Protonmail is encrypted and there is a first-tier free version.
They cannot scan your email because they don’t have the key.
I have been using it for a few years, gradually moving my email addresses from yahoo and gmail to protonmail.
I think I am going to complete the switchover ASAP.
I’ve tested the free version of Proton and like it
Guess I will get a real subscription soon.
Eventually I hope to dump GMail.
I’ve tried hushmail but wasn’t impressed.
I keep a Gmail account for all the daily junk but have a paid Proton Mail account for my personal life and select private business needs. That way it doesn’t get cluttered up with the Gmail address nonsense.
Plus the VPN is very good. I like the extra layer of protection. On top of that I don’t use Windows or Apple operating systems except for specific needs.