Email Provider Comparison
Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, Samsung Mail, ProtonMail, Yahoo Mail and self hosted Mailcow compared directly, with a focus on privacy and transparency.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
How much control over your emails you keep
The longer the bar, the more control you keep yourself. A short bar means the provider has insight into your communication.
| Gmail | Outlook | Apple Mail | Samsung Mail | Yahoo Mail | ProtonMail | Mailcow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where emails are stored | Google servers | Microsoft servers | Apple servers via iCloud | Samsung servers | Yahoo servers | Proton servers, Switzerland | Your own server |
| End to end encryption | No | No | No | No | No | Yes, between ProtonMail users, otherwise transport encryption only | Yes, if the recipient also encrypts, otherwise transport encryption only |
| Open source | No | No | No | No | No | Yes, web app and crypto libraries | Yes, fully |
| Cost | Free, paid extensions available | Free, included in Microsoft 365 | Free with Apple device | Free, Samsung devices only | Free with limitations | Free with limitations, otherwise subscription | Server costs only |
| Privacy jurisdiction | USA | USA | USA | South Korea | USA | Switzerland, strict privacy law | Wherever you run your server |
| Self hostable | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes, built exactly for this |
| Suited for | Anyone using Google services | Windows and Office users | Apple users | Samsung device users | Older accounts, barely recommendable for new users | Privacy conscious users without their own server | Technically interested people with their own server |
No ads, no paid recommendation. An important note on email encryption: normal emails are like postcards, the provider and theoretically every server along the way can read them. End to end encryption like ProtonMail offers only works when both sides use it.
I recommend ProtonMail for most people, because of its easy setup and end to end encryption between two ProtonMail accounts. If you're technically experienced and want full control over your own server, Mailcow is a good self hosted alternative.
What are Mailcow and ProtonMail?
Probably the two least familiar terms here, explained briefly and clearly.
Mailcow, self hosted
Mailcow is a complete, open source email server solution you run on your own server. You then become your own email provider, your emails never leave your server.
ProtonMail
An email provider based in Switzerland that offers end to end encryption as standard. No own server needed, significantly more privacy than Gmail or Outlook, but self hosting is not possible.
Samsung Mail
The pre-installed email app on Samsung devices, which fetches emails from various providers like Gmail or Outlook. Not its own provider, just an app that displays other email accounts.