Your email contains some of the most sensitive information about your life: financial records, medical information, work documents, and personal communications. Unfortunately, major email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook scan your emails for advertising, store them indefinitely, and cooperate extensively with government surveillance.
Private email services protect your communications with end-to-end encryption, don't scan your messages for advertising, and are designed to minimize data collection. They're essential for anyone who values digital privacy.
Here are the best private email services that actually protect your privacy and security.
Top Private Email Recommendations
ProtonMail (Most Recommended)
Best for: Most users seeking secure email with excellent usability
ProtonMail is the most popular privacy-focused email service, developed by scientists at CERN. It offers end-to-end encryption, requires no personal information to sign up, and is based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws.
Key Privacy Features:
- End-to-end encryption for ProtonMail to ProtonMail messages
- Zero access encryption (Proton can't read your emails)
- No personal information required for signup
- Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
- Open source apps and cryptography
- No tracking or advertising
Security Features:
- Two-factor authentication support
- Encrypted contact storage
- Self-destructing messages
- Password-protected emails to external recipients
- PGP support for advanced users
- Secure email attachments
Advanced Features:
- Custom domains for paid plans
- Email aliases (10+ aliases on paid plans)
- Calendar and drive integration
- Tor-accessible web interface
- Bridge app for desktop email clients
- Mobile apps with biometric security
Free vs Paid Plans:
- Free: 1GB storage, 150 messages/day, basic features
- Plus ($4/month): 15GB storage, unlimited messages, aliases
- Professional: Custom domains, business features
- Visionary: Includes VPN and premium features
Considerations:
- Limited storage on free plan
- Some features require paid subscription
- Bridge app needed for desktop clients
- Email to external providers not end-to-end encrypted
Tutanota
Best for: Users who want built-in calendar and strong encryption
Tutanota is a German privacy-focused email service that encrypts not just message content but also subject lines, contacts, and calendar entries. It offers competitive pricing and strong privacy protections.
Key Privacy Features:
- End-to-end encryption for all emails (including subject lines)
- Encrypted calendar and contacts
- Based in Germany with strong privacy laws
- No tracking or advertising
- Open source client applications
- Post-quantum cryptography implementation
Unique Encryption:
- Subject lines encrypted (unlike most providers)
- Automatic encryption to other Tutanota users
- Password-protected emails to external users
- Calendar entries fully encrypted
- Contact details encrypted
- Search works on encrypted data
Features:
- Integrated encrypted calendar
- Unlimited email aliases on paid plans
- Custom domain support
- Two-factor authentication
- Mobile apps with offline access
- Web interface with dark mode
Pricing:
- Free: 1GB storage, basic features
- Revolutionary ($1/month): 20GB storage, custom domain
- Legend ($3/month): 500 aliases, priority support
Considerations:
- Smaller user base than ProtonMail
- Limited third-party client support
- Some features still in development
- Interface less polished than competitors
Fastmail
Best for: Power users who need advanced email features
Fastmail is an Australian email service focused on privacy, reliability, and advanced features. While not end-to-end encrypted by default, it offers strong privacy protections and excellent functionality.
Key Privacy Features:
- No advertising or email scanning
- Based in Australia (part of Five Eyes, but has privacy protections)
- No data mining or profiling
- Strong commitment to user privacy
- Regular transparency reports
- Data minimization practices
Advanced Features:
- Excellent IMAP/SMTP support
- Advanced filtering and rules
- Multiple domain support
- Extensive alias management
- Calendar and contacts sync
- File storage integration
Business Features:
- Team collaboration tools
- Admin controls and user management
- API access for developers
- White-label options
- Migration tools from other providers
Considerations:
- Not end-to-end encrypted by default
- Part of Five Eyes surveillance alliance
- More expensive than alternatives
- Focused on features rather than maximum privacy
Posteo
Best for: Environmentally conscious users seeking affordable privacy
Posteo is a German email service that combines privacy protection with environmental sustainability. It's powered by green energy and offers strong privacy features at a low cost.
Key Privacy Features:
- No logging of IP addresses
- Anonymous payment options (cash, cryptocurrency)
- Based in Germany with strong privacy laws
- No advertising or tracking
- Regular security audits
- Data minimization principles
Environmental Features:
- 100% green energy powered
- CO2-neutral email service
- Environmental sustainability focus
- Eco-friendly company practices
Security Features:
- End-to-end encryption support (with external tools)
- Two-factor authentication
- Secure password recovery
- Regular security updates
- Encrypted storage option
Pricing:
- €1 per month (very affordable)
- 2GB storage included
- Additional storage available
- No free plan (but very cheap)
Considerations:
- No free plan
- Basic feature set compared to competitors
- Requires external tools for end-to-end encryption
- Interface is functional but basic
StartMail
Best for: Users transitioning from mainstream providers
StartMail is a Dutch email service created by the makers of Startpage search engine. It focuses on privacy while offering features familiar to users of mainstream email services.
