Runbox vs Kolab Now
On privacy it's a tie. On price it's Runbox. On features it's a tie. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.
Should you pick Runbox or Kolab Now?
- Go for Runbox if you'd like the lower price ($34.95 a year); more room (10 GB, against 5 GB); and a provider that's been going since 2000.
| Feature | Runbox | Kolab Now |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Price | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Mini $34.95 a year | Mailbox CHF 5 a month |
| Free plan | No (30-day trial) | No |
| Storage | 10 GB | 5 GB |
| Your own domain | ✓ Up to 5 | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | Norway | Switzerland |
| Your data is kept in | Norway | Switzerland |
| Founded | 2000 | 2013 |
| Free trial | 30 days free, then a 60-day refund | Unknown |
| Funded by advertising | No | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | 100 aliases | Yes |
| Open-source apps | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
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Where they differ
- Cheapest plans: Runbox Mini, $34.95 a year. Kolab Now Mailbox, CHF 5 a month.
- Runbox has no free plan; Kolab Now has no free plan.
- Space: Runbox gives 10 GB of storage, Kolab Now 5 GB of storage.
- Your mail is stored in Norway with Runbox, and in Switzerland with Kolab Now.
- The companies sit under different laws: Runbox in Norway, Kolab Now in Switzerland.
- Aliases: Runbox offers 100 aliases, Kolab Now yes.
Common questions
Is Runbox more private than Kolab Now?
They score the same for privacy: 3 out of 5 each. The differences are in the details, such as where your mail is kept (Norway for Runbox, Switzerland for Kolab Now).
Is Runbox cheaper than Kolab Now?
Runbox is cheaper. Its Mini plan is $34.95 a year, against CHF 5 a month for Kolab Now's Mailbox. Check the renewal price before you pay, as some first-year prices go up.
Can I use my own domain with Runbox or Kolab Now?
Yes, both do. Runbox: Up to 5. Kolab Now: Yes.
Where is my email stored with Runbox and Kolab Now?
Runbox keeps it in Norway. Kolab Now keeps it in Switzerland.
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: Runbox news · Kolab Now news.
Alternatives to Runbox and Kolab Now
Runbox vs mailbox.org · Kolab Now vs mailbox.org · Runbox vs Posteo · Kolab Now vs Posteo · Runbox vs Proton Mail · Kolab Now vs Proton Mail
Moving your email
Moving to Runbox · Moving from Runbox. Or see all my switching guides.