Email predates the internet. It first originated as a communication tool for those using the same computer at MIT with a program called "MAILBOX". Today, it is one of, if not the one most widely used communication tools. We use it to protect our accounts, communicate, for work, and more. That begs the question: "What is the best email provider?"
I will preface this with saying that this will of course not include self hosted email. I am looking into making a post about that in the future, so make sure to follow me for that upcoming post. Furthermore, I am not taking a look at all email providers, only the ones that I would personally suggest. If you have an email provider that you like, leave it in the comments down below and I may do a follow up post on that.
The Contenders
Gmail
First and foremost, we have an email provider that I have used in the past, but am not currently (more on that later). Gmail has a nice and modern feel to it, which is especially refreshing relative to the email providers in the past. Of course, most email providers have followed suit. There is an excellent mobile app on both iOS and Android with support for IMAP/SMTP. There is Google Calendar Integration, YouTube integration, and 15 GB of storage for emails (do take note that this is for all Google Services).
With that being said, one of the major concerns that I, and other privacy advocates have, is that Google scans emails on free Gmail accounts for targeted ads and due to it being in the US, it is to abide by US regulations, which are weaker than Europe's.
Pros:
- 15 GB Storage
- Support for email clients, Excellent Mobile App
- Integration with other Google Services
Cons:
- Scans emails on free accounts
- Subject to US law, including the ECPA of 1986.
Overall, good email provider, although I think that there are better options out there.
Tutanota
Next, we have an email provider with, arguably, a pretty clever naming convention. In Latin, "tuta nota" means secure message. Tutanota can encrypt email messages if you'd like, however you can disable it if you wish. It is based in Germany, which of course means that your data is better protected under EU privacy laws versus email providers in the states. It is a very privacy conscious email provider relative to Gmail, AOL, or Yahoo. I may cover the various privacy laws of the EU and why exactly you should host your data there if you are not self-hosting in a future video.
Here is where the main caveat lies: email storage. You only get 1 GB of email storage. While that may sound like a lot, it can easily get eaten up fairly quickly.
Pros:
- Encryption
- EU based
- For privacy
Cons:
- 1 GB storage
Excellent Email service, storage is lacking however.
Disroot
Finally, we have Disroot. I have been using this platform for the past six or so months, and I have to say: I love this platform. Disroot has a very beautiful mobile interface that they call Rainloop, and I really wish that they had a mobile app that keeps that same theme.
The service is based in the Netherlands, so you get those sweet sweet EU privacy laws. You get 4 GB of storage, which should be enough for at least a little while. You may want to look into potentially getting an archive email account to transfer old emails to.
Pros:
- EU Privacy Laws
- Beautiful web page
- 4 GB of Storage
Cons:
- No dedicated email client on mobile
- Not a good solution for old emails in the long run
The Verdict
We have covered what I consider to be the best email providers, but which one is truly "the best"?
It honestly really depends. If you are not as concerned with privacy and are receiving lots and lots of emails, go with Gmail. If you want encryption and are only speaking with a few select contacts, go with Tutanota. If you want a privacy conscious email provider with ample storage, go with Disroot.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
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