Best Hushmail Alternatives: Top Picks for Secure Email!

Welcome to the digital age where keeping our email communication private and secure is a big deal. Hushmail, a long-standing and trusted name in secure email services, has been a go-to choice for individuals and businesses seeking enhanced protection but guess what? There’s a whole world of exciting alternatives out there that can take your email security to the next level! In this blog, we will explore various secure email providers, each with its own unique and cutting-edge features.

So, let’s get started!

What is Hushmail?

Hushmail is a secure email service that has been a pioneer in providing email services for users who prioritize privacy and confidentiality. Some of its key features include:

• End-to-End Encryption: Hushmail employs end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the intended recipient can access the content of the emails, providing an extra layer of security against potential eavesdropping.
• Two-Step Verification: For added account protection, Hushmail offers two-step verification, requiring users to provide a secondary authentication code along with their passwords.
• Secure Web Forms: Hushmail allows users to create secure web forms, ensuring that data collected through forms remains encrypted and protected.
• HIPAA Compliance: Hushmail is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), making it a preferred choice for healthcare professionals handling sensitive patient information.

While Hushmail is a reliable secure email service, it does have a few drawbacks worth noting. These include limited free plan (Hushmail does offer a free plan, but it comes with limitations on storage space and the number of email accounts; if you have more than 1 email accounts, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan), absence of an Android app (without a dedicated app, Android users must rely on accessing Hushmail through their mobile browsers, which may lack the seamless user interface and features offered by dedicated apps), absence of Calendar, asking users to provide personal information during the sign-up process (thus you need to agree to some processing of personal data) etc.

Let’s explore other alternatives that can unveil a variety of robust options and redefine our perception of secure email:

1. Canary Mail: AI-Driven Secure Email

Among the alternatives, Canary Mail emerges as a client that excels in both security and innovation. With end-to-end encryption, Canary Mail ensures that your emails remain private and protected. However, what truly sets Canary Mail apart is its revolutionary AI-Sidekick.

The app’s top features include:

• End-to-End Encryption: Canary Mail ensures the privacy of emails through robust end-to-end encryption. Users can communicate confidently, knowing that their messages are shielded from unauthorized access.
• AI-Powered Phishing Protection: Canary Mail integrates advanced AI algorithms to proactively detect and flag potential phishing attempts, safeguarding users from falling victim to deceptive email schemes.
• Compose with AI: Canary Mail is an email app that uses generative AI email writing on your behalf. Once you’ve provided the app with some basic information about what you want to say, Canary Mail will get to work crafting a polished email that sounds like it came from you. And since the app uses generative AI for email, it just keeps getting better the more you use it.
• Read with AI: The Read with AI capability in Canary Mail intelligently highlights important information in received emails, empowering users to quickly identify crucial details amidst their inbox clutter.
• Copilot Tabs for Inbox: Canary Mail’s innovative Copilot tabs intelligently categorize incoming emails, ensuring that users can prioritize and manage their messages more efficiently.
• Multi-Platform Compatibility: Canary Mail is available across various platforms, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android and Windows, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility across devices.
• HIPAA Compliance: Much like Hushmail, Canary Mail is also HIPAA compliant, making it an ideal choice for professionals in the healthcare industry seeking secure email solutions for sensitive patient information.
• Secure Cloud Synchronization: Canary Mail employs secure cloud synchronization, allowing users to access their emails and data from different devices without compromising security.
• Secure Attachments: With end-to-end encryption, files remain secure during transit. Thus, Canary Mail allows users to attach files to their emails securely.

Detailed review:

• Overview: Canary Mail is a secure email client that stands out with its AI-driven features. It’s designed to learn how you email, helping you write emails, surface what needs attention, and silence spam. It’s a comprehensive solution for individuals and businesses who prioritize both security and efficiency in their email communications.
• Features: Canary Mail offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy of your emails. Its AI-powered features include writing emails for you based on your input, prioritizing emails based on your past behavior, and even answering queries like “Do I have any bills due this week?” or “What time is my flight on Thursday?” Other features include read receipts, email snoozing, pinning important emails, and a one-click unsubscribe from newsletters and marketing emails. It also offers secure encryption, biometric app lock, and data loss prevention.
• Pros: High level of security, AI-driven features for increased productivity, supports multiple email accounts, and offers a clean, user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Some advanced features require a paid plan.
• Pricing: Canary Mail offers a free trial. Paid plans start at $4.17/month.
• Website: Canary Mail

2. Proton Mail: Pioneering Secure Communication

Proton Mail has earned its reputation as a trailblazer in the realm of secure email. Key features include:

• Overview: ProtonMail is a secure email service based in Switzerland that prioritizes privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and your recipient can read your emails.
• Features: ProtonMail provides automatic email encryption, self-destructing messages, and full anonymity. It also supports custom domains and has a user-friendly interface.
• Pros: High level of security and privacy, user-friendly, no ads, and supports custom domains.
• Cons: Limited free version, no folder organization in the free plan.
• Pricing: Free version available. Paid plans start at €4/month.
• Website: ProtonMail

3. Tutanota: A Blend of Privacy and User-Friendliness

Tutanota stands strong as a favorite among privacy-conscious users with its encrypted email services. Notable features include:

• Overview: Tutanota is a secure email service provider located in Germany. It offers end-to-end encryption for email messages and attachments.
• Features: Tutanota provides a free secure email service with 1 GB storage. It offers a clean, ad-free interface, and supports custom domains in its paid plans.
• Pros: High level of security, open-source, ad-free, and supports custom domains.
• Cons: No IMAP/POP support, which means you can’t use it with third-party email clients.
• Pricing: Free version available. Paid plans start at €1/month.
• Website: Tutanota

4. Mailfence: Your Privacy-Focused Email Solution with a Wide Array of Features

Prioritizing user privacy and offering a rich feature set, Mailfence emerges as a powerful alternative to traditional email services. Let’s uncover what makes Mailfence a strong player in the field.

