Mailbox.org
Intermediate RecommendedMailbox.org is one of the best Gmail alternatives. German privacy-focused email with integrated calendar, cloud storage and office suite.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Mailbox.org is a German email provider focused on data protection and eco-responsibility. The service includes a calendar, address book, cloud storage and an online office suite. PGP encryption is built in, and hosting runs on 100% renewable energy. Recommended by Privacy Guides.
Key features
- PGP encrypted email
- Calendar and contacts
- 5GB+ cloud storage
- Online office suite
- Anti-spam filters
Strengths
- + Built-in PGP encryption
- + Complete suite (mail, calendar, cloud, office)
- + Eco-friendly hosting in Germany
- + Full IMAP/SMTP support
Weaknesses
- − Less modern interface than Proton Mail
- − No default end-to-end encryption (requires PGP setup)
Recommended for
- Users looking for a complete European alternative
- Those already familiar with PGP
Mailbox.org vs Gmail: the comparison
| Criterion | Mailbox.org | Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From €1/month (Light). Standard at €3/month, Premium at €9/month (billed annually). | Free (15 GB shared with Drive and Photos) |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
Mailbox.org offers a more complete suite than Proton Mail (office, integrated cloud) but with a less polished interface. Tuta encrypts more by default but doesn't support IMAP.
This topic is chapter 4 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- how do you migrate twenty years of email without losing a message or a contact?
- which address can no one ever take away from you, and how do you get it?
- and what do you do with the hundreds of accounts tied to your Gmail?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mailbox.org cost?
From €1/month (Light). Standard at €3/month, Premium at €9/month (billed annually).
How do you switch from Gmail to Mailbox.org?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Simple migration via IMAP. Optional PGP setup is more technical.
Who is Mailbox.org for?
Intermediate users wanting a complete European email provider with encryption.
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Similar alternatives
Proton Mail
BeginnerYour emails encrypted, hosted in Switzerland. The most direct Gmail replacement.
Tuta
IntermediateEnd-to-end encrypted email based in Germany. Formerly Tutanota, rebranded to Tuta in late 2023. Full encryption of content and metadata.
Infomaniak Mail
BeginnerSwiss email hosted by Infomaniak. Reliable European alternative with integrated office suite.