Apple iCloud Mail is a strong choice for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless integration and a user-friendly experience. However, Tutanota is better suited for privacy-conscious users who require end-to-end encryption and are willing to pay for custom domain support and increased storage.
| Attribute | Apple iCloud Mail | Tutanota |
|---|---|---|
| Email storage capacity | 5GB of free storage, shared across mail, photos, and other content. Additional storage available with iCloud+. | Free accounts come with 1 GB of storage (feels like 5 GB on Gmail due to compression). Paid plans offer up to 1 TB. |
| Custom domain support | iCloud+ allows personalization with a custom domain name. Import existing or purchase new. Up to five custom domains, with up to three personalized email addresses per domain. | Available on paid plans only. Not supported on the free plan. |
| Email encryption (end-to-end) | Does not use end-to-end encryption by default. Optional S/MIME encryption is available in native Apple email clients. Advanced Data Protection offers end-to-end encryption for most iCloud data but not all. | Provides end-to-end encryption for email body, subject, and attachments. Uses AES 128-bit and RSA 2048-bit protocols. Emails to non-Tutanota users are encrypted using AES-128-bit with password exchange. |
| Two-factor authentication | Employs two-factor authentication, requiring a password and a verification code sent to a trusted device. | Offers two-factor authentication (2FA) using authenticator apps like Google Authenticator. Supports U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) for added security. |
| Spam filtering effectiveness | Uses industry-leading spam filtering technology. | Includes spam filtering that checks emails against DNS spam lists. Some reviews suggest the spam filter needs improvement. |
| Mobile app availability and features | Integrated into the Mail app on Apple devices. Allows users to send, receive, and organize emails. | Mobile apps available for iOS and Android. Offers push notifications and full-text search. Synchronizes automatically with desktop clients. |
| Web interface usability | Accessible from anywhere on iCloud.com. All sessions at iCloud.com are encrypted in transit. | Clean and customizable web interface with tabs for Emails, Calendar, and Contacts. Some users find it intuitive, while others find it a bit dated. |
| Calendar and contacts integration | Seamlessly integrates with Calendar and Contacts on Apple devices. | Integrates encrypted calendars and contacts. Contacts can be imported using vCard 3.0. Calendar allows scheduling events and sending invites. |
| Email alias support | Every iCloud Mail user can add up to three @icloud.com email aliases. With iCloud+, access to Hide My Email for generating unique, random email addresses. | Available on paid plans. The number of aliases varies depending on the plan. |
| Data privacy policy | Employs robust security measures, including data encryption and access controls. Mail Privacy Protection hides your IP address. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. | Privacy-first approach, does not access user data. Adheres to GDPR regulations. Data stored in secure data centers in Germany. |
| Compliance certifications (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) | Aims to comply with regulations like GDPR. | GDPR compliant. Data stored on servers in Germany, subject to strict German privacy laws. Not explicitly mentioned to be HIPAA compliant. |
| Customer support quality and availability | Apple provides various support resources, but direct information on customer support quality is limited. | Customer support via email. Priority support on pricier plans. Forum and knowledge base available. |