ProtonMail
ProtonMail
Encrypted email service from Switzerland with end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and strong privacy protections for secure communication.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption
- Zero-access encryption
- Self-destructing messages
- Password-protected emails
- Anonymous sign-up
- Two-factor authentication
- Custom domain support
- Email aliases
- Encrypted contacts
- Calendar integration
- VPN integration
- Import/export tools
- Spam filtering
- Mobile apps
- Open-source cryptography
What is ProtonMail?
ProtonMail is a secure email service founded in 2013 by scientists from CERN and MIT who met at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. The service was created in response to growing concerns about government surveillance and data privacy, particularly following the Edward Snowden revelations. ProtonMail's mission is to provide accessible, encrypted email communication that protects user privacy and ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages.
Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail benefits from some of the world's strongest privacy laws. Swiss privacy legislation provides robust protections against surveillance and data requests, making it an ideal jurisdiction for a privacy-focused email service. The company operates under Swiss jurisdiction, which means it's protected by Swiss privacy laws and is outside the reach of US and EU surveillance agreements.
The service uses end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, meaning that even ProtonMail's own staff cannot read user emails. All messages are automatically encrypted on the sender's device before being transmitted to ProtonMail's servers, and they remain encrypted until the recipient decrypts them. This architecture ensures that user data is protected not only from external threats but also from potential internal breaches or government requests.
ProtonMail has grown from a crowdfunded startup to one of the world's largest secure email providers, serving millions of users worldwide. The service is part of the broader Proton ecosystem, which includes ProtonVPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar, all designed with the same privacy-first philosophy. ProtonMail offers both free and paid plans, making encrypted email accessible to everyone while providing advanced features for power users and businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption ensures complete message privacy
- Zero-access architecture means ProtonMail cannot read your emails
- Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- Free plan available with generous storage and features
- Open-source cryptography that can be independently audited
- Anonymous sign-up without requiring personal information
- Self-destructing messages and password-protected emails
- Proton Bridge allows use with desktop email clients
- Custom domain support for professional use
- Integration with other Proton services (VPN, Drive, Calendar)
- Excellent mobile apps for iOS and Android
- No ads or tracking of user behavior
Cons:
- Limited storage on free plan (1GB)
- Cannot send encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users without extra steps
- Proton Bridge requires paid subscription for desktop client access
- Search functionality is limited compared to traditional email services
- Free plan limited to 150 messages per day
- No IMAP/SMTP access without Proton Bridge
- Learning curve for users accustomed to traditional email
- Paid plans can be expensive compared to standard email services
- Limited third-party integrations due to encryption
- Email recovery can be difficult if you lose your password
Who It's For
ProtonMail is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who want to protect their email communications from surveillance, data mining, and unauthorized access. This includes journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and anyone who handles sensitive information that requires the highest level of confidentiality. If you're concerned about government surveillance, corporate data collection, or simply want to maintain your digital privacy, ProtonMail provides the tools and infrastructure to keep your communications secure.
Business professionals and organizations that handle confidential client information, trade secrets, or proprietary data will find ProtonMail's security features invaluable. The service offers custom domain support, multiple user accounts, and administrative controls that make it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Healthcare providers, legal professionals, financial advisors, and consultants who need to comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA or GDPR can benefit from ProtonMail's encrypted communication platform.
ProtonMail is also perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their digital footprint and avoid the data collection practices of mainstream email providers. If you're tired of seeing ads based on your email content or concerned about how tech companies use your personal information, ProtonMail offers a refreshing alternative. The service doesn't track your behavior, doesn't serve ads, and doesn't sell your data to third parties.
However, ProtonMail may not be the best choice for users who prioritize convenience over privacy, need extensive third-party integrations, or require advanced features like sophisticated email automation and CRM integration. If you're looking for a simple email service with minimal setup and don't have specific privacy concerns, traditional email providers might be more suitable. ProtonMail requires a commitment to privacy practices and may involve a learning curve for users accustomed to conventional email services.
