Side by side
CounterMail vs StartMail
Both stand on email providers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidLinuxMac+2
CounterMail lists encryption, IMAP access and several privacy-oriented features, but new registrations are closed. Its trial also has an eligibility condition, so prospective users should check availability before planning to switch.
Visit CounterMail
Paid WebWindowsMac+2
StartMail combines encryption, custom domains, aliases, and IMAP/SMTP access across several platforms. The choice is between Personal’s one domain and Business’s unlimited domains and shared aliases; both plans are paid.
Visit StartMailThe facts
| CounterMail | StartMail | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Web, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Personal: $4.99 a month |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Maker | CounterMail | StartMail |
| Website | countermail.com | startmail.com |
| On email providers | #18 of 28 | #22 of 28 |
CounterMail: what it does well
- Encrypts email automatically
- Supports communication with OpenPGP-compatible users
- Includes an IMAP server for third-party email clients
- Lists 4 GB of encrypted storage
What to know first
- New registrations are closed
- No free plan
- Trial requires knowing an existing CounterMail user
StartMail: what it does well
- End-to-end encryption is supported.
- Personal includes 20 GB of mailbox storage.
- Unlimited aliases are included in both plans.
- Available across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
What to know first
- No free plan is offered.
- Personal includes only one custom domain.
- Plans are billed annually.
Alternatives to CounterMail Alternatives to StartMail The whole list