Runbox vs Krystal
In short: Runbox wins on privacy, Runbox wins on price, and they tie on features. The full comparison is below, last checked 25 October 2026.
Runbox or Krystal: which should you choose?
- Runbox is the better pick if you want open-source apps anyone can check.
| Feature | Runbox | Krystal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.5 | Not rated |
| Privacy | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Price | 4.0 | Not rated |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Mini $34.95 a year | Email hosting Not confirmed |
| Free plan | No (30-day trial) | No |
| Storage | 10 GB | Not confirmed |
| Your own domain | ✓ Up to 5 | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | Norway | United Kingdom |
| Your data is kept in | Norway | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2000 | 2002 |
| Free trial | 30 days free, then a 60-day refund | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 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 | No |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.
The key differences
- Runbox's cheapest plan is Mini ($34.95 a year); Krystal's is Email hosting (Not confirmed).
- For free, Runbox gives you no free plan, and Krystal no free plan.
- Runbox comes with 10 GB of storage and Krystal with storage not confirmed.
- Your mail is stored in Norway with Runbox, and in the United Kingdom with Krystal.
- Runbox is based in Norway and Krystal in the United Kingdom, so different privacy laws apply.
- For extra addresses, Runbox has 100 aliases and Krystal has yes.
Runbox and Krystal: your questions
Which is more private, Runbox or Krystal?
Runbox scores 3 out of 5 for privacy and Krystal 2.5. Runbox gives you open-source apps anyone can check.
Do Runbox and Krystal work with my own domain?
Yes, both do. Runbox: Up to 5. Krystal: Yes.
Where do Runbox and Krystal keep my email?
Runbox keeps it in Norway. Krystal keeps it in the United Kingdom.
Prices and the latest 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 · Krystal news.
Also worth a look
Runbox vs mailbox.org · Krystal vs mailbox.org · Runbox vs Posteo · Krystal vs Posteo · Runbox vs Proton Mail · Krystal vs Proton Mail
Moving your email
Moving to Runbox · Moving from Runbox. Or see all my switching guides.