Hey.com Reviews

After careful evaluation of Hey.com, We give it a Trust Score of 3.8 out of 5 stars. HEY presents itself as a refreshing re-invention of email and calendar services, focusing heavily on user privacy, control, and efficiency. The website highlights a strong value proposition: decluttering your inbox and giving you back control over who can email you. This is achieved through features like “The Screener,” which acts as a gatekeeper for incoming emails, and specialized inboxes like “The Imbox” for important messages, “Paper Trail” for transactional emails, and “The Feed” for newsletters. The commitment to privacy is a significant positive, especially in an era where data privacy is a growing concern. Furthermore, the integration of a re-imagined calendar app suggests a comprehensive approach to managing digital communication and time.

However, a critical review reveals areas where the service might fall short for some users, particularly those seeking complete transparency regarding the company’s operational model or more in-depth pricing details upfront without engaging in a trial.

While the website passionately articulates the “why” behind HEY and showcases glowing testimonials, specific details about security protocols beyond general privacy claims, server locations, and more granular pricing tiers beyond just a general “try HEY free” button could enhance trust.

The absence of a readily accessible, detailed ‘About Us’ or ‘Team’ page beyond the CEO’s personal message, and a comprehensive FAQ directly on the main page, might leave some users wanting more transparency about the entity behind this ambitious re-invention.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Privacy Focus: Strong emphasis on user privacy and control over incoming emails.
• Innovative Features: “The Screener,” “Imbox,” “Paper Trail,” and “The Feed” offer novel ways to manage email.
• Integrated Calendar: A newly designed calendar aims to simplify scheduling.
• User Testimonials: Abundance of positive feedback from notable individuals.
• Multi-Platform Availability: Available across Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
• Company Transparency: Limited readily available information on company operations or detailed security measures beyond general claims.
• Pricing Clarity: Initial pricing details are not immediately prominent, requiring users to look deeper or sign up for a trial.
• Islamic Ethical Considerations: The core service of email and calendar management is permissible and beneficial. The emphasis on privacy aligns with Islamic principles of safeguarding personal information. There are no apparent elements of riba, gambling, or other forbidden activities on the surface of the service’s offering.

HEY’s proposition of re-inventing email by putting the user in control of their inbox is a compelling one.

The philosophy articulated by CEO Jason Fried, that “email’s a treasure” that has been obscured by bad habits and neglect, resonates with many who feel a sense of dread when checking their inbox.

The various “boxes”—The Imbox, Paper Trail, and The Feed—are not just catchy names.

They represent a fundamental shift in how email is categorized and consumed.

Instead of a single, chaotic stream, HEY proposes curated flows for different types of messages.

This organizational paradigm could significantly reduce cognitive load and enhance productivity.

Imagine receipts and order confirmations neatly tucked away in the Paper Trail, accessible when needed but not cluttering your primary inbox.

Newsletters and longer reads, often skimmed or ignored in traditional inboxes, become digestible in The Feed, a dedicated space for “casual, whenever reads.” This thoughtful segmentation aligns with a more mindful approach to digital consumption, encouraging users to engage with content deliberately rather than reactively.

The integration of a “fixed” calendar experience is another noteworthy aspect.

Digital calendars, while ubiquitous, have indeed seen little revolutionary change in decades.

If HEY’s calendar offers the same level of user-centric design and intentionality as its email service, it could genuinely streamline scheduling and event management, making it less of a chore and more of an intuitive aid.

The promise of “modern, breath-of-fresh-air take on calendaring” is significant, given how intertwined email and calendar functions are for many professionals and individuals.

However, while the vision is clear and the features sound promising, a crucial aspect of trust for any online service, especially one handling personal communications, is transparent pricing and a clear understanding of the business model.

While “Try HEY free” is present, the long-term cost needs to be easily discoverable to allow potential users to make an informed decision without committing to a trial first.

For a service positioning itself as a premium, privacy-focused alternative, upfront clarity on cost is paramount.

Furthermore, while testimonials are powerful, a deeper dive into the company’s background, its security infrastructure, and its long-term vision could further solidify trust.

Users are increasingly scrutinizing how their data is handled, and a more explicit statement on data encryption, server locations, and compliance with privacy regulations would be beneficial.

From an Islamic ethical standpoint, HEY’s focus on privacy and control is commendable.

Islam places a high value on safeguarding personal information, respecting boundaries, and avoiding unnecessary intrusion.

A service that empowers users to filter out unwanted communications aligns with these principles.

The design encourages intentionality and reduces the potential for digital clutter, which can be a source of distraction and inefficiency—both aspects that Islam encourages believers to manage wisely.

As long as the service is used for permissible communication and does not facilitate haram activities, it aligns well with Islamic ethical guidelines for technology use.

Here are some excellent alternatives for robust, privacy-focused email and productivity tools that align with ethical considerations:

Best Alternatives List:

• Proton Mail

  • Key Features: End-to-end encryption, zero-access encryption, based in Switzerland strong privacy laws, no-logs policy, integrated VPN and Calendar.
  • Price or Average Price: Free tier with limited storage. Paid plans start around $4.99/month for Mail Plus.
  • Pros: Gold standard for email privacy and security, user-friendly interface, comprehensive suite of privacy tools.
  • Cons: Free tier has storage limitations, some advanced features are only on paid plans.

• Tutanota

  • Key Features: End-to-end encryption for emails and contacts, calendar, open-source, based in Germany strong privacy laws, no IP logging.
  • Price or Average Price: Free tier with limited storage. Paid plans start around €1.20/month.
  • Pros: Highly secure, open-source for transparency, strong commitment to privacy, affordable premium plans.
  • Cons: Interface might feel a bit simpler compared to others, no custom domain support on free plan.

• Fastmail

  • Key Features: Ad-free, no tracking, strong spam filtering, custom domains, robust calendar and contact management, Australian-based though privacy-friendly.
  • Price or Average Price: Plans start around $3/month billed annually.
  • Pros: Excellent performance, highly reliable, strong feature set for professionals and power users, ethical business model.
  • Cons: No free tier, not end-to-end encrypted by default though offers PGP support.

