Fastmail vs Poke (Interaction Co.)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
Fastmail or Poke (Interaction Co.): which should you choose?
| Dimension | Fastmail | Poke (Interaction Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Privacy-focused users & small businesses needing custom domain email | Power users wanting AI-driven automation inside messaging apps |
| Core Feature | Custom domain email hosting, masked email, integrated calendar | AI assistant in Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, RCS; integrates Notion, Oura, TripIt |
| Platform | Web, iOS, Android, desktop apps | Chat-based via Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, RCS |
| Integrations | 1Password, Dropbox, Google Calendar, iCloud Calendar, Morgen | Notion, Oura, Gmail, Outlook, TripIt, Todoist, PostHog |
| Recent News | (no news) | Joining Cognition; launched Poke Human, Ultra tier, @poke.com email, Apple Messages integration |
Fastmail is private, ad-free email hosting with your own custom domain, Masked Email, and fast search.
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Poke is an AI personal assistant you text on Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram or RCS to run email, calendar and reminders
Visit WebsiteWho should pick Fastmail, and who should pick Poke (Interaction Co.)?
- Small business owner needing custom domain emailPick: Fastmail
Fastmail offers custom domain hosting with admin controls, 10 GB storage, and no ads, ideal for professional communication without big tech dependencies.
- Tech-savvy individual wanting AI-powered life managementPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke integrates Oura, Notion, TripIt, and more into one chat interface, automating tasks like scheduling and tracking – perfect for those who live in messaging apps.
- Family managing multiple mailboxesPick: Fastmail
Fastmail's Family plan ($14/mo) covers multiple users with shared storage and calendar features, while privacy and family-friendly controls are key.
- Frequent traveler needing trip automationPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke's TripIt integration and ability to manage emails and reminders from chat simplify travel planning, and Poke Human can handle bookings (Ultra).
- Privacy advocate migrating from GmailPick: Fastmail
Fastmail is paid, no ads, no data mining, and offers masked email – a direct replacement for Gmail with better privacy guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Poke to send emails from my custom domain?
Poke connects to your existing Gmail or Outlook account to manage emails. It does not host custom domains; for custom domain email, you would need Fastmail or another provider.
Does Fastmail have any AI features?
Fastmail does not include AI assistants or automation like Poke. It focuses on email, calendar, and contacts with productivity tools like snooze and scheduled send.
Poke works in Apple Messages – does that mean I need an iPhone?
Poke is available on Apple Messages, but it also supports WhatsApp, Telegram, and RCS, so it works on Android and other platforms as well.
Can I share calendars or collaborate with my team using Fastmail?
Yes, Fastmail Business plans offer shared calendars and admin controls for teams up to 25 users, plus integrated contacts and file storage.
What happens to Poke now that it's joining Cognition?
Poke states the product continues unchanged, and they expect future improvements from Cognition's models. No immediate changes to pricing or features.
Does Fastmail offer end-to-end encryption for emails?
Fastmail uses TLS encryption in transit and at rest, but not end-to-end encryption like ProtonMail. It is designed for privacy against ads, not for cryptographic security.
Is Poke's free tier useful?
The free tier connects your favorite apps and email/calendar, but advanced AI models and automations require Pro or Ultra. It's a good trial but limited for heavy use.
Which tool is better for someone who wants both email hosting and AI automation?
Neither tool fully does both. You could use Fastmail for email and calendar hosting, and Poke as an AI front-end to manage them. They are complementary, not mutually exclusive.
What else are Fastmail and Poke (Interaction Co.) compared with?
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These aren't substitutes — a buyer would never shortlist both. Poke is a messaging-native assistant that handles your email, calendar, reminders and background automations, with real-world human help
These aren't competitors — they solve different problems for different buyers. If you're a creator monetizing an audience, Beacons AI is the relevant pick: a link page plus store, courses and Beam for
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