Secure email services that respect your privacy

Last updated on 28 April 2024

Email security is a major issue when you are concerned about preserving your privacy. Recent scandals related to data leaks and widespread surveillance have highlighted the flaws in traditional messaging services.

Emails are often subject to hacking and phishing attempts, putting personal and business information at risk.

The free services offered by internet giants like Google and other Yahoo pay dearly for the mass of data you make available to them without even realizing it.

It is now possible to have filters powerful anti-spam with Professional tools like MailInBlack. However, it is not as easy to obtain a secure email address that protects your personal data.

Here are five. Five trust services that offer everything you need to send and receive your messages by email without fear.

Five reliable services to ensure the security of your email address

Without falling into digital paranoia and if you do not have vitally important messages to send or receive, here is five mail services for daily use that guarantee a largely sufficient level of security and confidentiality.

ProtonMail

ProtonMail is a messaging service, based in Switzerland, that provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and the recipient can read the content of the emails. ProtonMail's servers provide optimal physical data protection.

In addition to email, the service offers a range of tools such as a calendar, a VPN, a drive and, most recently, a password manager with the same security guarantees.

ProtonMail offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, available on computer and mobile.

Respect for privacy

ProtonMail does not store the IP addresses of its users and does not require personal data to create an account. In addition, the service is subject to Swiss privacy laws, which are among the strictest in the world.

ProtonMail offers a free version limited to 1 GB address and storage space. Subscriptions start at around €4 per month and give you around 10 addresses and a comfortable storage space.

Kmail

Infomaniak Switzerland also offers a secure email service for your emails. Kmail is a Open source mail application, free and without advertising.

Kmail mail is automatically protected against viruses and spam. SPF, DKIM and DMARC filters are in place to protect you from possible usurpation.

Users who have just registered have the option to create a free account using an address ending with @etik.com, @ik.me or @ikmail.com, while business customers can log in immediately to manage their addresses with their own domain name. The free version of Infomaniak messaging offers 20 GB of storage space for emails, as well as 15 GB for sharing and synchronizing documents and photos in Infomaniak’s sovereign cloud.

Tutanota

Tutanota is a German courier service offering End-to-end encryption for emails and attachments. Tutanota stores data encrypted on its servers, making it impossible for unauthorized third parties to access it.

This alternative to Gmail is intended to be secure, eco-friendly and ad-free. The Tutanota team also promotes open source technologies.

Tutanota offers a clean and easy-to-use interface, available on computer and mobile. A free version with limited features is also available for users.

Respect for privacy

Tutanota does not store the IP addresses of its users and does not require personal data to create an account. The service is subject to German privacy laws, which are also strict.

Tutanota offers a somewhat limited free version, but fully operational for limited needs. Subscriptions start at EUR 1 per month.

Mailfence

Mailfence is a messaging service based in Belgium that offers end-to-end encryption for emails. Mailfence also offers additional protection tools, such as digital signature and two-factor authentication.

Mailfence adds an equally secure calendar and drive to the Trash. The service offers a user-friendly and very successful interface, available on computer and mobile.

Respect for privacy

Mailfence does not set aside the IP addresses of its users. The service is subject to Belgian privacy laws, providing a solid legal framework to protect user data.

The free version is a bit limited. Subscriptions start at EUR 3.50 per month with the possibility to associate your domain name and manage multiple addresses.

Posteo

Posteo is a very popular service for investigative journalists and activists with critical needs for anonymity and security. It is a German email provider that focuses on sustainability, security and privacy. 

The service runs entirely ad-free and is powered by 100% green electricity. Posteo offers a 2 GB mailbox, expandable, with two-factor authentication. The service costs 1 euro per month. Registration does not require any personal data. The Platform also offers a free migration service to transfer emails from other providers.

Respect for privacy

It is an open source tool and the secure servers are located in Germany. Posteo does not store any traffic or user identification data, such as IP addresses. The service does not use tracking tools and does not allow integration with social networks, in order to preserve privacy.

Which email service is secure and respectful of your data?

For my part, I chose ProtonMail. But secure messaging services like ProtonMail, Tutanota, Mailfence and Posteo are all reliable solutions to keep your exchanges private and protect your data from potential threats. Each of these services has specific features in terms of security, privacy and usability.

Take the time to assess your needs and carefully consider the different options for choosing the secure email service that best meets your expectations. All of them offer free versions that will give you the opportunity to test them or even use them free of charge.

If you are looking for mail services adapted for children, you can take a look at Mailo’s side.

Do you use other private and secure couriers? Please help me complete the list in comments.