• Zoho Mail

  • Key Features: Ad-free, clean interface, robust collaboration tools, integrated calendar, tasks, notes, and CRM options. Part of a larger suite of business applications.
  • Price or Average Price: Free tier for personal use. Paid plans for business start around $1/user/month.
  • Pros: Comprehensive suite of tools, very affordable for businesses, strong focus on productivity.
  • Cons: Free personal plan is limited, some users report a steeper learning curve for the full Zoho ecosystem.

• Mailbox.org

  • Key Features: Encrypted email, secure cloud storage, online office suite, video conferencing, based in Germany, renewable energy powered.
  • Price or Average Price: Plans start around €3/month.
  • Pros: Strong privacy and security, comprehensive suite of tools, ethical business practices.
  • Cons: No free tier, interface might be less intuitive for beginners.

• Posteo

  • Key Features: Encrypted email, calendar, and contacts, no logging, anonymous sign-up possible, based in Germany, powered by green energy.
  • Price or Average Price: €1/month.
  • Pros: Extremely affordable, strong privacy features, environmentally conscious.
  • Cons: No free trial, lacks advanced features found in more comprehensive services.

• AOL Mail

  • Key Features: Unlimited storage, strong spam filter, integrated calendar, news feed. While not as privacy-focused as the others, it’s a long-standing, free email service.
  • Price or Average Price: Free.
  • Pros: Free, large storage, familiar interface for many long-time internet users.
  • Cons: Ad-supported, not known for cutting-edge privacy features, owned by a larger media conglomerate.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on our research and information provided by the company. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Hey.com Review & First Look

HEY, by 37signals, presents itself as a radical departure from traditional email.

The core promise is to reclaim your inbox from the deluge of unwanted messages, spam, and digital clutter that has turned email from a “treasure” into a “chore.” This isn’t just about a new interface.

It’s a complete philosophical shift in how email should function in your daily life.

They argue that services like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail became complacent, letting users drown in a sea of irrelevant communication. HEY steps in to re-establish control.

The Philosophical Re-invention of Email

• Reframing the Inbox: HEY moves away from the single, undifferentiated inbox. It proposes a segmented approach, acknowledging that not all emails are equal in urgency or importance.
• User Control: The emphasis is squarely on the user’s agency. You decide what comes in and where it goes, a stark contrast to algorithms making those decisions for you.
• Privacy as a Feature: While many services treat privacy as a compliance checkbox, HEY positions it as a core product feature, integral to the user experience.

First Impressions of the HEY Interface

Upon first glance, HEY’s interface is strikingly clean and minimalist. Berkeleypublishers.com Reviews

It prioritizes clarity and functionality over visual clutter, aiming to reduce the cognitive load often associated with managing a packed inbox.

The design language is modern, with a focus on intuitive navigation and distinct visual cues for its various features.

The goal seems to be to make email management feel less like work and more like an organized, seamless flow.

• Clean Layout: Minimalist design ensures that your attention is directed towards the content of your emails.
• Intuitive Navigation: Features are logically grouped, making it easy to understand where different types of emails reside.
• Visual Cues: Distinct icons and colors help differentiate between HEY’s unique inbox categories like the Imbox, Paper Trail, and The Feed.
• Unified Experience: While segmented, the interface maintains a cohesive feel across its various sections, promoting a unified workflow.

The Screener: Your Digital Bouncer

Perhaps the most revolutionary feature of HEY is “The Screener.” This is your personal gatekeeper. The very first time someone emails you, their message doesn’t land in your main inbox. Instead, it appears in The Screener. From here, you have two choices: “Yes” or “No.” Choosing “Yes” allows their future emails to land in your Imbox the primary inbox for important emails. Choosing “No” means you’ll never hear from them again. This simple yet powerful mechanism eliminates the need for endless unsubscribing or marking emails as spam, which often feels like a losing battle.

• Eliminates Spam at the Source: Instead of reacting to spam, HEY prevents it from ever reaching your main attention space.
• Personalized Filtering: You, not an algorithm, decide who is allowed to interrupt your workflow.
• One-Time Decision: Once you’ve screened a sender, the decision is remembered for all future communications.

The Imbox: For Important Emails Only

Once a sender passes through The Screener, their emails, by default, land in The Imbox. HEY distinguishes “Imbox” from “Inbox” to highlight its purpose: it’s for important email. This is where messages from people you care about, and services you genuinely want to hear from, reside. The idea is that every email in your Imbox is something you actually want to read, fostering a sense of calm and control rather than dread. This curated approach helps users focus on what truly matters. Aroma360.com Review

• Prioritized Communication: Ensures that your primary attention is given to relevant and desired messages.
• Reduced Clutter: By separating transactional emails and newsletters, the Imbox remains focused and manageable.
• Enhanced Focus: With fewer distractions, users can dedicate more focused attention to each important email.

Paper Trail: Transactional Email, Tucked Away

For transactional emails—receipts, order confirmations, service notifications, and the like—HEY offers “Paper Trail.” This dedicated space keeps these necessary but often clutter-inducing messages out of your primary view.

When you need to refer to a receipt, it’s easily accessible in a specific, organized location, rather than buried amongst your important correspondence.

This separation helps maintain the sanctity of your Imbox.

• Organized Financial Records: A dedicated spot for all your digital receipts and confirmations.
• Declutters Main Inbox: Keeps your primary email space clean from administrative messages.
• Easy Retrieval: Simplifies finding specific transactional information when needed.

The Feed: Newsletters and Long-Reads Transformed

Newsletters and long-form articles, which often languish unread or contribute to inbox overwhelm, get their own dedicated space in “The Feed.” This feature transforms these emails into a browsable, casual newsfeed experience.

Emails in The Feed are “open already,” meaning you can simply scroll through them like a social media feed, clicking to read the full content when something catches your eye. Movewise.net Review

This makes consuming content less of a task and more of a relaxed browsing experience.

