Gmail is the default choice for a vast majority of users online when it comes to picking an email service. And that’s for a good reason. Gmail offers you a ton of features, and with Google Workspace, you get deeper integrations into Google’s productivity suite, including Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. However, if you are looking to rely less on the Google ecosystem or searching for a privacy-focused email service, here are the best Gmail alternatives you should try in 2021.

One of the primary reasons for users switching away from Gmail is privacy concerns. Many users do not feel safe with Google having access to their private data. Also, it is not end-to-end encrypted by default. Another major concern among some users is the lack of features, which Google promised to port from the now-dead Inbox by Google. So if you want a more feature-rich and privacy-focused email service provider, check out the best alternatives to Gmail from the table below:

  • ProtonMail
  • Outlook
  • Zoho Mail
  • Tutanota
  • Yahoo Mail
  • iCloud
  • StartMail
  • Posteo
  • MailFence
  • Mailbox

1. ProtonMail – Best Privacy-Focused Alternative to Gmail

Key Features: End-to-end encryption, Expiring messages, Open-source

If you use Microsoft’s services, you have probably heard of Outlook. In case you haven’t, Outlook is Microsoft’s email offering. Just like Gmail, Outlook has integrations with Microsoft’s productivity apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. However, it is worth mentioning that the free tier of Outlook has ads.

Visit Microsoft Outlook

Platforms Available: Web, Android, iOS

With Tutanota’s free tier, you get 1GB of storage, a single calendar, and limited search options. The paid plans offer up to 10GB of storage, and you can get additional storage with separate storage subscriptions.

5. Yahoo Mail

Custom Email for Businesses: Starts at $1.59/month per user

Key Features: No ads, clean UI, best for Apple devices

It is worth pointing out that there is no free version of StartMail. The paid plan costs $44.95 per year. You get 10GB of storage and the flexibility to use your own domain along with unlimited aliases on StartMail. You can even pay for StartMail using Bitcoin. Unfortunately, StartMail doesn’t have mobile apps at this moment.

8.Posteo – Gmail Alternative Without Phone Number Sign Up

Visit Posteo

Platforms Available: Web

Key Features: No ads, encryption, Paid service