• Overview: Hailing from Belgium, a country recognized for its rigorous privacy laws, Mailfence is a secure email service that guarantees the confidentiality of your communications via end-to-end encryption.
• Features: Mailfence extends its services beyond just email, providing encrypted calendar and cloud storage functionalities. It accommodates custom domains and incorporates a spam blocker to keep your inbox clean.
• Pros: Boasts a comprehensive suite of features, accommodates custom domains, and includes a spam blocker for a streamlined user experience.
• Cons: The user interface might not be as sleek or modern as some of its counterparts.
• Pricing: Mailfence provides a free version for users to get started. For access to a broader range of features, paid plans commence at €2.50/month.
• Website: Mailfence

5. Counter Mail: High-End Security Tailored for Professionals

Crafted with the needs of professionals in mind, CounterMail offers unique features such as diskless web servers and hardware security modules. Let’s delve into the specifics:

• Overview: Hailing from Sweden, CounterMail is a secure email provider that offers end-to-end encryption, with an added layer of security in the form of a USB key option.
• Features: CounterMail ensures automatic email encryption, provides email filters for better organization, and supports IMAP. Additionally, it includes a secure password manager for enhanced security.
• Pros: Offers a high degree of security, supports IMAP, and includes a password manager for added convenience.
• Cons: The user interface may seem outdated compared to competitors, and the pricing is on the higher end of the spectrum.
• Pricing: CounterMail offers a one-week free trial for users to explore its features. Paid plans commence at $4.83/month.
• Website: CounterMail

6. Posteo: Prioritizing Privacy and Sustainability

With a strong commitment to privacy and sustainability, Posteo provides a unique approach to secure email services. Here’s why Posteo stands out in the crowd.

Posteo, with its steadfast dedication to user privacy and environmental sustainability, brings a fresh perspective to the realm of secure email services. Let’s delve into the unique attributes that make Posteo a standout choice.

• Overview: Nestled in Berlin, Posteo is an email service provider that champions a secure, ad-free user experience, underpinned by a strong commitment to privacy and eco-friendly practices.
• Features: Posteo extends its services beyond encrypted email, offering an encrypted calendar and contacts list. It also bolsters security with two-factor authentication and allows for anonymous payments.
• Pros: Offers an elevated level of privacy, a clutter-free, ad-less experience, and a dedication to green practices.
• Cons: It doesn’t offer support for custom domains, and there’s no free tier available.
• Pricing: Pricing for Posteo’s services begins at a modest €1/month.
• Website: Posteo

7. Runbox: Combining Email Security with Environmental Responsibility

Runbox goes beyond just providing secure email services; it’s also committed to making a positive environmental impact. Let’s delve into the unique aspects that Runbox offers.

• Overview: Based in Norway, Runbox is a secure email service that prioritizes privacy and is powered by renewable energy, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Features: Runbox offers secure email services bolstered by robust authentication and service management. It also ensures universal access across all internet devices.
• Pros: Offers a high degree of privacy, supports custom domains, and is committed to eco-friendly practices.
• Cons: The user interface could be more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Pricing: Runbox offers a 30-day free trial for users to explore its services. Paid plans commence at $1.66/month.
• Website: Runbox

8. FastMail: Speed, Security, and a Stellar User Experience

True to its name, FastMail delivers a swift, secure, and user-centric email experience. Let’s delve deeper into what makes FastMail a preferred choice.

• Overview: Hailing from Australia, FastMail is an email service that prides itself on speed, security, and an exceptional user experience. It offers a variety of plans tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses.
• Features: FastMail boasts a clean, ad-free interface, supports custom domains, and offers calendar and contact syncing. It also includes productivity-enhancing features like scheduled send and undo send.
• Pros: Offers a fast and user-friendly experience, supports custom domains, and includes a variety of productivity features.
• Cons: Does not offer a free version, and privacy laws in Australia may not be as stringent as in some other countries.
• Pricing: FastMail offers a 30-day free trial for users to explore its services. Paid plans commence at $3/month.
• Website: FastMail

Best Hushmail Alternatives | Comparison Table

Email Service	Free Version	Custom Domain	Pricing
Canary Mail	Yes (Free trial)	Yes	Starts at $4.17/month
ProtonMail	Yes	Yes	Starts at €4/month
Tutanota	Yes	Yes	Starts at €1/month
Mailfence	Yes	Yes	Starts at €2.50/month
CounterMail	No (One-week free trial)	Yes	Starts at $4.83/month
Posteo	No	No	Starts at €1/month
Runbox	No (30-day free trial)	Yes	Starts at $1.66/month
FastMail	No (30-day free trial)	Yes	Starts at $3/month

Conclusion

One thing becomes clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Hushmail has stood the test of time as a trusted name in encrypted communication, offering end-to-end encryption and HIPAA compliance. However, the world of secure emails has evolved, presenting us with an array of remarkable alternatives, each with its own strengths and innovations.

Remember, it’s not just about finding the best alternative, but finding the best fit for you. Secure email is not a destination; it’s a journey, and we’re thrilled to have you on board! Happy emailing, and may the security force be with you!

Hushmail Alternatives | FAQs

References

1. The 7 Most Secure Email Services and the Security Measures They Practice
2. Best Secure Email: ProtonMail vs Tutanota vs Hushmail
3. Top 5 Secure Email Services That Protect Your Privacy