7 Best Gmail Alternatives in 2025 (Most Are Free)

My first recommendation for a Gmail alternative is Zoho Mail. It’s a full-featured, ad-free email service that also integrates with other tools from the Zoho suite (Docs, Calendar, Tasks, etc.).

It’s popular with users who’d like a Gmail-like experience – just with a different provider. Most importantly, there’s the Forever Free plan that provides 5 GB of storage per user for up to 5 users, and even allows hosting one custom domain.

The web app supports folders, labels, filters, templates, and admin controls. Due to that integration with Zoho’s own workplace tools, it’s a credible alternative to Gmail and its ecosystem altogether.

Just keep in mind that the free version doesn’t give you protocol access (IMAP/POP/ActiveSync) – it’s only web access for the most part.

Both businesses and individual users will appreciate Zoho Mail’s calendar, contacts, and tasks, which help keep your inbox more manageable and help ease your transition from Gmail to Zoho. Those concerned with Gmail’s privacy issues can also rest easy, as Zoho Mail offers secure email hosting and end-to-end encryption on all messages.

Besides all that, Zoho Mail makes it super easy to set up a custom business email, so it’s an excellent option if you want to establish a more professional presence. You should note, however, that you’ll only be able to access the custom email address through webmail or Zoho Mail’s dedicated mobile apps unless you upgrade to a premium plan.

• Ad-free inbox
• Custom domain hosting
• Integrations with other Zoho products like Zoho Docs, Notebook, and Workdrive
• Folders, labels, filters, templates
• Admin console and multi-user support
• Calendar/Tasks/Notes integration
• Email recall and out-of-office
• Email routing and aliases
• Mobile and desktop access
• An offline mode
• Automated mail forwarding, tags, and folders

The Forever Free plan lets you host one custom domain for up to 5 users, 5 GB/user; IMAP/POP/ActiveSync not included.

Paid Mail/Workplace plans add protocols, more storage, and advanced admin/security. Pricing starts at just $1 per user per month – making it one of the most affordable alternatives to Gmail.

Proton Mail is a Swiss, privacy-first email service that builds end-to-end encryption into the core experience, so even Proton itself can’t read your messages…so they say.

Actually, Proton started as an email company, but then they’ve grown to offer a lot more (think VPN, drive, passwords, calendar and other). The mail tool is part of the broader Proton ecosystem with shared storage across services, ad-free apps, and an emphasis on zero-access architecture.

Compared with Gmail, Proton trades some big-tech conveniences for stronger privacy features, metadata protections, and a clear, subscription-supported model (for those who need more resources on paid plans).

Its web and mobile apps are polished, with labels, filters, and aliases familiar to Gmail users, plus extras like Calendar, Drive, Pass, Wallet, and more made available in higher tiers. If you want encrypted email with a sustainable free tier and straightforward upgrades, Proton is one of the most complete privacy suites available.

Choose Proton if privacy and jurisdiction matter: individuals, freelancers, and small teams who want encryption by default. Or, quite frankly, if you just want to de-google but still need modern apps. And then, anyone who prefers paying for services over ads.

It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of one account spanning secure mail, calendar, and files. If you require heavy third-party client use via standard protocols on every tier or deep Google Workspace integrations, look elsewhere. For custom domains, routing rules, and lots of aliases, Proton’s paid plans scale well.

In short: privacy-centric users who still want a friendly, Gmail-like UX and a path to more storage, domains, and power features.

• End-to-end encrypted email
• Zero-access (Proton cannot read mailbox)
• Ad-free
• Labels, folders – 3 on the free plan; filters – 1 on the free plan
• Hide-my-email aliases
• Integrated Proton Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, Wallet – all on the free plan (with limitations)
• Custom domains on paid plans
• Password-protected emails
• Supports up to 150 messages per day on the free plan

Free plan available (encrypted email with basic features), 1 GB of storage, 1 user, 1 email address.

Paid plans add more storage, addresses, aliases, and support for custom domains. Bundles can also include Calendar/Drive with shared storage. Pricing starts from $2.49 per month (promo), $4.99 (regular).

