21 Gmail Alternatives to Boost Your Productivity and Privacy

Email is super important for both personal and professional stuff. It helps us send messages and work together, no matter where we are. Gmail is a big name in email, used by lots of people because it’s good and has lots of features. But now, more people worry about their privacy and keeping their info safe. They want other options that keep their stuff private.

So, in this blog, we’re going to talk about other email choices that are like Gmail, but maybe better for privacy. Gmail is cool, but it looks at your info for ads and stuff. We’ll show you different email services that work well and care about keeping your info safe.

We’ll guide you through how to pick the right email service for you. We’ll talk about what to think about, so you can choose the best one for what you like. We’ll tell you the good things, the not-so-good things, and the special stuff about each choice. Our goal is to help you learn about all these options and find the email service that’s just right for you.

Why Should You Look For A Gmail Alternative?

Starting with Google, it’s known for collecting a lot of data from its users, and sometimes this involves practices that invade your privacy, like scanning your emails. On top of that, Gmail shows you ads that are tailored to you, which can feel like it’s getting too personal. Also, remember that Gmail is part of Google’s system, so it might not be the most sustainable choice for an email provider.

But moving away from Gmail doesn’t have to be strange or unfamiliar. It’s like trying out new email services that do things a bit differently. Especially now when more and more people are concerned about their privacy online, using a different email service can help protect your personal information. Just picture a place that’s really dedicated to making sure your data is safe. You get to decide how private you want to be, giving you the confidence to use your email without worries.

In our fast-moving world today, being able to get things done efficiently is really important. Exploring other email options could actually make you even better at getting stuff done. Imagine if your favorite apps could team up with your email, working together smoothly. It’s like a bunch of helpful friends, and it’s a bit different from how regular email works.

Choosing a different email service doesn’t mean you’re turning your back on Gmail completely. It’s more like you’re realizing that the online world is changing, and your needs are changing along with it. Just think of yourself as an explorer, finding new things that work better for you.

Top 21 Gmail Alternatives

So, if you’re ready to break free from the confines of conventional email providers and experience a refreshing change, let’s dive in and discover the top Gmail alternatives that will revolutionize your email communication while safeguarding your personal information.

Our Top Picks:

Before we explore the diverse alternatives to Gmail, it’s time to unveil our top picks that are the best in their domain for their unique features.

1. ProtonMail

Best For Transferring Emails

ProtonMail is a leading email service renowned for its robust security and commitment to user privacy. As the world’s largest end-to-end encrypted email provider, ProtonMail goes above and beyond to ensure the confidentiality of your emails.

Crafted by a team of scientists and engineers hailing from prestigious institutions like CERN and MIT, ProtonMail stands out by implementing client-side encryption, where your email content and user data are encrypted on your device before being sent to ProtonMail servers.

What we like about ProtonMail:

• Strong Encryption: Ensures that your messages are encrypted on your own device and can only be deciphered by the intended recipient.
• Zero Access to User Data: Upholds a strict policy of non-access to your encrypted emails which states that neither ProtonMail nor its team can access or decrypt your data.
• Anonymous Sign-Up: Allows users to create an account without divulging any personally identifiable information.
• Anonymous Sign-Up: This enables you to send self-destructing emails that automatically expire after a designated period. It empowers you with control over the lifespan of your shared content.
• Compatibility and Integration: Seamlessly integrates with various platforms and devices, encompassing web browsers, iOS, and Android. It also facilitates integration with other popular email clients.
• Custom Domain Support: Elevates your professional image, allowing the utilization of custom domains for your email addresses.

What we don't like about ProtonMail:

• Limited Storage: ProtonMail’s free plan offers only 500MB of storage, necessitating payment for additional space.
• Password Reset Challenges: Users have reported difficulties with ProtonMail’s password reset process, which could potentially lead to account access issues.
• Usability Concerns: The platform’s user-friendliness has been questioned, with some finding its interface less intuitive compared to other email services.

2. Outlook

Best For Microsoft Office Users

Outlook, developed by Microsoft, is a versatile and widely used email client that offers a range of features for efficient email management. As the preferred choice for accessing Microsoft Exchange Server email, Outlook allows you to send and receive emails seamlessly.

It serves as both a standalone application and an integral part of the Microsoft Office suite and Office 365, enabling you to access other essential software such as Excel and PowerPoint. Outlook caters to both personal and business needs, with an option to integrate with Microsoft SharePoint for document sharing and collaboration.

