ProtonMail
End-to-end encrypted email service from the Proton team.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Tutanota
Open-source encrypted email and calendar service.
5 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Tutanota listing →
Tutanota is an open-source email and calendar service focused on end-to-end encryption for all messages and attachments. Built by a Berlin-based team, it runs on servers the operators control and publishes its source code publicly, which means anyone can audit it for security flaws. The service targets individuals and small teams who want their email encrypted by default, not as an optional feature bolted on afterward — a different model than most consumer email providers.
People use Tutanota when they're willing to trade some convenience for privacy: you can't access it through Gmail's interface, syncing to third-party apps is limited, and features like email search are slower (because the service can't scan plaintext servers). It works well for users who check email in a web browser or native mobile app and don't need to integrate with Outlook or Apple Mail. Buyers who land here are typically comparing Tutanota against other privacy-first email services because they either want a second opinion before committing, or they've hit a specific limitation and are looking for something with similar privacy goals but different trade-offs.
What we offer that competes
Spark
Smart email client with team inbox and shared drafts.
Hey
Opinionated email service from the makers of Basecamp.
Superhuman
Premium keyboard-driven email client built for speed.
What to look for
- Whether the service offers IMAP access or native support for Outlook, Apple Mail, and Gmail clients.
- Whether search functions across encrypted messages or requires paid tiers to enable faster indexing.
- Whether the service publishes source code publicly and allows independent security audits.
- Whether storage limits allow file attachments and how much calendar data syncs across devices.
- Whether the service offers a free tier and what message or storage caps apply before paid upgrade.
- Whether you can invite external recipients and how the service handles unencrypted email exchanges.
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Tutanota?
ProtonMail is the closest competitor — it's also encrypted by default and open-source, but has a larger team and more integrations. Missive combines email with team chat and a shared inbox, which suits small teams. Hey rethinks email workflow entirely and encrypts some messages, but isn't fully open-source. Spark and Superhuman focus on speed and organization rather than encryption by default.
Are there free alternatives to Tutanota?
ProtonMail has a free tier with 500 MB storage and up to 150 messages per day. Tutanota itself is free with 1 GB storage. Hey and Superhuman have no free option. Missive offers a free plan for up to 3 users.
Which encrypted email service should I choose?
If you need true end-to-end encryption and don't mind slower search, Tutanota and ProtonMail are your main options. If you need to invite non-encrypted recipients, neither fully solves that. If you're primarily looking for organizational features, Spark and Superhuman are faster but don't encrypt by default.
Can I use encrypted email with other apps?
Tutanota doesn't support IMAP or the standard email protocols, which means you can't connect it to Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail. ProtonMail now offers IMAP for paid plans. Spark, Hey, and Superhuman all support standard protocols and integrations.
What platforms do Tutanota alternatives support?
ProtonMail, Missive, Spark, and Superhuman all have iOS and Android apps plus web access. Hey is web-first with limited mobile support. All five run on macOS and Windows.
Is end-to-end encryption necessary for email?
No — it depends on what you're protecting against. End-to-end encryption keeps email private in transit and at rest, but encrypted services like Tutanota and ProtonMail are slower at search and don't work with traditional email clients. If you're mainly avoiding ads and bulk data collection, Spark or Superhuman with strong privacy policies may be enough.
Can I search emails if my service is encrypted?
Tutanota and ProtonMail both offer search, but it's slower and less flexible than unencrypted services because the servers can't scan plaintext. ProtonMail's paid tiers have better search than Tutanota. Spark and Superhuman have faster, more powerful search because they don't encrypt at rest on your device.
Which encrypted email service has the most integrations?
ProtonMail supports Zapier and has IMAP, which opens it to hundreds of third-party apps. Tutanota has fewer built-in integrations due to its encryption model. Missive integrates with Slack and other team tools. Spark and Superhuman have the broadest integration ecosystems.