Quick Overview
- 1#1: Virtru - Provides granular policy-based encryption and persistent controls for email attachments and content in Gmail and Microsoft 365.
- 2#2: Egress - AI-driven secure email platform that automatically detects and encrypts sensitive data in attachments before sending.
- 3#3: FlowCrypt - User-friendly PGP encryption extension for Gmail that secures emails and attachments with end-to-end protection.
- 4#4: Zix - Cloud-based secure email service offering registered email encryption for attachments and compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
- 5#5: Proton Mail - End-to-end encrypted email service that automatically protects attachments with zero-access encryption.
- 6#6: Tutanota - Privacy-focused encrypted email client that secures attachments using fully client-side encryption.
- 7#7: Hushmail - Secure webmail service for professionals that encrypts attachments and supports secure forms for sensitive sharing.
- 8#8: Paubox - HIPAA-compliant email gateway that encrypts attachments transparently without requiring recipient software.
- 9#9: Mailvelope - OpenPGP browser extension for encrypting email attachments and messages directly in webmail clients like Gmail.
- 10#10: Proofpoint - Enterprise email security platform with integrated encryption capabilities for protecting attachments from threats and data loss.
Tools were selected and ranked based on factors like encryption effectiveness, integration with popular email platforms, ease of use, and overall value, balancing technical robustness with practical usability to deliver a comprehensive assessment.
Comparison Table
Email attachments often hold sensitive data, so choosing the right encryption tool matters; this comparison table examines top options like Virtru, Egress, FlowCrypt, Zix, Proton Mail, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and compatibility to select the best fit for their security needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virtru Provides granular policy-based encryption and persistent controls for email attachments and content in Gmail and Microsoft 365. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Egress AI-driven secure email platform that automatically detects and encrypts sensitive data in attachments before sending. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | FlowCrypt User-friendly PGP encryption extension for Gmail that secures emails and attachments with end-to-end protection. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Zix Cloud-based secure email service offering registered email encryption for attachments and compliance with regulations like HIPAA. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Proton Mail End-to-end encrypted email service that automatically protects attachments with zero-access encryption. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Tutanota Privacy-focused encrypted email client that secures attachments using fully client-side encryption. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | Hushmail Secure webmail service for professionals that encrypts attachments and supports secure forms for sensitive sharing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Paubox HIPAA-compliant email gateway that encrypts attachments transparently without requiring recipient software. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Mailvelope OpenPGP browser extension for encrypting email attachments and messages directly in webmail clients like Gmail. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | Proofpoint Enterprise email security platform with integrated encryption capabilities for protecting attachments from threats and data loss. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides granular policy-based encryption and persistent controls for email attachments and content in Gmail and Microsoft 365.
AI-driven secure email platform that automatically detects and encrypts sensitive data in attachments before sending.
User-friendly PGP encryption extension for Gmail that secures emails and attachments with end-to-end protection.
Cloud-based secure email service offering registered email encryption for attachments and compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
End-to-end encrypted email service that automatically protects attachments with zero-access encryption.
Privacy-focused encrypted email client that secures attachments using fully client-side encryption.
Secure webmail service for professionals that encrypts attachments and supports secure forms for sensitive sharing.
HIPAA-compliant email gateway that encrypts attachments transparently without requiring recipient software.
OpenPGP browser extension for encrypting email attachments and messages directly in webmail clients like Gmail.
Enterprise email security platform with integrated encryption capabilities for protecting attachments from threats and data loss.
Virtru
enterpriseProvides granular policy-based encryption and persistent controls for email attachments and content in Gmail and Microsoft 365.
Persistent access controls allowing revocation and dynamic watermarking post-send
Virtru is a premier data protection platform specializing in email attachment and file encryption with persistent controls. It enables client-side encryption, granular permissions like view-only access, expiration, and remote revocation, ensuring sensitive data remains secure even after sharing. Integrated seamlessly with Gmail, Outlook, and other clients, it also includes DLP features for compliance with standards like HIPAA and GDPR.
Pros
- Persistent encryption with revoke and expire controls
- Seamless integration with major email clients
- Advanced DLP and compliance reporting
Cons
- Enterprise pricing may be steep for small teams
- Advanced features require some setup time
- Limited free tier options
Best For
Enterprises and regulated industries needing robust, persistent encryption for email attachments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $6-12 per user/month based on volume and features.
Egress
enterpriseAI-driven secure email platform that automatically detects and encrypts sensitive data in attachments before sending.
Egress Switch: Secure file-sharing portal that auto-encrypts attachments with granular permissions, expiry, and audit trails for easy recipient access.