What we like about Outlook:

• Microsoft Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Office Online, and Microsoft Calendar.
• Familiar User Interface: Boasts a clean and user-friendly interface, with a layout that will be familiar to users of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ample Storage Space: Offers generous storage capacity for your emails and attachments. With 15 GB of free storage, you can comfortably manage your inbox without worrying about running out of space.
• Advanced Filtering and Sorting: With features like customizable folders, rules, and automatic email organization, you can streamline your inbox management.
• Smart Search: Incorporates a powerful search functionality that helps you locate specific emails, attachments, or contacts quickly.
• Integrated Calendar and Scheduling: You can create and manage appointments, set reminders, and share calendars with colleagues, making it an all-in-one solution.
• Security Measures: Two-factor authentication, spam filtering, and advanced threat protection are among the security features offered, ensuring that your emails and personal information are safeguarded.

What we don't like about Outlook:

• Usability Challenges: Outlook has been criticized for being challenging to use, with its interface often considered less intuitive compared to rival email platforms.
• Inaccurate Search Function: Issues with the accuracy of Outlook’s search function, leading to difficulties in locating specific emails or information.
• Frequent Crashes: Outlook has faced criticism for its tendency to experience frequent crashes, disrupting users’ workflow and causing frustration.

3. Zoho Mail

Best For Businesses

Zoho Mail is a robust and feature-rich email service that caters to both individual users and businesses. Developed by Zoho Corporation, a leading provider of cloud-based software, Zoho Mail offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and email management.

Zoho Mail provides different subscription plans, including a free tier with 5 GB of storage space. The service also supports customization options, allowing you to personalize your email interface and domain for a professional appearance.

What we like about Zoho Mail:

• Ad-Free Experience: Provides an ad-free email environment, ensuring that your inbox remains clutter-free and distraction-free.
• Custom Domain Support: Allows users to use their own domain names for email addresses, giving a more professional and personalized touch to your email communication.
• Integration with Productivity Apps: Integrates with other Zoho productivity apps, such as Zoho Docs, Zoho Calendar, and Zoho CRM.
• Collaboration Tools: Streams allow users to create groups, share files, have discussions, and collaborate on projects directly within the email interface.
• Offline Access: You can access your emails even without an internet connection. The offline access feature allows you to read, compose, and reply to emails offline.
• Secure Email Communication: Offers robust security features, including encryption, spam filtering, and virus scanning.

What we don't like about Zoho Mail:

• Data Transfer Challenges: Zoho Mail can pose difficulties when attempting to migrate information from spreadsheets, word documents, or presentations, potentially disrupting workflow integration.
• No Refunds Upon Cancellation: Users have reported dissatisfaction with Zoho Mail’s refund policy, claiming that the service does not provide refunds after cancellation, even if unused.
• Lackluster Support: Zoho Mail’s customer support has garnered criticism for being subpar, with users expressing dissatisfaction over the quality and responsiveness of the assistance provided.

4. FastMail

Best For Efficiency

FastMail is an email service that offers you a familiar and intuitive interface for seamless communication. With a focus on privacy and security, FastMail provides unique features to ensure your protection. One notable feature is the ability to create masked email addresses using integration with 1Password.

FastMail is committed to reclaiming privacy by avoiding data mining and ad targeting commonly found in other email providers. Additionally, it provides the option to create additional email addresses, enabling you to organize your emails effectively and maintain separate identities for different purposes.

What we like about FastMail:

• Speed and Reliability: With a robust infrastructure and optimized servers, FastMail ensures that your emails are sent and received swiftly.
• Privacy and Security: Provides secure connections for email transmission, supports encryption options, and offers two-factor authentication for an extra layer of account protection.
• Advanced Search Capabilities: Offers powerful search functionality, enabling you to locate specific emails, contacts, or attachments quickly.
• Calendaring and Contacts Integration: You can easily schedule events, set reminders, and manage your contacts directly within the FastMail interface.
• Email Forwarding and Aliases: Allows you to set up email forwarding and aliases, enabling you to manage multiple email addresses from a single account.
• No Ads: Offers an ad-free email experience, ensuring that your inbox remains free from distracting advertisements.
• Collaborative Tools: Includes collaboration features such as sharing and delegation, allowing you to grant access to your mailbox or specific folders to other users.

What we don't like about FastMail:

• Misplaced Emails: FastMail has been known to occasionally misclassify emails and place them into incorrect folders, potentially causing inconvenience and confusion for users.
• Advanced Billing: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with FastMail’s billing practice, as the service requires payment for two years in advance.
• Poor Support Quality: FastMail’s customer support has faced criticism for its perceived low quality, with users reporting dissatisfaction over the assistance provided.

5. Tutanota

Best For Security and Privacy

Tutanota is a secure and privacy-focused email service that stands out as an excellent alternative to Gmail. Developed by a team based in Germany, Tutanota takes a privacy-first approach by ensuring that they have no access to your data. This means that they do not hold encryption keys, providing an extra layer of security.

Tutanota also demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by running on 100% eco-friendly energy, making it an environmentally conscious choice for users concerned about their carbon footprint.

