StartMail review

StartMail focuses on keeping your real address private. Every plan includes unlimited aliases, and one-click burner aliases expire after an hour, which suits one-off signups and downloads. Encryption is PGP-based: you can encrypt and sign with one click, and send password-protected email to anyone, who can then reply securely. StartMail blocks tracking pixels, hides external images by default, hides your IP address in sent mail and deletes trashed mail instantly. Servers are self-hosted in the Netherlands in an ISO 27001 certified data center under GDPR. Personal costs $4.99 a month billed at $59.88 a year and includes 20 GB and either a StartMail address or one custom domain, while Business at $6.99 a month adds 30 GB and unlimited domains. Additional accounts are 25 percent off. Mobile apps exist for iOS and Android, and IMAP works with standard clients. The main gaps are the lack of a free plan and the reliance on PGP rather than automatic encryption between users.

Who it is for

people who want unlimited aliases and PGP encryption in a simple inbox

Price

Personal $4.99 per month, $59.88 billed annually; 7-day free trial.

$4.99 per month, $59.88 billed annually
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Unlimited email aliases on every plan
• One-click burner aliases that disappear after one hour
• PGP encryption and password-protected emails to anyone
• 20 GB storage on Personal, 30 GB on Business
• Blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP address in sent mail

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Unlimited aliases even on the Personal plan
• Strength: Bitcoin payment possible on annual plans
• Strength: IMAP access for Apple Mail, Outlook and Thunderbird
• Weakness: No free plan, only a 7-day trial
• Weakness: Personal includes only one custom domain
• Weakness: Encryption uses PGP, which recipients may find less familiar

Key facts

• Free plan: No, 7-day free trial
• Cheapest paid plan: Personal, 20 GB
• Aliases: Unlimited
• Servers: Self-hosted in the Netherlands
• Business plan: $6.99 per month billed annually

Where it ranks

StartMail is No. 5 in our Best Secure Email Services verdict.