End-to-End Encryption
ProtonMail's end-to-end encryption is the cornerstone of its security architecture. When you send an email to another ProtonMail user, the message is encrypted on your device before it leaves your computer or phone, travels encrypted through the internet, and remains encrypted on ProtonMail's servers until the recipient decrypts it on their device. This means that at no point during transmission or storage can anyone—including ProtonMail staff, internet service providers, or potential attackers—read the content of your messages.
The encryption uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. ProtonMail implements OpenPGP standards with 4096-bit RSA key pairs for asymmetric encryption and AES-256 for symmetric encryption. When you create a ProtonMail account, the service automatically generates a public-private key pair. Your public key is used by others to encrypt messages sent to you, while your private key (which never leaves your device unencrypted) is used to decrypt messages you receive.
For emails sent to non-ProtonMail users, the service offers password-protected encryption. You can set a password for the message, which the recipient must enter to decrypt and read the email. The recipient receives a link to a secure page where they enter the password to access the message. While this method isn't as seamless as ProtonMail-to-ProtonMail encryption, it still provides strong protection for sensitive communications with people who don't use encrypted email services.
Zero-Access Architecture
Zero-access architecture is ProtonMail's unique approach to data security that ensures the company itself cannot access user data. Unlike traditional email providers that can read your messages to serve targeted ads or comply with data requests, ProtonMail has designed its system so that user emails are encrypted with keys that only the user possesses. This means that even if ProtonMail wanted to read your emails or was compelled by a court order to hand over your data, they physically cannot decrypt your messages.
The zero-access system extends beyond just email content. Your contacts, calendar events, and other data stored in ProtonMail are also encrypted with your private key. When you log in to ProtonMail, your password is used to decrypt your private key locally on your device, which then allows you to decrypt your emails and other data. Your password never leaves your device in plain text, and ProtonMail's servers never have access to your unencrypted private key.
This architecture provides exceptional security but comes with an important caveat: if you forget your password, ProtonMail cannot help you recover your account. There's no "forgot password" option that emails you a reset link, because ProtonMail doesn't have the ability to decrypt your data. This is why ProtonMail strongly recommends setting up a recovery email address or recovery phrase when you create your account. The zero-access model represents a fundamental trade-off between convenience and security, prioritizing user privacy above all else.
Self-Destructing Messages
ProtonMail's self-destructing messages feature allows you to send emails that automatically delete themselves after a specified period. This is particularly useful for sharing time-sensitive information, temporary access credentials, or any content that you don't want to exist indefinitely in someone's inbox. You can set expiration times ranging from one hour to four weeks, and once the time expires, the message is permanently deleted from both the sender's and recipient's accounts.
The self-destruct feature works seamlessly with both ProtonMail-to-ProtonMail communications and encrypted messages sent to external email addresses. When sending to non-ProtonMail users, the recipient receives a link to view the message on ProtonMail's secure servers, and the message expires according to your specified timeframe. This ensures that sensitive information doesn't linger in email archives or get forwarded indefinitely.
To use this feature, simply compose your email as normal and click on the expiration time icon before sending. You can choose from preset time intervals or set a custom expiration time. The recipient will see a countdown timer indicating when the message will self-destruct. It's important to note that while this feature prevents the message from being accessible through ProtonMail, recipients could still take screenshots or copy the content before it expires, so it should be used as part of a broader security strategy rather than as a foolproof solution.
Password-Protected Emails
Password-protected emails enable you to send encrypted messages to anyone, even if they don't use ProtonMail or any encrypted email service. This feature bridges the gap between ProtonMail's secure ecosystem and the wider world of standard email, allowing you to maintain end-to-end encryption when communicating with people who use Gmail, Outlook, or any other email provider. The recipient doesn't need to install any software or create an account to read your encrypted message.
When you send a password-protected email, you set a password that the recipient will need to decrypt the message. The recipient receives a notification email with a link to ProtonMail's secure message center. When they click the link, they're prompted to enter the password you've set. Once authenticated, they can read your message, reply securely, and even send encrypted attachments back to you. The entire conversation remains encrypted and is automatically deleted from ProtonMail's servers after 28 days.