What we like about Tutanota:

• End-to-End Encryption: Provides robust end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can access the contents of the emails.
• Zero-Knowledge Architecture: All encryption and decryption processes occur on the client side, ensuring that your data is encrypted and decrypted locally.
• Privacy by Design: The service does not collect any personally identifiable information during the sign-up process, and the email metadata is also encrypted.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available on various platforms, including web, iOS, Android, and desktop clients.
• Spam Protection: Employs advanced spam protection mechanisms to keep unwanted and malicious emails at bay.
• Secure Cloud Storage: You can conveniently attach files to your emails or use the storage as a personal secure file repository.

What we don't like about Tutanota:

• Sluggish Performance: Tutanota has been criticized for its slow performance, leading to delays and frustration while using the platform.
• Ineffective Search: Search function is subpar, often failing to retrieve specific emails efficiently, hindering efficient information retrieval.
• Email Disorganization: Tutanota has been noted for issues with email organization, with users encountering difficulties in keeping their emails organized and easily accessible within the platform.

6. Yahoo Mail

Best For Storage Capacity

Yahoo Mail is a popular web-based email service offered by the well-known American company Yahoo, Inc. With its wide range of features, Yahoo Mail provides you with a comprehensive platform for managing your emails effectively.

The service is free for personal use, although there is an option to subscribe to a monthly fee for additional features. Previously known as Yahoo! Small Business, the business email service has transitioned to Verizon Small Business Essentials.

What we like about Yahoo Mail:

• Generous Storage Capacity: Offers a generous amount of storage space, with a free account providing users with 1 TB of storage.
• Integrated Yahoo Services: Seamlessly integrates with other Yahoo services, including Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo Calendar.
• Customizable Themes: Offers a variety of customizable themes, allowing you to personalize the look and feel of your inbox.
• Disposable Email Addresses: Also known as “aliases,” this feature is particularly useful when you want to sign up for online services or subscriptions without revealing your primary email address.
• Conversation View: Offers a conversation view option that groups related emails into threads, making it easier to follow and manage email conversations.
• Yahoo Account Key: Offers an innovative feature called Yahoo Account Key, which is an alternative to passwords with push notifications to your mobile device.

What we don't like about Yahoo Mail:

• Persistent Advertisements: Yahoo is known for inundating its interface with a continuous stream of ads, which can detract from the user experience and disrupt the flow of tasks.
• Inadequate Spam Filtering: Yahoo’s spam filtering capabilities are disappointing, where unwanted emails manage to slip through, leading to cluttered inboxes.
• Outdated Interface: Yahoo’s interface has been criticized for its outdated design and user experience, which can make it feel less modern and intuitive compared to other email services.

7. Mailfence

Best For International Users

Mailfence is a comprehensive and privacy-oriented office suite that caters to individuals, businesses, and universities seeking secure email communication and other essential services. With its focus on privacy, Mailfence offers a range of features including secure email, contacts, calendars, groups, and document storage.

The service utilizes industry-standard OpenPGP encryption and digital signatures, ensuring that your data is protected and your messages are authenticated. Additionally, Mailfence supports popular messaging protocols like SMTP, POP, and IMAP, allowing for seamless synchronization with various desktop and mobile email clients.

What we like about Mailfence:

• OpenPGP Compatibility: Supports OpenPGP, allowing you to encrypt and decrypt messages with other OpenPGP-compatible email services.
• Digital Signatures: Offers the option to add digital signatures to your emails, providing a way to authenticate the sender’s identity and ensure the integrity of the message.
• File Storage and Sharing: You can upload and store files in your Mailfence account, keeping them encrypted and protected.
• Secure Instant Messaging: Offers a secure instant messaging feature called Mailfence Chat in addition to email.
• Ad-Free Experience: Provides an ad-free environment, ensuring that your email experience remains clean and free from clutter.
• Strict Data Protection: The service does not collect or sell user data, ensuring that your privacy is respected and your information remains confidential.

What we don't like about Mailfence:

• Limited Font Options: Mailfence offers only basic font choices, which may not satisfy users looking for more customizable text formatting options in their emails.
• Performance Shortcomings: Mailfence suffers from performance issues, such as slow loading times or delays in accessing emails and features.
• Missing “Copy to Folder” Functionality: Mailfence lacks support for a “copy to folder” feature, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer organizing their emails by copying them into specific folders.

8. GMX

Best For Filtering Emails

GMX is an email service provided by United Internet AG, a renowned German software company. A subsidiary of United Internet, GMX offers a range of online tools, including a news portal, cloud, and, of course, an email service. The email service offers a generous storage capacity, providing you with a whopping 65 GB of email storage.

GMX Mail allows you to conveniently attach files with a maximum file size of 50MB, while its competitors such as Outlook which allows attachments up to 20MB in size, and Yahoo Mail and Gmail permit attachments of up to 25MB.

