Secure and Encrypted Email

Apps Like Tuta: Best Encrypted Email Alternatives

Tuta offers quantum-safe encryption and encrypts subject lines, but its 1 GB free tier, dated interface, and lack of IMAP support limit daily usability. Here are the best encrypted email alternatives with more storage, better UX, and broader client compatibility.

Why People Look for Tuta Alternatives

The free plan offers only 1 GB of storage with a single calendar — the most restrictive free tier among major encrypted email providers, especially compared to Skiff’s 10 GB.
The interface feels dated and sluggish compared to modern email clients. Reviewers consistently note the UI hasn’t had a major refresh in years, with slow load times on mobile.
No IMAP or SMTP support by design — you cannot use Tuta with any third-party email client like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Outlook, locking you into Tuta’s own apps exclusively.
No import tool for existing email. Migrating years of email history from Gmail or another provider requires manually forwarding messages, as there is no bulk import feature.

6 Best Alternatives to Tuta

Each app below addresses a specific gap in Tuta's offering. We picked them based on real user review patterns and feature differentiation.

Proton Mail

The largest encrypted email provider with a full ecosystem

The most established privacy email service, backed by a Swiss legal framework and a growing suite that includes VPN, Drive, Calendar, and Pass. Proton Mail Bridge enables IMAP/SMTP access via third-party desktop clients — a major advantage over Tuta’s closed ecosystem.

Users who want encrypted email with IMAP and a full ecosystem Free (500 MB) / Mail Plus $3.99/mo
Explore Proton Mail data →

Mailfence

OpenPGP email with built-in docs, calendar, and contacts

Belgian-hosted service that combines OpenPGP-encrypted email with an integrated office suite. Supports IMAP and SMTP, custom domains, and crypto payments. More flexible than Tuta for users who need third-party client access.

Encrypted email with IMAP support and productivity tools Free (500 MB) / Entry €2.50/mo
Explore Mailfence data →

StartMail

Simple encrypted email with unlimited aliases

A straightforward private email service with PGP encryption, unlimited disposable aliases, and IMAP support so you can use any email client you prefer. Clean interface without the feature bloat of larger suites.

Users who want encrypted email they can use in any client $5/mo annually
Explore StartMail data →

Fastmail

Blazing-fast private email with the best search in class

Ad-free, tracker-free, and lightning fast. Not end-to-end encrypted, but hosted in Australia under strong privacy laws. The search, speed, and polished UI make it the best choice for users willing to trade maximum encryption for a dramatically better daily experience.

Users who prioritize speed and usability over E2EE From $3/mo annually
Explore Fastmail data →

Skiff Mail

Modern encrypted email with generous free storage

Open-source, end-to-end encrypted email with 10 GB free storage — ten times Tuta’s free tier. Includes calendar, Drive, and collaborative pages. The modern interface is a stark contrast to Tuta’s dated design.

Users who want free encrypted email with more storage Free (10 GB) / Pro $3/mo
Explore Skiff Mail data →

Canary Mail

PGP-encrypted client that works with your existing provider

Instead of replacing your email provider, Canary adds PGP encryption, AI features, and a smart inbox on top of Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, or any IMAP account. Your data stays on-device — no migration required.

Adding encryption without switching email providers Free / Pro from $49/yr
Explore Canary Mail data →
How we found these alternatives

We found these alternatives by analyzing review patterns across encrypted email providers. Users switching from Tuta most commonly cite the limited free storage, outdated interface, and inability to use third-party email clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some ways, yes. Tuta encrypts subject lines and has deployed post-quantum cryptography (TutaCrypt) ahead of Proton. However, Proton Mail offers IMAP access via Bridge, a larger user base, and a broader product ecosystem. Both are excellent — the choice depends on whether you value maximum encryption depth or flexibility.

No. Tuta deliberately does not support IMAP or SMTP, so you must use Tuta’s own web, desktop, or mobile apps. If third-party client access matters to you, Proton Mail (via Bridge), StartMail, or Mailfence all support IMAP.

Tuta and Proton Mail both offer free tiers with end-to-end encryption. Tuta gives 1 GB of storage; Proton Mail gives 500 MB. Skiff Mail’s free tier is the most generous at 10 GB but is a newer service with a smaller track record.

We analyze App Store metadata, review patterns, and user migration data to surface the best alternatives objectively — no sponsored placements or affiliate rankings.

Browse More App Alternatives

Tool Comparisons

Discover your next favorite app

App Vulture analyzes real app store reviews to find market opportunities, underserved niches, and hidden gems.