Leaving Gmail? Here's everything you need
Compare 5 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Gmail is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proton MailRecommended Proton Mail is a secure email service provider based in Switzerland, designed with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. Proton Mail is ideal for individuals and organizations who prioritize data protection and privacy, particularly those in Europe who benefit from its EU-hosted infrastructure. Key features include encrypted email communication, no logging of IP addresses, and a user-friendly interface that makes secure communication accessible to all. Proton Mail's commitment to privacy is further reinforced by its compliance with EU data protection regulations, including GDPR, providing users with peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and security. The service offers a range of pricing plans, from a free tier with basic features to premium options that include additional storage and custom domain support, catering to both personal and professional users. By choosing Proton Mail, users can trust that their data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, in accordance with stringent European privacy standards. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 days | |
Tuta Mail Tuta Mail is a secure email service designed with privacy at its core, offering end-to-end encryption to ensure that your communications remain confidential. Hosted on EU servers, Tuta Mail adheres to GDPR standards, providing users with peace of mind regarding data privacy and compliance. With a zero-knowledge architecture, Tuta Mail ensures that only you can access your data, not even the service providers. This email service is ideal for individuals and businesses who prioritize privacy and data protection. Tuta Mail allows anonymous registration, requiring no personal data, and supports custom domains, making it a versatile choice for businesses. The open-source email client also includes built-in spam protection features, ensuring a seamless and secure email experience. Tuta Mail's pricing model offers various plans to cater to both personal and business needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability. By choosing Tuta Mail, users benefit from the robust privacy and security measures that come with EU-hosted data, making it a reliable choice for those who value data sovereignty. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 days | |
Posteo Posteo is a European email service provider that prioritizes privacy, security, and sustainability. It offers an ad-free email experience powered entirely by renewable energy, ensuring an eco-friendly communication solution. Users can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with Posteo's commitment to GDPR compliance and secure data storage within the EU. Key features include an anonymous sign-up process, end-to-end encryption options, and support for two-factor authentication, making it a robust choice for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations. Posteo also supports custom domain hosting, catering to both personal and business users who require a professional email setup. The service is ideal for those who value data sovereignty and wish to keep their information protected under stringent European data protection laws. Posteo operates on a straightforward pricing model, offering a subscription-based service without the intrusion of advertisements. This ensures that users receive a clean, focused email experience without compromising their privacy. | 🇩🇪Germany | Subscription | Medium | 3-5 days | |
mailbox Mailbox is a robust email service designed to meet the needs of privacy-conscious users and businesses in Europe. Hosted in EU data centers, it ensures that your emails remain secure and compliant with GDPR privacy regulations. Mailbox offers end-to-end encryption, safeguarding your communications from unauthorized access. Users can benefit from custom domain support, making it ideal for personal branding or business use. The service also integrates seamlessly with calendars and tasks, providing a comprehensive productivity suite. With two-factor authentication options, Mailbox prioritizes your security without compromising on user experience. The platform is ad-free, ensuring an uninterrupted email experience, and utilizes an open-source email client for transparency and flexibility. Mailbox is perfect for individuals, freelancers, and businesses who value privacy and data sovereignty. The service offers various pricing tiers to accommodate different needs, from basic personal accounts to more advanced business solutions. By choosing Mailbox, users can rest assured that their data is stored and managed within the EU, benefiting from stringent data protection laws. | 🇩🇪Germany | Subscription | Medium | 3-5 days | |
M Mailfence Mailfence is a secure email service based in Europe, designed to provide users with a privacy-focused communication platform. It offers end-to-end encryption for emails, ensuring that your messages remain confidential. With built-in document collaboration tools and support for OpenPGP, Mailfence facilitates secure communication and teamwork. The service is fully compliant with GDPR, emphasizing data protection and privacy. Mailfence is ideal for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable email solution that prioritizes security and data sovereignty. Its EU-based data servers guarantee that your information is handled according to strict European privacy standards, free from ads and tracking. Additionally, Mailfence offers custom domain email hosting, an integrated calendar, and contact management features, making it a comprehensive communication tool. While specific pricing details are not provided, Mailfence typically offers tiered