Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Email encryption is a vital tool for businesses to ensure that their email communications are safe. Like any form of communication, it is possible for emails to be intercepted or sent to the wrong person by accident, and encryption helps mitigate those risks.
This could be for legal or regulatory reasons. Or, it could be simply that a business has information it wants to be kept out of public view. Whatever the reason, email encryption platforms add a layer of protection to your outbound and inbound messages.
We’ve reviewed the top email encryption solutions on the market to help you make the right choice for your business. We looked at features like compliance, admin controls, end-user features like message recall, and the friction of the platform. Here’s our recommendations.
Email encryption platforms protect the content of email messages so that only the intended recipient can read them. They scramble the message content using cryptographic algorithms, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it in transit or gains unauthorized access to the mailbox. Organizations use email encryption to meet regulatory requirements like HIPAA and GDPR, protect sensitive business communications, and prevent data loss from misdirected emails.
Email encryption operates through two primary mechanisms: transport-layer encryption (TLS) secures the connection between mail servers during delivery, while end-to-end encryption (E2EE) encrypts the message content itself so that only the sender and recipient hold decryption keys. TLS protects against interception in transit but leaves messages readable on the server; E2EE protects the content at rest as well. Delivery models include push encryption (messages arrive directly in the recipient's inbox), portal-based encryption (recipients authenticate via a secure web portal), and PDF encryption (messages delivered as encrypted PDF attachments). Key management approaches range from provider-managed keys (simpler but the provider holds access) to customer-managed keys (stronger control but more operational overhead) to zero-access architectures where even the provider cannot decrypt stored content. Policy engines automate encryption decisions based on content patterns, recipient domains, or sensitivity labels, reducing reliance on user judgment.
These 9 platforms span the full range of email encryption approaches, from zero-access encrypted email clients to gateway-based policy engines and lightweight plugins.
| Product | Best For | Encryption Type | M365 | Google Workspace | Post-Send Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Proton Mail
|
Zero-access encryption with Swiss jurisdiction
|
E2EE (zero-access)
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Egress Protect
|
M365 message-level controls for regulated comms
|
AES-256
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Echoworx
|
Encryption flexibility across recipient types
|
Multiple methods
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Microsoft Purview
|
Native M365 encryption without new vendors
|
TLS + OME
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Mimecast Secure Messaging
|
Organizations on the Mimecast platform
|
Portal-based
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Paubox
|
Healthcare organizations handling PHI
|
TLS (automatic)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq
|
Gateway security and encryption on a budget
|
AES-256 + TLS
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Trustifi Outbound Shield
|
MSPs managing multi-client encryption
|
AES-256 E2EE
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Virtru
|
User-friendly encryption driving adoption
|
E2EE (plugin)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
We assessed each platform across encryption methods, compliance support, ease of use for senders and recipients, and post-send controls. We reviewed real-world customer feedback to validate encryption implementation and operational experience. This guide was written by Joel Witts and technically reviewed by Craig MacAlpine. Read our full methodology
Proton Mail for Business is a secure email client that leverages end-to-end, zero-access encryption to protect emails against unauthorized viewing and monitoring. Unlike many email encryption platforms that require end users to use a web portal and inbox plugin, Proton Mail can be deployed as its own email client or integrated with Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail via Proton Mail Bridge. The platform is available standalone or as part of the Proton Business Suite, which includes Proton Calendar, Docs, Drive, Pass, and VPN for Business. Over 50,000 organizations use Proton for business purposes.
We think Proton Mail for Business is a strong choice for organizations that need email encryption without compromising the user experience. The automatic encryption removes the friction that typically comes with encryption tools, and the choice to deploy as a standalone client or integrate with Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail gives teams flexibility. It is particularly well suited for legal and consulting services, development teams, and healthcare organizations handling sensitive communications under HIPAA requirements.
Best for M365 environments needing message-level controls for regulated communications
Egress offers an encryption service aimed at large organizations. Now part of KnowBe4 following its 2024 acquisition, Egress Protect is a message-level email encryption platform built for Microsoft 365 environments. The platform is available as a cloud, on-premise, or hybrid solution, giving organizations flexibility in how they deploy. We think Egress Protect fits best if your organization already runs M365 and needs provable encryption for regulated communications.
Customers say the security and customization options are the strongest selling points. Several highlight close collaboration with the Egress team during deployment. Something to be aware of is that the desktop client feels clunky compared to the web experience, and recurring cache corruption issues are difficult to resolve long term.
We think Egress Protect fits best if your organization already runs M365 and needs provable encryption for regulated communications. The per-message controls give compliance teams the level of detail they need for audit trails.