The security of this feature depends on how you share the password with the recipient. ProtonMail recommends communicating the password through a separate channel, such as a phone call, text message, or in-person conversation. Never send the password in the same email or through an insecure channel that could be intercepted. You can also set a password hint to help the recipient remember the password without compromising security. This feature is particularly valuable for professionals who need to share confidential information with clients or partners who don't use encrypted email.
Anonymous Sign-Up
ProtonMail allows you to create an account without providing any personal information, making it one of the few email services that truly supports anonymous communication. You don't need to provide a phone number, recovery email, or any identifying information to sign up for a free account. This feature is crucial for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and anyone who needs to communicate without revealing their identity or creating a digital trail that could be traced back to them.
The anonymous sign-up process is straightforward: you choose a username, create a strong password, and optionally complete a CAPTCHA or human verification challenge to prevent automated bot registrations. ProtonMail doesn't log IP addresses associated with account creation or email access, further protecting your anonymity. However, it's important to note that while ProtonMail doesn't require personal information, you should still take additional precautions if anonymity is critical, such as using a VPN or Tor to mask your IP address.
While anonymous sign-up offers maximum privacy, it comes with the significant risk that you cannot recover your account if you forget your password. Without a recovery email or phone number, there's no way for ProtonMail to verify your identity and help you regain access. This is an intentional design choice that prioritizes privacy over convenience. If you choose to sign up anonymously, ProtonMail strongly recommends writing down your password and storing it securely, or using a password manager to ensure you don't lose access to your account.
Custom Domain Support
Custom domain support allows you to use ProtonMail's secure email infrastructure with your own domain name, giving you a professional email address while maintaining the privacy and security benefits of ProtonMail. Instead of using an @protonmail.com address, you can use your business or personal domain, such as yourname@yourdomain.com. This feature is available on paid plans and is particularly valuable for businesses, professionals, and anyone who wants to maintain a consistent brand identity while using encrypted email.
Setting up a custom domain with ProtonMail involves updating your domain's DNS records to point to ProtonMail's servers. The process includes adding MX records for mail routing, SPF records for sender authentication, and DKIM records for email signing. ProtonMail provides detailed instructions and verification tools to help you configure your domain correctly. Once set up, you can create multiple email addresses using your custom domain, manage user accounts, and maintain full control over your email infrastructure while benefiting from ProtonMail's encryption and security features.
Custom domain support includes features like catch-all addresses, which route all emails sent to any address at your domain to a single inbox, and the ability to create multiple users with different permission levels. This makes ProtonMail suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need secure email for their entire team. You can also use multiple custom domains with higher-tier plans, allowing you to manage email for multiple brands or projects from a single ProtonMail account. The custom domain feature maintains all of ProtonMail's security benefits, including end-to-end encryption for messages between ProtonMail users and zero-access encryption for all stored data.
Proton Bridge
Proton Bridge is a desktop application that allows you to use ProtonMail with popular email clients like Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This solves one of the biggest challenges of encrypted email: the inability to use familiar desktop email applications. Proton Bridge runs locally on your computer and acts as a secure intermediary between your email client and ProtonMail's servers, encrypting and decrypting messages on your device so that your data remains protected throughout the entire process.
The Bridge application creates a local IMAP and SMTP server on your computer that your email client connects to. When you send an email through your desktop client, Proton Bridge encrypts it before sending it to ProtonMail's servers. When you receive an email, Proton Bridge downloads the encrypted message, decrypts it locally, and presents it to your email client in plain text. This means you can use all the features of your favorite email client—advanced search, offline access, keyboard shortcuts, and integrations—while still benefiting from ProtonMail's security.
Proton Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it's included with all paid ProtonMail plans. The application runs in the background and automatically handles encryption and decryption, so you don't need to think about the technical details. It supports multiple ProtonMail accounts, allowing you to manage personal and business email from the same desktop client. Proton Bridge also enables features like importing existing emails from other services, backing up your ProtonMail data locally, and using advanced email client features that aren't available in the web interface. This makes ProtonMail a viable option for power users who rely on desktop email clients for their workflow.
