Proton Mail - Secure Email Service
Overall experience
I started using Proton Mail a couple of years ago when I began de-Googling my life. Email was the first step, and Proton's privacy-first approach immediately felt like the right move. The transition was smoother than expected thanks to the Easy Switch tool, and since then it's become my primary inbox. I don't miss ads, algorithmic sorting, or the nagging feeling that my emails are being scanned. It just works, and it respects my privacy.
Reviewed on: Feb 12, 2025
Pros
- End-to-end encryption
- Privacy-first approach
- Ad-free
- Easy migration with Easy Switch
- Open source and independently audited
Cons
- Free plan has limited storage and features
- Paid plans can be more expensive than some alternatives
- Occasional delays in email delivery, especially with non-Proton recipients
- Mobile app occasionally has syncing issues
Detailed Review
I switched to Proton Mail a couple of years ago when I made a conscious decision to move away from Google services. Email felt like the right place to start, since so much of our personal data flows through it. Proton Mail stood out immediately for its strong stance on privacy and end-to-end encryption. The fact that it's based in Switzerland—with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world—gave me even more peace of mind.
The migration process was easier than expected. Their Easy Switch tool handled the bulk import of my old emails, contacts, and even labels from Gmail. The interface is clean and focused, free of ads and distractions. I really appreciate that even the subject lines are encrypted when emailing other Proton users—a level of privacy most services don't offer.
Over time, I also started using other Proton services, like Proton Calendar and Drive, because the ecosystem just makes sense for anyone who values control over their data. Proton Mail isn't perfect—the free plan is limited and some features are hidden behind paywalls—but I've found the reliability, security, and peace of mind well worth the cost.
If you're even remotely concerned about surveillance capitalism or just want your inbox to be your own again, Proton Mail is one of the most trustworthy places to start.
FAQ
- Is Proton Mail really private?
Yes, Proton Mail uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and the recipient can read your emails. Even Proton itself cannot access your messages, and the service is based in Switzerland, which has strict privacy laws.
- Can I import my old emails into Proton Mail?
Yes, Proton Mail offers an Easy Switch tool that makes it easy to migrate from other email providers like Gmail. It handles importing your emails, contacts, and labels to Proton Mail seamlessly.
- Does Proton Mail work with other email providers?
Yes, Proton Mail works with most email providers. However, there may be occasional delays in email delivery, particularly when sending emails to non-Proton users. We've found this issue to be rare but it can happen during peak usage times.
- What are the limitations of the free plan?
The free plan gives you limited storage (500MB) and access to basic features. While it's sufficient for light use, if you need more storage or advanced features like custom domains or additional aliases, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
- How secure is Proton Mail's mobile app?
The mobile app is generally secure and easy to use, but some users have reported occasional syncing issues. If you run into this, a quick app restart or reinstallation usually fixes it.
Conclusion
Proton Mail is more than just an encrypted email service—it's a statement about who should control your digital life. Since switching a couple of years ago as part of my effort to de-Google, it's proven itself to be secure, reliable, and refreshingly minimal. While the free plan is basic, the paid tiers unlock powerful tools for anyone who wants privacy without sacrificing usability. If you're even slightly privacy-conscious, Proton Mail is worth making your default.
Key information about Proton Mail
Proton Mail is a secure email service based in Switzerland that protects your privacy.
Pricing
Monthly
$4.99
Yearly
$47.88
$3.99/month
Two-Year
$83.76
$3.49/month
Brand: Proton Mail
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
Rating: 9.5 / 10
*The button will redirect to Proton Mail site and automatically apply the discount.
Features
- Highest standards of privacy: Proton is incorporated and headquartered in Switzerland, meaning your data is protected by some of the world's strictest privacy laws.
- Switch to Proton Mail in one click: With Easy Switch, you can quickly migrate from any email provider to Proton Mail. Import your emails, labels, contacts, and calendars to Proton Mail and set up automatic forwarding to receive future emails in your new encrypted inbox.
- Open source and independently audited: All Proton services are open source and independently audited for security. We also maintain open-source encryption libraries used by millions of people around the world.
- Mail Plus Plan: The Mail Plus plan includes 15 GB of storage, 1 user, 10 extra email addresses, support for 1 custom email domain, unlimited folders and labels, 10 hide-my-email aliases, and priority customer support.
Benefits
Proton Mail offers advanced security features, a privacy-first approach, and ad-free email, making it ideal for keeping your conversations private.
Target Audience
Individuals and businesses looking for a secure and privacy-focused email service.
How It Works
Proton Mail encrypts your emails and stores them in Switzerland, protecting your data with strict privacy laws.