What we like about GMX:

• Unlimited Storage: Offers generous storage space, providing users with ample room to store their emails and attachments without worrying about running out of space.
• Mail Collector: Allows you to consolidate emails from different email accounts into one central location.
• Email Alias: Offers the ability to create email aliases, which are alternative email addresses that forward incoming messages to your primary account.
• Mail Collector for External Accounts: In addition to consolidating emails from different GMX accounts, the Mail Collector feature also allows you to fetch and manage emails from external accounts.
• Attach Large Files: Enables you to attach large files up to 50 MB in size directly from your computer or by using cloud storage services such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Online Office Suite: Provides an online office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet application, and presentation tool.

What we don't like about GMX:

• Restricted Storage: GMX provides a mere 1GB of free storage space, considerably lower than the capacities offered by its email service counterparts.
• Inescapable Ads: GMX lacks an ad-free option in its webmail interface, subjecting users to persistent ads that can prove irksome and intrusive.
• Missing Two-Factor Authentication: The absence of two-factor authentication on GMX is noteworthy, as this crucial security layer is not at users’ disposal, potentially exposing their accounts to heightened risks.

9. Mailbox.org

Best For Privacy

Mailbox.org is a highly regarded email service that excels in its implementation of top-end security protocols and robust privacy protections. While offering a similar suite of productivity tools to services like Office 365 or the Google suite, Mailbox.org stands out as a great alternative to Gmail.

At its core, Mailbox.org offers a set of features, including email, contacts, calendar, and file storage apps. To ensure the security and privacy of data, Mailbox.org employs industry-standard encryption algorithms and protocols, including PGP, TLS/SSL, PFS, HSTS, CAA, MTA-STS, X-XSS, DNSSEC, and DANE/TLSA. It also supports POP, IMAP, SMTP, and ActiveSync for seamless synchronization with other mail services and clients.

What we like about Mailbox.org:

• Calendar and Address Book Integration: Includes a fully featured calendar and address book within the platform.
• Anonymous Email Forwarding: Enables you to receive emails anonymously, ensuring that your personal information remains private and hidden from the sender.
• Disposable Email Addresses: You can create disposable email addresses, also known as aliases, to protect your privacy and reduce spam.
• Spam and Virus Protection: Employs advanced spam and virus protection mechanisms to keep your inbox clean and free from malicious emails.
• Open Source Software: Allows for independent verification of the platform’s security measures, giving users confidence in the integrity of their email communication.

What we don't like about Mailbox.org:

• Sluggish Performance:org has been criticized for its slow performance, leading to delays and frustration for users during regular usage.
• Notable Limitations: Users have identified certain limitations within Mailbox.org’s features or capabilities, potentially constraining the functionality and versatility of the platform.

10. iCloud Mail

Best For Apple Users

iCloud Mail, offered by Apple as part of its cloud storage and computing service, provides users with a convenient and seamless email experience. Alongside features like iCloud Drive for file storage and synchronization, iCloud Mail allows users to effortlessly sync their email, contacts, calendars, and more across multiple devices.

With a focus on security, Apple employs SSL encryption to safeguard user data while it is in transit, ensuring privacy and protection. Furthermore, iCloud Mail offers a robust set of filtering and organization tools, allowing users to create up to 500 rules to manage incoming messages or reorganize existing ones.

What we like about iCloud Mail:

• Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with other Apple services and devices, such as iCloud Drive, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes.
• iCloud Drive Attachment: This feature eliminates the need to download files to your device before attaching them, making it convenient to send large files without worrying about file size limits.
• Optimized for Apple Devices: It is optimized to work seamlessly across Apple devices, including Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and iPods.
• com Web Interface: Can be accessed through the iCloud.com web interface, allowing you to use your iCloud email account on non-Apple devices as well.
• iCloud Keychain: Integrates with iCloud Keychain, Apple’s password management tool. This feature securely stores your usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: You can set up iCloud Mail on email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or other third-party email apps.

What we don't like about iCloud Mail:

• Limited Email Client Compatibility: iCloud Mail can only be utilized with Apple Mail, locking out users who prefer other email clients for managing their emails.
• Lack of IMAP Support: The absence of IMAP support in iCloud Mail means users can’t access their emails across different devices and email clients, undermining the convenience of modern email usage.
• Sparse Feature Set: iCloud Mail lacks several features commonly found in other email providers, such as message snoozing, read receipts, and email templates, potentially leaving users with a less robust and functional email experience.

11. Yandex.Mail

Best For Attaching Larger Files

Yandex Mail is a popular free email service that provides users with unlimited online message storage, making it an attractive alternative to platforms like Gmail. With a range of useful features including message templates, built-in email translator, and e-cards, Yandex Mail offers a user-friendly and efficient email experience.

