Visualize this: You’re working on a sensitive project—maybe it’s a startup idea, investigative journalism, or advocacy for a controversial cause.
You’re communicating with partners, and the last thing you need is for your conversations to be compromised.
You turn to Proton Mail for its popularity.
But before proceeding, you start thinking—what if Proton Mail doesn’t meet your expectations? Is it the only option available?
What if other services could offer more anonymity, features, or a better user experience?
The truth is, that email privacy is crucial in today’s digital world, where data breaches and surveillance are common.
Whether you’re an activist, a journalist, or someone who values privacy, finding the best anonymous email service can be a game-changer.
That’s where this guide comes in.
Below, you’ll find ten solid alternatives to Proton Mail, each providing you with secure, anonymous email options that keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Why Look for Proton Mail Alternatives?
Proton Mail is a secure email service known for its strong privacy features, including end-to-end encryption that ensures only the sender and recipient can read the messages.
While Proton Mail offers ample privacy and security features, users may seek alternatives due to several drawbacks that include:
- Its limited search functionality makes finding old emails challenging, especially after a few years.
- Exporting data from Proton Mail can be cumbersome and requires technical skills, leaving paid users feeling “held hostage” until they delete associated data.
- The service also has fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to more mainstream options like Gmail, which limits collaboration and productivity.
- Many advanced features are locked behind paid plans, with the free version imposing restrictions such as a daily email sending limit and reduced storage space.
For those prioritizing such features, these Proton Mail alternatives will give more choices.
Also read: 10 Free Anonymous Email Account Providers
Best Proton Mail Alternatives
1. Tutanota
Tutanota is one of the top alternatives to Proton Mail, offering end-to-end encryption for emails, contacts, and calendars. It’s an open-source platform that values privacy and transparency.
Tutanota is a secure email service that emphasizes privacy and end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only users can access their emails, calendars, and contacts.
It operates under strict German data protection laws, which enhances user privacy by not logging IP addresses and offering features like two-factor authentication (2FA) to bolster account security.
Its key features include:
- End-to-end encryption for emails, subject lines, calendar entries, and attachments
- No ads and no logging of IP addresses
- A zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only you can decrypt your data
- Available on mobile and desktop platforms
Why Choose Tutanota: The service is designed to be user-friendly while providing advanced security features, making it suitable for both individual users and organizations that prioritize confidentiality in their communications.
If you’re looking for a service that emphasizes sustainability, privacy, and simplicity, Tutanota’s secure platform will appeal to you.
Plus, it offers a free plan with enough features for most users.
2. Mailbox.org
Based in Germany and complying with the strict privacy laws of the EU, Mailbox.org is a secure email service that emphasizes privacy and data protection.
Founded in 2014, it offers features such as encrypted email communication using PGP, calendars, and online office tools, catering to both individual and business users.
Other notable benefits include:
- End-to-end encrypted emails with PGP support
- Ad-free and log-free operation
- Integrated cloud storage and office suite
- Support for custom domains
Mailbox.org also supports various protocols for email access, including IMAP and POP3, but does not offer dedicated mobile applications, relying instead on third-party email clients for mobile access.
Why Choose Mailbox.org: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, featuring a customizable interface known as the Portal, which allows users to manage their emails and other tools efficiently.
With Mailbox.org, you get a professional and secure service without compromising privacy. This is ideal for users who want an all-in-one solution with email and productivity tools.
3. Posteo
Posteo is an email provider based in Germany that focuses on privacy and sustainability. It offers paid email accounts for individuals and businesses without requiring any personal information during sign-up.
The platform provides strong security features like two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption options, and servers located in highly secure German data centers.
Here are some of its features:
- Full end-to-end encryption, including email, calendars, and contacts
- Completely anonymous registration (no personal details required)
- Two-factor authentication
- Environmentally-friendly servers
Why Choose Posteo: Posteo stands out for those who value privacy and eco-friendliness. It’s a good choice if you want an email service that does not require personal information for registration.
Posteo gained prominence for its commitment to privacy in the wake of global surveillance disclosures.
4. CounterMail
CounterMail is a secure email service based in Sweden that emphasizes user privacy with features like end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the messages.
It operates on a diskless server and offers various security layers, including anonymous payment options and a built-in VPN for enhanced privacy.
Take a look at what it offers:
- End-to-end encryption with OpenPGP
- Diskless servers to prevent hacking attempts
- Support for USB encryption keys
- Anonymous payment methods (Bitcoin)
Why Choose CounterMail: CounterMail’s unique infrastructure and encryption methods make it an excellent choice, especially for those who focus on security.
5. StartMail
StartMail is a secure email service designed to prioritize user privacy and data protection.
It offers features like PGP encryption, disposable email addresses, and the ability to create aliases, ensuring users can communicate securely without compromising their main email address.
The service is accessible via a web interface and supports traditional email clients through IMAP, allowing for flexible usage across different devices.