• Streamlined Content Consumption: Turns passive newsletter consumption into an active, engaging browsing experience.
• No More Unread Count Anxiety: Newsletters don’t contribute to your main unread count, reducing stress.
• Dedicated Reading Space: Provides a focused environment for consuming long-form content.

HEY Calendar: Reimagining Time Management

Acknowledging that digital calendars have largely stagnated for decades, HEY also introduces its own “all-new Calendar.” The promise is a “modern, breath-of-fresh-air take on calendaring,” suggesting an intuitive, efficient, and integrated experience.

While details on its full feature set beyond this general description are not immediately prominent on the homepage, the intention is clear: to apply the same user-centric design and problem-solving approach seen in their email service to time management.

• Modern Design: Aims to provide a fresh, intuitive interface for managing appointments and schedules.
• Seamless Integration: Designed to work hand-in-hand with the HEY email system for a unified communication and time management experience.
• Focus on Simplicity: Likely to prioritize ease of use and essential features over unnecessary complexity.

Hey.com Features

HEY is built on a foundation of unique features designed to revolutionize how users interact with email and manage their digital lives. It’s not merely about adding new functions.

It’s about fundamentally rethinking the purpose and flow of digital communication. Notepin.com Reviews

Each feature is meticulously crafted to address common pain points associated with traditional email services, such aiming to provide a more controlled, focused, and enjoyable experience.

The Screener: Your Personal Email Gatekeeper

The Screener is arguably HEY’s most talked-about and innovative feature.

It acts as a mandatory checkpoint for all first-time senders.

This means that when someone emails you for the very first time, their message doesn’t bypass you to land directly in your main inbox.

Instead, it’s held in The Screener, where you have the explicit power to decide their fate. Designity.com Reviews

You are presented with two clear choices for each new sender: “Yes” or “No.”

• Direct Control over Inflow: This feature gives you unprecedented control, ensuring that only desired communications reach your primary attention. It’s like having a personal assistant who filters your mail before it even touches your desk.
• Permanent Decisions: Once you make a choice for a sender, that decision is remembered for all future emails from that specific address. If you say “Yes,” their emails will always go to your Imbox or another designated spot if you customize it. If you say “No,” their emails are permanently blocked, and you’ll never be bothered by them again. This drastically reduces the need for constant “mark as spam” actions or cumbersome unsubscribing processes that often don’t work effectively.
• Spam Prevention at the Source: Unlike traditional spam filters that try to guess what’s unwanted and sometimes get it wrong, The Screener empowers you to define spam. This proactive approach significantly reduces the volume of junk mail that ever reaches your awareness, leading to a much cleaner and less stressful inbox experience. For example, studies by firms like Radicati Group consistently show spam accounting for nearly half of all email traffic, with estimates ranging from 45% to 55%. The Screener directly combats this deluge by giving users the power to opt-in to communications rather than opt-out.

The Imbox: Prioritizing Your Important Communications

In a world overflowing with digital noise, HEY introduces The Imbox, a designated space for emails that genuinely matter.

The name itself is a subtle nod to its purpose: it’s not just an “inbox”. it’s where “important” messages reside.

Once a sender has passed through The Screener with your approval, their emails are automatically directed to The Imbox.

This separation is crucial for maintaining focus and reducing overwhelm. Theea.life Reviews

• Curated Content Stream: The Imbox is reserved for emails from individuals you want to hear from, colleagues, clients, friends, and essential services you’ve explicitly allowed. This curation ensures that every message in this primary view has a high probability of being relevant and deserving of your attention.
• Reduced Cognitive Load: By intentionally separating out transactional emails and newsletters which go into Paper Trail and The Feed, respectively, The Imbox remains streamlined. You open it with the expectation of seeing only emails that require your direct action or thoughtful consideration, which can significantly reduce email-related anxiety. Research from companies like Adobe has found that individuals spend, on average, 3.1 hours checking work email daily and 2.5 hours on personal email. A more focused inbox like The Imbox aims to make those hours more productive and less draining.
• Direct Action and Engagement: With fewer distractions, users can engage more deeply with the emails in their Imbox, responding more promptly and effectively to critical communications. This can lead to improved relationships, better task management, and a greater sense of accomplishment rather than just “clearing out” an overflowing inbox.

Paper Trail: Organizing Transactional Clutter

Transactional emails—receipts, order confirmations, shipping updates, account statements, and service notifications—are a necessary part of modern digital life.

However, they often contribute significantly to inbox clutter, making it difficult to find truly important messages or to locate a specific receipt when needed.

HEY’s “Paper Trail” feature offers an elegant solution to this common problem.

• Automated Categorization: HEY automatically identifies and routes these types of emails to the Paper Trail. This means your Imbox is kept clear of these items, allowing you to focus on direct correspondence.
• Centralized Record-Keeping: All your digital receipts and confirmations are stored in one dedicated, easily searchable location. This eliminates the frantic search through a general inbox when you need proof of purchase or a booking confirmation. For instance, if you’re managing personal finances or tracking business expenses, having a dedicated Paper Trail can be immensely beneficial for auditing or recall.
• Reduced Visual Noise: By removing these often bulky emails from your primary view, the overall visual noise of your email client is significantly reduced. This contributes to a calmer, more organized digital environment, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of incoming mail.

The Feed: A Fresh Take on Newsletters and Long-Reads

Newsletters, blog subscriptions, and other long-form content often become “read later” items that quickly pile up in a traditional inbox, contributing to a daunting unread count.

HEY’s “The Feed” transforms this experience, turning these casual reads into a more enjoyable, browsable format akin to a social media feed. Simpletire.com Reviews

• Streamlined Content Consumption: When a newsletter or long-read lands in The Feed, it’s presented in a format designed for quick scanning. HEY intelligently “opens” these emails, allowing you to scroll through them effortlessly. If something catches your eye, you can click to read the full content within HEY. This makes catching up on subscriptions a relaxed activity rather than a burdensome task.
• No Unread Count Pressure: Emails in The Feed don’t contribute to your main “unread” count in the Imbox. This is a subtle but powerful psychological relief, as it eliminates the pressure to “clear out” every newsletter just to reduce a nagging badge notification. You can browse The Feed at your leisure, without feeling perpetually behind.
• Dedicated Reading Environment: By separating these content-heavy emails into their own space, HEY creates a dedicated reading environment. This allows users to engage with curated content when they are in the mood for it, rather than having it interrupt their primary communication flow. For publishers and content creators, this could potentially lead to higher engagement rates for their newsletters, as they are being consumed in a more intentional manner.

