Proton Mail

Proton Mail is an email service that focuses on privacy. Messages between Proton users are end-to-end encrypted, which means that the content is readable only by the sender and the receiver.

What to expect

• A free plan with limited storage, and paid plans with more space and features.
• Emails to people on other providers are not automatically end-to-end encrypted, unless you use the password-protected message option.
• Less integration with other services than Gmail, which is a trade-off for privacy.

Who should consider it

People who handle sensitive information or simply prefer a privacy-first approach. For most people, a well-protected Gmail account with two-step verification is also a reasonable choice. Compare it with Gmail before deciding.

Getting set up on Proton Mail carefully

• Add a recovery method at sign-up. Privacy-focused services may be unable to help if you are locked out.
• Remember that end-to-end protection applies between Proton users; messages to other providers rely on other options.
• Use a unique password for the account and keep it in a password manager.
• Keep one separate address for newsletters and shopping so your private inbox stays quiet.

Things to know first

Is Proton Mail free? There is a free plan with limited storage and paid plans with more. Check the official page for current details.

Does it encrypt all my emails? Messages between Proton users are end-to-end encrypted; other messages have different protection. Read the official explanation.

Bottom line

Proton Mail is a good fit if privacy is a priority and you are happy to give up some convenience. The privacy gains apply mostly between Proton users, and messages to other providers have different protection. Because it focuses on privacy, account recovery can be stricter, so set up your recovery method carefully on day one.

A typical situation

A freelancer who exchanges sensitive contracts with clients keeps a Proton address for that work and a separate address for newsletters and shopping, so the private mailbox stays clean.

Related reading

If you want the most common option, compare Gmail. For account protection regardless of provider, see Bitwarden and data breach checking.