Paul O'Brieneverything email Subscribe

Kolab Now vs DuckDuckGo Email Protection

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

Kolab Now or DuckDuckGo Email Protection: which should you choose?

  • Kolab Now suits you best if you want your mailbox stored in Switzerland; email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts; and to use your own domain, like you@yourname.co.uk.
  • Go for DuckDuckGo Email Protection if you'd like email without paying for it and a free plan to start on.
FeatureKolab NowDuckDuckGo Email Protection
Overall3.52.0
Privacy3.00.0
Price3.05.0
Features4.5Not rated
Cheapest planMailbox
CHF 5 a month
Free
Free
Free planNoYes, unlimited @duck.com aliases
Storage5 GBForwards only
Your own domain✓ YesNo
End-to-end encryptionNoNo
Company based in Switzerland United States
Your data is kept in Switzerland United States
Founded20132021
Free trialUnknownFree
Funded by advertisingNoYes, or its parent company is
Works in any mail app✓ IMAP and SMTPNo, its own apps only
Calendar and contacts✓ YesNo
AliasesYesUnlimited aliases
Open-source apps✓ YesNo
Sign up without IDNoNo
White labelUnknownNo
Reader offerNoneNone
Last checked25 October 202625 October 2026

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

How Kolab Now and DuckDuckGo Email Protection differ

  • Kolab Now's cheapest plan is Mailbox (CHF 5 a month); DuckDuckGo Email Protection's is Free (Free).
  • Kolab Now has no free plan; DuckDuckGo Email Protection has a free plan (unlimited @duck.com aliases).
  • Space: Kolab Now gives 5 GB of storage, DuckDuckGo Email Protection no storage, as it forwards mail on.
  • Your mail is stored in Switzerland with Kolab Now, and in the United States with DuckDuckGo Email Protection.
  • The companies sit under different laws: Kolab Now in Switzerland, DuckDuckGo Email Protection in United States.
  • You can use your own domain with Kolab Now, but not with DuckDuckGo Email Protection.
  • Mail apps: Kolab Now works in any mail app over IMAP; DuckDuckGo Email Protection only works in its own apps.
  • DuckDuckGo Email Protection (or its parent company) makes money from advertising; Kolab Now doesn't.
  • Aliases: Kolab Now offers yes, DuckDuckGo Email Protection unlimited aliases.

Kolab Now and DuckDuckGo Email Protection: your questions

Is Kolab Now more private than DuckDuckGo Email Protection?

Kolab Now scores 3 out of 5 for privacy and DuckDuckGo Email Protection 0. Kolab Now gives you your mailbox stored in Switzerland, email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts and open-source apps anyone can check.

Is Kolab Now cheaper than DuckDuckGo Email Protection?

DuckDuckGo Email Protection costs nothing to start (Free). Kolab Now's cheapest plan, Mailbox, is CHF 5 a month.

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

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

Where is my email stored with Kolab Now and DuckDuckGo Email Protection?

Kolab Now keeps it in Switzerland. DuckDuckGo Email Protection keeps it in the United States.

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

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

Recent price changes

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

The latest headlines: Kolab Now news · DuckDuckGo Email Protection news.

Not sold on either? Try these

Kolab Now vs mailbox.org · DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs mailbox.org · Kolab Now vs Posteo · DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs Posteo · Kolab Now vs Proton Mail · DuckDuckGo Email Protection vs Proton Mail

Switching between them

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