Forward Email vs Stalwart
On privacy it's Forward Email. On price it's Forward Email. On features it's Forward Email. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.
Should you pick Forward Email or Stalwart?
On the facts I track, these two are very close. Try both free where you can, and pick the one whose apps you like using.
| Feature | Forward Email | Stalwart |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.0 | Not rated |
| Privacy | 2.0 | Not rated |
| Price | 4.0 | Not rated |
| Features | 4.5 | Not rated |
| Cheapest plan | Enhanced Protection $3 a month | Community Free (Enterprise from €2 per mailbox a year) |
| Free plan | Yes, forwarding only | Yes, open source |
| Storage | 10 GB | Not confirmed |
| Your own domain | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | Optional (PGP or encrypted storage) | No |
| Company based in | United States | United Kingdom |
| Your data is kept in | United States | Your own server |
| Founded | 2017 | 2019 |
| Free trial | Free plan | Free to download |
| Funded by advertising | No | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | Yes | Yes |
| Open-source apps | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 25 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
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Where they differ
- On price: Forward Email Enhanced Protection at $3 a month, against Stalwart Community at Free (Enterprise from €2 per mailbox a year).
- Forward Email has a free plan (forwarding only); Stalwart has a free plan (open source).
- Space: Forward Email gives 10 GB of storage, Stalwart storage not confirmed.
- Your mail is stored in the United States with Forward Email, and in Your own server with Stalwart.
- The companies sit under different laws: Forward Email in United States, Stalwart in United Kingdom.
- On encryption, Forward Email offers optional encryption (PGP or encrypted storage), whereas Stalwart doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
Questions people ask
Can I use my own domain with Forward Email or Stalwart?
Yes, both do. Forward Email: Unlimited. Stalwart: Yes.
Where is my email stored with Forward Email and Stalwart?
Forward Email keeps it in the United States. Stalwart keeps it in Your own server.
Prices and the latest news
I haven't seen either change its price since I started checking on 25 October 2026.
The latest headlines: Forward Email news · Stalwart news.
Alternatives to Forward Email and Stalwart
Forward Email vs mailbox.org · Stalwart vs mailbox.org · Forward Email vs Posteo · Stalwart vs Posteo · Forward Email vs Proton Mail · Stalwart vs Proton Mail
Moving your email
Moving between any two providers works the same way. Pick your two providers for the steps.