Launched in 2000, Yandex Mail has established itself as one of the largest email services in Runet, the Russian internet community. The service incorporates automatic spam filtering, ensuring that unwanted and potentially harmful messages are kept out of your inbox. Yandex Mail also employs antivirus software from Dr. Web to scan for viruses and malware, bolstering the security of your email communications.

What we like about Yandex.Mail:

• Powerful Anti-Spam Protection: Incorporates a powerful anti-spam system that effectively filters unwanted and malicious emails from reaching your inbox. The system continuously learns from user feedback and adjusts its filtering algorithms.
• Integrated Cloud Storage: Comes with integrated cloud storage called Yandex.Disk. This feature allows you to store and access files, documents, photos, and videos directly from your email account.
• Virus Protection: Employs robust virus protection mechanisms to safeguard your email attachments and ensure a secure email experience.
• Email Alias: Allows you to create email aliases, which are additional email addresses that forward messages to your primary email account.
• Integration with Yandex Services: Integrates with other Yandex services, such as Yandex.Calendar, Yandex.Translate, and Yandex.Drive.

What we don't like about Yandex.Mail:

• Mediocre Customer Service:Mail’s customer service has been perceived as average, potentially leading to delays or dissatisfaction in resolving user inquiries or issues.

12. AOL Mail

Best For Linking Other Emailing Platforms

AOL Mail is a free email service that offers a range of features designed to enhance security and productivity. With built-in virus protection, privacy controls, and other security measures, AOL Mail prioritizes the safety of email communications.

The service boasts the ability to connect multiple email accounts, allowing you to conveniently manage all your emails from a single platform. AOL Mail prioritizes your security by implementing threat detection mechanisms for spam, phishing attempts, and viruses. With its focus on security, and productivity features, AOL Mail offers a reliable and comprehensive email alternative to Gmail.

What we like about AOL Mail:

• Virus and Spam Protection: AOL Mail scans incoming messages and attachments for viruses, providing a secure environment for your email communication.
• Integrated AIM Chat: Integrates with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) chat, enabling you to chat with your contacts directly from your email interface.
• AIM Mail Link: Provides a quick and convenient way to share files and attachments. You can send links to files stored on your AIM storage, allowing recipients to access the files without the need for large email attachments.
• Online Storage: This feature eliminates the need for external file-sharing services and allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection.
• AOL Reader: A built-in RSS feed reader that allows you to subscribe to your favorite websites and blogs.

What we don't like about AOL Mail:

• Persistent AOL Mail App Promotion: AOL Mail frequently promotes its app, which can become bothersome for users who have no interest in using it.
• Cluttered Layout with Excessive Ads: The layout of AOL Mail is often criticized for its cluttered appearance, with numerous ads scattered throughout the interface, detracting from the user experience.
• File Size Limitations: AOL Mail imposes restrictions on file sizes for attachments, which can be frustrating for users who need to send or receive larger files.

13. Hushmail

Best For Ease of Use

Hushmail is a web-based email service specifically designed for businesses operating in industries such as legal, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. It offers a secure platform for sending and receiving encrypted client communications. It also has a drag-and-drop form builder, which allows users to create customized web forms.

To streamline email management, this email service provider offers email archiving and forwarding capabilities. It incorporates various security measures, including two-step verification, OpenPGP encryption, and email aliases, among others to ensure that sensitive information remains protected and compliant with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, ESIGN, and UETA.

What we like about Hushmail:

• Secure Web Forms: Enables your website visitors to submit sensitive information securely, such as contact details or confidential inquiries, directly to your Hushmail account.
• Secure Large File Sharing: Instead of sending attachments through traditional email, which may have size limitations, you can upload files to your Hushmail account and generate secure download links.
• Password-Protected Messages: You can send password-protected messages to recipients who don’t have a Hushmail account. The recipients receive an email notification containing a secure link to access the message.
• S/MIME Encryption Support: Allows you to digitally sign and encrypt your emails using certificates to provide an additional layer of security against tampering or unauthorized modifications.
• Email Archiving: Particularly useful for businesses and professionals who need to maintain a record of their correspondence for legal or compliance purposes.

What we don't like about Hushmail:

• Subpar Customer Service: Hushmail’s customer service has garnered criticism for its quality, potentially resulting in unsatisfactory support experiences for users.
• Complex Password Reset Process: Complications when attempting to reset passwords on Hushmail, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
• Emails Ending up in Spam: Hushmail’s emails occasionally get flagged as spam by recipient email services, potentially undermining the reliability and deliverability of important messages.

14. Posteo

Best For Encryptions

Posteo is a cost-effective alternative to Gmail that prioritizes user data privacy and operates on open-source software. With its focus on security and privacy, it offers a range of impressive features for its secure email service, such as powerful spam and anti-virus filters to protect your account from hackers and malicious third parties.

