Fastmail — Independent Email Service with a Focus on Privacy
General Information
Fastmail is an email hosting service that’s been around since the late 1990s. Based in Australia, it carved out a niche by offering reliable, no-nonsense email at a time when many people relied on free but ad-driven platforms. Its reputation comes from speed, clean design, and a commitment to privacy — no tracking pixels, no selling user data.
A lot of IT admins recommend Fastmail for individuals, small businesses, or teams that need hosted mail without tying themselves to Google Workspace or Micro…
How It Works
Fastmail runs as a fully managed SaaS. Accounts are hosted on its own infrastructure, spread across data centers with redundancy. Users can connect through the webmail client, which is lightweight and responsive, or through standard protocols like IMAP, SMTP, and JMAP (Fastmail is a key driver behind JMAP’s development).
Calendars, contacts, and notes are included. Mobile devices sync through standard protocols (CardDAV, CalDAV) or the built-in mobile apps. Admins for business accounts can m…
Functions
Feature | What it looks like in practice
—|—
Webmail | Fast, clean HTML5 interface with search and filters
Protocols | IMAP, SMTP, and JMAP; CalDAV and CardDAV for calendars/contacts
Mobile support | Works with native mail apps, plus Fastmail’s own apps
Security | TLS everywhere, DKIM/SPF/DMARC, 2FA, spam and phishing protection
Admin console | Domain management, aliases, group accounts
Privacy stance | No ads, no tracking, data stored in Australian jurisdiction
Licensing | Paid subscription, per-user plans
Installation / Setup Guide
Since Fastmail is hosted, there’s nothing to install. A typical setup looks like this:
1. Sign up for an account or business plan.
2. Point DNS MX records to Fastmail’s servers.
3. Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for proper mail flow.
4. Create users and aliases in the Fastmail admin console.
5. Configure devices (IMAP/JMAP, CalDAV/CardDAV, or native apps).
Within an hour, most domains are fully switched over.
Everyday Use
– Small businesses adopt Fastmail for branded email that works with their domain but doesn’t need in-house servers.
– Privacy-conscious users prefer it to Gmail because it strips away ads and tracking.
– Freelancers and IT consultants often use it as a dependable mailbox with advanced filtering and alias support.
For end users, the main impression is speed: mail search is instant, the UI is clean, and there’s none of the clutter that comes with larger platforms.
Limitations
Fastmail is focused: it delivers great email, calendars, and contacts, but it’s not a full collaboration suite. There’s no integrated chat, video, or document editing. Compared to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, it’s barebones — and for some, that’s the point. Also, being a commercial SaaS, it requires ongoing per-user payments.
Comparison
Tool | Platforms | Strengths | Typical Fit
—|—|—|—
Fastmail | SaaS (web + mobile) | Privacy-focused, clean design, JMAP support | Small businesses, privacy-minded users
Gmail (Google Workspace) | SaaS | Deep integration, collaboration tools | Enterprises, SaaS-first teams
Microsoft 365 | SaaS / desktop | Full Office suite integration | Corporates, regulated industries
ProtonMail | SaaS | End-to-end encrypted mail | Users needing maximum security
Zoho Mail | SaaS | Low cost, bundled with Zoho apps | SMBs looking for budget SaaS stack
Notes from the Field
Admins who move teams to Fastmail usually highlight the simple migration — import tools handle Gmail, Outlook, or old IMAP servers without much fuss. The most common issue isn’t technical but cultural: explaining to staff that yes, you’re paying for email again, but you get speed and privacy in return.