Posteo

Posteo is a German email service founded in 2009 in Berlin, making it one of the pioneers in the privacy-focused email space. The service was created with a clear mission: to provide email that respects both user privacy and the environment. Unlike many tech companies that emerged during the same period, Posteo has remained true to its founding principles, operating as a small, independent company without venture capital or outside investors.

Privacy Without Compromise

Posteo takes a comprehensive approach to privacy that goes beyond what most email providers offer. The service is completely ad-free and tracking-free. No analytics scripts monitor your behavior, no advertising networks profile your interests, and no data is sold to third parties. This commitment extends to the signup process itself: Posteo does not require a phone number, existing email address, or any personal information to create an account.

The anonymous payment option is particularly noteworthy. Users can pay for their account by sending cash through the mail, which creates no digital payment trail linking their identity to their account. This level of payment anonymity is rare among email providers and is especially valued by journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious individuals who need to keep their communications confidential.

100% Green Energy

Posteo was one of the first email providers to run entirely on green energy, and environmental responsibility remains central to its identity. The company's servers run on electricity from Greenpeace Energy, a German renewable energy cooperative. But Posteo goes beyond just powering its servers with green energy; the entire company operations, including the office, run on renewable power.

The company is transparent about its environmental practices and publishes regular sustainability reports. Posteo also engages in carbon offsetting and supports environmental initiatives. For users who want their digital life to align with their environmental values, Posteo offers a compelling option.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Posteo's pricing model is refreshingly simple: 1 euro per month for everything. There are no tiers, no upsells, and no complex feature matrices to navigate. This flat rate includes 2GB of storage for email, calendar, and contacts, with additional storage available for purchase at 0.25 euros per GB per month.

This straightforward approach reflects Posteo's philosophy that privacy and quality email should be accessible to everyone. The low price point, combined with the ability to pay anonymously, makes Posteo one of the most accessible privacy-focused email services available.

Standard Protocol Support

Like Mailbox.org, Posteo fully supports standard email protocols including IMAP, POP3, and SMTP. This means you can use your preferred email client, whether that's Thunderbird, Apple Mail, mobile apps, or any other client that supports these protocols. Calendar synchronization works via CalDAV, and contacts sync via CardDAV, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications.

The web interface is clean and functional, based on the Roundcube webmail client. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Gmail, it provides all the essential features most users need. The focus is on reliability and privacy rather than flashy features.

Security Features

Posteo implements strong security measures throughout its infrastructure. All connections are encrypted with TLS, and the service supports DANE for enhanced transport security. Two-factor authentication is available using TOTP apps, adding an extra layer of account protection.

For email encryption, Posteo supports PGP. The web interface includes key management features that make PGP more accessible. The crypto mailstorage feature allows users to encrypt their stored emails on Posteo's servers, so even if the servers were compromised, the encrypted emails would remain protected.

Posteo also offers an innovative feature called "sending guarantee" which provides proof that an email was sent and delivered, useful for important communications where you need verification.

Transparency and Trust

Posteo publishes regular transparency reports detailing government requests for user data. The company has fought legal battles to protect user privacy and has been recognized for its commitment to transparency. Unlike some providers, Posteo does not simply comply with every government request; it evaluates each request and pushes back when appropriate.

The company is also transparent about its technical infrastructure and security practices. Regular security audits are conducted, and the results are published. This openness builds trust and allows users to make informed decisions about their email provider.

Limitations to Consider

Posteo does have some limitations that potential users should be aware of. The service does not support custom domains, which may be a dealbreaker for users who want to use their own domain for email. All accounts use the posteo.de domain (or regional variants like posteo.net).

The base storage of 2GB is relatively modest, though additional storage can be purchased affordably. The web interface, while functional, is not as modern or feature-rich as some competitors. There's no mobile app; users rely on standard email apps configured with IMAP.

Unlike Tuta or Proton Mail, Posteo does not offer a free tier. While 1 euro per month is very affordable, users who want to try before they buy have no option to do so.

Who Should Use Posteo

Posteo is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who want a simple, affordable, environmentally responsible email service. Its anonymous signup and payment options make it particularly suitable for those who need to keep their communications confidential. Users who value simplicity and transparency over feature richness will appreciate Posteo's straightforward approach. The standard protocol support makes it a good choice for those who prefer using their own email clients rather than proprietary apps.