The Best Secure Email Provider: A Detailed Comparison

Last month, Josh from All Things Secured embarked on a mission to test and compare five of the top encrypted email providers in the market, aiming to find the best Gmail alternative. These providers include Proton Mail, Tuta, Mailfence, Startmail, and Hushmail.

Data Privacy Laws and Encryption

Proton Mail, based in Switzerland, is known for its privacy-friendly environment. Tuta, Mailfence, and StartMail are located in EU countries adhering to stringent data protection laws. Hushmail, located in Canada, offers good privacy laws but is not as favored as Switzerland or the EU.

All providers offer PGP encryption, but their security architecture varies. StartMail allows account recovery, while Proton, Tuta, Mailfence, and Hushmail implement a zero-knowledge approach for enhanced privacy.

2FA Keys and Account Security

To bolster account security, a physical 2FA key like YubiKey is recommended. Proton and Tuta support YubiKeys, offering an added layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Calendar and Drive Features

Proton and Mailfence lead the pack by providing encrypted calendar and cloud drive services that blend seamlessly with their email platforms, ensuring a cohesive user experience. Tuta has plans to introduce a TutaDrive in the future.

Features Overview

• Native Mobile Apps: Proton, Tuta, and Hushmail offer dedicated mobile apps for on-the-go access.
• Email Aliases: Proton, StartMail, and Hushmail support an unlimited number of aliases, while Tuta and Mailfence limit them based on the plan.
• Custom Domains: All providers offer the option of using a custom domain, with StartMail charging an extra fee.

Pricing and Recommendations

The average cost of these services is $48, with Tuta offering the best value and StartMail at the higher end. Josh’s recommendation leans towards Proton Mail for comprehensive privacy services or Tuta for the best value in encrypted email.

To ensure maximum account protection, investing in YubiKeys is suggested for a secure email experience. Whether you prioritize privacy features or cost-effective solutions, both Proton Mail and Tuta emerge as strong contenders in the realm of secure email providers.

If you want to dive deeper into the comparison and stay updated on any changes, visit AllThingsSecured.com.

Remember, your online security matters. Choose the provider that best aligns with your needs and safeguards your data effectively!