If you want email that is not funded by reading your inbox, you need a different provider, not just a different app. We compared the privacy-focused email services in our inventory on what they protect, what they cost and where they run. Prices were checked on November 1, 2026.
At a glance
Proton Mail
Fastmail
HEY Email
Best for
End-to-end encryption
An independent, all-round service
Blocking trackers and unwanted senders
Price
Free; Mail Plus $3.99/month billed annually
Individual $6/month ($5 paid yearly)
HEY for You $99/year after a 30-day trial
Platforms
iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, web
iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, web
iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, web
1End-to-end encryption
Proton Mail
Free plan; Mail Plus about $4/month billed yearly
Proton Mail is a Swiss email service with end-to-end and zero-access encryption for messages and attachments. That makes it the strongest pick here if encryption is what you are after. It has web, mobile and desktop apps, password-protected messages for people outside Proton, and custom domains on paid plans. You can start free. Mail Plus is $3.99 a month and Proton Unlimited is $9.99 a month, both billed annually.
Pick it if you want encrypted email and a free way to try it.
From about $5/month paid yearly; up to 30-day trial
Fastmail is an independent, privacy-focused email service that also includes calendar, contacts and files. It is a paid service, which is part of the point: you are the customer. The Individual plan is $6 a month, or $5 a month paid yearly. Duo, Family and Business plans are available, and there is a trial of up to 30 days.
Pick it if you want a reliable paid provider that covers mail, calendar and contacts in one place.
HEY is an email and calendar service from 37signals that describes itself as privacy-respecting. It blocks email trackers, and new senders must pass a screener before they reach your Imbox. It also has workflows such as Reply Later, Set Aside, the Feed and the Paper Trail. HEY for You is $99 a year after a 30-day trial, with Domains and Families plans too.
Pick it if your privacy worry is trackers and unwanted senders more than encryption.
Proton Mail is the best choice for most privacy-minded people: it is the only one of the three with end-to-end encryption, and it has a free plan. Fastmail suits people who want an independent, paid all-rounder at a modest price. HEY is the pick if you want tracker blocking and tight control over who can email you.
An independent, all-round service