Mailbox.org
German email provider with full office suite, cloud storage, and video conferencing - a feature-rich alternative to Gmail
Quick Overview
| Company | Heinlein Support GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Email Provider |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Centers | Germany (Green Energy Powered) |
| Open Source | Partial (uses open source components) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (PGP) |
| Main Features | Office suite, calendar, contacts, cloud storage, video conferencing, IMAP/SMTP support |
| Pricing | From 1/month (Light) to 9/month (Business) |
| Best For | Users seeking a complete productivity suite with strong privacy and standard email protocols |
| Replaces | Gmail, Outlook |
Detailed Review
Mailbox.org is a German email service operated by Heinlein Support GmbH, a Berlin-based company with deep roots in the open-source community. Founded in 2014, Mailbox.org was created to provide a privacy-respecting alternative to mainstream email providers while offering a comprehensive suite of productivity tools. The service stands out for its combination of strong privacy practices, environmental responsibility, and support for standard email protocols like IMAP and SMTP.
German Privacy and Legal Framework
As a German company, Mailbox.org operates under some of the strictest data protection laws in the world. Germany's Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide a robust legal framework that governs how the company handles user data. German courts have historically been strong defenders of privacy rights, shaped by the country's historical experiences with surveillance.
Heinlein Support GmbH, the company behind Mailbox.org, has been active in the German IT industry since 1992. The company has a strong reputation for Linux and open-source expertise, and this technical background informs Mailbox.org's approach to building privacy-respecting services. The long track record provides confidence in the company's stability and commitment to its values.
Complete Productivity Suite
One of Mailbox.org's key differentiators is its comprehensive productivity suite. Beyond email, the service includes a full calendar with support for CalDAV, allowing synchronization with third-party calendar applications. The contacts feature supports CardDAV for similar interoperability. This standards-based approach means you can use your preferred applications while still benefiting from Mailbox.org's privacy protections.
The integrated office suite, based on Open-Xchange, includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools that work directly in your browser. Cloud storage is included with all plans, allowing you to store and share files securely. The Business plan even includes video conferencing capabilities, making Mailbox.org a potential replacement for multiple Google or Microsoft services.
Standard Protocol Support
Unlike some privacy-focused email providers that require proprietary clients, Mailbox.org fully supports IMAP, POP3, and SMTP protocols. This means you can use any email client you prefer, whether that's Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Outlook, or mobile apps like K-9 Mail. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who have specific workflow requirements or prefer particular email applications.
The service also supports ActiveSync for those who need seamless synchronization with mobile devices. Calendar and contact synchronization work with standard protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications and devices.
Security and Encryption
Mailbox.org implements PGP encryption for email, allowing users to send and receive encrypted messages. The web interface includes a built-in key management system that makes PGP more accessible to average users. For those who prefer, external key management is also supported, and the service integrates well with tools like GnuPG.
All connections to Mailbox.org are encrypted using TLS, and the service supports DANE (DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities) for enhanced transport security. Two-factor authentication is available using TOTP apps, providing an additional layer of account security. The Guard feature allows for encrypted storage of emails and files on the server.
Environmental Responsibility
Mailbox.org runs entirely on green energy, with data centers powered by renewable sources. This commitment to environmental sustainability sets it apart from many competitors and appeals to environmentally conscious users. The company is transparent about its environmental practices and has been recognized for its green hosting approach.
Pricing Structure
Mailbox.org offers three main pricing tiers. The Light plan at 1 euro per month provides 2GB of storage and basic email functionality. The Standard plan at 3 euros per month increases storage to 10GB and adds the full office suite, calendar, and contacts with 1GB of cloud storage. The Business plan at 9 euros per month offers 25GB of email storage, 5GB of cloud storage, and adds video conferencing capabilities.
Additional storage can be purchased separately, and the company offers family and team plans for multiple users. A 30-day free trial is available, allowing potential users to test the service before committing. Payment options include credit card, PayPal, and bank transfer.
Limitations to Consider
While Mailbox.org offers many features, there are some limitations to be aware of. The web interface, while functional, is not as modern or polished as some competitors like Proton Mail or Gmail. Some users may find the learning curve steeper, particularly when setting up PGP encryption or configuring external clients.
The Light plan is quite limited in storage, and users who need more space will need to upgrade to the Standard or Business plans. The video conferencing feature is only available on the highest tier, which may be a consideration for users who need this functionality.
Who Should Use Mailbox.org
Mailbox.org is an excellent choice for users who want a comprehensive productivity suite with strong privacy protections and the flexibility to use their preferred email clients. Its support for standard protocols makes it ideal for power users and those with specific workflow requirements. The environmental commitment appeals to eco-conscious users, while the German jurisdiction provides robust legal privacy protections. Business users will appreciate the complete feature set that can replace multiple Google or Microsoft services.
Alternatives to Mailbox.org
Looking for other European email providers? Here are some alternatives worth considering:
Proton Mail
Swiss encrypted email with VPN and Drive included
Tuta
German encrypted email with end-to-end encryption
Posteo
Green email with anonymous payment
Startmail
Dutch email with PGP encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Mailbox.org fully supports IMAP, POP3, and SMTP protocols, which means you can use any email client you prefer, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Outlook, and mobile apps. This is a significant advantage over some privacy-focused providers that require proprietary clients.
Yes, Mailbox.org supports PGP encryption for emails. The web interface includes built-in key management to make PGP more accessible. Additionally, the Guard feature allows you to encrypt your stored emails and files on the server for added security.
The office suite, available on Standard and Business plans, includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools based on Open-Xchange. You can create and edit documents directly in your browser without needing additional software. Cloud storage is included for file management and sharing.
Yes, Mailbox.org runs entirely on green energy. Their data centers are powered by renewable energy sources, making it an environmentally responsible choice. The company is transparent about its environmental practices and has been recognized for its commitment to green hosting.
Mailbox.org offers similar functionality to Gmail including email, calendar, contacts, and cloud storage, but with strong privacy protections and no advertising or data mining. It is GDPR compliant, based in Germany, and does not scan your emails for advertising purposes. The trade-off is a less polished interface and a paid service model.
Yes, Mailbox.org supports custom domains on all plans. You can use your own domain for email and set up multiple aliases. The service provides detailed instructions for configuring DNS records including MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for proper email authentication.
Yes, Mailbox.org offers a 30-day free trial that gives you access to the full feature set. This allows you to test the service and determine if it meets your needs before committing to a paid subscription. No credit card is required for the trial.
Mailbox.org accepts various payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer. For users who prefer more privacy, anonymous payment vouchers can be purchased through third-party resellers, allowing for greater payment anonymity.