5 Reasons to Ditch Gmail & 5 Keys to Picking a Replacement
When I started to degoogle, the thing I dreaded most was leaving Gmail. I was used to its slick features, unbeatable pricing (free) and had developed my own systems around it and the surrounding ecosystem.
Now that I have been out of that ecosystem for the better part of a year, I can honestly say I don’t miss it…much. There are moments where I miss certain conveniences, but those are far outweighed by the satisfaction of no longer having my life and data intricately connected to Google and Big Tech.
And this is crucial to a successful degoogling – you need to have a fairly strong conviction about it, if you want to stick with it for the long haul. So, before looking at how to choose the ideal replacement, it’s worth remembering what you’re leaving behind.
5 Reasons to Bid Adieu to Gmail
1. Google has repeatedly broken trust
For me, the first cracks started to show with Snowden’s revelations about Google’s cooperation with the NSA. Then came the creepily specific ads that started showing up in Gmail (and other places). AFter that, it was the steady stream of negative news: Cooperation with oppressive regimes, constant data-mining and the steady drift from its “don’t be evil” roots. Eventually, it became clear: Google was not the company I want handling my email or data.
2. Sacrificing privacy for “smart features”
I initially avoided degoogling because I knew I would miss out on the latest and greatest. Google is always adding new, smart features that seem almost magical when you first use them. But there is an unspoken “catch” with nearly all of these features – they need unfettered access to your data to function. This “transaction” is rarely made explicit. Instead, features are simply rolled-out while default settings, unreadable privacy policies and FOMO work their magic. But once you see what’s going on, you can’t unsee it.
3. Gmail -> Google -> Internet
Of course, I am not alone in this struggle to break free from Google’s gravity. Gmail boasts 1.8 billion monthly active users – meaning one out of every four human beings logs into Gmail at least once a month. And why wouldn’t they? Google gives you so much “for free”! YouTube, Drive, Docs, Photos… It feels like the whole world wide web is at your fingertips!
As a result, leaving Gmail doesn’t just feel like leaving an email platform, it feels like turning off half of the internet. That’s a problem that needs fixing.
4. Google & the USA have lost their way
I grew up in America and was initially fascinated with Google’s rise. It seemed to typify the American Dream. But without turning this into a political commentary, what once seemed so promising and hopeful has gone completely off the rails. Big Tech and politics have become intertwined in ways I can’t condone. Instead of passively contributing to this decline, I now actively support people and companies doing things the right way (or at least a significantly better way).
5. The data-driven, attention economy sucks
When used properly, data analytics and so-called “Big Data” can be immensely useful and a force for good in the world. But this current environment, where every app seems to be designed to try and suck as much personal data out of its users as possible (and keep them glued to their screens for as long as possible) is not one I want to inhabit. The model is broken. “Free” shouldn’t mean signing your life’s data away and removing any shred of privacy.
And thankfully – it doesn’t have to. You can leave this system behind. That’s what this site is all about.
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What Matters When Choosing a Provider
So if you weren’t ready to leave Gmail and degoogle before, I hope you are now. But that leads to the question – who should I trust to handle my email? Who is doing it the right way? And what is “the right way” anyway?
The answer to that is at least partially subjective, but here are five questions that will help you narrow down the possibilities as you look for a Gmail replacement.
1. What is the business model?
How does the provider make money and how does it handle my data?
This is the single most important question to ask. Google primarily makes money by monetizing your data. Its advertising business generated over USD 260 billion in 2024.
Privacy-respecting providers make money by charging you directly for a service. They stake their reputation on being able to back up their privacy claims.
Yes, it’s all email, but the business models couldn’t be more different.
- Clear, transparent pricing
- No advertising
- A clear commitment to handling your data in a privacy-oriented manner
- A lengthy track record of success or meaningful third-party audits that back up the privacy claims
If a provider fails at any of these points, that is a red flag. This should be the bare minimum.
2. Where is it located and what data protection policies apply?
A provider’s location matters because the laws regulating data privacy and government access can vary greatly from country to country.
Swiss providers benefit from Switzerland’s strong privacy laws. EU-based providers operate under similarly strict EU data-protection regulations.
Ideally, you want alignment between business model commitments and the applicable law: a company that promises to protect your data, backed by a legal framework that supports that goal.
- What information is required to sign up?
- Do they publish transparency reports?
- What’s their track record with government data requests?
By choosing a provider in the EU/Switzerland, you have the added benefit of counteracting the US-centric tech domination and encouraging real competition internationally.
3. What does the migration process look like?
The first two questions focus on the provider as a company. These next three are about the experience of using the service. You’re not going to pay for privacy-centric email for very long if you can’t stand using it. Usability isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
Getting all your emails moved over is the first hurdle – and its nice when the process is as simple and smooth as possible.
- Are tools and instructions available?
- Are free tiers or trial periods available?
- Are all your devices/OSes supported?
Many providers offer free trials or limited free tiers. Use them. A few days of hands-on experience can be helpful for a final test before making your ultimate decision.
4. Does the provider offer the features I need?
Privacy-focused providers share a mission, but their feature sets can differ significantly.
Some try to re-create Google’s ecosystem in a privacy-oriented way, while others concentrate on primarily on email.
Each comes with their own strengths and weaknesses – and the key is finding the one that most closely aligns with your needs and wishes.
- Storage limits
- Email aliases
- Custom domains
- Calendar and contact integration
- Bundled services (cloud storage, VPNs, video conferencing, etc.)
- Price
When you know which features matter most to you, you’re well on your way to identifying your ideal provider.
5. What “encryption type” am I?
Encryption is a complex topic and it has taken me a good while to feel competent enough to write about it. And I’m still learning.
But as I have gone through this process, I have encountered various mindsets and approaches to encryption.
This makes giving a blanket recommendation on encryption a difficult task. So instead, I invite you to think about which of these statements most closely resembles your situation:
“I don’t care about encryption – I just want to leave Google behind.”
“If I have to choose between convenience and privacy/security, I will usually go for convenience.”
“I want to balance strong encryption and convenience. Go as far as possible before things start to get overly complicated.”
“I want to handle encryption myself! Put it all on maximum lockdown!”
When you have a feel for which “type” you are, it helps to narrow down the possibilities. If you’re not sure or don’t feel informed enough to make a reliable choice, I highly recommend reading my article on email encryption. It will help you have a better feel for the overall concepts and choices involved.
Different Needs, Different Choices
Some providers prioritize maximum privacy. Others aim for a balance between privacy and convenience. Neither approach is “wrong.”
A journalist protecting sources may need a strict model. A small business owner may value greater flexibility. The right choice depends on your needs.
But here’s the good news: In terms of degoogling – any reputable privacy-focused provider is vastly better than Gmail!
A Quick Summary
Here are the five questions again for quick reference:
- What is the business model?
- Where is it located and what data protections apply?
- What does migration entail?
- Does it have what I need (features & ecosystem)?
- What “encryption type” am I?
In the companion article comparing various privacy-oriented providers, I use these questions – and a handy questionnaire – to help narrow down the field of possibilities and keep your degoogle momentum heading in the right direction.
Conclusion: Permission to Choose
The hardest part of leaving Gmail is deciding to do it at all. But if you are reading this, you know why you are here. It’s time for a change.
My hope is that this site can help you realize that change as smoothly as possible.