Pricing
Free Plan: ProtonMail's free plan provides 1GB of storage, one email address, support for up to 150 messages per day, and three folders/labels. The free plan includes all of ProtonMail's core security features, including end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and the ability to send password-protected emails to non-ProtonMail users. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who want secure email without any cost. However, the free plan has limitations on storage and sending volume that may not be sufficient for heavy email users or business purposes.
Mail Plus: The Mail Plus plan costs $4.99 per month (or $47.88 per year) and includes 15GB of storage, 10 email addresses, support for unlimited messages, unlimited folders/labels, custom domain support, and access to Proton Bridge for desktop email clients. This plan also includes priority customer support and the ability to use custom email filters and auto-reply. Mail Plus is ideal for individuals who need more storage and features than the free plan offers, or for professionals who want to use their own domain with ProtonMail.
Proton Unlimited: For $9.99 per month (or $119.88 per year), Proton Unlimited provides 500GB of storage, access to all Proton services (Mail, VPN, Drive, Calendar, and Pass), 15 email addresses, support for 3 custom domains, and all the features of Mail Plus. This plan is designed for users who want the complete Proton ecosystem and need substantial storage for email, files, and other data. The inclusion of ProtonVPN adds an extra layer of privacy and security, making this plan excellent value for privacy-conscious users who want comprehensive protection.
Business Plans: ProtonMail offers several business plans starting at $6.99 per user per month for Mail Essentials, which includes 15GB storage per user, 10 email addresses per user, custom domain support, and priority support. The Mail Professional plan at $8.99 per user per month adds unlimited folders/labels and email filters. For organizations that need the full Proton suite, the Business plan at $12.99 per user per month includes all Proton services with 1TB storage per user. All business plans include centralized billing, user management, and administrative controls suitable for organizations of any size.
Verdict
ProtonMail stands out as the gold standard for secure, private email communication. Its combination of end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and Swiss privacy protection creates an email service that genuinely prioritizes user privacy over convenience or profit. For anyone concerned about surveillance, data mining, or unauthorized access to their communications, ProtonMail offers a level of security that mainstream email providers simply cannot match. The service has proven its commitment to privacy through years of operation, transparent security practices, and open-source code that can be independently audited.
The free plan makes encrypted email accessible to everyone, while paid plans offer features that rival traditional email services. Proton Bridge is particularly impressive, allowing users to maintain their preferred desktop email workflow while benefiting from ProtonMail's security. The integration with other Proton services creates a comprehensive privacy ecosystem that extends beyond just email. For businesses and professionals, the custom domain support and administrative features make ProtonMail a viable alternative to traditional business email solutions.
However, ProtonMail isn't perfect for everyone. The limitations on the free plan may frustrate users who send large volumes of email, and the inability to use IMAP/SMTP without Proton Bridge (which requires a paid plan) can be inconvenient. The service's strong encryption means that password recovery is impossible, which could be problematic for users who forget their credentials. Additionally, sending encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users requires extra steps that may be confusing for less technical recipients.
Overall, ProtonMail is an excellent choice for anyone who values privacy and security in their email communications. Whether you're a journalist protecting sources, a business handling confidential information, or simply someone who wants to keep their personal communications private, ProtonMail provides the tools and infrastructure to do so effectively. While it requires some adjustment from traditional email services and comes with trade-offs between security and convenience, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your emails are truly private makes ProtonMail worth considering for anyone serious about digital privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about ProtonMail
What is ProtonMail?
ProtonMail is a secure email service founded in 2013 by scientists from CERN and MIT who met at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. The service was created in response to growing concerns about government surveillance and data privacy, particularly following the Edward Snowden revelations. ProtonMail's mission is to provide accessible, encrypted email communication that protects user privacy and ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages.
Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail benefits from some of the world's strongest privacy laws. Swiss privacy legislation provides robust protections against surveillance and data requests, making it an ideal jurisdiction for a privacy-focused email service. The company operates under Swiss jurisdiction, which means it's protected by Swiss privacy laws and is outside the reach of US and EU surveillance agreements.