plans to accommodate different user needs. By choosing Mailfence, users benefit from a secure, ad-free, and privacy-respecting email service hosted within the EU. | 🇧🇪Belgium | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 days including waiting time for export and import |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Tuta Mail is a secure email service designed with privacy at its core, offering end-to-end encryption to ensure that your communications remain confidential. Hosted on EU servers, Tuta Mail adheres to GDPR standards, providing users with peace of mind regarding data privacy and compliance. With a zero-knowledge architecture, Tuta Mail ensures that only you can access your data, not even the service providers. This email service is ideal for individuals and businesses who prioritize privacy and data protection. Tuta Mail allows anonymous registration, requiring no personal data, and supports custom domains, making it a versatile choice for businesses. The open-source email client also includes built-in spam protection features, ensuring a seamless and secure email experience. Tuta Mail's pricing model offers various plans to cater to both personal and business needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability. By choosing Tuta Mail, users benefit from the robust privacy and security measures that come with EU-hosted data, making it a reliable choice for those who value data sovereignty.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Proton Mail is a secure email service provider based in Switzerland, designed with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. Proton Mail is ideal for individuals and organizations who prioritize data protection and privacy, particularly those in Europe who benefit from its EU-hosted infrastructure. Key features include encrypted email communication, no logging of IP addresses, and a user-friendly interface that makes secure communication accessible to all. Proton Mail's commitment to privacy is further reinforced by its compliance with EU data protection regulations, including GDPR, providing users with peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and security. The service offers a range of pricing plans, from a free tier with basic features to premium options that include additional storage and custom domain support, catering to both personal and professional users. By choosing Proton Mail, users can trust that their data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, in accordance with stringent European privacy standards.
- Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption by default.
- Servers in Switzerland offer strong privacy laws.
- Open source code allows for transparency and trust.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Proton Mail is a secure email service provider based in Switzerland, designed with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. Proton Mail is ideal for individuals and organizations who prioritize data protection and privacy, particularly those in Europe who benefit from its EU-hosted infrastructure. Key features include encrypted email communication, no logging of IP addresses, and a user-friendly interface that makes secure communication accessible to all. Proton Mail's commitment to privacy is further reinforced by its compliance with EU data protection regulations, including GDPR, providing users with peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and security. The service offers a range of pricing plans, from a free tier with basic features to premium options that include additional storage and custom domain support, catering to both personal and professional users. By choosing Proton Mail, users can trust that their data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, in accordance with stringent European privacy standards.
Advantages
- Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption by default.
- Servers in Switzerland offer strong privacy laws.
- Open source code allows for transparency and trust.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU.
Trade-offs
- Proton Mail's free plan offers only 500 MB storage.
- No integrated video call feature like Google Meet.
- Migration from Gmail may require manual data transfer.
Tuta Mail is a secure email service designed with privacy at its core, offering end-to-end encryption to ensure that your communications remain confidential. Hosted on EU servers, Tuta Mail adheres to GDPR standards, providing users with peace of mind regarding data privacy and compliance. With a zero-knowledge architecture, Tuta Mail ensures that only you can access your data, not even the service providers. This email service is ideal for individuals and businesses who prioritize privacy and data protection. Tuta Mail allows anonymous registration, requiring no personal data, and supports custom domains, making it a versatile choice for businesses. The open-source email client also includes built-in spam protection features, ensuring a seamless and secure email experience. Tuta Mail's pricing model offers various plans to cater to both personal and business needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability. By choosing Tuta Mail, users benefit from the robust privacy and security measures that come with EU-hosted data, making it a reliable choice for those who value data sovereignty.
Advantages
- End-to-end encryption ensures email content privacy.
- Zero-knowledge architecture means no data access by Tuta Mail.
- GDPR compliance guarantees strict data protection standards.
- Anonymous registration allows email use without personal data.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Gmail may involve manual data transfer.
- Lacks Google Meet integration for video conferencing.
- Learning curve for users accustomed to Gmail's interface.