Best for organizations needing encryption flexibility across different recipient types
Echoworx is a cloud-based email encryption platform that gives M365 teams multiple ways to secure outbound messages. It offers eight encryption methods, including a secure web portal that allows recipients to read encrypted messages without installing software. Despite the breadth of encryption options, the platform is designed to remain easy to use for both admins and end users. We think Echoworx is a strong fit if your organization needs encryption flexibility across different recipient types and regulatory environments.
Customers say the platform is easy to pick up. Multiple users report getting comfortable with the full dashboard in just a few hours, and the encryption options are praised for covering varied recipient needs. Something to be aware of is that the Outlook send popup fires on every message, creating friction for high-volume senders, and documentation lacks depth for initial setup and onboarding.
We think Echoworx is a strong fit if your organization needs encryption flexibility across different recipient types and regulatory environments. The eight encryption methods and 28-language audit reporting make it well suited for multinational organizations.
Best for organizations already running M365 that want native encryption
Microsoft Purview Message Encryption, formerly Office Message Encryption, is the native email encryption layer built into Microsoft 365. It works directly within Outlook and lets organizations encrypt outbound messages without third-party tools. Since its initial release, the platform has matured significantly and now includes transport rules, sensitivity labels, and integration across the Microsoft 365 suite. We think Purview Message Encryption is the right choice if your organization already runs M365 and wants baseline encryption without new vendor dependencies.
Customers say the integration across SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange is the standout strength. For teams already in the Microsoft stack, encryption feels like a natural extension rather than an add-on. Something to be aware of is that auto-labeling and advanced classification require additional licensing beyond base M365, and initial label setup and policy configuration demand significant upfront planning.
We think Purview Message Encryption is the right choice if your organization already runs M365 and wants baseline encryption without new vendor dependencies. The fact that core encryption features require no additional licensing makes it a low-cost starting point.
Best for organizations already using Mimecast's broader email security platform
Mimecast is a globally recognized security vendor for businesses. Mimecast Secure Messaging is the encryption layer within Mimecast’s broader cloud email security platform, built for M365 environments. This product is not standalone but part of Mimecast’s broader Information Archiving and Secure Messaging subscriptions, making it best suited for organizations already using or planning to adopt Mimecast’s wider platform. We think Mimecast Secure Messaging makes the most sense if you already use or plan to adopt Mimecast’s broader platform.
Customers say the Targeted Threat Protection suite is the real standout, catching impersonation and BEC attempts that basic filters miss. URL rewriting and attachment sandboxing add layers of protection. Something to be aware of is that the admin interface feels slow with deeply nested settings, and URL rewriting can be overly aggressive, occasionally blocking legitimate links.
We think Mimecast Secure Messaging makes the most sense if you already use or plan to adopt Mimecast’s broader platform. Having encryption, DLP, and threat protection running through one pipeline simplifies operations and reduces the number of vendors involved.
Best for healthcare organizations handling PHI that need HIPAA-compliant email
Paubox Email Suite is a HIPAA-compliant email encryption platform built specifically for healthcare organizations. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace and encrypts emails automatically without requiring any action from senders or recipients. We think Paubox is the right fit if your organization handles PHI and needs HIPAA-compliant email without adding complexity for staff or patients.
Customers say setup is fast and well-documented, with support teams that follow up after deployment. Multiple users highlight the invisible encryption as the defining feature, since it removes the friction that typically kills adoption. Something to be aware of is that pricing may feel steep for solo practitioners and very small practices, and there are no advanced per-message controls like revocation or forwarding restrictions.
We think Paubox is the right fit if your organization handles PHI and needs HIPAA-compliant email without adding complexity for staff or patients. The automatic encryption removes the user decision that causes most encryption failures.
Best for teams needing gateway security and encryption on a budget
EncryptTitan by CyberSentriq is a fully featured email encryption solution designed for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. The platform is cloud-based and uses secure, compliant AES 256-bit encryption with SHA256 hashing storage to secure enterprise email. EncryptTitan is easy to use for both senders and recipients, allowing users to register, log in, and write secure messages in the EncryptTitan portal.
We think EncryptTitan is a strong fit for small and midsize teams looking to secure sensitive email content for compliance without compromising the user experience. The three enforcement methods give flexibility across different workflows, and the automatic DLP encryption adds protection against human error. EncryptTitan is also a strong fit for MSPs and organizations already using CyberSentriq’s other security products.
Best for MSPs managing email encryption across multiple client environments
Trustifi Outbound Shield is a cloud-based email encryption platform offering AES-256 end-to-end encryption with built-in compliance automation. We think Trustifi is a strong pick if you run an MSP or manage email security across multiple client environments.
Customers say integration with M365 and Google Workspace is fast and straightforward. Multiple users highlight the support team as responsive and involved during deployment. Something to be aware of is that daily quarantine digests feel excessive and risk being ignored as noise, and the threat simulation module lacks depth for advanced phishing exercises.
