Ask HN: Email client alternatives for Gmail/YMail/etc ad-based clients

Hey folks,

I am sick with all these data gathering stuff and have been working on reducing my Google/Yahoo usage.

I rarely use FB, and use DDG for search.

Google does have some products which are unbeatable as of now -- maps. I acknowledge it requires huge investment, etc to get all pieces together to make map usable. But, email? Aren't there any better email clients (paid/unpaid) out there that can compete with gmail? What would you recommend?

Thanks!