HEY Calendar: A Modern Approach to Time Management

While the primary focus of HEY is email, the team at 37signals recognized that email and calendaring are inextricably linked for many users.

Their approach to the HEY Calendar aims to apply the same principles of simplicity, clarity, and user control that define their email service.

They assert that digital calendars have remained largely stagnant for decades, ripe for innovation.

• Intuitive Design and User Experience: The HEY Calendar is promised to offer a “modern, breath-of-fresh-air take on calendaring.” This suggests a focus on an intuitive interface, easy event creation, and clear visualization of your schedule, moving beyond the often clunky and visually overwhelming interfaces of traditional calendar applications.
• Seamless Integration with Email: Given that many calendar invitations and event details arrive via email, a tight integration between HEY’s email and calendar functions is crucial. This means easier RSVP management, quick addition of events from emails, and perhaps even intelligent suggestions based on email content, creating a cohesive workflow between communication and scheduling.
• Addressing Common Calendar Pain Points: While specific details on the calendar’s unique features beyond general descriptions are less prominent on the main page, the implication is that HEY aims to solve common frustrations. These might include clearer conflict resolution, simplified sharing, or more intuitive ways to manage recurring events, making time management less of a chore.

Hey.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating a service like HEY, it’s crucial to weigh its strengths against its potential drawbacks.

While HEY offers a refreshing take on email management with a strong focus on user control and privacy, no service is without its limitations or considerations. Jumpsport.com Reviews

Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages can help potential users determine if HEY aligns with their specific needs and preferences.

Pros of Using Hey.com

HEY’s approach is designed to tackle many of the chronic frustrations associated with modern email, offering several compelling advantages.

• Unparalleled Inbox Control: This is HEY’s biggest selling point. The Screener empowers users to decide who can email them, effectively eliminating unwanted solicitations and spam from ever reaching their primary attention. This level of control is revolutionary compared to traditional email filters that often miss or miscategorize messages. A user study by the Radicati Group in 2023 estimated that 49% of all emails sent globally are spam. HEY’s Screener directly combats this by allowing proactive rejection of unwanted senders.
• Strong Privacy Focus: HEY emphasizes privacy by giving users explicit control over their data and communications. While specific technical details of their encryption methods aren’t exhaustively detailed on the homepage, the core philosophy is built around user autonomy and protection from unwanted tracking or data exploitation, a common concern with many free, ad-supported email services. This aligns with increasing public awareness about data privacy, with 86% of US adults saying they care about data privacy Pew Research Center, 2019.
• Innovative Features for Specific Email Types: The unique treatment of transactional emails Paper Trail and newsletters The Feed is highly beneficial. These features transform what are often sources of clutter into organized, accessible resources or enjoyable content streams, respectively. It’s a thoughtful approach to different categories of email that most services bundle together.
• Intuitive and Clean User Interface: HEY boasts a minimalist, well-designed interface that prioritizes clarity and ease of use. The design is modern and aims to make the experience of managing email less cumbersome and more intuitive.
• Integrated, Reimagined Calendar: The inclusion of a newly designed calendar within the HEY ecosystem offers a cohesive productivity suite. For users who rely heavily on both email and calendaring, this integration can streamline workflows and reduce the need to juggle multiple applications.

Cons of Using Hey.com

While HEY offers many benefits, it also has aspects that might not suit everyone or could be perceived as drawbacks.

• Cost: HEY is a paid service. Unlike many popular email providers like Gmail or Outlook.com that offer free tiers, HEY requires a subscription. While the exact pricing isn’t prominently displayed on the main page, it’s typically positioned as a premium service. This financial commitment might be a barrier for individuals or small businesses accustomed to free email solutions, especially if they are not yet convinced of the value proposition. According to Statista, Gmail alone had 1.8 billion active users as of 2023, a testament to the prevalence of free email services.
• Learning Curve for a New Paradigm: HEY’s unique approach—especially The Screener and its various “boxes”—requires users to unlearn old habits and adopt a new way of thinking about email. While ultimately more efficient, this initial adjustment period might feel disruptive to some, particularly those deeply entrenched in traditional email workflows. It’s a shift from reactive inbox management to a proactive, decision-based system.
• No Free Tier Trial Only: While HEY offers a free trial, there is no permanent free tier. This means users must commit to a subscription after the trial period ends to continue using the service. This differs from many freemium models where a basic service is perpetually free.
• Potential for Isolation: Because HEY acts as a gatekeeper, some users might worry about missing important emails if a sender is inadvertently screened out or if they forget to approve a new contact. While the system is designed to prevent this, the initial “no” decision is permanent, which requires user diligence.
• Dependency on HEY Ecosystem: Users who heavily rely on integrations with other services e.g., specific CRMs, project management tools, or niche third-party apps might find HEY’s ecosystem more closed compared to widely adopted email platforms that have extensive API support and integration networks.
• No Obvious Desktop Application Download Links: While the homepage mentions availability on “Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android,” direct, prominent download links for desktop applications are not immediately visible. Users might have to navigate deeper into the site or rely on web-based access, which could be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer native apps.
• Company Transparency Beyond CEO Message: While Jason Fried’s message on the homepage is personal and compelling, more detailed information about the company’s full team, specific security certifications, or comprehensive privacy policy links beyond general mentions could be more prominently featured to build deeper trust, especially for a service handling sensitive communications.

Hey.com Alternatives

When considering email and productivity tools, exploring alternatives is crucial, especially if HEY’s unique approach or pricing doesn’t perfectly align with your needs.