The service uses end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, meaning that even ProtonMail's own staff cannot read user emails. All messages are automatically encrypted on the sender's device before being transmitted to ProtonMail's servers, and they remain encrypted until the recipient decrypts them. This architecture ensures that user data is protected not only from external threats but also from potential internal breaches or government requests.
ProtonMail has grown from a crowdfunded startup to one of the world's largest secure email providers, serving millions of users worldwide. The service is part of the broader Proton ecosystem, which includes ProtonVPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar, all designed with the same privacy-first philosophy. ProtonMail offers both free and paid plans, making encrypted email accessible to everyone while providing advanced features for power users and businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption ensures complete message privacy
- Zero-access architecture means ProtonMail cannot read your emails
- Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- Free plan available with generous storage and features
- Open-source cryptography that can be independently audited
- Anonymous sign-up without requiring personal information
- Self-destructing messages and password-protected emails
- Proton Bridge allows use with desktop email clients
- Custom domain support for professional use
- Integration with other Proton services (VPN, Drive, Calendar)
- Excellent mobile apps for iOS and Android
- No ads or tracking of user behavior
Cons:
- Limited storage on free plan (1GB)
- Cannot send encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users without extra steps
- Proton Bridge requires paid subscription for desktop client access
- Search functionality is limited compared to traditional email services
- Free plan limited to 150 messages per day
- No IMAP/SMTP access without Proton Bridge
- Learning curve for users accustomed to traditional email
- Paid plans can be expensive compared to standard email services
- Limited third-party integrations due to encryption
- Email recovery can be difficult if you lose your password
Who It's For
ProtonMail is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who want to protect their email communications from surveillance, data mining, and unauthorized access. This includes journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and anyone who handles sensitive information that requires the highest level of confidentiality. If you're concerned about government surveillance, corporate data collection, or simply want to maintain your digital privacy, ProtonMail provides the tools and infrastructure to keep your communications secure.
Business professionals and organizations that handle confidential client information, trade secrets, or proprietary data will find ProtonMail's security features invaluable. The service offers custom domain support, multiple user accounts, and administrative controls that make it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Healthcare providers, legal professionals, financial advisors, and consultants who need to comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA or GDPR can benefit from ProtonMail's encrypted communication platform.
ProtonMail is also perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their digital footprint and avoid the data collection practices of mainstream email providers. If you're tired of seeing ads based on your email content or concerned about how tech companies use your personal information, ProtonMail offers a refreshing alternative. The service doesn't track your behavior, doesn't serve ads, and doesn't sell your data to third parties.
However, ProtonMail may not be the best choice for users who prioritize convenience over privacy, need extensive third-party integrations, or require advanced features like sophisticated email automation and CRM integration. If you're looking for a simple email service with minimal setup and don't have specific privacy concerns, traditional email providers might be more suitable. ProtonMail requires a commitment to privacy practices and may involve a learning curve for users accustomed to conventional email services.
End-to-End Encryption
ProtonMail's end-to-end encryption is the cornerstone of its security architecture. When you send an email to another ProtonMail user, the message is encrypted on your device before it leaves your computer or phone, travels encrypted through the internet, and remains encrypted on ProtonMail's servers until the recipient decrypts it on their device. This means that at no point during transmission or storage can anyone—including ProtonMail staff, internet service providers, or potential attackers—read the content of your messages.
The encryption uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. ProtonMail implements OpenPGP standards with 4096-bit RSA key pairs for asymmetric encryption and AES-256 for symmetric encryption. When you create a ProtonMail account, the service automatically generates a public-private key pair. Your public key is used by others to encrypt messages sent to you, while your private key (which never leaves your device unencrypted) is used to decrypt messages you receive.
For emails sent to non-ProtonMail users, the service offers password-protected encryption. You can set a password for the message, which the recipient must enter to decrypt and read the email. The recipient receives a link to a secure page where they enter the password to access the message. While this method isn't as seamless as ProtonMail-to-ProtonMail encryption, it still provides strong protection for sensitive communications with people who don't use encrypted email services.
