Protecting your inbox from cyber threats is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to secure your email communications. At freetrials.co.uk, we’ve tested and reviewed a wide range of email security tools to bring you the most effective free options available. Whether you’re an individual user or a small business owner, our carefully curated list of the best free email security tools will help you fortify your digital correspondence without compromising your budget. Trust our in-depth analysis to guide you towards a safer email experience.
ProtonMail
ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email service that puts privacy and security at the forefront. It offers end-to-end encryption for your emails, ensuring that only you and your intended recipient can read the contents. The service is known for its user-friendly interface, making advanced security accessible to everyone.
ProtonMail doesn’t require any personal information to create an account, adding an extra layer of anonymity. It also features self-destructing emails, allowing you to set an expiration time for sensitive messages. The service is compatible with other email providers, so you can communicate securely even with contacts who don’t use ProtonMail.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption
- Zero-access encryption for your inbox
- Self-destructing emails
- Anonymous sign-up
- Desktop and mobile apps available
- Integration with other email services
ProtonMail’s free plan offers 500 MB of storage, up to 150 messages per day, and limited support. Paid plans start at £3.99 per month, offering more storage, higher message limits, and additional features like custom domains and multi-user support.
Mailvelope
Mailvelope is an open-source browser extension that brings PGP encryption to your webmail service. It works seamlessly with popular providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, allowing you to encrypt and decrypt emails directly in your browser. This tool is particularly useful for those who want to add a layer of security to their existing email accounts without switching providers.
Mailvelope uses OpenPGP standards, ensuring compatibility with other PGP tools. It’s user-friendly, with a simple key management system and intuitive encryption process. The extension also supports encrypted file attachments, further enhancing your email security.
Key Features
- PGP encryption for webmail
- Compatible with major email providers
- Key management system
- Encrypted file attachments
- Open-source code for transparency
- Available for Chrome and Firefox
Mailvelope is completely free and open-source, with no paid plans available. It’s maintained by a community of developers and security enthusiasts, ensuring ongoing updates and improvements.
Bitdefender Email Protection
Bitdefender Email Protection is a powerful solution designed to safeguard businesses from email-borne threats. It uses advanced machine learning algorithms and behavioural analysis to detect and block spam, phishing attempts, malware, and zero-day threats.
The service offers real-time protection, scanning both incoming and outgoing emails for potential risks. Bitdefender’s solution is cloud-based, ensuring minimal impact on your email infrastructure and performance. It provides detailed reports and logs, giving you insights into your email security status and any attempted attacks.
Key Features
- Advanced threat detection
- Anti-spam and anti-phishing protection
- Zero-day threat prevention
- Cloud-based architecture
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Integration with popular email platforms
Bitdefender Email Protection offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test its full range of features. After the trial, pricing is based on the number of mailboxes and the level of protection required. Contact Bitdefender for a custom quote.
Zoho Mail
Zoho Mail is a secure, ad-free email service that caters to both individuals and businesses. It offers a range of security features even in its free plan, making it an attractive option for those seeking enhanced email protection without cost. The service provides end-to-end encryption for your emails, ensuring that your messages remain private and secure.
Zoho Mail also includes two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your account. The interface is clean and intuitive, with customisable layouts and themes. One of Zoho Mail’s strengths is its integration with other Zoho productivity apps, creating a seamless workflow for users.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- Spam and malware protection
- 5GB storage for free accounts
- Integration with Zoho productivity suite
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
Zoho Mail’s free plan includes 5GB of storage, webmail access, and mobile apps. Paid plans start at £0.80 per user per month, offering more storage, custom domain support, and advanced administration features.
GPG4Win
GPG4Win is a comprehensive encryption tool for Windows that includes email encryption capabilities. It’s based on the GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) implementation of the OpenPGP standard, ensuring high-level security for your communications. While primarily focused on email encryption, GPG4Win also offers file and folder encryption, making it a versatile security tool.
The software includes Kleopatra, a certificate manager and GUI for GnuPG, which simplifies key management and encryption processes. GPG4Win integrates with popular email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird, allowing you to encrypt and sign emails directly from these applications.
Key Features
- OpenPGP-based email encryption
- File and folder encryption
- Digital signatures
- Key management with Kleopatra
- Integration with common email clients
- Regular security updates
GPG4Win is completely free and open-source. There are no paid versions or trials – the full functionality is available to all users at no cost.