StartMail offers straightforward, private email with PGP encryption and unlimited aliases. It’s close to what you’d call “traditional” email host – meaning, you can use your own domain or a StartMail address, connect via IMAP/SMTP, etc. You can also toggle encryption per message when needed.

Compared with Gmail, it removes ads and tracking and focuses on secure, interoperable email rather than a full office suite.

The web interface is simple, and documentation is clear. If you want privacy without changing how you use email or which client you prefer, StartMail’s balance of usability and security is appealing. This one doesn’t offer a free plan, but there’s a seven-day free trial to check out the features.

Choose StartMail if you want secure, ad-free email that still works seamlessly with Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird via standard protocols. It’s a good pick for solo users and small teams who want one custom domain (more on the Business plan), lots of disposable aliases for sign-ups, and straightforward encrypted communication.

If you’re seeking a big free tier or an office suite, this isn’t it. StartMail is paid-only and keeps scope tight. Users who prioritize simple setup, POP/IMAP compatibility, and per-message PGP (without locking into proprietary apps) will be happy here.

• Free 7-day trial
• End-to-end encryption (one-click PGP in webmail)
• IMAP/SMTP support
• Custom domain support (1 on Personal)
• Unlimited aliases
• 20 GB mailbox on Personal
• Ad-free, privacy-centric policies
• Web and mobile/desktop client compatibility
• Unlimited domains supported on Business tier

The Personal plan starts from $2.50 per month (promo) or $4.99 (regular)- billed annually. Includes 20 GB storage, unlimited aliases, 1 custom domain.

Tuta is a German secure email service that encrypts not only message bodies and attachments but also subject lines and address book data – which is kind of unique.

All Tuta clients are also open-source, ad-free, and designed around a zero-knowledge architecture, with a stated focus on long-term, “quantum-resistant cryptography” – their own words.

Compared with Gmail, Tuta is more locked-down in exchange for privacy: its own apps ensure end-to-end security, and it includes built-in tracking protection and phishing defenses. There are apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, macOS – basically every platform.

The free plan lets you store 1 GB of email and create 3 labels. The paid tiers unlock custom domains and more storage. If you want maximum on-platform encryption and a minimal reliance on big-tech ecosystems, Tuta is a compelling, budget-friendly alternative to Gmail.

Go with Tuta if you don’t want to be forced to figure out all the settings yourself, and would instead prefer for all the key security features to be on by default – encryption. Tuta is also good if you don’t mind using the provider’s apps rather than third-party clients.

If you’re privacy-minded, want multi-user support, shared calendars, and unlimited aliases with your own domain (on paid plans) will feel at home here.

Overall, it’s ideal for people moving off Gmail who want a familiar inbox experience but with stronger metadata protections.

• End-to-end encrypted mail (including subjects)
• Zero-knowledge architecture
• Ad-free
• “Quantum-resistant cryptography”
• Built-in tracker/phishing protection
• Open-source apps (Win/macOS/Linux) + iOS/Android
• Custom domain and unlimited aliases (paid)
• Multi-user support and sharing
• Encrypted calendars with invites

Free plan available – 1 GB of storage, 3 labels, 1 calendar, fully encrypted, no tracking.

Paid tiers unlock 20 GB of storage, aliases, unlimited search/offline mode, and custom domains. Starts at $3 a month. There’s also a family option and a Legend plan that gives you even more resources.

An odd choice for a Gmail alternative, I know, but hear me out. I’m including this one on the list for a couple of reasons: first off, Apple’s ecosystem has tons of users in it and not everyone knows that they can start using Appel’s own mail service basically with 0 setup steps needed.

Basically, iCloud Mail is an ad-free mail service built into every Apple ID, with tight integration across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Then, with iCloud+, which many users already have, Apple added custom email domains and powerful privacy extras like Hide My Email.

Compared with Gmail, iCloud Mail is simpler but very convenient if you live in Apple’s apps, offering Mail Drop for large attachments and effortless sync with Calendar and Contacts.

You won’t get Google-level web collaboration tools, that’s for sure, but you do get a clean, private inbox tied to your Apple account and family sharing options. It’s a natural Gmail alternative for Apple households.

Choose iCloud Mail if your devices are mostly Apple and you value ad-free simplicity, native integration, and minimal setup.