Zero-Access Architecture
Zero-access architecture is ProtonMail's unique approach to data security that ensures the company itself cannot access user data. Unlike traditional email providers that can read your messages to serve targeted ads or comply with data requests, ProtonMail has designed its system so that user emails are encrypted with keys that only the user possesses. This means that even if ProtonMail wanted to read your emails or was compelled by a court order to hand over your data, they physically cannot decrypt your messages.
The zero-access system extends beyond just email content. Your contacts, calendar events, and other data stored in ProtonMail are also encrypted with your private key. When you log in to ProtonMail, your password is used to decrypt your private key locally on your device, which then allows you to decrypt your emails and other data. Your password never leaves your device in plain text, and ProtonMail's servers never have access to your unencrypted private key.
This architecture provides exceptional security but comes with an important caveat: if you forget your password, ProtonMail cannot help you recover your account. There's no "forgot password" option that emails you a reset link, because ProtonMail doesn't have the ability to decrypt your data. This is why ProtonMail strongly recommends setting up a recovery email address or recovery phrase when you create your account. The zero-access model represents a fundamental trade-off between convenience and security, prioritizing user privacy above all else.
Self-Destructing Messages
ProtonMail's self-destructing messages feature allows you to send emails that automatically delete themselves after a specified period. This is particularly useful for sharing time-sensitive information, temporary access credentials, or any content that you don't want to exist indefinitely in someone's inbox. You can set expiration times ranging from one hour to four weeks, and once the time expires, the message is permanently deleted from both the sender's and recipient's accounts.
The self-destruct feature works seamlessly with both ProtonMail-to-ProtonMail communications and encrypted messages sent to external email addresses. When sending to non-ProtonMail users, the recipient receives a link to view the message on ProtonMail's secure servers, and the message expires according to your specified timeframe. This ensures that sensitive information doesn't linger in email archives or get forwarded indefinitely.
To use this feature, simply compose your email as normal and click on the expiration time icon before sending. You can choose from preset time intervals or set a custom expiration time. The recipient will see a countdown timer indicating when the message will self-destruct. It's important to note that while this feature prevents the message from being accessible through ProtonMail, recipients could still take screenshots or copy the content before it expires, so it should be used as part of a broader security strategy rather than as a foolproof solution.
Password-Protected Emails
Password-protected emails enable you to send encrypted messages to anyone, even if they don't use ProtonMail or any encrypted email service. This feature bridges the gap between ProtonMail's secure ecosystem and the wider world of standard email, allowing you to maintain end-to-end encryption when communicating with people who use Gmail, Outlook, or any other email provider. The recipient doesn't need to install any software or create an account to read your encrypted message.
When you send a password-protected email, you set a password that the recipient will need to decrypt the message. The recipient receives a notification email with a link to ProtonMail's secure message center. When they click the link, they're prompted to enter the password you've set. Once authenticated, they can read your message, reply securely, and even send encrypted attachments back to you. The entire conversation remains encrypted and is automatically deleted from ProtonMail's servers after 28 days.
The security of this feature depends on how you share the password with the recipient. ProtonMail recommends communicating the password through a separate channel, such as a phone call, text message, or in-person conversation. Never send the password in the same email or through an insecure channel that could be intercepted. You can also set a password hint to help the recipient remember the password without compromising security. This feature is particularly valuable for professionals who need to share confidential information with clients or partners who don't use encrypted email.
Anonymous Sign-Up
ProtonMail allows you to create an account without providing any personal information, making it one of the few email services that truly supports anonymous communication. You don't need to provide a phone number, recovery email, or any identifying information to sign up for a free account. This feature is crucial for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and anyone who needs to communicate without revealing their identity or creating a digital trail that could be traced back to them.
The anonymous sign-up process is straightforward: you choose a username, create a strong password, and optionally complete a CAPTCHA or human verification challenge to prevent automated bot registrations. ProtonMail doesn't log IP addresses associated with account creation or email access, further protecting your anonymity. However, it's important to note that while ProtonMail doesn't require personal information, you should still take additional precautions if anonymity is critical, such as using a VPN or Tor to mask your IP address.
