7 European alternatives to Outlook and Gmail
We list some European email alternatives that offer greater data protection and independence.
Published on May 26, 2025
Merien co-founded E52 in 2015 and envisioned AI in journalism, leading to Laio. He writes bold columns on hydrogen and mobility—often with a sharp edge.
While messengers and social feeds grab headlines, email has quietly remained the bedrock of online communication since the very start, the digital address everyone still needs. Yet, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with two US providers, Google and Microsoft, now holding sway over this critical infrastructure, prompting serious concerns for European organizations regarding security and independence.
The Problem: US Law and Data Access
The dominance of Microsoft and Google in the email market poses a significant challenge to European digital sovereignty. US laws, such as the CLOUD Act of 2018, grant American authorities broad powers to demand data from US-based companies, regardless of where that data is stored. This means that sensitive data belonging to European citizens, businesses, and governments could potentially be accessed by US authorities. The International Criminal Court (ICC) even experienced this firsthand when the US government sanctioned its chief prosecutor, leading Microsoft to discontinue his services. While Microsoft claims it continues to serve the ICC as an organization, the incident highlights the vulnerability of relying on US tech companies. The European Data Protection Supervisor has even stated that the CLOUD Act conflicts with the AVG (Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming), the European equivalent of GDPR. This legal landscape makes it imperative for European organizations to consider alternatives that offer greater data protection and independence.
1. Tuta (Germany)
Tuta, formerly Tuta Mail, is a German-based email service focused on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the contents of their emails. Tuta utilizes quantum-resistant cryptography to protect data against future quantum computer attacks. The service provides free mobile apps for Android and iOS, as well as open-source desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Tuta's zero-knowledge architecture and adherence to German GDPR regulations ensure a high level of privacy. User reviews praise Tuta's commitment to privacy, ease of use, and green energy initiatives. Tuta allows anonymous account creation without requiring a phone number. Switching to Tuta offers a strong focus on data protection and a user-friendly experience, making it a compelling alternative to Gmail and Outlook.
2. Proton Mail (Switzerland)
Proton Mail, headquartered in Switzerland, is another leading secure email provider with over 100 million users worldwide. Protected by Swiss privacy laws, Proton Mail offers end-to-end and zero-access encryption, meaning even Proton Mail cannot access the contents of your emails. It also protects users from email trackers. Founded in 2014 by scientists at CERN, Proton Mail emphasizes online privacy rights and press freedom. The service provides easy migration tools for importing emails, contacts, and calendars from other providers. Proton Mail is open-source and independently audited for security. Key features include 'hide-my-email' aliases, scheduled sending, and one-click unsubscribe. Available on web, desktop, Android, and iOS, Proton Mail provides a comprehensive and secure email solution. Like Tuta, Proton Mail's location in a privacy-focused jurisdiction and its strong encryption make it a popular choice for individuals and organizations seeking greater data control.
Proton mail is suitable for corporate clients and large organizations, providing dedicated business plans with enhanced features and support. This suitability for sensitive users was underscored when the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor reportedly adopted Proton Mail after losing access to his Microsoft account following US sanctions.
3. Mailbox.org (Germany)
Mailbox.org is a German email provider that prioritizes data privacy and ad-free service. It offers secure email, online office, cloud storage, and video conferencing, with data stored in Germany under strict data protection laws. Mailbox.org provides professional email and communication platforms for businesses, including centralized management. They also offer GDPR-compliant SaaS solutions for educational institutions and authorities. Features include encrypted access, individual email and file encryption, and anonymous usage. Mailbox.org also provides a moving service to transfer existing mailboxes with encrypted data transfer. Custom email domains with aliases and catch-alls are supported. Focused on security and email since 1992, Mailbox.org provides a secure and sustainable communication platform. The service includes an online office suite with calendar, address book, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. With a focus on sustainability and comprehensive features, Mailbox.org provides a robust alternative to mainstream email providers.