The market offers a diverse range of services, from privacy-focused encrypted email to comprehensive suites designed for collaboration. Zenobuilder.com Review

Here, we present a list of ethical and highly regarded alternatives, focusing on those that prioritize user experience, privacy, or robust functionality without engaging in questionable practices.

*   Key Features: End-to-end encryption for all emails, zero-access encryption even Proton cannot read your emails, strong Swiss privacy laws outside US/EU jurisdiction, integrated Proton Calendar, Proton Drive cloud storage, and Proton VPN. Offers secure email with custom domains.
*   Average Price: Free tier available with limited storage. Paid plans start at approximately $4.99/month for Mail Plus, going up to $12.99/month for the Proton Unlimited suite as of mid-2024, prices may vary slightly.
*   Pros: Considered one of the most secure and private email services globally due to its strong encryption and jurisdiction. User-friendly interface despite complex underlying security. Comprehensive ecosystem of privacy tools.
*   Cons: Free tier has storage limitations typically 500MB. Email search is sometimes limited due to encryption. Some advanced features are exclusive to higher-tier paid plans.

*   Key Features: Fully open-source, end-to-end encryption for emails, contacts, and calendar, based in Germany with strict privacy laws, secure send to non-Tutanota users, no IP logging.
*   Average Price: Free personal email account with 1GB storage. Paid plans start around €1.20/month for premium features and more storage as of mid-2024.
*   Pros: Exceptional privacy and security due to its encryption and open-source nature, allowing for independent auditing. Very affordable premium plans. Strong commitment to user data protection.
*   Cons: Interface is simpler compared to more feature-rich clients. Custom domain support is only available on paid plans. Lacks some integrations found in larger email ecosystems.

*   Key Features: Ad-free, no tracking, custom domains, strong spam filtering, robust calendar and contact management with CalDAV and CardDAV support, Australian-based but with a strong privacy policy. Focus on speed and reliability.
*   Average Price: No free tier. Plans start around $3/month billed annually for the Basic plan, up to $9/month for the Professional plan as of mid-2024.
*   Pros: Highly reliable and fast performance. Excellent spam filtering. Comprehensive features for power users and small businesses. Dedicated to email and productivity without distractions.
*   Cons: Not end-to-end encrypted by default though supports PGP. Requires a paid subscription.

*   Key Features: Ad-free, clean interface, robust collaboration tools, integrated calendar, tasks, notes, and CRM options. Part of the broader Zoho One suite, offering extensive business applications. Supports custom domains even on the free plan for one domain.
*   Average Price: Free tier available for personal use 5GB storage, web access only. Paid plans for business start around $1/user/month for Mail Lite, up to $4/user/month for Mail Premium billed annually, as of mid-2024.
*   Pros: Highly scalable for businesses of all sizes. Very affordable, especially for the features offered within its ecosystem. Strong focus on privacy and security for business users.
*   Cons: The free personal plan is quite limited in features. The extensive suite of tools can sometimes lead to a steeper learning curve for new users.

*   Key Features: Encrypted email, secure cloud storage, online office suite compatible with Microsoft Office, video conferencing, based in Germany with strong privacy laws, powered by 100% renewable energy.
*   Average Price: No free tier. Plans start around €3/month for the Standard plan as of mid-2024.
*   Pros: Strong privacy and security commitment. Comprehensive suite of productivity tools. Environmentally conscious business practices. Excellent choice for those seeking a German-based provider.
*   Cons: Requires a paid subscription. The interface might feel less modern compared to some newer services.

*   Key Features: Encrypted email, calendar, and contacts. Strictly no logging, anonymous sign-up possible, based in Germany and powered by green energy. Focuses purely on secure, private email.
*   Average Price: €1/month as of mid-2024.
*   Pros: Extremely affordable. Excellent privacy features with a strong commitment to user anonymity. Simple, no-frills approach for those who prioritize core email functionality.
*   Cons: No free trial. Lacks advanced features and integrations found in more comprehensive email services. Very basic interface.

• Disroot
  • Key Features: Free, open-source email, cloud storage Nextcloud, calendar, pad, pastebin, and more. Aims to provide a complete set of digital tools based on principles of freedom, privacy, and decentralization.
  • Average Price: Free donations encouraged.
  • Pros: Completely free and open-source. Strong ethical stance on privacy and digital rights. Offers a wide range of integrated tools beyond just email.
  • Cons: Relies on donations, so long-term sustainability might be a concern for some. Not as polished or feature-rich as commercial alternatives. Account creation can sometimes be limited to manage load.

Does Hey.com Work?

HEY.com claims to reinvent email and calendaring, offering a more controlled and pleasant experience. Based on the features described on its homepage, the core premise of HEY does appear to work as intended by its design. The system is built around a series of innovative features that directly address common pain points of email overload and lack of control.

Functionality of The Screener

The Screener is the lynchpin of HEY’s entire system, and its functionality is straightforward: it intercepts emails from new senders and gives the user explicit control over whether to accept or reject them. This “bouncer” mechanism is crucial because it fundamentally alters the default email interaction from an “open door” policy to a “permission-based” one. This means you are in control of who enters your primary email space. Studies show that a significant portion of incoming emails often over 45% is unsolicited or spam. The Screener effectively eliminates this at the source by requiring your explicit consent.

• Proactive Filtering: Instead of relying on reactive spam filters, The Screener acts as a proactive gatekeeper.
• User-Driven Decisions: The decision to accept or reject a sender is made by the user, not an algorithm.
• Permanent Effect: Once a decision is made for a sender, it applies to all future emails from them, reducing repetitive actions.
• Testimonials Backing: Numerous user testimonials cited on the HEY homepage, including those from tech industry figures like Ryan Hoover and Ezra Klein, specifically praise how HEY has “solved email” and eliminated spam, directly referencing the effectiveness of The Screener.

Efficacy of Specialized Inboxes Imbox, Paper Trail, The Feed

HEY’s approach to segmenting email into specific “boxes” is designed to create order out of chaos, and it seems highly effective in achieving this goal.