We think Trustifi is a strong pick if you run an MSP or manage email security across multiple client environments. The multi-tenant dashboard and automated compliance enforcement reduce the operational load across client accounts.
Best for teams needing user-friendly encryption that drives adoption
Virtru Email Encryption is a cloud-based platform that adds one-click encryption to Gmail and Outlook through browser plugins. Virtru offers two types of encryption: a secure web portal, which requires an email address and password to view the email, and a push encryption model, where the recipient can open the email directly in their own inbox. Sending encrypted emails is fast, and the platform supports advanced features including post-send controls and file encryption. We think Virtru is a strong fit if your team needs encryption that people will actually use without constant reminders.
Customers say setup is fast and the day-to-day experience is straightforward. Multiple users highlight how reliable the encryption is for securing sensitive communications. The push encryption model is popular with customers, who say sending emails is fast and the platform offers advanced features. Something to be aware of is that external recipients can find the decryption process confusing, and the mobile app has had intermittent accessibility issues.
We think Virtru is a strong fit if your team needs encryption that people will actually use without constant reminders. The plugin approach embeds encryption into the workflow rather than bolting it on, which is the difference between a tool that gets used and one that gets bypassed.
Beyond our top 9, these platforms are worth considering for email encryption.
Facilitates secure communication to drive down compromise attacks and data loss.
Easy-to-use email encryption with integration into Barracuda email security.
Cloud-based encryption with easy user experience and compliance support.
Easy-to-use email encryption with compliance and legal proof of delivery.
Email encryption with data loss prevention and secure message tracking.
Email encryption pricing varies by platform, encryption model, and whether the solution is standalone or bundled with broader email security. Several platforms offer free tiers or are included in existing licensing.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Proton Mail
|
From $6.99/user/month
|
Annual
|
|
|
Egress Protect
|
Contact for quote
|
|
|
|
Echoworx Email Encryption
|
Contact for quote
|
|
|
|
Microsoft Purview Message Encryption
|
Included with M365
|
|
|
|
Mimecast Secure Messaging
|
Contact for quote
|
|
|
|
Paubox Email Suite
|
Contact for quote
|
|
|
|
TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq
|
From $1.95/user/month
|
Annual
|
|
|
Trustifi Outbound Shield
|
From $3.00/user/month
|
Annual
|
|
|
Virtru Email Encryption
|
Contact for quote
|
|
|
These are the criteria we recommend evaluating when selecting an email encryption platform.
TLS protects messages during delivery but leaves them readable on the server; end-to-end encryption protects content at rest as well.
Portal-based encryption that requires account creation reduces adoption; push encryption and passwordless authentication keep the experience frictionless.
Platforms that encrypt automatically based on content patterns or policies drive higher adoption than those requiring users to remember to click encrypt.
HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, and PCI-DSS each have different encryption requirements; confirm the platform maps to your obligations with auditable evidence.
Basic encryption protects content in transit; post-send controls protect against misdirected emails and unauthorized sharing after delivery.
Encryption that requires switching email clients or adding complex workflows reduces adoption; native M365 and Gmail integration keeps the experience seamless.
Provider-managed keys are simpler but give the provider access; customer-managed keys and zero-access architectures provide stronger control.
Compliance teams need audit trails showing who sent what, when, and whether encryption was applied; verify the reporting meets your audit requirements.
Email encryption platforms now span from lightweight plugins that add one-click encryption to full secure email gateways with DLP and threat protection built in. The right choice depends on your existing infrastructure, compliance requirements, and how much friction your users will tolerate. Organizations already running Microsoft 365 have several native and integrated options to choose from. Healthcare teams handling PHI should prioritize HIPAA-certified platforms with automatic encryption. MSPs managing multiple client environments should evaluate multi-tenant dashboards and automated compliance enforcement. For teams where adoption is the biggest challenge, platforms that embed encryption into the natural email workflow rather than adding extra steps will deliver the most consistent protection.
Email encryption software solutions enable users to encrypt their email traffic, ensuring that email content, meta-data and attachments are only available to the intended recipients. There are many use cases for encrypting email content – particularly when sending sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or health-related documents.
Enterprise email encryption solutions are often offered as cloud-based services with a SaaS model. There is often no deployment necessary, and admins are able to configure policies governing which messages are automatically encrypted, based on message content. End users should also be able to read and respond to encrypted email messages, whether they have the email encryption software deployed, or are an external recipient receiving an encrypted message.
With email being the predominant means of business communication, your email is a tempting target for a hostile actor. There are multiple protocols that have been used to encrypt emails, each with their own history and strengths and weaknesses. The most used types of encryption are TLS, AES, PGP, and S/MIME.
Key features to look for in an email encryption solution include:
Using an email encryption platform offers several benefits:
There are several types of email encryption, including:
Email encryption platforms handle key management in different ways, including:
Further reading on email security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.