Mailvelope

Mailvelope is a browser extension that adds PGP encryption to supported webmail. It suits individuals and organizations that want to keep Gmail, Outlook, or another webmail service while retaining control of encryption keys. The free private tier is a sensible entry point, but teams needing PGP/MIME, administration, or support should consider a paid business plan.

Overview

Mailvelope performs client-side, end-to-end encryption with PGP, encrypting and decrypting messages in the browser rather than requiring a separate mail service. While composing, it can detect a recipient’s public key, which reduces some manual searching, although users still need to maintain correct keys and verify recipients.

Users can export keys, manage multiple keyrings, and use Mailvelope or other key servers. That flexibility is valuable for established PGP users and organizations with their own key practices, but it also means key administration remains part of everyday use. Signature-mismatch warnings help identify possible phishing attempts, providing a useful verification signal rather than a substitute for checking identities.

Mailvelope says it complies with GDPR and EU privacy laws. Mailvelope GmbH is based in Germany and was founded in 2015.

Key features

• Webmail coverage: The browser add-on works with Gmail, Outlook, WEB.DE, and other webmailers, so users can add encryption without replacing their existing inbox.
• Attachment protection: Attachments can be encrypted and decrypted inside email, with support for PGP/MIME. The stated attachment limit is 50, making the feature useful for routine protected correspondence while leaving unusually large transfers outside this product’s stated scope.
• Key management: Exportable keys, multiple keyrings, and compatibility with Mailvelope or other key servers give advanced users control over how keys are stored and shared.
• Recipient and phishing checks: Automatic public-key detection helps during composition, while signature-mismatch detection can draw attention to suspicious messages.
• Business administration: Business integrations include admin access controls and professional or premium email support options, capabilities that are absent from the free private-user offer.

Pricing

The private-user tier is free and independent from Google. It omits PGP/MIME, Google Workspace integration, and customer service, so it is best for individuals who need basic PGP protection in supported webmail and can manage without those additions.

Mailvelope Business is €3.00 per user per month for 1–49 users. Annual billing costs €32.40 per user per year, equivalent to a lower monthly rate than paying month to month. Paid subscriptions auto-renew and can be cancelled anytime.

Business plans include a 14-day free trial without payment data. Volume plans for 400 or more users advertise a 30% discount on annual billing and a 20% discount on monthly billing; their prices are custom. These plans are the relevant route for larger organizations that need administrative controls, support, or Google Workspace integration.

Platforms

Mailvelope is offered as a browser extension and web-based experience. The add-on supports Gmail, Outlook, WEB.DE, and other webmailers, including Outlook and Gmail integrations. It is therefore a fit for browser-centered email workflows rather than a standalone mobile mail application.

Who it's for

Choose Mailvelope if you already use compatible webmail and want client-side PGP encryption, encrypted attachments, and portable key management. The free tier works for private users who accept its missing PGP/MIME, Google Workspace integration, and customer service. Businesses should budget for paid plans when those omissions, admin access controls, or professional support would impede deployment.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Works inside familiar webmail: Gmail, Outlook, WEB.DE, and other webmail support avoids moving accounts to a new provider.
• Strong key flexibility: Exporting keys and managing multiple keyrings suits users with established PGP practices.
• Protects attachments: In-email encryption and PGP/MIME support cover files as well as message text on applicable plans.
• Clear business terms: Monthly and annual per-user prices, a 14-day trial without payment data, and cancellation at any time make initial rollout predictable.

Cons

• Free-tier omissions: Private users do not get PGP/MIME, Google Workspace integration, or customer service.
• Key responsibility remains with the user: Keyrings, recipient identities, and signature checks require ongoing attention.
• Browser dependence: The stated platform is an extension and web experience, not a broad native mobile-app offering.
• Large deployments need a sales quote: Volume-plan pricing is custom even though discounts are stated.

Alternatives

FlowCrypt is a better fit for organizations seeking an extension with a free tier for fewer than 100 users and a 5 MB attachment threshold, with enterprise attachments up to 25 MB.

SecureMyEmail is the stronger choice when native Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows apps matter, with a free plan covering one email address.

c.Email suits readers who want a free extension with unlimited email addresses and existing-address support.

Send It Secure is worth considering for API, mobile, desktop, and web access, though its guest tier limits retention, file size, and lifetime sends to non-paid users.

Lockbin is an alternative for cross-platform use with a free one-user plan, 25 MB attachments, and six months of inbox storage.

DataMotion Secure Email Exchange is aimed at enterprise buyers who prefer a sales-led secure email exchange service.

gpg4o is the more relevant option for Windows users who specifically need Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, or 365 Classic integration.

Virtru Email Encryption is for teams willing to pay for a dedicated product, with Starter and Business plans billed annually for five users.

For broader discovery, browse Email Encryption Software or File encryption tools.

Verdict

Mailvelope is a strong choice for PGP-focused individuals and organizations that want encryption embedded in Gmail, Outlook, or another supported webmailer, with flexible key handling and attachment protection. Look elsewhere if you need a native mobile-first experience or want the free tier to include PGP/MIME, Google Workspace integration, and support.