By intelligently routing different types of emails to designated areas, HEY helps users focus on what’s important, manage transactional clutter, and consume content at their leisure. Store.chriskresser.com Review

• Imbox for Focus: By reserving the Imbox for important emails that have passed The Screener, HEY ensures that users’ primary attention is directed towards meaningful communications. This reduces the cognitive load of sifting through irrelevant messages.
• Paper Trail for Organization: The automatic routing of receipts and transactional emails to Paper Trail demonstrably works to declutter the main Imbox. This makes it easier to locate specific documents when needed, without them interfering with daily communication. This kind of organized storage can save users considerable time. a McKinsey study found that employees spend 28% of their work week managing email, much of which involves searching for information.
• The Feed for Casual Consumption: Transforming newsletters into a browsable feed makes content consumption less burdensome. It removes the pressure of “unread” counts associated with newsletters in a traditional inbox, allowing users to engage with content on their own terms. This transforms a potential chore into a relaxed activity.

Integration of HEY Calendar

While the core of HEY is email, the integration of a newly designed calendar is a significant addition that enhances its overall utility as a productivity tool.

The homepage indicates that the calendar has been “fixed” and is a “modern, breath-of-fresh-air take on calendaring.”

• Unified Workflow: A tightly integrated calendar means users can manage their schedule alongside their communications within a single ecosystem. This can streamline processes like accepting meeting invites, setting reminders, and coordinating events.
• Addressing Stagnation: The claim that digital calendars have “barely evolved for decades” suggests that HEY aims to introduce innovative features or a more intuitive interface that improves upon existing calendar solutions.
• Holistic Productivity: For users who rely heavily on both email and scheduling for personal and professional life, a cohesive and well-designed integrated calendar contributes to a more holistic and efficient productivity workflow.

Is Hey.com Legit?

Yes, Hey.com is legitimate. It is a real product offered by 37signals, a well-established software company previously known as Basecamp. The legitimacy of HEY is supported by several key factors, including its established parent company, publicly available information, and extensive user testimonials from credible sources.

Background of 37signals Basecamp

HEY is developed and maintained by 37signals formerly known as Basecamp, a highly reputable and long-standing software company.

37signals has been in the software business for over two decades, known for creating popular project management and collaboration tools like Basecamp and productivity apps like Campfire. Cutoutme.com Reviews

• Long Track Record: Founded in 1999, 37signals has a long and successful history in developing web-based software. This extensive experience lends significant credibility to HEY.
• Known Leadership: The company is led by well-known figures in the tech industry, including CEO Jason Fried and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson DHH. Both are prolific authors, speakers, and advocates for specific software development and business philosophies, adding a layer of transparency and public accountability to their ventures. Their public presence and reputation are strong indicators of legitimacy.
• Successful Products: Basecamp, their flagship project management tool, has been widely adopted by millions of users globally since its launch in 2004. The success and longevity of Basecamp provide a solid foundation of trust for their new ventures like HEY.

Public Testimonials and Media Coverage

The HEY.com homepage prominently features numerous testimonials from recognizable figures in the tech, media, and business worlds.

These are not anonymous quotes but attributed statements from individuals like Ryan Hoover founder of Product Hunt, Ezra Klein journalist for The New York Times, and Kevin Rose venture capitalist and entrepreneur.

• Credible Endorsements: The fact that respected industry leaders and public figures publicly endorse HEY lends significant weight to its legitimacy. These individuals typically have high standards for the tools they use and recommend.
• Transparency of Testimonials: The testimonials are linked to their original sources e.g., Twitter posts, New York Times articles, allowing users to verify the authenticity of the quotes. This level of transparency reinforces the service’s credibility.

Clear Business Model Subscription-Based

Unlike many “free” email services that rely on advertising or data mining, HEY operates on a clear, paid subscription model.

This is explicitly stated on the homepage through phrases like “Try HEY free” implying a transition to a paid service.

• Revenue Generation: A paid subscription model provides a clear and sustainable revenue stream for the company, indicating a long-term business plan rather than a short-lived venture. This model also often correlates with better privacy practices, as the user is the customer, not the product.
• No Hidden Agendas: The absence of ads and the emphasis on privacy aligns with a subscription-based model. Users pay for the service, and in return, they expect a high level of performance, privacy, and support, without the underlying goal of data exploitation. This transparency in how they make money contributes to their legitimacy.
• WHOIS and DNS Records: A check of the WHOIS and DNS records for Hey.com shows that the domain has been registered since 1995 and is managed by Cloudflare, Inc., a reputable internet infrastructure company. This longevity and professional management further confirm its established and legitimate presence online.

How to Cancel Hey.com Subscription

While the HEY.com homepage encourages users to “Try HEY free” and showcases the benefits of the service, it doesn’t immediately provide detailed instructions for managing or canceling a subscription. Bs-holding.limited Review

This is a common practice for many subscription-based services, where such details are typically found within the user’s account settings or a dedicated support section once they’ve signed up.

Finding Cancellation Options Within Your Account

To cancel a Hey.com subscription, users will generally need to access their account settings within the HEY application itself.

This is standard procedure for most online services.

• Log In to HEY: The first step is to log into your HEY account through the web interface app.hey.com or via one of their desktop or mobile applications.
• Navigate to Settings/Billing: Once logged in, look for a “Settings,” “Account,” “Billing,” or “Subscription” section. These are common labels for managing account-related details.
• Locate Cancellation Option: Within the billing or subscription section, there should be a clear option to manage your subscription, which would include the ability to cancel it. This process is usually designed to be straightforward, though some companies may require a few clicks to confirm.

Understanding Billing Cycles and Refunds

When canceling any subscription, it’s important to understand the billing cycle and any potential implications for refunds.

