Proton’s mission is to build a better internet where privacy is the default.
Proton began with a mission to provide secure and private communication through encrypted email. With Proton Mail, email encryption is seamless — there are no special steps to follow, and all encryption happens automatically by default.
Initially launched as a web app, Proton Mail now offers dedicated apps for Android and iOS, along with support for IMAP/SMTP email clients via Proton Mail Bridge.
Pros and Cons
Before getting into the details of Proton Mail, here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros
✅ End-to-End Encryption: Enjoy secure email exchanges with other ProtonMail users, ensuring your communications are private.
✅ Message Protection: Add an extra layer of security by password-protecting messages sent to non-ProtonMail users.
✅ Comprehensive Privacy Suite: Access additional tools like VPN, password management, secure calendar, and encrypted cloud storage.
✅ Temporary Email Service: Utilize SimpleLogin for disposable email addresses to safeguard your primary account.
✅ Tracking Prevention: Automatically blocks email tracking through embedded images.
✅ Free and Premium Options: Benefit from a range of security features, even on the free tier, with the option to upgrade for additional services.
✅ Encrypted Calendar: Keep your schedule private with ProtonMail’s encrypted calendar.
✅ Intuitive Interface: Enjoy a user-friendly and sleek interface that makes managing your emails a breeze.
Cons
❌ Limited Features on Unlimited Plan: Despite the “Unlimited” label, there are still some restrictions on storage and features.
❌ Sign-Up Verification Concerns: The verification process may raise privacy concerns for some users.
❌ Storage Limit for Free Users: Free accounts are restricted to just 1GB of storage.
Proton Mail Pricing
ProtonMail is slightly pricier than some of its competitors, but the extra cost comes with added value. For example, ProtonMail’s most affordable plan for individuals is around €4.99/month per user. In comparison, similar services like Fastmail and Tutanota charge about $6 USD/month and €3.60/month, respectively.
However, when you look at the features included in each plan, you’ll see a different perspective. Even free users of ProtonMail get access to additional features like Proton Calendar and Proton VPN—extras that aren’t typically included in the paid plans of other services like Hushmail. With ProtonMail’s paid plans, you also receive larger storage capacities and a broader range of features.
ProtonMail offers a variety of plans to suit different needs. There are three individual plans, a family plan, and three business plans. If you’re looking to compare these options, check out the ProtonMail cost comparison table. Note that the Enterprise plan is customizable and designed for large businesses, so it’s not included in the standard comparison.
Testimonials
Proton Mail FAQs
Upgrading to a paid plan gives you extra storage, priority customer support, and a range of features such as multiple email addresses and the ability to use a custom domain. For more details, check out: Proton Plans. Plus, your support helps Proton Mail continue to improve their suite of secure products and provide privacy options for free users who might not be able to afford it.
Yes, switching to Proton Mail is simple and free. You have two main options:
1.) Easy Switch: Import your emails, calendars, and contacts all at once with the Easy Switch tool.
2.) Import Tool: Use their Import tool to transfer just your emails.
Bonus: You can also import your contacts only if that’s all you need.
Currently, you can create an email address with either the @proton.me or @protonmail.com domains. If you have a paid plan, you can also activate a short pm.me domain. For more details, visit: Proton Mail Addresses and Aliases.
Even though “.me” appears to be a country code, the “proton.me” and “pm.me” domains are generic top-level domains and not associated with Montenegro.
Yes, they do. You can find more information here: Proton Mail Family Plan.
Yes, you can. There are no restrictions on who can use the additional accounts on the Visionary plan, as long as they use them legally.
When your mailbox storage is full, you won’t be able to receive new emails; they will be returned to the senders. You’ll receive a notification when you reach 90% of your storage capacity, so you know you’re nearing your limit.
For Free Proton Mail accounts, you can increase your storage by completing four simple tasks. A similar process applies to Proton Drive. Paid users receive additional storage each year with their subscription. Learn more here: Storage Bonus
As a paying user, you earn a Storage Bonus for each year you remain continuously subscribed to any premium Proton plan.
These bonuses apply only during uninterrupted periods of your paid subscription. If you cancel or downgrade to the Free version, you stop earning bonus storage. When you re-subscribe to a paid plan, the bonus clock restarts.
During signup, you can pay with a credit card or PayPal. For existing accounts, you have five payment options: credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, cash, and bank transfer. They currently accept payments in USD, EUR, and CHF.