Egress is an enterprise-grade email security platform focused on intelligent encryption for emails and attachments, using policy-based automation and behavioral analysis to detect and protect sensitive data. It seamlessly integrates with Outlook and other email clients, automatically encrypting attachments via a secure sharing portal called Egress Switch when policies are triggered. The solution also includes data loss prevention (DLP), compliance reporting, and user-friendly secure links for recipients without requiring VPNs or complex setups.
Pros
- Automated policy-driven encryption reduces human error
- Deep integration with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange
- Robust DLP and compliance tools for regulated industries
Cons
- Enterprise-focused pricing may be steep for SMBs
- Initial policy configuration requires expertise
- Limited standalone options without full platform
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated organizations needing automated, scalable email attachment encryption with strong compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $6-12 per user/month (annual commitment), with volume discounts and feature-based tiers.
FlowCrypt
specializedUser-friendly PGP encryption extension for Gmail that secures emails and attachments with end-to-end protection.
Inline attachment encryption with automatic public key lookup in Gmail composer
FlowCrypt is a browser extension that provides end-to-end PGP encryption for emails and attachments directly within Gmail and Outlook interfaces. It enables users to encrypt attachments with passwords or public keys seamlessly during composition, ensuring secure sharing without server-side storage of data. The tool supports key generation, management, and revocation, making it a robust solution for privacy-focused communication.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Gmail for one-click attachment encryption
- Open-source PGP implementation with strong end-to-end security
- Free for individual use with no data collection
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for PGP key management
- Limited native support beyond Gmail/Outlook web clients
- Team features require paid subscription
Best For
Gmail users needing secure, browser-based encryption for sensitive email attachments without switching providers.
Pricing
Free for individuals; Business plans start at $10/user/month for teams.
Zix
enterpriseCloud-based secure email service offering registered email encryption for attachments and compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
ZixDirectory for automatic encryption based on pre-vetted recipient lists, enabling zero-touch secure email delivery.
Zix provides enterprise-grade email encryption software focused on securing email messages and attachments through automatic encryption protocols. It leverages a directory-based system (ZixDirectory) to identify recipients and encrypt content seamlessly without requiring recipient software. Primarily designed for compliance-heavy industries, it supports standards like HIPAA, GLBA, and PCI-DSS, ensuring protected delivery of sensitive files via email.
Pros
- Strong compliance support for regulated industries like healthcare and finance
- Automatic directory-based encryption eliminates manual steps
- Seamless integration with Outlook and other major email clients
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Recipient experience may require portal access for non-directory users
- Limited advanced customization options compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in regulated sectors requiring automatic, compliant email attachment encryption without disrupting workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise pricing starting at around $3-6 per user per month, with custom quotes for volume and features.
Proton Mail
otherEnd-to-end encrypted email service that automatically protects attachments with zero-access encryption.
Automatic client-side end-to-end encryption of attachments with no server access to plaintext files
Proton Mail is a privacy-focused email service that provides end-to-end encryption for emails and attachments, ensuring files are encrypted client-side before transmission. Attachments are seamlessly protected with the recipient's public key for Proton users or via password protection for external recipients. It emphasizes zero-access encryption, meaning Proton cannot decrypt user data, making it suitable for secure file sharing via email.
Pros
- End-to-end encryption for attachments with zero-access architecture
- Password-protected sharing for non-Proton recipients
- Open-source clients and strong privacy protections under Swiss law
Cons
- Free tier limited to 1GB storage and 150 messages/day
- Seamless encryption requires recipients to use Proton Mail
- Not a standalone tool; integrated into full email service
Best For
Privacy-conscious individuals or teams needing secure email-based attachment sharing without additional software.
Pricing
Free plan with 1GB storage; paid plans start at €3.99/month (Mail Essentials) for 15GB storage and advanced features.
Tutanota
otherPrivacy-focused encrypted email client that secures attachments using fully client-side encryption.
Client-side encryption of attachments and email subjects, preventing server access even from Tutanota itself
Tutanota is a privacy-focused email service that provides automatic end-to-end encryption for emails, subjects, and attachments using its own quantum-resistant encryption protocol. Attachments are encrypted client-side before upload, ensuring zero-access by the provider or third parties. It enables secure sharing with non-Tutanota users via password-protected emails, making it a robust solution for encrypted email attachments within its ecosystem.
Pros
- Automatic end-to-end encryption for attachments without manual steps
- Zero-knowledge architecture with open-source clients
- Cross-platform apps (web, desktop, mobile) with seamless integration
Cons
- Limited to Tutanota ecosystem for full E2E; external sends require passwords
- No IMAP/SMTP support for third-party email clients
- Search functionality restricted due to encryption
Best For
Privacy-conscious individuals or small teams needing a secure email service with built-in attachment encryption.
