At Runbox, we believe that email should be sustainable, secure, and private. In a world where many major email providers are part of sprawling ecosystems that track your every move and monetize your personal data, we’ve taken a different approach. We provide a service that focuses solely on one thing: your email. No distractions, no ads, and absolutely no data mining. Just email.
As an independent email provider based in Norway, we are proud to offer a service that places your privacy and security first. With over two decades of experience, we’ve built Runbox with a simple mission in mind: to provide a reliable, privacy-respecting email service that empowers you to communicate freely and securely. You know where your data is stored (and it’s not floating around in the cloud).
Why Choose Runbox?
In a crowded digital landscape full of tech giants that track your every move, Runbox stands out as a privacy-first alternative. Here’s how we differentiate ourselves and why we think you’ll love using Runbox.
1. Decentralization: Better for Privacy, Better for You
We believe that decentralization is the future of privacy. The more centralized a service is, the more vulnerable it becomes to breaches, surveillance, and data misuse. We’re not part of a massive, data-hungry ecosystem. When you choose Runbox, you get email, and only email. Here’s why that matters:
- Location Matters: Runbox is based in Norway, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Our email service is built for the European Union’s strict privacy regulations, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and we proudly operate outside the reach of intrusive data requests from foreign governments. Our commitment to your privacy is backed by laws that protect it.
- Less Data, Less Risk: When you don’t want or need to use a dozen other services all tied to your email, your personal data stays safer. You won’t be handing over unnecessary information, which minimizes the risk of exposure.
- No Cloud Storage: All your email data is stored securely on our servers in Norway. Nothing is stored in the cloud, where there could be more potential for data breaches.
2. Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Unlike major players like Gmail or Outlook, we don’t use your data for advertising or any other commercial purpose. Our revenue model is based entirely on subscriptions, so our focus is on providing value to you, our user – not on selling your data to the highest bidder.
- No Ads, No Tracking: When you use Runbox, you won’t see any intrusive ads or be subjected to tracking. We don’t gather information on your habits, interests, or personal life to serve you targeted ads. Your inbox stays clean and your privacy intact.
- Encryption: We have full disk encryption at rest, and use SSL/TLS encryption to protect your email in transit, ensuring that your messages are safe while being sent to and from our servers. We also recommend end-to-end encryption in addition for maximum security. which can be enabled by using a variety of browser plugins or email clients.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your email is a treasure trove of personal information, and securing it is a top priority for us. That’s why we support two-factor authentication (2FA), giving you an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Secure Servers: Our servers are housed in a highly secure data center in Norway, featuring 24/7 surveillance and advanced security systems. The facility includes fire suppression systems, electromagnetic protection, and intruder detection systems, and only authorized personnel are allowed access to our servers.
3. An Independent, Transparent, Ethical Business Model
In an age where most major email providers are more interested in selling your data to advertisers than providing a quality service, we take a different approach. Our business model is clear: we offer subscription-based services, so we’re accountable to you, not advertisers. You pay for the value we provide.
- No Hidden Fees: We don’t hide behind complicated terms and conditions. What you see is what you get: a simple, privacy-first email service with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
- Autonomy: Runbox is independent and majority employee-owned, which means we don’t answer to anyone but our customers. We focus solely on providing you with a secure and private email service.
- Transparency: Runbox maintains transparency and openness in how we operate, and we are committed to upholding principles such as human rights, freedom of speech and protecting the environment.
Custom Domains, IMAP, and More: Flexibility at Your Fingertips
At Runbox, we understand that email isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re an individual looking for a personal, private email address or a business looking to establish a professional, branded email experience, we’ve got you covered with features that give you more control and flexibility.
1. Custom Domains: Your Email, Your Brand
We know how important it is to have a professional email address that reflects your brand or personal identity. With Runbox, you can use your custom domain with ease. Whether you’re running a business, a blog, or just want to create a personalized email address, we make it simple to set up and manage email addresses with your own domain name.
