Mozilla Tests Paid Email Pivot With Thundermail Early Access
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The organization is moving toward a recurring revenue model with a hosted email service designed to compete with free, ad-supported alternatives.
Mozilla is advancing toward the wider launch of Thundermail, a hosted email service intended to generate additional revenue for the organization, according to reporting from The Register. Originally developed under the Thunderbird Pro banner, the service integrates paid email with file-sharing and appointment scheduling.
Thundermail is positioned as a paid alternative to services like Proton Mail, Outlook.com, and Gmail. While the latter two offer free accounts supported by advertisements, Thundermail requires a subscription. Early access sign-up screens indicate a basic service price of $6 per month, billed annually, though The Register notes the organization plans to offer various features and services at different price points.
Technically, the service provides a web-based interface and compatibility with other email clients, including the Thunderbird mobile app for Android and the Thunderbird desktop app, both of which remain free. The offering includes 30 GB of mail storage, support for up to 15 email addresses, and three custom domains. Additionally, users receive 60 GB of send storage via Thunderbird Send, an end-to-end encrypted service for large attachments and file-sharing.
Mozilla has previously indicated that a full launch is expected sometime in 2026, and it has recently begun inviting members of a waitlist to participate in an early-access program. The Register reports that the web interface mirrors the layout of Gmail, featuring a partitioned screen with folders and messages, while offering standard utilities such as scheduled delivery and multiple draft management.