comparison · Privacy email
mailbox.org vs Mailfence
Both are listed in Privacy email. The table below pulls directly from each service’s data sheet; see each entry for sourcing.
| Field | mailbox.org | Mailfence |
|---|---|---|
| KYC | optional KYC | optional KYC |
| Category | Privacy email | Privacy email |
| Jurisdiction | Germany (operator-disclosed) | Belgium (operator-disclosed) |
| Payment methods | cash-by-mail, bank-transfer, card, paypal | crypto, card, paypal, bank-transfer |
| Fiat on-ramp | no | no |
| Custodial | yes | yes |
| Open source | no | no |
| Founded | 2014 | 2013 |
| Last verified | Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2026 |
mailbox.org — summary
mailbox.
- + Cash-by-mail funding accepted, similar to Posteo's posture.
- + PGP-aware web client and PGP-on-arrival encryption-at-rest options.
- + Full IMAP/SMTP plus a usable webmail.
- − German jurisdiction; same legal-process exposure as Tuta and Posteo.
- − Paid-only — no free tier.
- − PGP encryption is opt-in; not in-protocol like Tuta.
Mailfence — summary
Mailfence is the PGP-native alternative to Proton Mail for users who want IMAP/SMTP and openness over default encryption.
- + PGP-native; integrates with OpenPGP keys directly.
- + IMAP/SMTP supported.
- + Belgian privacy law has historically protected smaller mail providers.
- − Belgian jurisdiction is subject to EU cooperation.
- − PGP-only encryption — outside-mail metadata is visible.
- − Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
When to choose which
Treat this section as heuristic. Privacy properties depend on how you use the service, not just which one you pick.
- Choose mailbox.org if cash-by-mail funding accepted, similar to posteo's posture..
- Choose Mailfence if pgp-native; integrates with openpgp keys directly..
- Either way, re-check the entry’s last verified date — the Privacy email category churns.
Mentioned in (combined)
Pages on the site that reference mailbox.org, Mailfence, or both.
Ranked picks
Quick answers
Country pages
Compared as of .