When transitioning to Posteo, you can migrate up to three existing email accounts. The process of transitioning to Posteo ensures that you can continue accessing your important emails from your previous accounts. Additionally, it allows for various forwarding and auto-reply settings, enabling you to customize your email preferences.

What we like about Posteo:

• Encrypted Storage: Stores your emails and attachments in an encrypted format on their servers, ensuring that even if the server is compromised, your data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.
• Sustainable Practices: The company uses 100% green energy from renewable sources to power its servers, minimizing its carbon footprint.
• Ad-Free Experience: Does not display any advertisements in your inbox. This ad-free experience ensures that your email usage is not monetized or interrupted by distracting ads.
• Open Source Software: Utilizes open source software, which means that the code is publicly accessible and can be audited by security experts.
• IMAP and POP3 Support: Supports both IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) and POP3 (Post Office Protocol) for email retrieval.
• Privacy-Oriented Policies: Follows strict privacy policies and does not track or analyze your email content. They do not create user profiles or collect data for targeted advertising.

What we don't like about Posteo:

• Lack of Custom Domain Support: Posteo does not support custom domains, limiting users who prefer personalized email addresses.
• Absence of Spam Folder: The platform lacks a dedicated spam folder, which can lead to inconvenience in managing and filtering unwanted emails.
• No Trial or Free Version: Posteo does not offer a trial period or a free version, making it challenging for potential users to explore the service before committing to a subscription.

15. StartMail

Best For Data Privacy

StartMail is a secure email provider that was established in the Netherlands in 2014 with a strong commitment to safeguarding user privacy. With StartMail, you can send encrypted emails to anyone, ensuring that your communications remain confidential. Even if the recipient doesn’t use encryption, they can still receive and respond to encrypted emails by using a password you set for them.

One of the key advantages of StartMail is its location in the Netherlands, which provides users with the protection of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Dutch privacy laws. It allows users to create unlimited disposable email addresses for situations in which they prefer not to disclose their personal details.

What we like about StartMail:

• No Tracking or Profiling: StartMail does not track your online activities, collect personal information, or engage in user profiling.
• PGP Compatibility: Supports Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption, which allows you to exchange encrypted emails with PGP users outside of the StartMail ecosystem.
• Unlimited Alias Addresses: Allows you to create unlimited alias addresses associated with your primary email account.
• Secure Data Storage: Stores your data in secure data centers located in the Netherlands and adheres to strict privacy laws and regulations.
• IMAP/POP Support: Supports IMAP and POP protocols, enabling you to use StartMail with various email clients and devices.

What we don't like about StartMail:

• Absence of Free Version: StartMail does not provide a free version, limiting users who seek to use the service without a financial commitment.
• Lack of Mobile Apps: StartMail does not offer dedicated mobile apps for seamless access and management on smartphones and tablets.
• Higher Cost: StartMail’s pricing structure is relatively expensive compared to other email services, potentially deterring budget-conscious users from subscribing.

16. Runbox

Best for Businesses

Runbox stands as a reliable provider of secure and private email hosting services, prioritizing the protection of your digital communications. In an era where data security is paramount, Runbox offers a sanctuary for your emails, guarding them against prying eyes.

The service presents a range of pricing options, ensuring accessibility to a wider audience. Starting at a remarkably affordable rate of $0.66 per month, you can get secure email management. For those seeking a more comprehensive package, the upper tier offers a broader spectrum of benefits, priced at $2.91 per month.

What we like about Runbox:

• Norwegian Privacy: Runbox is based in Norway, known for its strong privacy regulations, ensuring that your data is handled with a high level of confidentiality.
• Secure Services: Runbox places a premium on security, offering encrypted email and robust protection for your sensitive information.
• Green Power: The service is powered by renewable energy sources, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.
• Expert Support: Runbox provides expert customer support, ensuring that your inquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Integrated Services: Runbox offers integrated features that enhance your email experience, making tasks more efficient and seamless.
• Value Driven: With a range of pricing options, Runbox offers competitive rates and value-packed plans to cater to various user needs.

What we don't like about Runbox:

• Higher Cost: One downside of Runbox is that some users may find its pricing comparatively expensive compared to other email service providers.

17. Mailbird

Best for Email Marketing

Mailbird emerges as a dynamic email client that redefines the management of multiple email accounts. Whether you’re navigating the intricate web of personal and professional correspondence or orchestrating the email needs of a business, Mailbird stands as a powerful solution.

The hallmark of Mailbird lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate and organize various email accounts under a single roof. This consolidation alleviates the hassle of switching between different platforms, fostering enhanced productivity and organization. From personal Gmail accounts to corporate Outlook addresses, Mailbird unifies your digital conversations, making communication effortless.