It’s ideal for families using iCloud+ who want to run up to five custom domain with multiple personalized addresses per person.

If you primarily use Windows/Android or need advanced admin/features for teams, other providers fit better.

For individuals moving from Gmail who want a smooth iPhone/Mac experience and a private mailbox attached to existing iCloud storage, this is an easy win.

• Ad-free Apple-native mail
• Custom domains (up to 5) on iCloud+
• Up to 3 addresses per domain per person
• Hide My Email aliases on iCloud+
• Mail Drop (large attachments)
• Seamless iOS/iPadOS/macOS integration
• Web access at iCloud.com
• Calendar/Contacts sync
• Family sharing support
• Works with Apple Mail and other IMAP clients

iCloud Mail is included with Apple IDs for free.

If you want more storage, custom domains, family sharing, hide my email, you will need iCloud+. The prices start from $0.99 per month for 50 GB of storage.

Mailbox (known as Mailbox.org until very recently) has grown a lot over the last couple of years. It’s a German, privacy-minded email host that also offers a lightweight productivity suite that includes tools like drive, video meetings, even office suite (that’s a bold offering).

Email-wise, it’s standards-friendly (IMAP/SMTP) and designed for both individuals and businesses that want a Google-like toolkit without Google.

The web interface is practical, and you can use any mail client. Plans are simple and inexpensive, with meaningful storage even at the mid-tier. Compared to Gmail, you get ad-free mail, EU-based hosting, optional on-server encryption, and admin for custom domains. There’s no free plan, but the prices actually start at mere $1 a month.

Great for budget-conscious privacy seekers, freelancers, and small businesses that need custom domains, drive, and office tools without moving to big tech.

It’s a fit if you prefer standard protocols and the freedom to use your favorite email client. Admins who want an affordable, GDPR-aligned Workspace alternative often land here.

• IMAP/SMTP + CalDAV/CardDAV
• Custom domains and aliases
• Calendar, contacts, tasks
• Drive storage
• Video meetings
• Optional on-server encryption tools
• Ad-free
• Hosted in the EU

There’s no free tier. Plans start at $1 a month (2 GB for your mail, calendar and address book). If you want more, you can upgrade to the $3 plan, which gives you 10 GB of email storage, 5 GB of drive memory, the office package and meet.

Yeah, I know, changing Gmail for Microsoft might feel like getting out of the frying pan into the fire, but it can still make a lot of sense depending on which elements of the Gmail offering you’re not enjoying the most.

For example, opting for Microsoft’s solution can be a good idea if you feel like you need a whole ecosystem change. Outlook provides a slick, modern web interface and integrates deeply with Microsoft’s ecosystem (OneDrive, Office Online, Skype, Calendar, etc.)

Free accounts are ad-supported, though. Microsoft 365 upgrades remove ads and expand mailbox capacity.

If you live in the Microsoft ecosystem (Windows, Office, Teams), Outlook is the most seamless Gmail alternative. It gives you cross-device access, contact/calendar sync, and familiar workflows. It’s not a privacy-specialist product, but it’s a strong mainstream choice.

Best for users used to Microsoft products who want email tightly integrated with OneDrive and Office apps, or for anyone who prefers Microsoft’s interface and rules engine over Gmail’s labels. It’s also a straightforward pick for small organizations that plan to move to Microsoft 365.

If ad-free privacy is your top priority, free Outlook won’t fit. Consider Microsoft 365 for ad-free service and larger mailboxes, or look at other providers above.

• 15 GB mailbox on the free plan
• Web/desktop/mobile Outlook apps
• Nice “Focused” inbox
• Categories, flags, rules
• OneDrive integration and cloud attachments
• Alias addresses
• Spam/phishing protection
• Microsoft account security and 2FA

There’s a free plan geared at individuals. It gives you 15 GB of email storage, 5 GB of cloud storage, and core Outlook security features.

Microsoft 365 subscriptions remove ads and offer 100 GB mailbox sizes. You also get ad-free experience, advanced Outlook and OneDrive security, 100 GB of cloud storage, and more. The prices start at $19.99 per year, which really is not a lot monthly.