Pricing
Free plan (1GB storage); Premium €1.20/user/month (annual, 10GB+ aliases); higher tiers up to €8.96 for teams.
Hushmail
enterpriseSecure webmail service for professionals that encrypts attachments and supports secure forms for sensitive sharing.
SecureSend, which encrypts attachments and sends access passwords separately to any email recipient without signup.
Hushmail is a secure email service specializing in end-to-end encryption for emails and attachments, allowing users to send protected messages to any recipient without requiring them to have a Hushmail account. It uses features like SecureSend to encrypt attachments with passwords delivered separately via email or SMS. Designed for privacy-focused users, it supports compliance standards such as HIPAA and PIPEDA, making it suitable for sensitive communications.
Pros
- Strong end-to-end encryption for attachments and emails
- Easy secure sharing with non-users via password-protected links
- Compliance certifications like HIPAA for regulated industries
Cons
- Full features require paid subscription
- Limited free tier with short message retention
- No self-hosted option and based in Canada (Five Eyes alliance)
Best For
Professionals and small businesses in healthcare or legal fields needing compliant, secure attachment encryption via email.
Pricing
Free limited account; premium plans start at $9.99/month (billed annually) for individuals, with business and healthcare tiers from $12.99/user/month.
Paubox
enterpriseHIPAA-compliant email gateway that encrypts attachments transparently without requiring recipient software.
Transparent outbound encryption that works with existing email systems, automatically securing attachments via a secure portal.
Paubox is a secure email gateway service specializing in HIPAA-compliant email delivery, automatically encrypting emails and attachments for healthcare organizations. It scans outbound messages for protected health information (PHI), blocks unsecured transmissions, and delivers content via a branded secure web portal accessible to recipients without software installation. This ensures compliance and security without disrupting existing email workflows.
Pros
- HIPAA and HITRUST certified for healthcare compliance
- Seamless integration with any email client, no plugins required
- Automatic PHI scanning and encryption with detailed audit logs
Cons
- Recipients access attachments via web portal, not directly in email
- Pricing geared toward enterprises, less ideal for small teams
- Limited customization for non-healthcare use cases
Best For
Healthcare providers and organizations requiring HIPAA-compliant encryption for email attachments without changing email workflows.
Pricing
Starts at around $10-15 per user/month for Email Suite, with custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features.
Mailvelope
specializedOpenPGP browser extension for encrypting email attachments and messages directly in webmail clients like Gmail.
Transparent overlay encryption/decryption directly in the webmail compose and read windows
Mailvelope is a free, open-source browser extension that provides OpenPGP-based end-to-end encryption for emails and attachments directly within webmail interfaces like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail. Users can generate or import PGP keys, encrypt message bodies and attachments before sending, and automatically decrypt compatible incoming messages. It emphasizes privacy without requiring changes to email providers or additional servers.
Pros
- Free and fully open-source with no usage limits
- Seamless integration with major webmail services for encrypting emails and attachments
- Robust OpenPGP key management and automatic decryption
Cons
- Limited to browser extensions, no native mobile or desktop apps
- PGP learning curve can be steep for beginners
- Requires recipients to use PGP-compatible tools for decryption
Best For
Privacy-conscious webmail users seeking a no-cost, open-source solution for encrypting email attachments and messages.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source browser extension)
Proofpoint
enterpriseEnterprise email security platform with integrated encryption capabilities for protecting attachments from threats and data loss.
Real-time content inspection and automatic encryption via DLP policies
Proofpoint is a leading enterprise email security platform that includes robust email attachment encryption as part of its comprehensive protection suite. It automatically detects and encrypts sensitive attachments using policy-driven DLP rules, ensuring compliance with standards like HIPAA and GDPR. Users can share encrypted files via secure portals or links, with features like expiration and access controls for enhanced data protection.
Pros
- Advanced DLP integration for automatic encryption of sensitive attachments
- Scalable for large enterprises with strong compliance reporting
- Seamless integration with existing email gateways like Microsoft 365
Cons
- Complex configuration requires IT expertise
- High cost unsuitable for SMBs
- Overkill for users needing only basic attachment encryption
Best For
Large organizations requiring integrated email security with policy-based attachment encryption.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $8-15 per user per month with annual contracts and volume discounts.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 email attachment encryption tools reveals Virtru as the clear leader, excelling with granular policy-based encryption and seamless integration with major platforms. Egress and FlowCrypt stand out as strong alternatives, with Egress offering AI-driven data detection and FlowCrypt a user-friendly PGP extension; both cater to distinct needs. Regardless of choice, these tools ensure robust protection for sensitive attachments, meeting varied user requirements.
Take the first step toward secure communication by trying Virtru—its persistent controls and easy-to-use interface make it the ideal choice for encrypting critical attachments, safeguarding your data with confidence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison