ProtonMail
End-to-end encrypted email service from the Proton team.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Hey
Opinionated email service from the makers of Basecamp.
5 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Hey listing →
Hey is an email service built by Basecamp that strips out features like email threads and forwarding, replacing them with a more minimal inbox design. It's aimed at individuals and small teams who want less email noise and fewer distractions. The service charges a flat monthly fee and doesn't use ads or track users across the web.
Buyers typically reach for Hey when they're frustrated with Gmail's complexity or Outlook's feature bloat. Some switch to capture the design philosophy—the idea that email should feel intentional rather than chaotic. Others want the privacy guarantees that come with no third-party tracking. It appeals to knowledge workers, writers, and small founders who treat their inbox as a key part of their work system, not just a message dump.
What we offer that competes
Tutanota
Open-source encrypted email and calendar service.
Superhuman
Premium keyboard-driven email client built for speed.
Spark
Smart email client with team inbox and shared drafts.
What to look for
- Whether the service encrypts emails end-to-end or relies on transport-layer encryption and privacy policies alone.
- Whether the email app supports IMAP/POP3 so you can migrate or access email from other clients without vendor lock-in.
- Whether the service has a native app on iOS and Android, or only works through web browser.
- Whether the product charges per user per month, a flat monthly rate, or offers a free tier with optional paid upgrades.
- Whether team features like shared inboxes, assignments, and collaborative notes are included or available as add-ons.
- Whether the service allows forwarding, aliases, and email rules, or disables some features as a design choice.
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Hey email?
ProtonMail and Tutanota offer encrypted email with privacy-first designs, while Superhuman focuses on speed and keyboard shortcuts for power users. Missive and Spark bridge email with team collaboration or mobile-first experiences.
Are there free alternatives to Hey?
ProtonMail and Tutanota both offer free tiers with encrypted inboxes, though storage and features are limited. Most other alternatives require a paid plan or are free for very basic email only.
Which email service is best for privacy?
ProtonMail and Tutanota encrypt your email by default and don't track you. Hey also avoids tracking, but doesn't encrypt emails the way ProtonMail does—it relies on being hosted in the US with a no-tracking promise.
Can I use Hey alternatives on iPhone and Android?
Yes. ProtonMail, Tutanota, Spark, Superhuman, and Missive all have native mobile apps. Spark and Superhuman excel on iOS; Tutanota supports both platforms equally.
How do I switch from Hey to another email service?
Export your Hey data through settings, then import it into your new service. ProtonMail and Tutanota both accept IMAP imports, while Spark and Missive offer direct import wizards for common email platforms.
What if I want a minimal email design like Hey?
Spark and Superhuman both emphasize clean interfaces and automation. Spark groups emails by sender; Superhuman strips templates and adds AI-powered shortcuts. Both reduce visual clutter compared to Gmail.
Do Hey alternatives work with team collaboration?
Missive is built for teams and merges email, chat, and tasks in one inbox. Spark has team features but is lighter. ProtonMail and Tutanota are individual-focused and don't include team workflows.
Which Hey alternative is cheapest?
ProtonMail and Tutanota offer free encrypted email. Spark is free with optional premium. Missive, Superhuman, and paid tiers of ProtonMail or Tutanota cost $10–$30 per month depending on features.