Secure Email and Productivity Suite: mailbox (formerly mailbox.org)
In 2014, revelations from Edward Snowden about mass surveillance prompted the launch of mailbox.org, a service aimed at providing secure email independent of U.S. tech giants. Operated by Heinlein Hosting GmbH in Berlin, it has grown into a full productivity platform now rebranded as mailbox. This German provider stores all data in certified Berlin data centers, using 100% renewable energy. No advertising tracks users, and features like end-to-end encryption set it apart. Recent BSI C5 cloud security certification in 2026 underscores its commitment to standards. Annual transparency reports detail data requests, which the company often rejects. With contracts serving thousands of educators in Berlin and Thuringia, mailbox serves as a practical alternative for privacy-conscious users and organizations seeking European data control.
What is mailbox (formerly mailbox.org)?
mailbox, previously mailbox.org, runs from Berlin under Heinlein Hosting GmbH. It traces roots to JPBerlin, an independent email service started in 1989 by Peer Heinlein. The modern platform debuted on February 20, 2014, directly responding to Snowden's disclosures. Heinlein Hosting emphasizes data sovereignty, keeping servers in redundant, certified German data centers. No data ever leaves Germany.
The service combines email with calendar, contacts, cloud drive, online office tools, and video conferencing via its Meet feature. Webmail relies on Open-Xchange, with mobile apps available. Users access PGP and S/MIME encryption, including server-side options that avoid browser extensions. Spam filters and virus scanners run automatically. Plans support unlimited aliases within limits per tier, custom domains, and shared calendars or address books.
In September 2025, mailbox rebranded and redesigned its suite for a unified digital workspace. Pricing remains straightforward: private plans start at €1 per month for Light (2 GB email storage), €3 for Standard (10 GB email, 5 GB drive), and €9 for Premium (25 GB email, 50 GB drive). Business options scale with admin controls. A 30-day free trial lets users test features. Certifications include ISO 27001:2022 and awards from Stiftung Warentest and "Software hosted in Germany." The company contributes to open-source projects and publishes transparency reports.
Who Uses mailbox (formerly mailbox.org)?
Private individuals choose mailbox for ad-free, private email without data mining. Businesses adopt it for scalable hosting with admin controls. Schools and public authorities value its compliance; in 2021, it secured a deal for 33,000 Berlin teachers, followed by Thuringia educators. Other users include enterprises needing sovereignty, such as those avoiding U.S. cloud risks. References highlight its reliability for daily workflows, from sole proprietors to large teams. Public sector clients appreciate transparent operations and rejected data requests.
European Advantage
Headquartered in Berlin, mailbox ensures data sovereignty: servers stay in Germany, compliant with strict EU rules. GDPR forms the core, with no data transfers outside Europe. BSI C5 and ISO 27001 certifications validate cloud security. Unlike U.S.-based rivals, it avoids CLOUD Act exposure. The all-German team operates transparently, publishing annual reports on requests—often denied unless legally compelled. Green energy data centers reinforce sustainability.
How mailbox (formerly mailbox.org) Compares
Proton Mail (Switzerland) focuses on zero-knowledge encryption but lacks a full office suite. Tuta (also German) offers end-to-end email encryption yet skimps on storage and collaboration tools. Posteo provides basic secure email without video or drive features. mailbox stands out with its complete workspace—email, drive, office, meet—in one GDPR-secured package, plus business admin and higher storage at competitive prices. Berlin-based redundancy and C5 certification give it an edge for enterprises.
Get Started with mailbox (formerly mailbox.org)
Ready to try mailbox (formerly mailbox.org)?
Visit Official Website to learn more and get started.
This page uses information from mailbox is a paid encrypted email service provider based in Germany, offering a digitally sovereign workplace suite including email, calendar, cloud storage, office tools, and video conferencing. and official sources. Germany-based solution for secure digital workspaces.