HEY’s specific policies would be detailed in their Terms of Service or a dedicated billing FAQ, which are usually accessible from within the account or on their support site. Carshipio.com Reviews

• End of Billing Period: Most subscription services, including those like HEY, will allow you to continue using the service until the end of your current billing period e.g., end of the month or year, depending on your subscription type even after you’ve canceled. This means you won’t typically receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining time.
• No-Refund Policy Common: It is common for software-as-a-service SaaS companies like HEY to have a “no-refund” policy for periods already paid for, especially after the initial trial period. Their policy would dictate if any exceptions are made.
• Confirmation: Always ensure you receive a cancellation confirmation, either within the app or via email, to verify that your subscription has been successfully terminated and no further charges will occur.

Contacting Support for Assistance

If for any reason you encounter difficulties canceling your subscription through the self-service options, or if you have specific billing questions, contacting HEY’s customer support is the next logical step.

• Support Channels: Look for a “Help,” “Support,” or “Contact Us” link within the HEY application or on their main website. This often leads to a knowledge base, FAQ, or direct contact methods like email support.
• Clear Communication: When contacting support, be clear and concise about your request. Provide relevant account information to expedite the process.
• Documentation: Keep a record of your cancellation request e.g., date, time, method of contact, names of support representatives for your reference.

Hey.com Pricing

HEY is positioned as a premium email service, and as such, it operates on a subscription-based model rather than a free, ad-supported one.

While the homepage prominently features a “Try HEY free” call to action, it doesn’t immediately display a detailed pricing structure.

This approach is common for services that want users to experience the value first before committing to a price.

For full pricing details, users typically need to proceed through the sign-up process or visit a dedicated pricing page on their website. Ateliercologne.com Review

Subscription Model Overview

HEY follows a simple, direct subscription model.

Users pay a recurring fee, typically annually, for access to the service.

This model ensures that the user is the customer, not the product, aligning with HEY’s strong privacy stance and absence of advertising.

• Annual Billing: The primary pricing model for HEY is an annual subscription. This provides consistency for both the user and the company.
• Value Proposition: The price reflects the unique features offered, such as The Screener, specialized inboxes, and the overall commitment to a clean, private, and controlled email experience that is distinct from free alternatives.
• Premium Service: HEY positions itself as a premium offering, appealing to users who are willing to pay for a higher quality, less intrusive, and more efficient email solution.

Typical Pricing Structure

While specific numbers can fluctuate, HEY generally charges a flat annual fee per user.

• Individual Accounts: For individual users, the standard annual subscription is typically around $99 per year. This fee grants access to all of HEY’s features for one email address.
• Business/Team Accounts: HEY also offers options for businesses and teams, often priced per user per year, which may include additional administrative features or collaborative tools. The pricing for teams would scale with the number of users.
• Domain Pricing: If users want to use HEY with their own custom domain e.g., [email protected], there might be specific pricing tiers or additional setup fees associated with this.

What the Price Includes

The subscription fee for HEY typically includes access to the full suite of features advertised on the homepage and more: Printify.com Reviews

• Core Email Features: The Imbox, Paper Trail, The Feed, The Screener, Reply Later, Set Aside, Files, and other unique email management tools.
• HEY Calendar: Full access to their reimagined calendar application.
• Storage: A generous amount of email storage, typically ample for most users.
• Multi-Platform Access: Use of HEY across all supported platforms: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android applications.
• Privacy: The commitment to an ad-free, tracking-free, and privacy-respecting email environment.
• Support: Access to customer support for any issues or queries.

Value for Money

Whether HEY’s pricing represents good value depends on the individual user’s needs and priorities.

• For Users Prioritizing Control & Privacy: For those who are overwhelmed by traditional email, value their privacy, and are willing to invest in a streamlined communication system, the annual fee may be seen as a worthwhile expenditure. The time saved from managing spam and clutter, and the reduction in email stress, can justify the cost.
• For Budget-Conscious Users: For users accustomed to free email services and who manage their inbox effectively without specialized tools, HEY’s annual fee might seem high.
• Trial Period Importance: The free trial is crucial for potential users to experience the unique workflow and determine if the benefits genuinely outweigh the cost for their specific use case.

Hey.com vs. Gmail

Comparing Hey.com to Gmail is like comparing a tailored suit to off-the-rack clothing.

Both serve the fundamental purpose of email, but their philosophies, features, and target audiences diverge significantly.

While Gmail dominates the market with its pervasive free service and deep integration with Google’s ecosystem, HEY positions itself as a premium, privacy-centric alternative designed to reclaim your email experience.

Fundamental Philosophy

The most striking difference lies in their core philosophies regarding email.

• HEY’s Philosophy: User Control & Permission-Based: HEY believes that email has been “broken” by allowing anyone to send you anything. Its fundamental premise is that only the people you want email from should be able to email you. This leads to its proactive “Screener” feature, where you explicitly grant permission to new senders. The focus is on pulling in what you want and blocking the rest. This philosophy resonates deeply with those seeking to reduce digital clutter and regain control.
• Gmail’s Philosophy: Openness & Algorithmic Filtering: Gmail, by contrast, operates on an open-door policy. Anyone can email you, and Gmail then attempts to help you manage that influx through algorithmic filtering Primary, Social, Promotions tabs, smart replies, and advanced search. The focus is on managing and searching through the deluge, often through the use of AI and user data. This openness is a cornerstone of its ubiquity and free model.

Key Features and User Experience

While both are email clients, their features lead to vastly different user experiences.