Spamihilator
Spamihilator is a powerful, open-source spam filter that works alongside your existing email client to provide enhanced protection against unwanted emails. It uses a combination of methods to identify spam, including artificial intelligence, blacklists, and user-defined rules.
Spamihilator sits between your email client and server, filtering out spam before it reaches your inbox. This tool is particularly useful for those who want to add an extra layer of spam protection to their current email setup without changing providers. It offers a high degree of customisation, allowing you to fine-tune its behaviour to suit your specific needs.
Key Features
- Advanced spam filtering algorithms
- Learning filter using artificial intelligence
- Customisable rules and blacklists
- Compatible with most email clients
- Training mode for improved accuracy
- Regular updates to combat new spam techniques
Spamihilator is completely free and open-source. There are no paid versions or trials – all features are available to all users at no cost.
Norton AntiSpam
Norton AntiSpam is part of the broader Norton 360 security suite, offering comprehensive protection against email-based threats. It uses advanced algorithms to detect and filter out spam, phishing attempts, and malicious emails. The tool integrates seamlessly with popular email clients, providing real-time protection as you receive messages.
Norton AntiSpam not only blocks unwanted emails but also helps prevent identity theft by identifying and flagging suspicious links and attachments. It’s regularly updated to stay ahead of the latest spam techniques and emerging threats.
Key Features
- Advanced spam detection algorithms
- Phishing protection
- Integration with common email clients
- Real-time threat detection
- Regular updates to combat new spam techniques
- Part of a comprehensive security suite
Norton AntiSpam is available as part of Norton 360, which offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial, plans start at £24.99 per year, including antivirus, VPN, and other security features alongside email protection.
MailWasher
MailWasher is a versatile email management tool that focuses on spam filtering and preview capabilities. It allows you to check and clean your email before it’s downloaded to your computer, saving bandwidth and protecting you from potential threats. MailWasher uses a combination of methods to identify spam, including bayesian filtering, blacklists, and user-defined rules.
One of its unique features is the ability to preview emails on the server without downloading them, giving you a chance to delete unwanted messages before they reach your inbox. The tool also offers the option to “bounce” emails, making it appear to the sender that your email address is no longer valid – a useful feature for reducing future spam.
Key Features
- Preview emails before downloading
- Multiple spam detection methods
- Email “bouncing” capability
- Custom filtering rules
- Works with multiple email accounts
- Compatible with most email clients and services
MailWasher offers a free version with basic features and support for one email account. Paid versions start at £19.95 per year, offering support for multiple accounts, advanced features, and priority support.
SpamAssassin
SpamAssassin is a powerful, open-source spam filter that uses a wide range of techniques to identify and block unwanted emails. It’s highly regarded in the tech community for its effectiveness and flexibility. SpamAssassin employs text analysis, Bayesian filtering, DNS blocklists, and collaborative filtering databases to score emails and determine if they’re spam.
While it’s often used on mail servers, it can also be integrated with desktop email clients. SpamAssassin is highly customisable, allowing administrators to fine-tune its rules and scoring system to suit specific needs. Its open-source nature means it benefits from continuous improvements from a global community of developers.
Key Features
- Multi-method spam detection
- Bayesian filtering
- DNS blocklists integration
- Collaborative spam filtering databases
- Highly customisable rules and scoring
- Regular updates from the open-source community
SpamAssassin is completely free and open-source. There are no paid versions or trials – all features are available to all users at no cost. However, it may require technical expertise to set up and maintain effectively.
Avast Email Security
Avast Email Security is a cloud-based solution designed to protect businesses from email-borne threats. It offers real-time scanning of both incoming and outgoing emails, safeguarding against spam, phishing attempts, and malware. Avast’s solution uses machine learning algorithms to detect and block even the most sophisticated threats, including zero-day attacks. It provides a clean, intuitive dashboard for managing email security across your organisation.
The service is designed to work seamlessly with popular email platforms, ensuring minimal disruption to your existing workflow. Avast Email Security also offers detailed reporting features, giving you insights into your email traffic and potential threats.
Key Features
- Real-time email scanning
- Advanced threat detection
- Anti-spam and anti-phishing protection
- Zero-day threat prevention
- Intuitive management dashboard
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Avast offers a free basic version of its email security solution for personal use. For businesses, they provide a 30-day free trial of their full-featured version. After the trial, pricing is based on the number of mailboxes and the level of protection required. Contact Avast for a custom quote.