- Fully Manageable DNS Settings: Runbox offers seamless integration with your custom domain, allowing you to configure your DNS settings with flexibility.
- Flexibility: Having your own custom domain gives you the flexibility to move move your email between services because you’re not locked in.
- Alias Support: Create and manage multiple email aliases with your domain to streamline your communication without having to worry about spamming or privacy concerns.
- Plus-Addressing: Use plus-addressing for increased flexibility, adding tags on the fly. You get unlimited plus-addressing with Runbox.
2. IMAP and SMTP: Full Control Over Your Email
We support POP, IMAP and SMTP, so you can access and send emails from any email client or device you prefer. This means you’re not tied to a specific app or platform, and you can seamlessly use Runbox with your favorite desktop or mobile email applications.
- IMAP: Sync your email across multiple devices and platforms with our fully supported IMAP access. Whether you’re using Outlook, Thunderbird, or your smartphone, your messages will stay organized and accessible in real-time.
- SMTP: Sending emails from your custom domain or any other address is made easy with our SMTP support. You’ll have full control over your outgoing mail settings, ensuring smooth communication wherever you go.
- POP: If you only ever access your email on one device or wish to download your email and not store it on the Runbox servers, you could use POP to do this.
3. Advanced Filtering and Organization
Runbox offers powerful tools to keep your inbox organized, including advanced filtering, labeling, and search features. You can create custom filters to automatically sort incoming emails into folders, set up custom labels for easy identification, and use search tools to quickly locate the information you need.
4. Webmail & Mobile Access
Runbox comes with a fully-featured webmail interface, which is fast, simple, and secure. It’s optimized for both desktop and mobile, so you can manage your email on the go, whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling. With IMAP syncing, your webmail interface will always be in sync with your email client, no matter which device you’re using.
The Power of Simplicity
At Runbox, we don’t believe in cluttered interfaces or feature bloat. We focus on providing the most essential tools for secure, effective communication – without distractions.
While many email services try to push you into entire ecosystems filled with chat apps, cloud storage, vpn services and more, we know that your email should be the focal point. After all, email is the most popular digital communication standard and remains one of the most reliable, private, and secure ways to communicate online.
- No Ecosystem Lock-In: You’re free to use the tools and services that best meet your needs, whether it’s a third-party calendar, a document storage system, or other apps. Your email account with Runbox will always remain independent and easy to access without the need to dive into an entire ecosystem.
- Less Is More: By stripping away the extras and focusing on what matters, we’ve created a lean, focused service that’s easy to use and respects your privacy. You get exactly what you need – email, with no bloat.
Why Decentralization Makes Privacy Better
Decentralization, when done right, provides better protection and more control over your data. Here’s why it matters:
- Fewer Vulnerabilities: Excessively large, centralized systems are prime targets for hackers and surveillance agencies. A single breach or data leak can expose millions of users’ personal information. By decentralizing the email system, we reduce the risk of large-scale breaches while ensuring that your data stays secure.
- More Control for You: When you use Runbox, you retain control over your email, not some giant corporation. Our system is designed to give you maximum privacy and security, which means you don’t have to worry about your data being used against you.
- Protecting You from Overreach: In large centralized systems (especially based in the U.S.), governments or corporations may be able to access your information without your consent. With Runbox, our servers are located in Norway, which offers strong protection for personal data and limits foreign government access to it. We’re committed to keeping your information private – no matter what.
Join Us!
The world of email doesn’t have to be tied to an all-encompassing ecosystem that consolidates all your data in one place, or exploits your personal information. At Runbox, we’ve built a sustainable, secure, and privacy-oriented email service that works for you – not for advertisers, not for corporations, and not for governments.
We believe that privacy is a right, and we’re here to help you take control of your communications. If you’re looking for an email service that respects your privacy, operates independently, and provides a clean, user-focused experience, Runbox is here for you.
Ready to get started? Sign up for Runbox today.
