Proton Mail

Proton Mail is an encrypted email service for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its free plan lists 1 GB of storage and one email address, though its FAQ says storage begins at 500 MB; the free tier is described as having the same security level as paid plans. The service uses end-to-end and zero-access encryption, and its apps are open source and independently audited. It blocks email trackers and includes phishing and spam protection, password-protected messages, and link confirmation. Users can schedule, undo, or snooze email and arrange messages with folders, labels, and categories. Easy Switch can import email, calendars, and contacts from services such as Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple. Paid plans support external mail clients through IMAP and SMTP with Proton Mail Bridge. Mail Plus lists 15 GB of storage, 10 extra email addresses, and one custom domain. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee; the desktop app has a 14-day free trial.

Proton Mail combines encrypted email with tracker blocking and tools for organizing and scheduling messages. The free plan is available, while Mail Plus lists additional storage, addresses, and a custom domain.

It suits people seeking encrypted email across desktop and mobile platforms, with tracker blocking and message organization tools. Users who want to bring in contacts, calendars, and email from other providers can use Easy Switch.

Overview

Proton Mail is a privacy-focused email service from Proton AG, a Geneva-based company founded in 2014. Its broad device support and encrypted calendar make it a strong fit for people who want a more private home for everyday email without giving up familiar message-management tools.

Its strongest case is the combination of encryption, tracker blocking and an ad-free inbox. The trade-off is that meaningful increases in storage, addresses and domain flexibility require a paid plan, and the free tier is tightly capped.

Key features

• Privacy protections: End-to-end and zero-access encryption, tracker blocking, phishing and spam protection, password-protected email and link confirmation address different risks in one service. Open-source apps and independent audits add transparency, though they do not remove the need to choose a plan that fits your storage needs.
• Encrypted calendar: The encrypted calendar extends the privacy offer beyond the inbox, which is useful for people who want their scheduling in the same ecosystem.
• Inbox controls: Scheduling, undo and snooze options, along with folders, labels and categories, make the service practical for managing routine correspondence rather than just storing sensitive messages.
• Migration and client support: Easy Switch imports email, calendars and contacts from Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, Apple and other providers. Paid plans can connect external email clients through IMAP and SMTP using Proton Mail Bridge; that support is a benefit for established desktop workflows, but it is not included in the free plan.

Pricing

Proton Mail is freemium. The two free-plan entries both show free, with 1 GB of storage and one encrypted email address; one also specifies one user. The FAQ says storage starts at 500 MB, while the plan entries state 1 GB, so readers should expect a modest free allowance rather than a large mailbox. No credit card is required for the Proton Free entry.

Mail Plus has custom pricing. It raises storage to 15 GB and includes 10 extra email addresses, one custom email domain, 10 hide-my-email aliases, and unlimited folders and labels. It suits an individual who has outgrown the free cap or wants a personal domain; it does not provide the 500 GB and three-domain allowances of Unlimited. Mail Plus includes priority customer support.

Proton Unlimited also has custom pricing. Its 500 GB storage, 15 extra email addresses, three custom domains and unlimited hide-my-email aliases better suit someone with heavier storage or multiple domain needs. Dedicated customer support is included. The Family plan supports up to five additional members and 3 TB of total storage, making it the relevant option for households that want shared capacity.

Paid subscriptions are shown with monthly billing, and paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The desktop app has a 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at 3.99 /user/mo; business email and custom domains are available, and Proton says it secures more than 100,000 businesses.

Platforms

Proton Mail is available on the web and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. This range makes it a plausible single service across desktop and mobile devices. Its attachment limit is 25 MB, a practical ceiling to keep in mind when sending large files.

Who it's for

Choose Proton Mail if privacy is a priority, you want encryption and tracker blocking alongside everyday inbox tools, or you need a custom domain and can justify a paid subscription. The free tier is a reasonable way to begin, but 1 GB and one address make it a poor fit for anyone who needs substantial storage or multiple identities without paying. Readers who depend on external clients should also account for Bridge being a paid-plan feature.

Pros and cons

• Pros: End-to-end and zero-access encryption, tracker blocking and an ad-free inbox combine privacy protections without relying on one feature alone.
• Pros: Scheduling, snoozing, message undo, folders, labels and categories support active inbox management.
• Pros: Easy Switch can bring in email, calendars and contacts, reducing the friction of moving from major providers.
• Cons: The free plan's 1 GB and single address are restrictive for users with large archives or separate personal and professional identities.
• Cons: IMAP and SMTP access through Bridge requires a paid plan, so the free option is less suitable for users committed to external email clients.
• Cons: Paid plan prices are custom, which makes it harder to compare the cost of extra storage and domains before choosing.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Email providers, Secure Email Providers, Personal Email Services and Private Email Services.

• Tuta Mail is another freemium option with apps across desktop and mobile, end-to-end encryption, and a free plan that includes 1 GB and one calendar.
• Aster Mail may suit readers prioritizing open-source software; its free plan offers 10 GB encrypted storage, five aliases and one custom domain.
• eclipso Mail Europe is an alternative with a free tier that provides 4 GB and one email address.
• Mailfence is worth considering if web access plus iOS and Android coverage fits your needs; its free plan divides 1 GB between email and document storage.
• Mailo offers a free plan with 1 GB of email storage, five aliases and IMAP4 and EAS access, but includes ads.
• mail.de has a free option with 500 MB storage, a 25-email daily limit and a 60 MB attachment limit.
• SecureMyEmail offers a free plan for one email address and paid options for users who need more addresses.
• mailbox is a paid alternative; its Light plan costs €1 a month, billed annually, and includes 2 GB, three aliases, calendar, address book, and IMAP and POP3 access.

Verdict

Proton Mail is a strong choice for people who want encrypted, tracker-blocking email across desktop and mobile, with an encrypted calendar and useful inbox controls. Its free plan is best treated as a low-capacity starting point; look elsewhere if you need a generous free mailbox or require external-client access without paying. For custom domains, more addresses and higher storage, choose a paid tier that matches your needs, bearing in mind that its pricing is custom.