What we like about Mailbird:

• Customizable Workspace: Tailor Mailbird’s workspace to your preferences.
• AI-powered Email Writing: Benefit from AI assistance for improved email composition.
• Unified Email Management: Manage multiple email accounts in one place.
• App Integrations: Integrate various apps to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
• Productivity Features: Access productivity-enhancing tools to optimize workflow.
• Multi-language Support: Interact with Mailbird in your preferred language.
• AI-powered Mailbird: Explore the latest AI-powered feature enhancing the platform’s capabilities.

What we don't like about Mailbird:

• Subpar Customer Service: Mailbird’s customer service has been criticized for its poor quality, potentially leading to frustration when seeking assistance.
• Email Sending Issues: Users have reported difficulties when attempting to send emails through Mailbird, which can disrupt communication flow and cause inconvenience.

18. Edison

Best for Consumers

Edison Mail is a comprehensive multi-email application that redefines the way you interact with your email inboxes. Here, all your email accounts, whether personal or professional, are seamlessly integrated into a singular hub. Edison Mail’s ability to combine inboxes extends beyond the visual; it offers an integrated experience where you can interact with and manage all your emails seamlessly.

Whether you’re managing personal and professional emails or handling various accounts for different purposes, Edison Mail simplifies the process. Its unified dashboard grants you easy access to all your inboxes, presenting a comprehensive view of your email.

What we like about Edison:

• Unified Email Management: Edison brings all your emails into a single, centralized platform to access and manage your various inboxes.
• Overload Relief: Helps to tackle email overload by presenting messages in an organized manner.
• Time Efficiency: With Edison, you can save valuable time by swiftly navigating through your emails and executing tasks.
• Quick Loading Times: Ensures emails load promptly, sparing you from prolonged waiting periods and enhancing your overall email experience.
• Inbox Organization: Brings structure to the chaos of your inbox, helping you categorize, prioritize, and manage your messages.
• Customizable Inbox: The flexibility to tailor your inbox according to your preferences, allowing you to work with your emails.
• Anti-Spy Pixel Feature: Ensures your privacy by blocking tracking elements commonly embedded in emails, safeguarding your online activity from prying eyes.

What we don't like about Edison:

• Limited Assistant Functionality: Edison’s assistant feature may not be as effective for users outside the United States, potentially limiting its usefulness for non-US users.

19. Hey

Best for Businesses

HEY, the brainchild of Basecamp launched in June 2020, is a premium email service that has ushered in a fresh approach to managing your digital communications. Offering a refined and streamlined experience, HEY is accessible not only through its web interface but also through dedicated applications catering to various operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.

HEY ensures a consistent experience, providing you with the tools to manage your emails efficiently while on the go. Its user-friendly applications cater to diverse operating systems, ensuring seamless integration into your digital routine.

What we like about HEY:

• Web Email Integration: HEY allows you to send emails directly to the web, simplifying communication and offering a seamless way to manage your messages.
• Collaboration: With HEY, collaboration becomes smoother as you can work without cluttering emails with CCs and side-threads, ensuring a more focused exchange of ideas.
• Address Management: You can conveniently incorporate various addresses like sales@, info@, and press@ into your workflow, enhancing the versatility of your email management.
• “Notes to Self”: HEY enables you to add private “notes to self” to any email thread, ensuring essential thoughts or reminders are kept in one place without cluttering the main conversation.

What we don't like about HEY:

• Higher Price Tag: Relatively high cost compared to other email services, which might deter budget-conscious users.
• Usability Challenges: Not as user-friendly as they’d prefer, potentially leading to difficulties in navigating and utilizing its features.
• Organizational Concerns: Issues related to email organization and overall coherence within the platform.

20. OnMail

Best for Consumers

OnMail represented a pioneering endeavor that blended television technology with email services, brought to fruition by ONdigital’s set-top boxes. Launched on March 7, 2000, this platform aimed to revolutionize how users engaged with their emails.

OnMail’s significance lies not only in its technological fusion but also in its role, showcasing the potential for diversification and expansion of email services beyond traditional computing devices. It served as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of technology and its ability to reshape even the most established forms of communication.

What we like about OnMail:

• Permission-Based Inbox: OnMail introduces a first-of-its-kind Permission-Based Inbox, redefining how emails are received and managed.
• Superior Natural Language Search: OnMail features advanced search capabilities based on natural language recognition, enhancing the efficiency of finding specific emails.
• Unique Import Account System: OnMail offers an innovative import account system that modernizes existing email accounts within the platform.
• Large Attachment Sending: Users can send large attachments conveniently using OnMail’s features.
• AI-Based Unsubscribe Suggestions: OnMail employs AI-based suggestions to facilitate easy and efficient unsubscribing from unwanted emails.
• Automated Inbox Cleanup: OnMail streamlines inbox organization by offering automated cleanup features.
• Custom Domain Integration: Premium service plans allow users to integrate their own custom domains, creating personalized email addresses.

