You're not imagining it. ProtonMail feels slower than it should.
When you're processing hundreds of emails daily, that lag adds up. The limited storage, the search that barely works, the desktop bridge you need just to use your favorite email client. All these inconveniences become productivity killers.
The good news? The secure email landscape has evolved beyond the old privacy-versus-speed tradeoff. You can get quantum-safe encryption, AI productivity tools, and fast performance in the same inbox.
This guide covers seven secure email providers, from Tuta's quantum-resistant encryption to Fastmail's blazing speed, plus how to migrate safely without losing your data.
What is ProtonMail?
ProtonMail launched in 2013 as a Swiss-based end-to-end encrypted email service. Your messages stay encrypted. Recent updates include AI Scribe for writing assistance, Proton Drive Teams for collaborative storage, and Easy Switch for business migrations.
Why people are switching from ProtonMail
ProtonMail delivers on security. But for heavy email users, the limitations create real friction:
Storage and access restrictions
- Free tier caps at 1GB storage versus Gmail's 15GB
- 150-message daily sending limit on free accounts
- No native IMAP or POP3 support—you need the Bridge application
- Limited aliases and custom domain options
Performance gaps
- Slower UI compared to modern email clients
- Search barely works due to encryption architecture
- Bulk actions limited to 50 emails at once
- Mobile apps struggle with folder management
Missing productivity features
- Subject lines stay unencrypted (metadata exposure)
- Limited third-party integrations—no Calendly or Zoom calendar sync
- Premium tiers run $9.99/month for the Unlimited plan
- No AI productivity features until the recent Scribe launch
Quick comparison: ProtonMail versus top alternatives
7 secure email alternatives to ProtonMail
There are secure email services that work differently. Each protects privacy with its own approach. These seven options offer encrypted communication, strong data controls, and reliable alternatives to ProtonMail.
1. Superhuman Mail
Unlike most encrypted email providers, Superhuman Mail encrypts at rest and in transit while delivering AI-native speed that saves teams 4 hours per person every week.
What makes it different:
- Sub-100ms performance—every action completes in under 100 milliseconds
- Superhuman AI drafts complete emails from short phrases while learning your tone
- Split Inbox automatically separates high-priority messages from colleagues and executives
- Shared Conversations and Team Comments enable internal alignment
- End-to-end encryption with enterprise-grade security
- Seamless Gmail and Outlook integration
Pricing:
- Starter: $25/month
- Business: $33/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for: Professionals and teams who refuse to choose between privacy and productivity
Migration ease: 5/5 (seamless Gmail and Outlook integration, dedicated onboarding)
2. Tuta (formerly Tutanota)
Tuta leads with cutting-edge security and environmental consciousness. Based in Germany under GDPR protection, Tuta implements TutaCrypt encryption combining quantum-resistant algorithms (Kyber-1024) with proven methods like RSA 2048 and AES 256.
What makes it different:
- Complete encryption for subject lines, contacts, calendars, and message body
- Quantum-safe TutaCrypt protects against future computing threats
- 100% renewable energy powers all servers
- Open-source code available for public audit
- Native desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Pricing:
- Free: 1GB storage, unlimited messaging, one calendar
- Revolutionary: €3/month—20GB storage, unlimited calendars, custom domains
- Legend: €8/month—500GB storage, 30 email addresses, 10 custom domains
Best for: Privacy purists seeking future-proof encryption and eco-friendly infrastructure
Migration ease: 4/5 (excellent export tools, no IMAP bridge needed)
3. Fastmail
Fastmail prioritizes performance and familiar experience over maximum encryption. You get privacy from corporate surveillance without sacrificing productivity.
What makes it different:
- JMAP protocol synchronizes faster than traditional IMAP
- Advanced search works across all messages and attachments
- Custom domains included in all plans
- Built-in calendar with scheduling links
- Unlimited masked email addresses for signups
Pricing:
- Basic: $6/month—50GB storage, unlimited aliases
- Standard: $10/month—100GB storage, two users
- Family: $12/month—300GB storage, six users
Best for: Speed-focused professionals wanting Gmail-like experience with better privacy
Migration ease: 5/5 (native IMAP support, excellent import tools)
4. Mailbox.org
This German provider combines 30+ years of secure IT experience with comprehensive productivity features and 100% renewable energy infrastructure.
What makes it different:
- PGP and S/MIME support across multiple encryption standards
- Guard system simplifies encryption setup
- Integrated office suite: email, calendar, contacts, cloud storage, video chat
- Berlin-based servers under German data protection laws
- Anonymous registration with cash payments accepted
Pricing:
- Light: €1/month—2GB email
- Standard: €3/month—10GB email plus 5GB cloud storage
- Premium: €9/month—25GB email plus 50GB cloud storage
Best for: European businesses needing comprehensive collaboration tools
Migration ease: 4/5 (IMAP support, comprehensive migration services)
5. Mailfence
Mailfence emphasizes transparency and regulatory compliance with comprehensive security audits and document management.
