EtherMail Insights

Web3 Email Platforms: 2025 Comparison Guide

Written by Shant Kevonian | March 03, 2025

Web3 Email Platforms: 2025 Comparison Guide


Web3 email platforms are reshaping digital communication by offering user-owned data, blockchain-based infrastructure, and enhanced security compared to traditional email. With over 320 billion emails sent daily and 94% of cyberattacks targeting email, these platforms address critical privacy and security flaws in legacy systems.


Key Platforms Compared:



  • EtherMail: Combines email with blockchain, offering features like crypto wallets, rewards, and integrations with decentralized apps.

  • Mailchain: Focuses on privacy and cross-chain compatibility, enabling encrypted messaging across multiple blockchains.

  • iExec Web3Mail: Prioritizes user privacy with encrypted storage and blockchain-based permission controls.


Quick Comparison Table:

Feature EtherMail Mailchain iExec Web3Mail
Encryption Optional End-to-end End-to-end
Blockchain Support Limited Extensive Ethereum-focused
User Rewards EMC Tokens None Yes
Storage Traditional Protocol-native Encrypted
Integration Ease Moderate Low Moderate

Recommendations:



  • DeFi Projects: Use Mailchain for secure, event-based notifications.

  • NFT Marketplaces: EtherMail excels with user rewards and engagement features.

  • DAOs: Both Mailchain and iExec Web3Mail suit privacy-focused governance communication.


Web3 email platforms are bridging the gap between decentralized ecosystems and secure communication, making them ideal for businesses and users seeking greater control and privacy.


Mailchain: Web3 Email for Everyone



1. EtherMail



EtherMail is reshaping email by combining blockchain technology with traditional email systems. With over 2 million verified accounts and partnerships with more than 100 communities , it’s at the forefront of Web3 communication.

Feature Category Capabilities
Security End-to-end encryption, Privacy Wall, Two-factor authentication
User Control Customizable aliases, Content preference settings, EMC rewards
Web3 Integration Email-as-a-Wallet (EaaW), Zero-gas token transfers, DApplet support
Storage Options 1GB (Free), 10GB (Plus), 50GB (Premium)

EtherMail’s standout feature, Email-as-a-Wallet (EaaW), allows users to manage crypto transactions directly from their inbox. The PayMail system enables zero-gas token and NFT transfers, all secured with two-step verification .


Another key aspect is its reward system. Users earn EMC tokens by opting into promotional emails, giving them full control over the content they receive through features like Privacy Wall and PayWall .



"EtherMail is launching a revolutionary Email-as-a-Wallet technology that allows users to access the Web3 ecosystem with the familiar user experience of Web2. This means that entering the Web3 world is as simple as having a Web3 email account." – EtherMail



The DApplet ecosystem takes functionality even further. For instance, Moonpay Onramp lets users buy cryptocurrency directly within their email interface, offering convenience without sacrificing security.


EtherMail offers flexible plans to suit different needs. The Premium plan includes 50GB of storage, 10 aliases, and a 20% EMC reward boost. A dedicated mobile app ensures users can stay connected wherever they are.


2. Mailchain


Mailchain is a Web3 email protocol built with a strong focus on privacy, security, and cross-chain compatibility. It enables blockchain-based messaging with advanced features, catering to both individual users and businesses.

Feature Category Capabilities
Security End-to-end encryption, Identity key system, Distributed storage
Blockchain Support All EVMs, Major chains, Web3 identities
Addressing ENS (.eth), Lens (.lens), NEAR (.near), Tezos (.tez)
Economic Model Free quota for individuals, Fees under $0.005 for high volume

Mailchain uses separate keys for signing and encryption, ensuring wallet keys remain secure. Messages are encrypted and stored off-chain, safeguarding them from unauthorized access .


The protocol supports various blockchain networks and Web3 identities, allowing users to send messages using simple addresses like 'alice.eth' or 'alice.lens' .


Strategic collaborations have boosted Mailchain's ecosystem. Partnerships with NEAR Protocol and Tezos are notable examples . Andrew Paulicek, founder of Tezos Domains, shared his thoughts:



"Mailchain's communication protocol enriches the overall ecosystem by delivering much-needed encrypted messaging capabilities, and we couldn't be more thrilled about this integration"



For developers, Mailchain offers an open-source SDK, making it easy to integrate with existing blockchain setups . Its pricing model includes free messaging for regular users and affordable fees under $0.005 per message for high-volume needs . With its strong security features and ability to work across multiple chains, Mailchain stands out as a reliable solution for enterprises managing diverse blockchain environments.