4. Posteo (Germany)
Posteo is a German email provider committed to sustainability, security, and privacy. Based in Berlin, Posteo runs entirely on green energy and is ad-free. It offers encrypted email, address book, and calendar storage, allowing users to create anonymous accounts without linking payment information. Posteo works with all current encryption methods and collects minimal user data. Accounts include 2 GB of storage, upgradeable, and cost €1 per month. Features include two-factor authentication, alias addresses, and compatibility with all devices and apps (IMAP, POP3). Posteo encrypts stored data and offers secure transport route encryption. They also provide three free migrations per account. Posteo has been recognized for its commitment to security and privacy by various publications. With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and data minimization, Posteo offers a compelling choice for privacy-conscious users.
5. Infomaniak (Switzerland)
Infomaniak, based in Switzerland, offers a range of web infrastructure services, including an email service called 'MyKSuite'. This service is ad-free, 100% developed and hosted in Switzerland, and provides 20 GB of storage. Infomaniak emphasizes its commitment to data privacy, security, and sustainability. The company belongs to its founders and employees, ensuring data is processed by software developed in Switzerland that complies with GDPR. Infomaniak is ISO 27001 certified and manages its own data centers in Switzerland, powered by 100% renewable energy. They also use innovative cooling methods for their data centers and prioritize server longevity. Infomaniak's email service offers contact and appointment synchronization, easy device configuration, and automatic import from Gmail and Outlook. By focusing on ethical and sustainable practices, Infomaniak provides a compelling alternative for organizations seeking responsible technology solutions.
6. Soverin (Netherlands)
Soverin (Netherlands) is another privacy-focused European email provider with a decade of experience, founded on the principle of 'Privacy by Design'. While serving individuals, Soverin has increasingly focused on providing its secure email solution to the B2B market, catering to small and medium-sized businesses, hosting companies, and MSPs. They have received industry recognition, including a ranking in the top five platforms in the Internet.nl Hall of Fame for Mail and partnering with privacy advocacy groups like Bits of Freedom. Soverin emphasizes its independence and commitment to secure, reliable communication.
7. Self-Hosting with Mailcow or Modoboa
For organizations seeking maximum control over their email infrastructure, self-hosting is a viable option. Mailcow and Modoboa are two popular open-source email server solutions. Mailcow is a mail server suite that uses Docker containers for easy deployment and management. Modoboa is an open-source email server with a modern web interface, allowing users to create secure email servers. Self-hosting allows organizations to choose where their data is stored and who administers it. Modoboa encrypts all communications using TLS and provides SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols for enhanced security. While self-hosting requires technical expertise and ongoing maintenance, it offers unparalleled control over data and security. Modoboa currently hosts over 800,000 mailboxes and is looking for community support. However, self-hosting also means that you are responsible for security updates, spam filtering, and ensuring deliverability.
More Than Just the Provider: The Email's Journey
Opting for a European alternative can be a safe, sustainable option. However, you are not always guaranteed secure email traffic. For example, when emails travel between different providers, from an encrypted service to someone with a Gmail address. That transfer takes place via SMTP. And although the connection between servers is often secure, the content usually remains readable unless both sides apply additional encryption.
In short, your provider can protect your mailbox well, but the internet itself is a different story. The fundamental email protocols have limitations, and these limit how secure a sent message really is.
The Challenge of Switching
Switching from established email providers like Gmail and Outlook can present challenges. Migrating existing emails, contacts, and calendars requires careful planning and execution. Compatibility with existing devices and software is also a key consideration. Some services, like Tuta and Proton Mail, offer proprietary apps and web interfaces, while others support standard protocols like IMAP and POP3, allowing integration with various email clients. For organizations with complex IT infrastructures, self-hosting may require significant technical resources. However, the increasing awareness of data privacy and security concerns is driving the development of easier-to-use migration tools and better interoperability between different email systems. The Dutch government, for example, is considering investing in EU cloud alternatives to reduce reliance on US tech companies. Despite the challenges, the benefits of increased data control and privacy make the switch worthwhile for many organizations.
