What is Proton Mail?
Proton Mail is the world's largest encrypted email service, founded in 2013 by scientists who met at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) with a mission to protect online privacy. Unlike Gmail or Outlook, Proton Mail uses end-to-end encryption, meaning your emails are encrypted on your device before being sent to Proton's servers – not even Proton employees can read your messages. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Proton Mail is protected by some of the world's strongest privacy laws. The service is entirely ad-free and does not track, log, or sell your data to advertisers. Over 100 million people worldwide trust Proton for their email communications.
Key Features
- ✓End-to-end encryption for all emails
- ✓Zero-access encryption (Proton cannot read your data)
- ✓Self-destructing messages with expiration timers
- ✓Password-protected emails to non-Proton users
- ✓Custom domain support for businesses
- ✓Bridge app for desktop email client integration
- ✓Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- ✓Calendar integration (Proton Calendar)
- ✓Encrypted contact management
- ✓Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- ✓Import from Gmail, Outlook, and other services
- ✓Open-source cryptography libraries
🔒 Privacy & Data Protection
Proton Mail sets the gold standard for email privacy. Based in Switzerland and protected by Swiss privacy laws, Proton operates outside EU and US jurisdiction while still exceeding GDPR requirements. All email data is end-to-end encrypted using open-source, publicly audited cryptography. Proton's servers are located in Switzerland, including in a former military bunker under 1000 meters of granite. The company cannot comply with foreign data requests because they physically cannot decrypt your emails. Proton has consistently fought for user privacy in Swiss courts and maintains a transparency report of all legal requests received.
Best For
💰 Pricing
Proton Mail offers a generous free plan with 1GB of storage and 1 email address. The Mail Plus plan at €4.99/month (or €36/year) provides 15GB storage and custom domain support. Proton Unlimited at €12.99/month includes 500GB storage plus full access to Proton Drive, Calendar, VPN, and Pass. Family and business plans offer excellent value for multiple users. All paid plans include priority support and advanced features.
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