Comparison
VaelMail vs Mailfence
Mailfence builds OpenPGP into its webmail with an integrated keystore, accepts Bitcoin and Litecoin, and is based in Belgium. Sign-up needs an alternate email address, and IMAP starts on its Entry plan. VaelMail needs no email address and includes IMAP on every account.
Last verified 14 November 2026
At a glance
| Mailfence | VaelMail | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign-up | An alternate email address is required and used for password reset. | A 16-digit account number. No phone number, name, ID or recovery email is requested. | [1] |
| Free plan | 1 GB in total: 500 MB for mail and 500 MB for documents. | Free: 50 MB, receives mail, 3 custom and 50 random aliases. Free cannot send. | [2] |
| Paid plans | Base (11 GB), Entry (40 GB), Pro (78 GB) and Ultra (225 GB) of total storage. Check Mailfence for current prices. | Plus: from €5 for 1 month, €48 for 12 months, prepaid. 1 GB, sending, 3 custom domains, IMAP and SMTP. | [2] |
| Payment | Cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, PayPal and wire transfer through support. | Prepaid cryptocurrency (Monero, Bitcoin, Litecoin, USDT, USDC and others) or Telegram Stars. No card, no recurring billing. | [1] |
| Encryption | OpenPGP built into the webmail with an integrated keystore. Encryption happens in the browser on every plan, including Free. | Encrypted disks and backups. Optional encrypted mailbox sealed with a key only you hold, and OpenPGP in the browser. Not zero-knowledge: mail from other providers reaches the server as it arrives and is decrypted in memory while you are unlocked. | [1], [2] |
| Mail apps | POP, IMAP, SMTP and ActiveSync from the Entry plan upward, not on Free or Base. | IMAP on every account; SMTP on Plus; app credentials, never your account number. | [2] |
| Custom domains | Entry 2, Pro 7, Ultra 10. | Plus: up to 3 domains, receive only, up to 25 addresses each. | [2] |
| Aliases | Base 10, Entry 50, Pro 100, Ultra 200. | Receive-only aliases on @vael.pw, @reca.st or @extradit.ing (3 custom and 50 random on Free). | [2] |
| Tor and location | Tor Browser access is supported. Based in Belgium. | Regular site, plus a script-free site and Tor and I2P mirrors. | [1], [2] |
When Mailfence is the better choice
- You want an integrated OpenPGP keystore in the webmail, available even on the free plan.
- You want a mailbox with documents and calendar in one place, from a Belgian company.
- You pay with a card, PayPal or Bitcoin or Litecoin and are fine providing an alternate email address.
When VaelMail is the better choice
- You want to sign up with no existing email address.
- You want IMAP on a free account.
- You want to pay with Monero or other coins directly.
- You want receive-only aliases and an I2P mirror.
OpenPGP: where Mailfence is stronger
Mailfence has OpenPGP key management built into its web app on every plan, and says encryption happens in the browser. VaelMail generates your OpenPGP key when you turn on the encrypted mailbox, and encryption also happens in the browser, but Mailfence's keystore is the more mature and complete tool for managing keys.
Common questions
Does Mailfence need an email address to sign up?
Its FAQ says it sends a password reset link to your alternate email address, so one is needed at sign-up.
Does Mailfence accept Bitcoin?
Yes. Its FAQ lists cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, PayPal and wire transfer.
Does Mailfence free include IMAP?
No. Its plan table lists POP, IMAP and SMTP from the Entry plan upward.
Sources
Provider claims come from the provider's own pages and independent reviews, checked on the dates shown. Providers change plans and policies; if something here is out of date, tell us.
- Mailfence FAQ, retrieved 14 November 2026
- Mailfence home page and plan table, retrieved 14 November 2026
Keep reading
Try VaelMail without committing
Free accounts receive mail with no phone number and no payment. Upgrade only if you need to send.