It offers an array of other features such as:
- PGP encryption for emails
- Option to create anonymous disposable email addresses
- Custom domains and aliases
- No ads or third-party tracking
Why Choose StartMail: If you need a simple but secure email service that also lets you create disposable addresses, StartMail could be the right fit.
StartMail operates independently from third-party influences, relying on subscription fees to fund its services.
The model allows StartMail to maintain a commitment to user privacy without resorting to advertising or data tracking.
6. Hushmail
Hushmail is a secure email service founded in 1998 that specializes in providing encrypted email communications.
It allows users to send and receive private emails and attachments securely, catering to both individuals and businesses.
Hushmail’s services have evolved to include features like secure web forms and electronic signatures, making it particularly popular in industries such as healthcare and finance.
This is what you get with Hushmail:
- Encrypted email and secure forms
- Custom domain support
- HIPAA compliance for healthcare professionals
- Two-step verification for enhanced security
Why Choose Hushmail: Hushmail is ideal for users looking for a secure email service that is also versatile enough for professional use, especially in the healthcare industry.
7. Guerrilla Mail
Guerrilla Mail is another service that provides disposable email addresses, allowing users to receive emails without revealing their personal addresses.
Users can generate a temporary email address without registration, which is ideal for protecting privacy and avoiding spam.
Emails sent to these addresses are accessible for one hour, after which they are automatically deleted, ensuring that users maintain a clean inbox and do not accumulate unwanted messages.
The platform is particularly useful for situations where users need to sign up for services or confirm registrations without exposing their real email addresses.
Guerrilla Mail also offers features like a “Scrambled Address” for added security and the ability to send emails from the disposable address, although this comes with measures to prevent abuse.
Why Choose Guerrilla Mail: You may notice that Guerrilla Mail is a bit different from the other services listed here, as it’s designed to be a temporary email service.
It doesn’t require any registration and is ideal for creating throwaway email addresses.
When you need an anonymous email account for a quick and temporary purpose (e.g., signing up for a service without giving your real email), Guerrilla Mail is your go-to option.
8. ProtonMail Bridge
While Proton Mail itself is a decent service, if you want to keep using your preferred email client like Outlook or Thunderbird with ProtonMail’s encryption, Proton Mail Bridge is an option.
It connects ProtonMail’s encryption capabilities with third-party email clients.
It allows users to integrate their ProtonMail accounts with third-party email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail.
Additionally, It encrypts and decrypts emails locally, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure while enabling the use of familiar email interfaces.
The Bridge offers two modes for managing multiple email addresses: combined addresses mode, where emails from all addresses are sorted into the same folders, and split addresses mode, which keeps emails from each address separate.
The flexibility allows users to tailor their email experience according to their preferences.
Why Choose ProtonMail Bridge: For those already in the ProtonMail ecosystem who prefer using third-party email clients, the Bridge service with user-friendly interface ensures privacy without sacrificing familiarity.
9. Riseup
Riseup is a secure email service designed for activists and groups who need a platform that prioritizes security and privacy. It’s a non-profit organization focused on offering encrypted communication tools.
The online platform provides communication tools aimed at supporting groups and individuals engaged in social change and activism.
It offers services such as email, VPN, and collaborative tools like private wikis and real-time text editors, fostering secure and democratic alternatives for organizing and communication.
The platform is particularly focused on empowering activist organizations by providing mailing lists and resources for secure communication, emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety in their operations.
Its advantages include:
- Encrypted email service with a commitment to social justice causes
- No IP address logging
- Secure storage and communication tools
- Group collaboration features
Why Choose Riseup: If you’re part of a grassroots organization or a social movement and want to ensure private communication, Riseup is a trusted platform built around activism.
10. Mailfence
Another alternative to Proton Mail is Mailfence.
The tool is a highly secure, Belgian-based email service with PGP encryption built-in. It also provides a suite of privacy tools, including encrypted calendars and document storage.
You also get OpenPGP-based end-to-end encryption and digital signatures, which ensures users’ privacy and security in their communications.
Besides email, Mailfence includes features such as a calendar, document storage, and contact management, making it a comprehensive tool for personal and collaborative use.
The service emphasizes user control over data, allowing for various privacy settings and the ability to manage multiple identities and aliases.
Why Choose Mailfence: Mailfence is perfect for privacy-conscious users who want a robust suite of productivity tools to accompany their email service. Its transparent operations and commitment to privacy make it a solid choice.
Mailfence also supports both plain and rich text email formats, providing users with flexibility in how they communicate.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Proton Mail alternative depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize absolute anonymity, ease of use, or additional features like cloud storage and productivity tools.
All of the options listed here emphasize privacy and security, with various levels of encryption and anonymity to protect your data.
When choosing an email provider, remember that your privacy is only as good as the service you trust. Hence, carefully evaluate their features to find the one that aligns with your values and requirements.
