HEY
Privacy-focused email service from 37signals that screens new senders before they reach your inbox.
Alternatives
Choose Posteo if…
- you need PGP/S/MIME encryption out of the box
- you want to sign up without giving personal data
- you prefer a provider powered by 100% renewable energy
- you need a bundled encrypted calendar and contacts
Choose Mailfence if…
- you must protect email content from the provider itself
- you operate under Belgian law that limits data requests to
- you want a free tier with basic storage before paying
- you need standard IMAP/SMTP/POP access for existing mail
- you require digital signatures to verify outgoing messages
Choose StartMail if…
- you need unlimited throwaway aliases for sign‑ups
- you want PGP‑encrypted messages with password fallback
- you prefer a GDPR‑compliant server in the Netherlands
How to Decide
HEY is a privacy‑focused email service from 37signals that screens new senders before they reach your inbox, used by individuals and small teams who want a screened, privacy‑first inbox. The alternatives split into a few clear camps: Posteo leans on green‑energy hosting and bundled encrypted calendars; StartMail emphasizes unlimited disposable aliases and built‑in PGP encryption for end‑to‑end security.
When weighing substitutes for HEY, look at (1) the level of built‑in encryption and alias management – Posteo offers TLS/PGP/S‑MIME but limited aliasing, while StartMail provides unlimited burner aliases and native PGP; (2) storage capacity and upgrade path – Posteo starts at 4 GB with paid expansions, StartMail caps at 20–30 GB depending on plan; (3) integrated productivity tools – Posteo includes three encrypted calendars and a CardDAV address book, whereas StartMail relies on external IMAP clients for calendar use; (4) sustainability and hosting ethos – Posteo runs on 100 % renewable energy, a differentiator not offered by StartMail.
All Alternatives
“Privacy‑focused email hosting with ad‑free service, a direct alternative to Hey's screened inbox.”
“Encrypted, privacy‑centric email service hosted in Europe, offering similar protection and team‑friendly features.”
“Private, encrypted email with unlimited aliases, matching Hey's emphasis on privacy and control.”
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