on its servers at rest. Although, it is not equipped with out-of-the-box End-To-End Encryption but like most other email providers who have a strong policy to never look or scan emails. To achieve EE2E through PGP is possible and Mailvelope works well for the task. S/MIME for encryption is also available.

Users who would need an email with good privacy practices and is geared towards freelancers and small-medium sized businesses or just website owners who want to use a separate email provider instead of their hosting provider, Soverin is a solid choice.

Unfortunately, there is no Linux app. But as usual Thunderbird comes to the rescue for Linux users who want a desktop email client to easily access their emails.

Key Features

  • Encryption: Soverin supports email encryption. End-To-End Encryption is possible with Mailvelope and Guard
  • Domain: Easy to purchase domain and integrate for custom-domain feature

Conclusion

Many email providers and each offer a unique feature. Depending on your demand, you can choose them. If you don’t like using alias. Compartmentalize can be beneficial process. By using a secure email for personal and professional communication, another for signups and newsletters and last one service for your business operations or where you require collaboration with your team members.

Read More

Secure Ways to Transfer Files Between Linux & Android

Explore

LIX Linux Blog
LIX Linux