Email providers see everything that crosses your inbox. Encrypted alternatives change that contract.

ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email service with no advertising and maximum possible privacy for its users, funded entirely by donations and subscriptions. The basic account is free, with paid-for accounts that have more features and storage.

Why consider the swap

If you currently rely on Gmail and want more control over data, lower long-term costs, or a privacy-friendly licensing model, ProtonMail covers most of the same ground.

What you trade off

Most privacy-friendly alternatives require more setup than their commercial counterparts and may lag on polish, mobile apps, or ecosystem integrations. Check the project’s documentation for current feature parity with Gmail before committing.

Where to start

• Project page: ProtonMail
• Comparison reference: Gmail

This recommendation is indexed from switching.software. Read their full project notes for the latest changes.