What we don't like about OnMail:

• Lack of Desktop Keyboard Shortcuts: OnMail lacks keyboard shortcuts for desktop users, potentially hindering efficiency for those accustomed to streamlined keyboard navigation.
• Incomplete Account Syncing: When syncing with another account, OnMail doesn’t include folders and labels, which might disrupt email organization and management between platforms.

21. CounterMail

Best for Security

CounterMail sets itself apart as a sophisticated yet user-friendly online email service, meticulously engineered to deliver top-tier security and privacy without adding unnecessary layers of complexity. Unlike many encrypted email services that can be daunting for newcomers, CounterMail strikes a harmonious balance between security and usability.

It doesn’t bombard users with intricate encryption processes or perplexing user interfaces. Instead, it’s an intuitive platform that both seasoned privacy advocates and those new to encrypted communication can navigate with ease.

What we like about CounterMail:

• Unique Email Encryption: CounterMail employs unique email encryption, ensuring that each email is encrypted before leaving your computer.
• OpenPGP-Compatible Communication: A CounterMail account enables secure communication with any other OpenPGP-compatible email user globally.
• Secure Communication Worldwide: With CounterMail, you can engage in secure communication with OpenPGP-compatible email users around the world.
• Unbreakable Encryption: CounterMail’s use of OpenPGP encryption guarantees that there is no known method capable of breaking its encryption through cryptographic or computational means.

What we don't like about CounterMail:

• Higher Cost: CounterMail’s pricing structure can be considered expensive compared to other email services, potentially deterring budget-conscious users.
• Absence of Free Plan: CounterMail does not offer a free plan, which might limit options for users seeking to explore the service before committing to a subscription.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing an Email Service?

When it comes to selecting an email service, several crucial factors come into play. Whether you’re an individual user or a business looking for the right email platform, it’s important to consider these key aspects to ensure a seamless and satisfactory email experience. Let’s explore the factors that should be on your radar when choosing an email service:

Privacy and Security

In an era where data breaches and privacy concerns are rampant, prioritizing the privacy and security of your email communication is crucial. Look for an email service that offers robust encryption protocols to safeguard your messages and attachments. Consider whether the provider has a strong track record in terms of data protection and privacy policies. Additionally, features like two-factor authentication and spam filtering can further enhance the security of your email account.

User Interface and User Experience

A user-friendly interface and seamless user experience are paramount when it comes to managing your email efficiently. An intuitive layout, easy navigation, and a clutter-free design can make a significant difference in your productivity. Look for features such as drag-and-drop functionality, threaded conversations, and a responsive design that adapts well to different devices. Additionally, customizable themes and organizational tools can enhance your overall experience and make email management a breeze.

Storage Space

Emails often come with attachments that consume valuable storage space. Consider the storage capacity offered by the email service and determine if it aligns with your needs. Some providers offer generous storage limits, while others may have storage limitations or charge additional fees for extra space. Assess your usage patterns, especially if you frequently send or receive large files, and choose an email service that offers ample storage or affordable upgrade options.

Integration with other tools and services

Email is not an isolated tool but an integral part of a broader digital ecosystem. Evaluate how well an email service integrates with other tools and services you use regularly. Seamless integration with calendar applications, productivity suites, task management tools, and cloud storage platforms can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity. Compatibility with popular third-party apps and services can also expand the functionality of your email service.

Customization options

Everyone has unique preferences while personalizing their email experience. Consider the customization options provided by the email service. Look for features like customizable email signatures, labeling systems, folder organization, and the ability to create rules and filters to automate email management. The ability to tailor the appearance and settings of your email interface to suit your individual preferences can significantly improve your overall email experience.

You can make an informed decision when selecting an email service that meets your specific requirements by carefully assessing these factors. Remember, choosing the right email provider goes beyond mere functionality; it empowers you to communicate effectively while ensuring the privacy and security of your digital correspondence.

Feature Comparison to Help You Find the Perfect Gmail Alternative

Put Privacy First...

In this blog, we went on a journey to find email options other than Gmail. We looked at different services that care about keeping your information private and secure, and we talked about what makes them special.

As we finish up, we suggest you spend some time looking into these other choices. Think about what matters to you, like keeping things private, having lots of space, how the email looks, or how well it works with other tools you use. There’s a different choice out there for everyone.

When you use an email service that’s not Gmail, you get to decide how you want things to be. It’s important to think about what each option offers before you decide. So, feel free to check out different choices and make your email better in a way that feels right for you.

Having options is great, and you can find an email service that works just the way you want it to.