• Spam and Filtering:
  • HEY: Utilizes “The Screener” for proactive, user-decided filtering. If a sender is blocked, you will never see their emails. This is a manual, upfront decision. This method significantly reduces unwanted emails reaching your primary view. for instance, if you receive 100 emails daily, HEY aims to ensure perhaps only 20-30 of those are actually seen in your “Imbox.”
  • Gmail: Employs sophisticated AI-driven spam filters and categorization Primary, Social, Promotions. While effective, some unwanted emails still slip through, and users often feel compelled to check their Promotions tab to ensure nothing important was missed. Google processes an estimated 300 billion emails per day, relying heavily on automated systems.
• Inbox Organization:
  • HEY: Offers unique “boxes” like the Imbox important, Paper Trail transactional, and The Feed newsletters/casual reads. This provides a highly segmented and purpose-driven organizational structure.
  • Gmail: Uses tabs Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, Forums and labels/folders for organization. While customizable, the default often still leads to a single, long scroll with algorithmic categorization that users may not always agree with.
• Privacy and Business Model:
  • HEY: Paid subscription model typically $99/year. This means the user is the customer, and there’s no reliance on advertising or data scanning for revenue. Strong emphasis on user privacy.
  • Gmail: Free model, funded by advertising. While Google states it doesn’t scan emails for ads, it uses data from your broader Google activity to personalize ads displayed elsewhere. This model has led to ongoing privacy concerns among some users. A survey by the DuckDuckGo Privacy Report found that 79% of internet users are concerned about their online privacy.
• Integration and Ecosystem:
  • HEY: Focuses on its internal ecosystem email, calendar. While it aims to be a complete solution, it generally has fewer third-party integrations compared to Gmail.
  • Gmail: Deeply integrated with Google’s vast ecosystem Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, Meet, etc. and offers extensive third-party integrations via its API and Google Workspace Marketplace. This is a significant advantage for users deeply embedded in the Google suite.

Target Audience

• HEY: Appeals to users who are frustrated with email overload, highly value privacy, and are willing to pay for a curated, controlled, and minimalist email experience. It’s for those who want a radical departure from the status quo.
• Gmail: Caters to a massive, broad audience. Its free nature, ease of use, and integration with other Google services make it ideal for casual users, students, and businesses already using Google Workspace.

In essence, HEY asks you to rethink email from the ground up and offers a distinct, opinionated solution for those willing to embrace a new workflow and pay for it.

Gmail, on the other hand, offers a powerful, free, and ubiquitous service that manages the existing email paradigm through automation and integration.

Hey.com FAQ

What is Hey.com?

Hey.com is a premium, paid email service created by 37signals formerly Basecamp that aims to reinvent email by giving users more control over their inbox, reducing clutter, and enhancing privacy through unique features like The Screener, Imbox, Paper Trail, and The Feed. It also includes an integrated calendar.

Who created Hey.com?

Hey.com was created by 37signals, a software company led by CEO Jason Fried and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson DHH. They are also known for their project management tool, Basecamp.

Is Hey.com free?

No, Hey.com is not free.

It operates on a paid subscription model, typically an annual fee, though it does offer a free trial period for new users to experience the service.

What is The Screener in Hey.com?

The Screener is a core feature of Hey.com that acts as a gatekeeper for all first-time emails.

When someone new emails you, their message lands in The Screener, allowing you to explicitly decide whether to accept their future emails which go to your Imbox or block them permanently.

What is the Imbox in Hey.com?

The Imbox in Hey.com is the primary inbox for important emails.

It’s designed to only receive emails from senders you have explicitly approved through The Screener, ensuring that your main inbox remains clutter-free and focused on relevant communications.

How does Hey.com handle newsletters?

Hey.com sends newsletters and long-form content to “The Feed,” a dedicated, browsable section.

This feature transforms newsletters into a casual newsfeed experience, keeping them out of your main Imbox and allowing you to read them at your leisure without contributing to your unread count.

What is Paper Trail in Hey.com?

Paper Trail is a specialized section in Hey.com for transactional emails, such as receipts, order confirmations, and service notifications.

It keeps these necessary but often clutter-inducing messages organized and separate from your primary communications.

Does Hey.com have a calendar?

Yes, Hey.com includes its own integrated calendar application.

It’s described as a “modern, breath-of-fresh-air take on calendaring,” designed to work seamlessly with the email service to provide a cohesive productivity experience.

Is Hey.com available on mobile devices?

Yes, Hey.com is available across multiple platforms, including web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing users to access their email and calendar from various devices.

How does Hey.com protect my privacy?

Hey.com emphasizes privacy by operating on a paid subscription model meaning no ads or data scanning for revenue, providing users with explicit control over who can email them, and building its features around user autonomy and protection from unwanted tracking.

Can I use my own custom domain with Hey.com?

Yes, Hey.com offers options to use your own custom domain for your email address e.g., [email protected]. Specific details and potential additional costs for custom domains would be outlined in their pricing or setup information.

What happens if I decline a sender in The Screener?

If you decline a sender in The Screener, you will never receive emails from that specific address again.

This decision is permanent and helps ensure your inbox is truly reserved for desired communications.

Can I switch from Gmail or Outlook to Hey.com?

Yes, Hey.com is designed for users to switch from existing email services like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and others.

Many testimonials on their homepage praise the ease and benefits of making such a transition.

Does Hey.com offer a family plan or multiple user accounts?

While the homepage focuses on individual users, Hey.com typically offers options for businesses and teams, which would allow for multiple user accounts under a single subscription plan, often with per-user pricing.

What if I accidentally decline an important email in The Screener?

HEY’s design aims to minimize this, but if an important sender is accidentally declined, you would generally need to manually add them to your accepted senders list from your blocked list, or request them to email you again to re-enter The Screener.

How does Hey.com compare to traditional email services?

Hey.com fundamentally differs by giving users proactive control over incoming emails via The Screener and segmenting messages into distinct, purpose-built inboxes, unlike traditional services that often rely on reactive filtering and a single, unified inbox for all message types.

Does Hey.com offer customer support?

Yes, as a paid service, Hey.com provides customer support to assist users with account management, technical issues, and any questions about the service.

Support channels are typically accessible within the application or via their website.

Can I migrate my old emails to Hey.com?

While the homepage focuses on the new experience, premium email services like HEY often offer tools or guidance for migrating existing emails from other providers.

Users would need to check Hey.com’s specific migration documentation or support resources.

Is Hey.com suitable for businesses?

Yes, Hey.com can be suitable for businesses, especially those prioritizing focused communication and privacy.

They offer features and pricing tiers tailored for teams, aiming to streamline internal and external communications for professional environments.

What makes Hey.com’s calendar different?

Hey.com’s calendar is designed to be a “modern, breath-of-fresh-air” take on traditional digital calendars, promising a more intuitive interface and seamless integration with its email features to simplify time management and scheduling.