Your email inbox holds more than just messages. Messages may contain your conversations, work-related details, and information about your bank account. Now, more than ever, ensuring your emails are private is crucial.
Sending emails through Gmail or Yahoo is simple, but these services will read through your mail and pass your information to marketers. Are you concerned about your privacy? Now is the time to use a safe email service.
We’ve put together a list of the best 5 secure providers for 2025, and we’ll also tell you which one we’ll pick as our top choice.
1. Tuta
Based in: Germany
Open Source: Yes
Encryption: End-to-End (E2EE)
Tuta is one of the most secure email services available. It encrypts not just your emails, but also the subject lines, your contacts, and your calendar. You don’t even need to give your phone number to sign up!
Features:
Strong, quantum-resistant encryption for emails, calendars, and contacts
Anonymous sign-up
Apps for phones and computers
Two-factor login (2FA)
Can send password-protected emails to anyone
No ads and follows European privacy laws (GDPR)
Best for: Anyone who wants strong privacy and low cost.
2. Proton Mail
Based In: Switzerland
Open Source: Yes
Proton Mail is well known for privacy. Made by scientists at CERN, it’s easy to use and works with other tools like Proton VPN and Proton Drive.
Highlights:
Emails are encrypted end-to-end
Messages can delete themselves
Safe contact list
Can use your domain
Part of a secure suite (VPN, cloud storage, etc.)
Best for: People who want privacy with a modern, clean interface.
3. Mailfence
Based in: France
Open Source: Partially
Mailfence gives users full control of their encryption keys. It also includes calendar, contact, and file storage tools.
Highlights:
Uses PGP encryption (you control the keys)
Adds digital signatures
Includes a secure calendar and file space
Custom domain support
Strong Belgian privacy laws
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want full control.
4. StartMail
Based in: Netherlands
Open Source: No
StartMail is from the team behind Startpage (a private search engine). It uses PGP encryption and offers lots of email aliases for better privacy.
Highlights:
Supports PGP encryption
Create unlimited fake email addresses (aliases)
Private search features
Custom domain options
7-day free trial (no free plan)
Best for: Professionals and small businesses.
5. Posteo
Based in: Germany
Open Source: Partially
Posteo is all about privacy and being eco-friendly. It runs on green energy and lets you sign up without sharing your name.
Highlights:
No personal info needed to sign up
Optional PGP encryption
Powered by 100% renewable energy
No ads or trackers
Works with email apps (IMAP/SMTP)
Best for: Privacy lovers who also care about the planet.
Quick Comparison Table
| Email Provider | Anonymous Sign-Up | Encrypted Calendar | Open Source | Free Plan | Custom Domains |
| Tuta | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (paid) |
| Proton Mail | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (paid) |
| Mailfence | ❌ | ✅ | Partial | ✅ | ✅ |
| StartMail | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Posteo | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ✅ |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, email privacy should be a basic right, not a luxury. These secure email providers give you back control over your digital life.
If you want top-level encryption, anonymous sign-up, and affordable pricing, we recommend Tuta as the best secure email provider in 2025.
