✉️ Email Privacy ★★★★

Fastmail

Full IMAP productivity email

Overview

Fastmail Pty Ltd has operated professional email hosting for 20+ years with Gmail-like usability under a subscription-only, ad-free model.

Full JMAP/IMAP/CalDAV/CardDAV support lets you keep existing desktop and mobile clients.

A top pick if you want to leave Gmail without changing how you work.

Scores

Privacy 4/5
Ease of use 5/5
Features 5/5
Value 4/5

Gmail — comparison

Functionally one of the closest Gmail replacements. No ads, profile ads, or Google account lock-in—but Fastmail can still read mail server-side, similar to Gmail’s model without Google’s ad business.

Pros

  • Among the smoothest Gmail migrations
  • Fast search, labels, and automation rules
  • 24/7 support and strong uptime

Cons & caveats

  • Stored server-side—not zero-knowledge E2EE
  • Privacy absolutists may want stronger encryption
  • From $5/month vs free Gmail

Best for

  • Users keeping Gmail UX while leaving Google
  • Freelancers and small teams on custom domains
  • Thunderbird and Outlook users

Not ideal for

  • Cases requiring zero-knowledge E2EE
  • People who need a completely free solution

Specs

Pricing
Paid — Basic $5/month (2 GB), Standard $8/month (30 GB), Professional $12/month (100 GB). Annual discounts and 30-day trial available.
Difficulty
Easy
Data location
Australia, US, and Netherlands (selectable by plan).
Platforms
Web · Android · iOS · IMAP · SMTP · CalDAV · CardDAV
Highlights
広告なしカスタムドメイン優れたモバイルアプリスヌーズ・スケジュール送信

Migration from Gmail

  1. 1 Follow Fastmail’s setup guide for Gmail IMAP sync
  2. 2 Import Takeout mbox archives
  3. 3 Forward Gmail → Fastmail, verify receipt, then remove forwarding
  4. 4 Update SPF/DKIM/DMARC and test deliverability

Setup steps

  1. 1 Start a trial at fastmail.com
  2. 2 Configure custom domain DNS (MX/SPF/DKIM)
  3. 3 Connect IMAP clients or Fastmail apps
  4. 4 Set filters, aliases, and 2FA