When choosing an email service, most users online choose Gmail by default. And there is a good explanation for that. With Google Workspace, you get even more connections to Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet are all part of Google’s productivity package. Gmail already has a good number of capabilities. Privacy issues are one of the main factors driving customers away from Gmail. Many consumers do not feel secure knowing that Google has access to their personal information. Additionally, it is not, by default, end-to-end encrypted. The lack of features that Google promised to move from the now-defunct Inbox by Google is another critical problem for some users.
1. Zoho Mail
Our top pick for an email service for small businesses and individuals is Zoho Mail, which is loaded with features. It is the closest substitute for Gmail that you can discover because it has a complete range of organizational tools like a calendar, storage drive, tasks, contacts, and bookmarks. With the help of the Streams function, you may arrange Zoho Mail’s simple UI cleanly: If you wish to use the platform professionally, streams make it possible for you to assign tasks, exchange files, and add comments to your email threads.
2. ProtonMail
Gmail’s private information alternative is ProtonMail. End-to-end encryption is provided, and no personal information is required while setting up an email account. ProtonMail uses RSA, OpenPGP, safe implementations of AES (often known as military-grade encryption), and open-source encryption libraries, according to the business. While you must choose the paid version to access all the features, ProtonMail’s free tier provides 500MB of storage and has a daily message limit of 150.
3. Outlook
Microsoft’s email service is called Outlook. Outlook integrates with Microsoft’s productivity programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, just like Gmail. However, it is essential to note that Outlook’s free version contains ads.
4. Tutanota
Another well-liked email service with a privacy focus, Tutanota, provides E2E encrypted email service. The German business complies with GDPR and retains your encrypted emails in local, safe data centers. Tutanota provides an ad-free experience for free, just like Zoho Mail. You only get a single calendar, 1GB of storage, and a few search options with Tutanota’s free tier.
5. Yahoo Mail
Even though Yahoo may not be as well-known as it once was, Yahoo Mail is still a valuable alternative to Gmail. Yahoo Mail’s excellent 1TB of free storage is one of its appealing features. The catch is that attachments can only have files up to 25MB in size.
6. iCloud
Cloud Mail uses your Apple ID to provide email services. The other services you may already access through iCloud are greatly improved by its inclusion. There is a 20MB file size restriction on incoming and outgoing messages, and you are given 5GB of storage space. With Mail Drop, that amount increases to 5GB. It should go without saying that for users within the Apple ecosystem, iCloud Mail is the best Gmail alternative. Additionally, you should be aware that iCloud supports SMTP and IMAP protocols but not POP3 before switching to iCloud Mail.
7. StartMail
The creators of StartPage, a well-known Google Search alternative, and a private search engine, also created StartMail, a personal email service. StartMail, a Dutch company, complies with the GDPR privacy rules in Europe. The company represents the SMTP/IMAP protocols and employs PGP email encryption for emails. It is important to note that StartMail does not have a free version.
8. Posteo
Posteo is yet another German alternative email service to Gmail. You can sign up without providing any personal details like your phone number or address. Additionally, the company promises that it is entirely ad-free and does not track its users. In particular, Posteo is committed to sustainability and operates entirely using renewable energy. Posteo is undoubtedly a paid email service.
9. Runbox
Runbox is an email service provider with robust privacy features and an environmentally friendly approach to email. Runbox is powered entirely by hydroelectricity that is 100% verified to be renewable and environmentally friendly. Because Runbox is situated in Norway, you are protected by the country’s strict privacy regulations. In addition to these legal protections, it also has robust encryption features.
10. Mailfence
Check Mailfence if you are looking for a private email service with a free tier. Unfortunately, you must have an active email address to register with Mailfence. It is unusual for an email service to require an email address for sign-up, even though Mailfence utilizes this for verification.
