While using Gmail or Yahoo mail is okay for most purposes, you might not want to be using these services if you’re sending important messages that need encrypted security. Not only that, but these services are products made to be free to use your data for advertising purposes. Remember, the core idea that if you are using something that is free, there is always something to be given on your end!
We’ve collected some of the best private email providers here so you can make sure your emails aren’t read by spy agencies, snoopers, or used as data for large companies looking to generate revenue. Some of these email providers have free plans for lighter uses, but most of them provide paid options for more robust use, which I think is a fair compromise between just being totally free.
We’ve collected some of the best anonymous private email providers here so you can make sure your emails aren’t read by spy agencies, snoopers, or used as data for large companies looking to generate revenue.
#1 TorGuard
Who better to trust with your email then your very own VPN provider? TorGuard has an excellent email service that is free for VPN members with limited storage (10MB), or you can pay a premium to get more storage. TorGuard’s encrypted email offers 24/7 dedicated help, secure encryption, and zero advertisements or marketing.
They’ve also made some great new updates recently like updating their user interface as well as optimizing the mobile experience. As well as secure OpenPGP encryption and unlimited storage for premium members, you can use included key storage, calendar, tasks, notes, bulk import, advanced search and more.
TorGuard is a great private email provider, but they are also our top rated VPN since we have reviewed them. Over nearly a hundred VPN reviews to date, they always come on top, and a lot of that has to do with how they run their business with customer support and consistent updates monthly as a priority.
Pros
-Affordable premium plan
-Great VPN service to use as well
-Great security and live chat support
Cons
-A bit less free storage than some other options
#2 Proton
Proton is a reliable email provider that can give you email privacy for free (or paid for more features). Every email account is automatically encrypted and optimized for productivity. Since the provider is located in Switzerland, it would be hard for the US government to shut them down or require information. Proton also doesn’t log IP addresses.
Pros
-Good two-factor options
-Password protected (perhaps to a fault, if you forget your password say goodbye to your account)
-Good amount of keyboard shortcuts and support for CSV contact import
Cons
-Does not support IMAP, SMTP, or POP3
#3 Tutanota
Tutanota is the free and open source that offers end-to-end encryption of emails. It’s similar to Protonmail in a lot of ways like the encryption from sender to deceiver on your device, and the fact that the private encryption key is not accessible from anywhere but your own device.
You can also lock the contents of your messages and require a password from the person receiving them. Tutanota offers 1 GB of storage for free, but you have to pay more for more storage and more aliases. It’s very easy to use Tutanota, with options to send secure encrypted messages that require password keys, or you can just send regular emails as well.
Pros
-Open source, with iOS and Android apps
-Very secure with passwords and easy anti-spam filtering
Cons
-Only plain text email support
-No search functions
-Can’t import contacts in bulk
#4 Hushmail
Hushmail is a decently popular encrypted email solution. In the past, Hushmail has turned over records and information to the feds, which tarnishes its reputation slightly. However, if you’re not a criminal the security here should be good enough for personal use. You can get a free plan with 25MB of free storage, with options to upgrade for more.
Pros
-Includes good features like spam filter, auto response, email signature, and contact import through CSV
-Two factor authentication
Cons
-Requires phone number and previous email for signup
#5 Posteo
Posteo is another great choice for an email provider. While they don’t offer a free service, they do offer a 14-day trial. In their service, they offer 2 GB storage with options to increase, attachments up to 50 MB, multi-platform accessibility, two included aliases, as well as open source design.
Posteo is based in Berlin and does not require any personal information on signup.
Pros
-Easy to use and good functionality
Cons
-Doesn’t work with your own domain
-No anonymous payments like Bitcoin
#6 Kolab Now
Kolab Now is an open-source email service that has servers hosted and managed in Switzerland. This might prove advantageous if you’re afraid of the NSA. They have two plans starting from $4.99 for an individual account and they also include features like note taking, email tagging, contacts, and calendar, and shared folders.
Pros
-Severs are secure with POWER8 architecture
-Based in Swiss privacy laws
-Open source
Cons
-Can be a bit slow
-No 2FA
-Not the cheapest
#7 Guerilla Mail
If you like the idea of a temporary email that lasts only one hour–never to be used again, then Guerilla Mail is an option. It doesn’t require signup, but you get a free anonymous scrambled email address.
Pros
-Good for quick anonymity
Cons
-Only lasts one hour
#8 Mailinator
Free with a 10mb account, this service allows you to setup a receiving email account that lets you come up with your own name. Just make sure to pick a secure name that no one else will pick. This website doesn’t even require passwords which is odd, so it’s super quick and easy to setup. However, if you want that security and your own private account, use the $29 a month plan (quite pricey).
Pros
-Interesting idea not requiring password
Cons
-Really only useful for very specific use cases
-Free version not that secure?
#9 Hide-Your-Email.com
If you only want to receive messages with the simplest anonymous interface possible, then consider using Hide Your Email. It’s free, and you can pick your own password and address of your choice. The main purpose of this service is just to have another email address on hand to stop spam and the like.
Pros
-Great easy setup for receiving messages
Cons
-Not really full service email with ability to send messages
#10 Email on Deck
If you want a safe and secure burner email, Email on Deck is a good option. Maybe you need to sign up for a service but don’t want to worry about getting messages from them, or maybe you have some sort of transaction that needs to be secure and anonymous and temporary. The way it works is that for 2 hours or so, you are assigned an anonymous random email address that is temporary. Use this email as you wish, and then it’ll be deleted!
Pros
-Great for specific uses
-Free
Cons
-Not good for long term email use
Thanks for reading our list on the best private email providers. Did we miss your favorite private email provider? Let us know in the comments below.