How to choose the best free email security tool for you
Assess your specific security needs
Start by evaluating your email usage patterns and potential vulnerabilities. Consider factors such as the volume of emails you handle, the sensitivity of information exchanged, and any industry-specific compliance requirements. Some tools excel at spam filtering, while others focus on encryption or malware detection. Identify your primary concerns to narrow down the options that best address your unique security challenges.
Compare features and compatibility
Examine the feature sets of different free email security tools and how they align with your needs. Look for essentials like spam filtering, phishing protection, and malware scanning. Consider whether the tool integrates seamlessly with your existing email client or service. Check for compatibility with your operating system and devices. Some tools may offer additional features like email encryption or attachment scanning, which could be valuable depending on your requirements.
Consider usability and support
Even free tools should be user-friendly and reliable. Look for solutions with intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. Check user reviews and ratings to gauge the tool’s effectiveness and ease of use. Consider the level of support provided, such as documentation, community forums, or customer service options. While free tools may have limited support compared to paid versions, ensure there are adequate resources available to help you resolve any issues that may arise.
Which Free Email Security Tool Is Best?
When it comes to strong encryption and privacy, ProtonMail is great for those seeking a robust free plan. It offers end-to-end encryption and a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice if you prioritise security in your everyday communications. We recommend ProtonMail if you want to keep your emails private without sacrificing ease of use.
Mailvelope is a top option if you prefer to enhance your existing email setup. This open-source browser extension integrates seamlessly with popular webmail services, allowing you to add PGP encryption to your emails. We suggest Mailvelope if you want to boost your email security without switching providers.
Zoho Mail’s free plan might be suitable if you’re running a business or organisation. It combines email hosting with built-in security features, offering a full-featured solution for small teams or startups. The service includes spam protection, virus scanning, and two-factor authentication, providing a well-rounded package if you need more than just basic email security. We recommend Zoho Mail for small businesses looking for a secure, all-in-one email solution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Email Security Tools
What are the best free email security tools available?
Some of the best free email security tools include ProtonMail, Mailvelope, Zoho Mail, GPG4Win, Spamihilator, MailWasher, and SpamAssassin. These offer various features like end-to-end encryption, spam filtering, and phishing protection at no cost.
Is ProtonMail completely free?
ProtonMail offers a free plan with limited storage and features. While it provides end-to-end encryption and secure email functionality, paid plans are available for users needing more storage or advanced features.
How does Mailvelope work?
Mailvelope is a free, open-source browser extension that adds PGP encryption to webmail services. It allows users to send and receive encrypted emails directly from their existing email provider’s interface.
What security features does Zoho Mail’s free plan include?
Zoho Mail’s free plan includes features such as two-factor authentication, spam and virus filtering, and DKIM/SPF protection to help prevent email spoofing and phishing attempts.
Are free email security tools as effective as paid options?
Free email security tools can be quite effective for basic protection. However, paid options often offer more comprehensive features, better customer support, and more frequent updates. The effectiveness depends on your specific security needs.
What is GPG4Win and how does it enhance email security?
GPG4Win is a free, open-source email encryption software for Windows. It uses GnuPG to encrypt and sign emails, providing a high level of security for your communications.
Can I use Bitdefender Email Protection for free?
Bitdefender Email Protection offers a free trial, allowing you to test its features before committing to a paid plan. The duration of the trial may vary, so it’s best to check their website for current offers.
How does Spamihilator differ from other spam filters?
Spamihilator is a free, open-source spam filter that works with various email clients. It uses multiple filtering methods, including artificial intelligence, to provide effective spam protection without the need for a paid subscription.
What limitations does MailWasher’s free plan have?
MailWasher’s free plan typically allows you to manage one email account and offers basic spam filtering features. Paid versions usually provide support for multiple accounts and more advanced filtering options.
Is SpamAssassin suitable for individual users or just for businesses?
While SpamAssassin is often used by businesses and email service providers, it can also be implemented by individual users who are comfortable with technical setups. It’s free and open-source, making it accessible to anyone willing to learn how to use it.
What does Avast Email Security’s free plan offer?
Avast Email Security’s free plan typically includes basic spam and phishing protection. However, the exact features may vary, and it’s often part of Avast’s broader free antivirus package rather than a standalone email security tool.
How long is Norton AntiSpam’s free trial?
Norton AntiSpam usually offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to test its email protection features before deciding whether to purchase a subscription.
Can these free tools protect against all email threats?
While these free tools provide significant protection, no security solution can guarantee 100% protection against all threats. They can greatly reduce risks, but it’s important to stay vigilant and practice good email security habits alongside using these tools.
