Shutbox
Shutbox: A low-cost encrypted mail option with useful domains and API access, but limited encryption scope. Ranked #39 of 41 in Encrypted Email Services by our editors (4.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for low-cost browser-side encrypted mail.
At a glance
- Editor score4.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLow-cost browser-side encrypted mail
- Free planYes
- Paid from$1.99/mo
- Zero-access storageNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free plan includes web access and TLS encryption
- Custom domains, aliases, folders, labels, conversations, and search
- Pro and Business plans include API access and DKIM signing
Where it doesn't
- End-to-end encryption applies only between Shutbox accounts
- External mail uses a delivery bridge and is not end-to-end encrypted
- Storage is not zero-access, and the service is currently in beta
Our verdict on Shutbox
Shutbox is a privacy-focused email service for individuals, teams, and power users who want browser-side encryption within the Shutbox ecosystem. It provides a web inbox with folders, labels, conversations, and search, alongside custom domains, email aliases, and a REST API for mail, domains, contacts, and API keys. The service is currently in beta and supports web and API access, with outbound sending quotas and authentication through TOTP two-factor authentication or WebAuthn passkeys.
The pricing structure is straightforward. The Free plan costs $0 forever and includes web client access and TLS encryption. Pro costs $1.99 per month and adds API access, priority delivery, and DKIM signing. Business costs $4.99 per month and includes API access with higher limits, priority delivery, DKIM signing, and dedicated support. Custom domains require MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup, while aliases provide an additional way to organize or separate incoming mail. The paid tiers are most relevant to users who need automation, domain authentication, higher API limits, or dedicated support.
Shutbox’s defining privacy feature has a specific boundary: messages between Shutbox accounts are encrypted in the browser before sending. Messages sent to external providers use a delivery bridge and standard email transport, so they are not end-to-end encrypted. Storage is also not zero-access. That makes Shutbox a practical fit for low-cost private communication within its own service, especially for users who value aliases, custom domains, and API access. It is a weaker fit for users who require end-to-end encryption with external recipients or zero-access storage across the entire mailbox.
Your product? Our editors can test Shutbox in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Shutbox pricing
All 3 Shutbox plans and prices →
Shutbox fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $1.99/mo |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes |
| Zero-access storage | No |
| Custom domains | Yes |
| Email alias limit | 8 aliases |
| Mailbox storage | 10 GB |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Private calendar | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Compliance & security | 2FA |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | shutbox.im |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shutbox
- Tuta MailA privacy-focused email suite with encrypted calendar tools and a permanent free plan.9.3
- Proton MailA mature encrypted email service with broad platform support and a capable free plan.9.2
- MailfenceA mature OpenPGP email suite with groupware, mobile access, and broad protocol support.8.9
See all Shutbox alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Shutbox is ranked in 2 of our directories.
Used Shutbox? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Shutbox for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Shutbox is listed in our Encrypted Email Services directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/shutbox/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/shutbox.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update