3. iExec Web3Mail



iExec Web3Mail combines blockchain verification with confidential computing to offer a secure and private email solution. It focuses on protecting user data and simplifying integration for developers.


Here’s a quick look at its key features:

Feature Description
Privacy Protection Emails are stored in encrypted form, and recipient addresses remain hidden.
User Control Users can grant or revoke access permissions instantly.
Developer Tools Includes an npm package and API for managing contacts.
Security Model Uses confidential computing along with blockchain verification.

The platform supports two main functions - fetchMyContacts and sendEmail - allowing businesses to communicate without exposing actual email addresses. Email data is encrypted using the iExec Data Protector tool, ensuring complete privacy.


In July 2024, Ledgity adopted iExec Web3Mail to enable secure newsletter subscriptions while keeping email addresses private.


Unlike traditional email systems, iExec Web3Mail lets users send messages through Ethereum addresses, eliminating the need to reveal real email addresses. This setup avoids tracking via cookies or analytics, while also introducing a monetization model where users can earn rewards for receiving emails.


The system is designed for seamless integration, offering an npm package and straightforward permission management. All access changes are verified through blockchain technology.


Platform Strengths and Limitations


This section highlights the key features and drawbacks of each platform to help organizations decide which solution aligns best with their goals.


EtherMail


With over 2,000,000 verified accounts and adoption by more than 100 Web3 communities , EtherMail stands out for:



  • Email-as-a-wallet functionality

  • User-controlled content with rewards

  • DApplet extensibility

  • Storage options up to 50GB (Premium)


However, the lack of automatic end-to-end encryption may raise concerns for users prioritizing privacy.


EtherMail shines in integration and rewards but might not meet the needs of those requiring advanced encryption.


Mailchain


Mailchain takes a developer-first approach, offering:



  • Protocol-native encryption

  • Broad blockchain network compatibility

  • Affordable fees (below $0.005 per message)

  • Quick setup (17 lines of code for NEAR Protocol)


The platform is tailored specifically for Web3 communications.


iExec Web3Mail


iExec Web3Mail focuses on privacy and security, featuring:



  • Enhanced email address privacy

  • No tracking

  • Reward system

  • Encrypted storage


However, its use of intermediate email addresses via Mailjet services may not appeal to users seeking complete decentralization.

Feature EtherMail Mailchain iExec Web3Mail
Default Encryption No Yes Yes
Cross-chain Support Limited Extensive Ethereum-focused
User Rewards EMC tokens No Yes
Storage Solution Traditional Protocol-native Encrypted storage
Integration Complexity Moderate Low Moderate


"Mailchain messages are encrypted end-to-end. This means that once the sender has encrypted a message using the recipient's encryption key, only the recipient is able to decrypt it." - Mailchain



Each platform addresses different needs in Web3. EtherMail is ideal for businesses focused on user engagement and rewards. Mailchain is a great choice for organizations requiring strong encryption and cross-chain capabilities. Meanwhile, iExec Web3Mail is perfect for projects that demand strict data privacy and user control.


Summary and Recommendations


Each platform offers distinct solutions for Web3 email needs in 2025. The best choice depends on your business type:



  • For DeFi Projects: Mailchain is a strong option for handling event notifications and summarizing activity, making it perfect for environments with high transaction volumes.

  • For NFT Marketplaces: EtherMail stands out with its content customization and reward features, making NFT interactions smoother and boosting user engagement.

  • For DAOs: Mailchain supports secure, identity-based governance communications, while iExec Web3Mail caters to privacy-focused interactions.


Here’s a quick-reference table summarizing the recommendations:

Business Type Recommended Platform Key Benefit
DeFi Projects Mailchain Event-based notifications
NFT Marketplaces EtherMail User rewards & engagement
DAOs Mailchain / iExec Secure governance communication
Marketing-focused EtherMail Consensual marketing with rewards

Platform-Specific Highlights



  • EtherMail: Boosts user engagement with wallet features and reward systems.

  • Mailchain: Offers strong developer integration and works across multiple chains.

  • iExec Web3Mail: Perfect for organizations prioritizing privacy and secure, anonymous communication.


With the heavy volume of emails in Web3 environments, it’s crucial to choose platforms that can handle scalability effectively.