Quick Answer
• Proton Mail Free is the best free secure email for most privacy‑conscious users.
• With a free account get 1 GB storage, end‑to‑end encryption, no ads, and Swiss privacy laws backing you.
• Alternatives like Tuta (Tutanota) can be a good alternative but lack Proton’s ecosystem and usability
Proton Mail Free: Best All‑Round Private Email
Proton Mail is widely regarded as one of the top encrypted email services, combining end‑to‑end encryption with user‑friendly apps and Swiss privacy jurisdiction.
I use this service myself, and I’ve come to appreciate the spam and phishing detection. Possible phishing email are clearly marked as such.
Key features of the free plan:
- 1 email address with up to 1 GB of storage
- End‑to‑end encryption for email, plus encrypted contacts and calendars.
- Zero‑access architecture: the provider cannot read your messages on its servers.
- Modern web and mobile apps, no ads, and no selling of usage data.
For many users, Proton Mail free is enough to replace a mainstream inbox while significantly improving privacy.
Tuta Mail Free: Maximum‑Privacy Alternative
Tuta Mail (formerly Tutanota) takes an even more aggressive approach to privacy by encrypting not just email content, but also metadata like subject lines and address book data. You can see the details here: Tuta secure email overview.
Key features of the free plan:
- Free encrypted mailbox with no ads and no tracking.
- End‑to‑end encryption for your mailbox, address book, and calendar.
- Ability to send encrypted messages to users on other providers using password‑based sharing.
Why Tuta Mail is might be worth considering:
- Strong focus on encrypting as much metadata as possible.
- Open‑source clients and a clear, privacy‑first stance with no reliance on advertising.
- Note that the service lacks the modern features to which you might be accustomed
