Paul O'Brieneverything email Subscribe

DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs LCN

LCN wins on privacy, DuckDuckGo Email Protection wins on price and LCN wins on features. Every fact below was checked on or before 25 October 2026.

DuckDuckGo Email Protection or LCN: which should you choose?

  • Go for DuckDuckGo Email Protection if you'd like email without paying for it and to try it free first.
  • LCN suits you best if you want your mail kept in the United Kingdom; email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts; and to use your own domain, like you@yourname.co.uk.
FeatureDuckDuckGo Email ProtectionLCN
Overall2.02.5
Privacy0.02.5
Price5.02.0
FeaturesNot rated3.5
Cheapest planFree
Free
Starter
£9.99 per user a month (£1 for the first month), or £109.89 a year
Free planYes, unlimited @duck.com aliasesNo
StorageForwards only5 GB
Your own domainNo✓ Yes
End-to-end encryptionNoNo
Company based in United States United Kingdom
Your data is kept in United States United Kingdom
Founded2021Unknown
Free trialFree£1 for the first month
Funded by advertisingYes, or its parent company isNo
Works in any mail appNo, its own apps only✓ IMAP and SMTP
Calendar and contactsNoNo
AliasesUnlimited aliasesYes
Open-source appsNoNo
Sign up without IDNoNo
White labelNoUnknown
Reader offerNoneNone
Last checked25 October 202625 October 2026

Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.

The key differences

  • On price: DuckDuckGo Email Protection Free at Free, against LCN Starter at £9.99 per user a month (£1 for the first month), or £109.89 a year.
  • DuckDuckGo Email Protection has a free plan (unlimited @duck.com aliases); LCN has no free plan.
  • Space: DuckDuckGo Email Protection gives no storage, as it forwards mail on, LCN 5 GB of storage.
  • DuckDuckGo Email Protection keeps your mail in the United States, while LCN keeps it in the United Kingdom.
  • The companies sit under different laws: DuckDuckGo Email Protection in United States, LCN in United Kingdom.
  • You can use your own domain with LCN, but not with DuckDuckGo Email Protection.
  • Mail apps: DuckDuckGo Email Protection only works in its own apps; LCN works in any mail app over IMAP.
  • DuckDuckGo Email Protection (or its parent company) makes money from advertising; LCN doesn't.
  • Aliases: DuckDuckGo Email Protection offers unlimited aliases, LCN yes.

DuckDuckGo Email Protection and LCN: your questions

Is DuckDuckGo Email Protection more private than LCN?

LCN scores 2.5 out of 5 for privacy and DuckDuckGo Email Protection 0. LCN gives you your mail kept in the United Kingdom and email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts.

Is DuckDuckGo Email Protection cheaper than LCN?

DuckDuckGo Email Protection costs nothing to start (Free). LCN's cheapest plan, Starter, is £9.99 per user a month (£1 for the first month), or £109.89 a year.

Can I use my own domain with DuckDuckGo Email Protection or LCN?

Only LCN does (Yes). With DuckDuckGo Email Protection your address stays on its own domain.

Where is my email stored with DuckDuckGo Email Protection and LCN?

DuckDuckGo Email Protection keeps it in the United States. LCN keeps it in the United Kingdom.

Can I use DuckDuckGo Email Protection and LCN in Apple Mail or Outlook?

DuckDuckGo Email Protection only works in its own apps. LCN works in any mail app over IMAP.

Price changes and news

No price changes for either since 25 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.

The latest headlines: DuckDuckGo Email Protection news · LCN news.

Not sold on either? Try these

DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs Tuta · LCN vs Tuta · DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs mailbox.org · LCN vs mailbox.org · DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs Posteo · LCN vs Posteo

Moving your email

Moving between any two providers works the same way. Pick your two providers for the steps.

Get new posts and become a member

You're subscribing to Paul O'Brien - Insights, my newsletter. When I publish a new review, guide or explainer, it comes straight to your inbox. It's free, and you also become a member.

See everything members get

I'll send one email first so you can confirm it's you. Already subscribed? Sign in to manage your details