In an era where online privacy is constantly under threat, using an encrypted email provider is essential for safeguarding your personal and professional communications. Whether you’re concerned about surveillance, cyber threats, or data breaches, choosing a secure email service ensures that your messages stay private and protected.
But with so many options, which one is the best encrypted email provider in 2025? We’ve ranked the top secure email services based on encryption strength, security features, usability, and pricing to help you make the best choice.
1. ProtonMail – Best Overall Encrypted Email Provider
⭐ Best for: Privacy-conscious users, journalists, and activists
💰 Pricing: Free, Plus ($4.99/month), Professional ($12.99/month), Visionary ($29.99/month)
🔹 Key Features:
✅ End-to-end encryption (E2EE) with zero access to user data
✅ Open-source and based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
✅ Self-destructing emails and encrypted attachments
✅ Secure calendar and VPN integration
✅ Works on desktop and mobile apps
Why it’s #1:
ProtonMail is the gold standard for encrypted email, offering strong privacy protections without compromising ease of use. It’s backed by Swiss privacy laws, making it a trusted choice for users who prioritize security.
👉 Verdict: If you want the most secure and private email service, ProtonMail is the best overall choice.
2. Tutanota – Best for Open-Source & Sustainability
⭐ Best for: Privacy-first users who want an alternative to ProtonMail
💰 Pricing: Free, Premium (€3/month), Teams (€8/month), Business (€12/month)
🔹 Key Features:
✅ End-to-end encryption for emails, contacts, and calendars
✅ Uses AES and RSA encryption (stronger than PGP)
✅ Open-source and based in Germany (GDPR-compliant)
✅ Anonymous sign-up without requiring a phone number
✅ Eco-friendly servers powered by renewable energy
Why it’s #2:
Tutanota offers a completely private and open-source encrypted email experience, going beyond ProtonMail with encrypted subject lines and zero third-party tracking. However, it lacks IMAP/SMTP support, which limits third-party app integrations.
👉 Verdict: If you want a privacy-focused, open-source encrypted email with strong sustainability ethics, Tutanota is an excellent choice.
3. Mailfence – Best for Custom Domains & Business Use
⭐ Best for: Businesses and professionals needing encrypted email with PGP support
💰 Pricing: Free, Entry (€2.50/month), Pro (€7.50/month), Ultra (€25/month)
🔹 Key Features:
✅ PGP encryption with full control over key management
✅ Supports IMAP/SMTP for use with email clients
✅ Digital signatures for email authentication
✅ Includes encrypted calendar, documents, and contacts
✅ Hosted in Belgium (strong privacy regulations)
Why it’s #3:
Mailfence is a great alternative for professionals who need a balance between security and usability. It supports PGP encryption, unlike Tutanota, and allows integration with third-party email clients. However, it’s not fully open-source like ProtonMail or Tutanota.
👉 Verdict: If you need a secure email service with PGP encryption and business features, Mailfence is the best option.
4. Posteo – Best Anonymous & Affordable Email Provider
⭐ Best for: Users who want a secure, anonymous email without subscriptions
💰 Pricing: €1/month (flat rate)
🔹 Key Features:
✅ No personal data required for sign-up (anonymous payment options available)
✅ Strong encryption for emails, address book, and calendar
✅ Two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security
✅ IMAP/SMTP support for third-party email clients
✅ Sustainable, green hosting
Why it’s #4:
Posteo is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who want anonymous, secure email without long-term commitments. While it lacks built-in end-to-end encryption, users can encrypt emails manually with PGP.
👉 Verdict: If you want a secure email provider that’s anonymous, affordable, and environmentally friendly, Posteo is the best choice.
5. StartMail – Best for Private Email with Familiar UI
⭐ Best for: Users transitioning from mainstream email services (Gmail, Outlook)
💰 Pricing: $5/month or $59.95/year
🔹 Key Features:
✅ PGP email encryption with no ads or tracking
✅ Anonymous email aliases for extra privacy
✅ IMAP/SMTP support for use with third-party clients
✅ Hosted in the Netherlands (strong privacy laws)
✅ No personal data required for registration
Why it’s #5:
StartMail is one of the easiest encrypted email providers to use, making it a great alternative to mainstream services. However, unlike ProtonMail and Tutanota, it does not have a free plan, which might be a downside for casual users.
👉 Verdict: If you want a secure email service with a user-friendly experience, StartMail is a great alternative to Gmail or Outlook.
Final Rankings & Summary
| Rank | Encrypted Email Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | ProtonMail | Best overall encrypted email | Free – $29.99/month |
| #2 | Tutanota | Best open-source and privacy-first option | Free – €12/month |
| #3 | Mailfence | Best for business and custom domains | Free – €25/month |
| #4 | Posteo | Best anonymous and budget-friendly option | €1/month |
| #5 | StartMail | Best for private email with familiar UI | $5/month |
Which Encrypted Email Provider Should You Choose?
🔹 Want the best overall private email service? → Go with ProtonMail
🔹 Prefer a completely open-source and encrypted inbox? → Choose Tutanota
🔹 Need PGP encryption and business features? → Try Mailfence
🔹 Looking for a budget-friendly, anonymous email? → Pick Posteo
🔹 Want a private email with a familiar interface? → Use StartMail
Each email provider offers strong encryption and privacy protections, so your choice depends on your specific security needs, budget, and preferred features.
🚀 Ready to take control of your privacy? Choose a secure email provider and protect your communication today!
Final Thoughts
Encrypted email providers are essential in 2025 for anyone looking to protect their digital communications. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious individual, a business professional, or someone who values secure communication, these top encrypted email providers offer the best security, privacy, and usability.
Disclaimer:
We are not affiliated with or sponsored by any encrypted email provider mentioned in this article. Our rankings are based on independent research, user reviews, and security assessments. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to evaluate each provider based on your privacy needs, encryption standards, and usability preferences before making a decision.
