FairEmail
Open-source Android email app from Dordrecht with OpenPGP and S/MIME
Key data
| Company | FairCode B.V. |
|---|---|
| Category | Email Client Apps |
| Headquarters | Dordrecht, Netherlands |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Netherlands (EU) |
| Data Location | mail is stored on your device and with your own email provider; no developer server is stated |
| Open Source | Open source (licence not stated on the pages we read) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No (app runs on your device) |
| Main Features | Unified inbox, conversation threading, two-way sync, offline storage, OpenPGP and S/MIME, dark theme, unlimited accounts |
| Pricing | not shown on the pages we read |
| Best For | Android users who want a private, open-source client for any IMAP provider |
| Replaces | Superhuman, Gmail app |
Our review
FairEmail is described on its own site as a fully featured, privacy oriented email app for Android, provided by FairCode B.V. The privacy policy names FairCode BV, represented by managing director Marcel Bokhorst, at Van Doesburg-Erf 194, 3315 RG Dordrecht, the Netherlands, as data controller.
The home page lists the main features: 100% open source, unlimited accounts and addresses, a unified inbox, conversation threading, two-way synchronisation and offline storage. The app is deliberately minimalistic, according to the site.
How FairEmail handles your data
The privacy policy says the app does not send account information or message data anywhere except to your email provider. Error reports are disabled by default and are deleted after one month.
The policy also says collected data is never sold, shared, used for profiling, used for AI training or used for advertisements, and that the app shows no ads.
Which mailboxes FairEmail supports
FairEmail works with virtually all email providers, including Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo!, according to its home page. That means you can keep your current mailbox and change only the app.
The site states that the app does not support non-standard protocols such as Microsoft Exchange Web Services and Microsoft ActiveSync. Exchange users on those protocols need another client.
FairEmail compared with Superhuman
Superhuman Mail is a polished team product with AI features at $25 USD per member per month. FairEmail has a different aim: privacy, open code and low data use on Android.
The pages we read do not list snooze-style speed tools or a price, so FairEmail suits readers who value control over speed features.
Points against
FairEmail is Android only, so there is no iPhone, Mac or Windows version on the pages we read. The site says it does not support Exchange Web Services or ActiveSync, and it is deliberately minimalistic, so it lacks Superhuman-style AI drafting and team features. A price or licence model is not shown on the pages we read. Desktop users can look at eM Client.
Is FairEmail right for you?
Android users who care about privacy and open-source code, use a standard IMAP provider and do not need team features or AI drafting.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pros
- States 100% open source
- Entity, address and managing director named in the privacy policy
- No data sent to the developer except opt-in error reports
- OpenPGP and S/MIME supported
- Unlimited accounts and a unified inbox
Cons
- Android only
- No Exchange Web Services or ActiveSync support
- Price and licence model not shown on the pages we read
- Minimal design, no AI drafting or team workspace
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The site states the app is 100% open source
- Privacy policy names the entity, address and managing director
- Nothing reaches the developer apart from opt-in error reports
- OpenPGP and S/MIME are both supported
- Any number of accounts feed one unified inbox
Cons
- Android is the only platform
- Exchange Web Services and ActiveSync are not supported
- Neither price nor licence model shows on the pages we read
- Plain design with no AI drafting or team workspace
Alternatives to FairEmail
More European email client apps you can weigh against it:
See all European email client apps or compare them directly against Superhuman on our alternatives page.
FAQ
Yes, for Android. FairEmail is provided by FairCode B.V. in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, and it works with Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo!. It is simpler than Superhuman and has no team features on the pages we read.
Yes. The FairEmail home page lists 100% open source among its main features.
The privacy policy says message data goes only to your email provider. Error reports are opt-in and are deleted after one month.