Hi everyone! I’d like too switch from iCloud to a new provider but I’m unsure which one to use.
You’re probably best off just signing up for one or more and seeing what UI/UX you prefer if that is a consideration, since that is a subjective opinion.
I plan to use a third party client so, unless they require to use their first party apps (like proton), I don’t really care about UI/UX. I’m more interested in the service reliability (so no disappearing mails), the security and the privacy laws of the country
You can use Proton Bridge with a third party app with paid Proton subscriptions.
ProtonMail is great!
But you can also use Posteo via IMAP and CalDAV in an encrypted form. Check it out!
In the title you wrote EU-based which would disqualify Proton. The other two options recommend by Privacy Guides are based in Germany.
Do you have any specific reason for wanting a provider in the EU?
I don’t think OP meant that pedantically. EU is short for Europe based than strictly European Union.
Posteo doesn’t allow custom domains unfortunately. Proton is… okay I guess. I would like to know if Mailbox (or mailfence) is a valid alternative
Just to support local companies
I meant it as “either the EU or Proton” but right now I’m dead tired so it came out as confusing gibberrish, sorry
Then Mailbox.org is the best way to go ahead. But Proton is still better if you ask me.
UI aside, why is it better?
Proton is better for me compared to Mailbox because it has dedicated apps, better usability and functionality, and fully open source.
These are subjective opinions. Mailbox also has functionality that Proton doesn’t.
Proton is not fully open-source, their server is completely proprietary. If you use an open-source client like Thunderbird with mailbox.org the end result is practically the same.
Welcome to the forum! 
I think mailbox.org would be a suitable choice for you. It wouldn’t be recommended here if it weren’t a good service, and they have a very positive mission which you might value. You can also take a look at Privacy Guides’ recommended email clients which should resolve some of the UI concerns you have.
I currently have two subscriptions - Tuta and Mailbox.org.
I like Tuta as it has proper 2FA, which is not supported by any standard IMAP providers due to how email is designed. Mailbox.org is no exception - it only allows you to set 2FA on webapp. There’s no way around that.
From my point of view, email is the most important 2FA one can set, therefore I lean into leaving Mailbox.org for Tuta. Also, Tuta is improving their product, recently implemented labels (finally) and releasing their calendar app.
If you don’t agree with me on 2FA on email, Mailbox.org offers flexibility with external email apps such as Thunderbird. I miss that. Also they do support CalDav and other *Davs, which is indeed very cool and convenient.
Yes, I know. I meant it as such. Read my comments again. Never claimed it was an objective statement.
Yeah I never use 2FA on mail because if I lose my phone and Bitwarden, I’m doomed. I have a quite strong password only for mail [and one for bitwarden] which is enough. I don’t like Tuta tbf.
I think I will go with mailbox.org for now, if I don’t like it (no mail reception etc) I will switch to proton mail in a month. Hopefully Mailbox.org will update their UI soon though, subscribing is a chore
You can use Ente Auth and still access it via the web version if you lose all your devices. You can sign into any (new) computer and get all you want back with your 2FAs.
What’s the point though? I would be bartering a password for a password
You can store your email/other password(s) in the notes section of Ente Auth. It is still all E2EE.
So, really, you will only need to remember your Ente Auth username and password.