What makes it different:
- OpenPGP encryption with industry-standard protocols and S/MIME support
- Integrated productivity suite for email, calendar, documents, contacts
- Cryptocurrency payments for anonymous subscriptions
- Full IMAP, POP3, SMTP access
- Digital signatures for message authenticity
Pricing
- Free: 500MB email plus document storage
- Entry: $2.50/month—5GB email plus 6GB documents
- Pro: $7.50/month—10GB email plus 30GB documents
Best for: Organizations requiring compliance auditing and document collaboration
Migration ease: 5/5 (native IMAP, dedicated migration assistance)
6. StartMail
Created by the Startpage search engine team, StartMail focuses on anonymity and unlimited email aliases for identity protection.
What makes it different:
- Unlimited aliases create unique email addresses for every service or website
- Anonymous registration requires no personal information
- PGP encryption for standard end-to-end protection
- Password-protected emails for non-encrypted recipients
- Dutch privacy laws provide strong European data protection
Pricing:
- Personal: $5/month—20GB storage, unlimited aliases, custom domains
- Seven-day free trial (no ongoing free plan)
Best for: Maximum anonymity and email address compartmentalization
Migration ease: 4/5 (IMAP support, professional migration tools)
7. Canary Mail
Canary Mail bridges the productivity-privacy gap with AI-powered features and comprehensive encryption.
What makes it different:
- AI writing assistant provides context-aware drafting and responses
- End-to-end encryption via PGP with user-friendly interface
- Smart notifications detect priority and filter automatically
- Cross-platform sync creates seamless experience across devices
- Template management with AI-generated responses
Pricing:
- Premium: $20/month—unlimited accounts, AI features, encryption
- Teams: $36/month per user—collaboration tools, admin controls
Best for: AI productivity without compromising encryption
Migration ease: 3/5 (IMAP support, limited bulk migration tools)
How to migrate from ProtonMail to Superhuman Mail
Switching from ProtonMail to Superhuman Mail is quick and secure. Follow these steps to move your emails and get set up in minutes.
Export your data
Download all your existing emails from ProtonMail so you can transfer them safely.
- Log in to your ProtonMail account and go to Settings → Import & Export.
- Use the Export tool to download your messages in MBOX format.
- Save the exported file somewhere secure on your device.
Import to your new provider
Upload your exported data to Superhuman Mail (via Gmail or Outlook).
- Connect your email account to Superhuman Mail.
- If you exported MBOX files, import them into your Gmail or Outlook account using Apple Mail or Thunderbird.
- Superhuman Mail will automatically sync your messages once they’re in your inbox.
Verify and test
Make sure everything is transferred correctly and works as expected.
- Open Superhuman Mail and confirm your folders, contacts, and emails appear.
- Send a few test messages to verify delivery and syncing.
- Once confirmed, you can safely delete the old ProtonMail data if desired.
Privacy and jurisdiction comparison
Understanding data location and legal frameworks matters for privacy-conscious professionals:
*European privacy protections are stronger than surveillance alliance membership suggests.
Swiss jurisdiction (ProtonMail) offers the strongest legal protections, but German and Dutch providers under GDPR provide substantial privacy safeguards with better performance and features.
Choosing the right alternative
Select your ProtonMail alternative based on your primary use case:
For speed and productivity Choose Superhuman Mail if you need AI-native productivity without compromising encryption. Choose Fastmail for Gmail-like performance with better privacy than mainstream providers.
For personal privacy Choose Tuta if you want maximum encryption coverage including subject lines and quantum-safe protection. Choose StartMail if you prioritize anonymity and unlimited email aliases.
For business collaboration Choose Mailfence for compliance requirements and document management. Choose Mailbox.org for comprehensive office suite integration.
Find your secure, productive inbox
The best ProtonMail alternatives in 2025 combine encrypted email, privacy-first hosting, and productivity tools—helping you switch without losing speed, security, or control.
Most encrypted email providers force you to choose between privacy and performance. Superhuman Mail combines enterprise-grade encryption with sub-100ms speed and AI-native features that save teams 4 hours per person every week.
Frequently asked questions
Why are people leaving ProtonMail? ProtonMail's limited free tier, slower experience, and lack of IMAP support push professionals toward faster, more flexible encrypted email options with better productivity features.
What's the most secure ProtonMail alternative? Tuta and Mailfence offer open-source, end-to-end encryption under strict EU privacy laws. Tuta's quantum-safe encryption provides additional future-proofing.
Which ProtonMail alternative works best with Outlook or Gmail? Superhuman Mail supports seamless integration with existing Gmail and Outlook accounts, making migration effortless.
Which ProtonMail alternative offers the best business features? Superhuman Mail excels at team productivity with Shared Conversations and AI-native collaboration.
