Shutbox review
A low-cost encrypted mail option with useful domains and API access, but limited encryption scope.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Shutbox pros and cons
- 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
Shutbox fact sheet, pricing and score →
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