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Tuta, formerly known as Tutanota, is an encrypted email service based in Germany, built for people who want private communication. It is not a web host, so you do not build a website with it. What it handles is the email side of your online life, and it can work with a custom domain you already own. This review covers the encryption, the custom domain support, the calendar and who benefits most.
What Tuta focuses on
Privacy is the whole point. Tuta encrypts your mailbox, including subject lines and your contacts, so the data is unreadable to anyone but you. It is based in Germany, which has strict data protection rules, and the apps are open source, which lets independent people verify the security claims. For anyone tired of email being scanned to sell ads, that combination of strong encryption and a privacy friendly jurisdiction is the main draw.
Custom domains and everyday use
Paid plans let you use your own domain, so you can send from an address that matches your website. If your site is hosted elsewhere and you want private, professional email at that domain, Tuta fits in by handling the mailboxes. You add a few DNS records and route mail through Tuta. This is where it pairs with a normal web host. The host runs your site, and Tuta runs your encrypted email, each doing its own job.
Pricing and the calendar
There is a free tier with one address and limited storage, which is fine for personal use and trying the service. Paid plans add more storage, custom domains, extra addresses and aliases. Tuta also includes an encrypted calendar, so your appointments get the same privacy treatment as your mail. Pricing is modest compared with many productivity suites, which makes it attractive for individuals and small teams who mainly want secure email and a private calendar.
Who it fits
Tuta suits privacy focused individuals, activists, small businesses and anyone who wants email that is encrypted and not mined for data. Because its encryption is thorough, it does not support some older protocols that certain third party apps expect, so check that your tools work with it. For most people who want private email tied to their own domain, it is a strong, affordable pick that complements whatever host runs the website.
For background, see Wikipedia, and compare more options in our hosting reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tuta a web host?
No. Tuta is a secure email and calendar service, not a website host. You still need a host for your site. Tuta can handle encrypted email at your custom domain while a separate host runs the website.
How private is Tuta?
Very. It encrypts your mailbox including subject lines and contacts, is based in Germany under strict data laws and uses open source apps that can be independently verified. Only you can read your encrypted mail.
Can I use my own domain?
Yes, on paid plans. You add DNS records and route mail through Tuta, so you can send from an address matching your website domain. This gives you private, professional email that looks consistent with your brand.
Does Tuta have a free plan?
Yes. The free tier includes one address and limited storage, good for personal use or testing. Paid plans add custom domains, more storage, extra addresses and the encrypted calendar for individuals and teams.