Posteo is a European email service provider that prioritizes privacy, security, and sustainability. It offers an ad-free email experience powered entirely by renewable energy, ensuring an eco-friendly communication solution. Users can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with Posteo's commitment to GDPR compliance and secure data storage within the EU. Key features include an anonymous sign-up process, end-to-end encryption options, and support for two-factor authentication, making it a robust choice for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations. Posteo also supports custom domain hosting, catering to both personal and business users who require a professional email setup. The service is ideal for those who value data sovereignty and wish to keep their information protected under stringent European data protection laws. Posteo operates on a straightforward pricing model, offering a subscription-based service without the intrusion of advertisements. This ensures that users receive a clean, focused email experience without compromising their privacy.
Advantages
- Ad-free experience enhances focus and productivity
- 100% renewable energy usage supports sustainability
- Anonymous sign-up protects personal identity
- GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection
Trade-offs
- Migration from Gmail can be time-consuming
- No integrated video call feature like Google Meet
- Learning curve for new interface and features
Mailbox is a robust email service designed to meet the needs of privacy-conscious users and businesses in Europe. Hosted in EU data centers, it ensures that your emails remain secure and compliant with GDPR privacy regulations. Mailbox offers end-to-end encryption, safeguarding your communications from unauthorized access. Users can benefit from custom domain support, making it ideal for personal branding or business use. The service also integrates seamlessly with calendars and tasks, providing a comprehensive productivity suite. With two-factor authentication options, Mailbox prioritizes your security without compromising on user experience. The platform is ad-free, ensuring an uninterrupted email experience, and utilizes an open-source email client for transparency and flexibility. Mailbox is perfect for individuals, freelancers, and businesses who value privacy and data sovereignty. The service offers various pricing tiers to accommodate different needs, from basic personal accounts to more advanced business solutions. By choosing Mailbox, users can rest assured that their data is stored and managed within the EU, benefiting from stringent data protection laws.
Advantages
- EU-hosted data centers ensure GDPR compliance
- End-to-end encryption enhances email security
- Ad-free experience eliminates distractions
- Open-source client allows for customization
Trade-offs
- Migration from Gmail can be time-consuming
- Lacks integrated Google Meet access
- Learning curve for new interface and features
Mailfence is a secure email service based in Europe, designed to provide users with a privacy-focused communication platform. It offers end-to-end encryption for emails, ensuring that your messages remain confidential. With built-in document collaboration tools and support for OpenPGP, Mailfence facilitates secure communication and teamwork. The service is fully compliant with GDPR, emphasizing data protection and privacy. Mailfence is ideal for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable email solution that prioritizes security and data sovereignty. Its EU-based data servers guarantee that your information is handled according to strict European privacy standards, free from ads and tracking. Additionally, Mailfence offers custom domain email hosting, an integrated calendar, and contact management features, making it a comprehensive communication tool. While specific pricing details are not provided, Mailfence typically offers tiered plans to accommodate different user needs. By choosing Mailfence, users benefit from a secure, ad-free, and privacy-respecting email service hosted within the EU.
Advantages
- End-to-end encryption for secure emails
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection
- No ads or tracking enhances privacy
- EU-based servers for local data storage
Trade-offs
- Migration from Gmail can be complex
- Lacks integrated video conferencing
- Learning curve for OpenPGP setup
Before You Switch
Export your data from Gmail before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
How to Export
takeout.google.com → Deselect all → Check "Mail" → Click "All Mail data included" to select specific labels → Export once → .zip format → 2GB file size
Export Format
MBOX
Time Required
1-3 days for large mailboxes (10GB+)
Import Notes
Most EU email providers accept MBOX imports
Settings Path
Settings (gear) → See all settings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Gmail?
There are 5 European alternatives to Gmail. Proton Mail, Tuta Mail, Posteo are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Gmail?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Gmail?
Yes. takeout.google.com → Deselect all → Check "Mail" → Click "All Mail data included" to select specific labels → Export once → .zip format → 2GB file size The exported data comes in MBOX format. Most EU email providers accept MBOX imports
Is switching from Gmail to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Gmail first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Gmail subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Gmail to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.