Mailfence vs Runbox
Mailfence wins on privacy, they tie on price and they tie on features. Every fact below was checked on or before 22 October 2026.
Should you pick Mailfence or Runbox?
- Mailfence is the better pick if you want a free plan before you pay anything.
- Runbox is the better pick if you want to pay less: $34.95 a year; open-source apps; and more years of history: it started in 2000.
| Feature | Mailfence | Runbox |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Price | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Entry €3.50 a month | Mini $34.95 a year |
| Free plan | Yes, 500 MB–1 GB, no own domain | No (30-day trial) |
| Storage | 10 GB | 10 GB |
| Your own domain | ✓ Yes | ✓ Up to 5 |
| End-to-end encryption | Optional (PGP or encrypted storage) | No |
| Company based in | Belgium | Norway |
| Your data is kept in | Belgium | Norway |
| Founded | 2013 | 2000 |
| Free trial | Free plan | 30 days free, then a 60-day refund |
| Funded by advertising | No | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | Yes | 100 aliases |
| Open-source apps | No | ✓ Yes |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | No |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.
The key differences
- Mailfence's cheapest plan is Entry (€3.50 a month); Runbox's is Mini ($34.95 a year).
- For free, Mailfence gives you a free plan (500 MB–1 GB, no own domain), and Runbox no free plan.
- Data location: Belgium for Mailfence, Norway for Runbox.
- Mailfence is based in Belgium and Runbox in Norway, so different privacy laws apply.
- Mailfence offers optional encryption (PGP or encrypted storage); Runbox doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
- For extra addresses, Mailfence has yes and Runbox has 100 aliases.
Mailfence and Runbox: your questions
Which is more private, Mailfence or Runbox?
Mailfence scores 3.5 out of 5 for privacy and Runbox 3.
Which is cheaper, Mailfence or Runbox?
Runbox is cheaper. Its Mini plan is $34.95 a year, against €3.50 a month for Mailfence's Entry. Mailfence also has a free plan. Check the renewal price before you pay, as some first-year prices go up.
Do Mailfence and Runbox work with my own domain?
Yes, both do. Mailfence: Yes. Runbox: Up to 5.
Where do Mailfence and Runbox keep my email?
Mailfence keeps it in Belgium. Runbox keeps it in Norway.
Price changes and news
No price changes for either since 22 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.
The latest headlines: Mailfence news · Runbox news.
Also worth a look
Mailfence vs mailbox.org · Runbox vs mailbox.org · Mailfence vs Posteo · Runbox vs Posteo · Mailfence vs Proton Mail · Runbox vs Proton Mail
How to switch
Switching takes an evening to set up. Follow the steps for your direction: Mailfence to Runbox · Runbox to Mailfence.