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10 safest and secure email providers

BySafety Crave team

Over time, email providers have made significant strides in enhancing security to better protect users. Leading services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo now incorporate advanced features such as two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and phishing protection. Some providers also use Zero-Access Architecture, ensuring that even they cannot access or decrypt the content of your emails.

Phishing and brute-force attacks remain two of the most common methods used to gain unauthorized access to email accounts. However, by choosing a secure email provider, you can reduce the risk of your account being compromised. You can explore our list of the safest and most secure email providers, each offering strong security features to keep your communications safe from threats.

Top 5 picks

Tutanota goes beyond standard encryption protocol.

Tutanota

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Users can turn on self-destructing emails adding extra layer of security and control.

ProtonMail

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Offers encryption at transit and in rest.

Zoho Mail

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Posteo offers end-to-end encryption via PGP.

Posteo

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Operates on a subscription-based model.

StartMail

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1. Tutanota


Many email providers promise to provide a safe and secure experience. However, some features need to be checked while making a choice. Tutanota offers several features that make it a reliable choice. Users of this email provider are satisfied with the strong privacy policies, end-to-end encryption, and commitment to open-source transparency. Typical email providers rely on advertising-based revenue while Tutanota operates independently and claims to not track or sell user data.


Noticable features of Tutanota

Good At

  • Tutanota goes beyond standard encryption protocol using a custom encryption algorithm.
  • It follows a no-logs policy.

Can be improved

  • Does not have multiple integrations, less flexible.
  • The free version offers limited storage.

2. ProtonMail

Time when users are concerned about digital surveillance, Proton Mail, developed by CERN scientists, promises users privacy and data security. The software has proven to be an excellent choice for both individuals and businesses seeking anonymous and private communication. Developers have designed zero-access encryption, meaning that the Proton Mail itself can’t even read users’ emails. Moreover, while focusing on security, it does not ask for personal information while creating an account.


Noticable features of ProtonMail

Good At

  • ProtonMal adheres to Swiss privacy laws which are among the strictest in the world
  • End-to-end encryption ensures that no information is intercepted by third parties.
  • Users can turn on self-destructing emails adding extra layer of security and control.

Can be improved

  • The free version offers 500MB storage only.
  • Can be slower in syncing emails due to high encryption standards.

3. Zoho Mail

Many email providers do keep communications private, but these are frustrating due to ads. Zoho Mail is one of the safest email providers that offers an ad-free experience. It was designed with compliance in mind as the features of 2FA, end-to-end encryption, and spam filtering have been offered. These protect users from cyber threats and unauthorized access. As Zoho Mail does not scan your email for advertising it is a great choice for businesses that value privacy. Compliance with GDRP and HIPPA secures your sensitive information.


Noticable features of Zoho Mail

Good At

  • Offers encryption at transit and in rest.
  • Integrates with Zoho ecosystems like Zoho workplace, CRM, and collaboration.

Can be improved

  • The free version has limited features and storage.
  • Interface and settings require time to learn.


4. Posteo

Posteo is based in Germany and stands out as a privacy-focused, end-to-end encrypted service that does not display ads nor does it track users. It uses encryption protocols not for just emails and attachments but also for account details. This ensures that third parties, including Posteo itself, can not access data. Moreover, it works on renewable energy, making it an environment-friendly provider.


Noticable features of Posteo

Good At

  • Posteo offers end-to-end encryption via PGP.
  • Does not require personal data.
  • Does not track users, display ads, or sell data.

Can be improved

  • Paid service with no free options.
  • Lacks some modern features like custom domains and built-in chat.

5. StartMail

It is developed by the same team behind StartPage. It stands out as one of the safest and most secure email providers that provides user security, encryption, and anonymity. To ensure that emails remain private and protected from third parties it doesn’t collect data for advertising. It also supports PGP encryption for secure communication even with users outside of the StartMail ecosystem.


Noticable features of StartMail

Good At

  • Provides anonymous email aliases.
  • Secures emails on Dutch servers under strict European laws.
  • Operates on a subscription-based model.

Can be improved

  • Requires paid subscription.
  • Inconvenient for users who manage emails on smartphones. As it does not currently have a dedicated mobile app.

6. Hushmail

It is popular among professionals handling sensitive data, such as healthcare, legal professionals, and financial advisors. It is a privacy-focused email provider and does not collect data for advertising. It keeps users safe from cyber threats. The built-in encryption secures email automatically making it a strong choice as a confidential and user-friendly service.


Noticable features of Hushmail

Good At

  • OpenPGP encryption.
  • PIPEDA compliant.

Can be improved

  • Does not offer a free tier.

7. CounterMail 


The email provider is proven to be a safe choice in an era where digital privacy is under threat. It prioritizes users’ privacy and security by offering encryption. I, have tested CounterMail and observed that it is privacy-focused, although it lacks some advanced features. I entertained myself with the perk of 4096-bit encryption keys. Moreover, it also has diskless servers, which means no data is stored on hard drives.


Noticable features of CounterMail 

Good At

  • Offers anonymous email headers preventing tracking.
  • Users can send emails without revealing their identity.

Can be improved

  • It might be expensive for beginners and there is no free plan.
  • Interface looks outdated.

8. GMX Mail


The reason behind its reliability and popularity is the fact it is owned by 1&1 Mail & Media GmbH. The features offered are spam filtering, end-to-end encryption, and strong anti-phishing protection. It is an excellent alternative to mainstream email providers like Outlook and Gmail with its free and premium options. The 2FA adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access and the cloud storage ensures the storing of sensitive files securely.


Noticable features of GMX Mail

Good At

  • Have strong security features.
  • Allows to create up to 10 alias email addresses.

Can be improved

  • The free version is ad-supported.
  • Some users report that emails may end up in spam folders which can be inconvenient for professional use.

9. Runbox

Many email providers from across the world have been serving users with different features. Based in Norway, Runbox benefits from its strong privacy laws. The sole purpose is to ensure that data is protected even from government surveillance and third-party interference. While working with the service, many users have commented that unlike mainstream email services that monetize user data, Runbox is still committed to Privacy-forst email hosting. They are at eas knowing their emals are encrypted using protocols like TLS/SSL. Addotionally, the servers are running on renewable energy promoting green hosting.


Noticable features of Runbox

Good At

  • Data is neirher logged nor scanned
  • Advanced security features tosecure data.

Can be improved

  • It lacks integration of productivity tools like calender, drive.
  • Provides no free plan.

10. PrivateMail


Users across the world have enjoyed secure cloud storage, end-to-end encryption, and anonymous email services. PrivateMail encrypts emails even before they are sent by incorporating PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption. You can be at ease knowing that if the email is intercepted it can not be read without decryption keys. Another plus point is that it uses no-log policy, means it does not track or store data.


Noticable features of PrivateMail

Good At

  • PGP encryption.
  • Secure Cloud Storage.

Can be improved

  • Free plan offers basic and features.
  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and use properly.

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