Key Privacy Features:
- Based in Netherlands with privacy protections
- No logging or tracking
- PGP encryption support
- Anonymous signup options
- Privacy-first company culture
User-Friendly Features:
- Familiar interface design
- Easy migration from other providers
- Unlimited aliases
- Custom domain support
- IMAP support for existing clients
Considerations:
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Limited advanced features
- Smaller community and support
- Not as well-known as ProtonMail or Tutanota
Email Services to Avoid
Gmail
- Extensive email scanning for advertising
- Data used for profiling and targeting
- Integrated with Google's surveillance network
- Long-term data storage and analysis
- Government cooperation without transparency
Yahoo Mail
- Poor security track record (multiple breaches)
- Email scanning for advertising
- Data sharing with third parties
- Weak privacy protections
- Declining service quality
Outlook/Hotmail
- Microsoft scans emails for advertising
- Data integrated with Microsoft ecosystem
- Government cooperation without transparency
- Privacy settings complex and often reset
- Business model based on data collection
Free Email Services with Ads
- Revenue model requires data collection
- Email content used for advertising targeting
- Often have poor security practices
- Limited privacy protections
- Data sold to third parties
Email Provider Comparison
| Feature | ProtonMail | Tutanota | Fastmail | Posteo | StartMail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Privacy Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Plan | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pricing | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Essential Email Privacy Features
When choosing a private email service, look for these critical features:
Encryption Standards:
- End-to-end encryption for messages
- Zero access encryption (provider can't read emails)
- Encrypted subject lines
- Secure key management
- PGP/OpenPGP support
Privacy Protections:
- No email scanning or content analysis
- Minimal metadata collection
- Anonymous signup options
- No advertising business model
- Regular privacy audits
Security Features:
- Two-factor authentication
- Secure password recovery
- Protection against email spoofing
- Regular security updates
- Independent security audits
Legal Protections:
- Based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- Strong legal protections against government requests
- Transparency reports
- History of fighting for user privacy
- Clear privacy policy
Setting Up Private Email
Step 1: Choose Your Provider
- ProtonMail for most users (best balance)
- Tutanota for maximum encryption
- Fastmail for advanced features
- Posteo for budget-conscious users
Step 2: Create Anonymous Account
- Don't use real name if possible
- Use Tor browser for signup
- Pay with cryptocurrency or cash (where available)
- Don't link to existing accounts
Step 3: Configure Security Settings
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Set up secure password recovery
- Configure email filters
- Enable all available privacy features
- Set up encrypted contacts
Step 4: Migration Strategy
- Keep old email active during transition
- Forward important emails to new account
- Update important accounts gradually
- Inform contacts of email change
- Eventually close old accounts
Advanced Email Privacy
Maximum Privacy Setup:
- Access email only through Tor browser
- Use VPN with email access
- Enable all encryption features
- Use aliases for different purposes
- Never access from compromised devices
Custom Domain Benefits:
- Complete control over email address
- Easy provider switching
- Professional appearance
- Multiple users under one domain
- Better alias management
Email Client Configuration:
- Use secure desktop clients (Thunderbird with Enigmail)
- Configure clients for maximum security
- Enable client-side encryption
- Use secure connection protocols only
- Regular client updates for security
PGP Encryption Setup:
- Generate strong PGP key pair
- Upload public key to keyservers
- Verify correspondents' keys
- Use PGP for sensitive communications
- Backup private keys securely
Email Security Best Practices
Account Security:
- Use unique, strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Regular password changes
- Monitor account access logs
- Set up account recovery properly
Email Content Security:
- Don't send sensitive data in plain text
- Use end-to-end encryption for sensitive emails
- Be careful with email attachments
- Verify sender identity for important emails
- Use self-destructing messages when available
Metadata Protection:
- Use VPN or Tor for email access
- Be aware of timing correlation attacks
- Use aliases to compartmentalize communications
- Avoid revealing patterns in email usage
- Consider using multiple email providers
Migration from Mainstream Providers
Gmail Migration:
- Export emails using Google Takeout
- Import to new provider using IMAP
- Update Google account recovery email
- Gradually move services to new email
- Eventually delete Gmail account
Outlook Migration:
- Export emails to PST file
- Convert and import to new provider
- Update Microsoft account settings
- Migrate Office 365 if needed
- Close Outlook account when ready
Yahoo Migration:
- Export contacts and emails
- Import to new secure provider
- Update account recovery settings
- Inform contacts of change
- Close Yahoo account
Gradual Transition Strategy:
- Start with new accounts and services
- Use secure email for sensitive communications
- Keep old email for less important accounts
- Gradually migrate existing accounts
- Monitor old email less frequently
Complete Migration:
- Update all online accounts
- Inform all contacts
- Set up auto-responder on old email
- Delete emails from old provider
- Close old accounts permanently
Private email is fundamental to digital privacy. Your email reveals your relationships, interests, finances, and personal life. Don't let corporations profit from scanning your private communications.
Choose a provider that prioritizes your privacy over profits, set it up securely, and make the transition from surveillance-based email services. Your private communications should remain private.