Why We’ll Pay for Almost Anything — Except Email
Most people think nothing of paying for everyday comforts, yet hesitate to spend even a few pounds protecting the email account that underpins their online identity.
Practical advice and deep dives on protecting your email privacy, from tracking and data collection to account security and safer providers.
Most people think nothing of paying for everyday comforts, yet hesitate to spend even a few pounds protecting the email account that underpins their online identity.
Fastmail treats email as long-lived infrastructure — prioritising open standards, portability, and operational trust over encryption maximalism or lock-in.
Tutanota takes an uncompromising approach to email privacy — encrypting more data, reducing metadata exposure, and accepting real trade-offs in usability to minimise risk in 2026.
StartMail takes a paid-only approach to email, focusing on identity control and clear incentives rather than features or ecosystems. This article explains the trade-offs that follow.
A structural review of Proton Mail’s privacy architecture, usability trade-offs, support realities, and who it genuinely suits.