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Mailfence

Mailfence

Private, encrypted email hosted in Belgium since 1999, with integrated calendar, documents, and contacts.

softwareEmail Servicesencrypted-emailopenpgpbelgium
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What is Mailfence?

Mailfence is a secure and private email service based in Belgium, operating under strict European privacy law where only local judges with a court order can request user information. It provides end-to-end OpenPGP-compatible encryption and digital signatures, with encryption happening in the browser so that even Mailfence cannot read user emails.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentCloud/SaaS
open source❌ No
api available❌ No
support optionsKnowledge base and email support, with priority support on Pro and Ultra plans
key integrationsIMAP, SMTP, POP3S, Exchange ActiveSync (EAS), custom domains with DKIM/SPF/DMARC

Key Features of Mailfence

Encryption happens directly in the browser using OpenPGP-compatible cryptography, so Mailfence itself cannot read user emails.
Supports digital signatures on outgoing messages to verify sender authenticity and message integrity.
Includes an integrated suite beyond email: calendar, document storage, contacts, and groups for collaboration.
Paid plans support custom domains with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC configuration for business email hosting.
Accessible via standard protocols including POP3S, IMAP, SMTP, and Exchange ActiveSync (EAS), plus native web, iOS, and Android apps.
Offers two-factor authentication for account security.
Operates under Belgian jurisdiction, where only local judges with a court order can compel disclosure of user data.
The Ultra business plan donates 15% of its revenue to the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Use Cases for Mailfence

1

Privacy-conscious personal email

Individuals wanting email, calendar, and contacts outside the reach of typical ad-supported providers.

2

Small business email hosting

Organizations using the Entry or Pro plans to run custom-domain email with SPF/DKIM/DMARC and manage multiple staff accounts.

3

Encrypted communication for sensitive work

Journalists, lawyers, or activists who need OpenPGP encryption and digital signatures for confidential correspondence.

Pros & Cons of Mailfence

Pros

  • Belgium-based with strong legal privacy protections requiring a local court order for data requests
  • Full productivity suite (email, calendar, documents, contacts) included even on paid tiers, not sold as separate add-ons
  • Supports standard protocols (IMAP/SMTP/POP/EAS) so it works with third-party mail clients, unlike some encrypted email rivals
  • Long track record, with the service originally launched in 1999

Cons

  • Free plan storage is very limited at 1 GB total
  • Paid plans are billed annually in most cases rather than offering flexible monthly billing
  • Encryption only works fully between Mailfence users or via manual OpenPGP key exchange, not automatically with all outside recipients

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mailfence free to use?

Yes, Mailfence offers a free plan with 1 GB of combined email and document storage; paid plans add more storage, aliases, and custom domain support.

Where is Mailfence based?

Mailfence is based in Belgium and operates under Belgian and European privacy law, which requires a court order from a local judge before any user data can be requested.

Does Mailfence support custom domains?

Yes, custom domain support with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC is available starting from the Entry plan.

Is there a Mailfence mobile app?

Yes, Mailfence has native apps for iOS and Android that provide access to email, calendar, contacts, and documents.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Freemium

Free

0

Base

2.5

Entry

3.5

Pro

9.5

Ultra

29

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About the Product

Unclaimed Listing
Platforms
WebiOSAndroid
Target AudiencePrivacy-conscious individuals, families, and small-to-medium businesses

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