While anonymous sign-up offers maximum privacy, it comes with the significant risk that you cannot recover your account if you forget your password. Without a recovery email or phone number, there's no way for ProtonMail to verify your identity and help you regain access. This is an intentional design choice that prioritizes privacy over convenience. If you choose to sign up anonymously, ProtonMail strongly recommends writing down your password and storing it securely, or using a password manager to ensure you don't lose access to your account.
Custom Domain Support
Custom domain support allows you to use ProtonMail's secure email infrastructure with your own domain name, giving you a professional email address while maintaining the privacy and security benefits of ProtonMail. Instead of using an @protonmail.com address, you can use your business or personal domain, such as yourname@yourdomain.com. This feature is available on paid plans and is particularly valuable for businesses, professionals, and anyone who wants to maintain a consistent brand identity while using encrypted email.
Setting up a custom domain with ProtonMail involves updating your domain's DNS records to point to ProtonMail's servers. The process includes adding MX records for mail routing, SPF records for sender authentication, and DKIM records for email signing. ProtonMail provides detailed instructions and verification tools to help you configure your domain correctly. Once set up, you can create multiple email addresses using your custom domain, manage user accounts, and maintain full control over your email infrastructure while benefiting from ProtonMail's encryption and security features.
Custom domain support includes features like catch-all addresses, which route all emails sent to any address at your domain to a single inbox, and the ability to create multiple users with different permission levels. This makes ProtonMail suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need secure email for their entire team. You can also use multiple custom domains with higher-tier plans, allowing you to manage email for multiple brands or projects from a single ProtonMail account. The custom domain feature maintains all of ProtonMail's security benefits, including end-to-end encryption for messages between ProtonMail users and zero-access encryption for all stored data.
Proton Bridge
Proton Bridge is a desktop application that allows you to use ProtonMail with popular email clients like Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This solves one of the biggest challenges of encrypted email: the inability to use familiar desktop email applications. Proton Bridge runs locally on your computer and acts as a secure intermediary between your email client and ProtonMail's servers, encrypting and decrypting messages on your device so that your data remains protected throughout the entire process.
The Bridge application creates a local IMAP and SMTP server on your computer that your email client connects to. When you send an email through your desktop client, Proton Bridge encrypts it before sending it to ProtonMail's servers. When you receive an email, Proton Bridge downloads the encrypted message, decrypts it locally, and presents it to your email client in plain text. This means you can use all the features of your favorite email client—advanced search, offline access, keyboard shortcuts, and integrations—while still benefiting from ProtonMail's security.
Proton Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it's included with all paid ProtonMail plans. The application runs in the background and automatically handles encryption and decryption, so you don't need to think about the technical details. It supports multiple ProtonMail accounts, allowing you to manage personal and business email from the same desktop client. Proton Bridge also enables features like importing existing emails from other services, backing up your ProtonMail data locally, and using advanced email client features that aren't available in the web interface. This makes ProtonMail a viable option for power users who rely on desktop email clients for their workflow.
Pricing
Free Plan: ProtonMail's free plan provides 1GB of storage, one email address, support for up to 150 messages per day, and three folders/labels. The free plan includes all of ProtonMail's core security features, including end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and the ability to send password-protected emails to non-ProtonMail users. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who want secure email without any cost. However, the free plan has limitations on storage and sending volume that may not be sufficient for heavy email users or business purposes.
Mail Plus: The Mail Plus plan costs $4.99 per month (or $47.88 per year) and includes 15GB of storage, 10 email addresses, support for unlimited messages, unlimited folders/labels, custom domain support, and access to Proton Bridge for desktop email clients. This plan also includes priority customer support and the ability to use custom email filters and auto-reply. Mail Plus is ideal for individuals who need more storage and features than the free plan offers, or for professionals who want to use their own domain with ProtonMail.
Proton Unlimited: For $9.99 per month (or $119.88 per year), Proton Unlimited provides 500GB of storage, access to all Proton services (Mail, VPN, Drive, Calendar, and Pass), 15 email addresses, support for 3 custom domains, and all the features of Mail Plus. This plan is designed for users who want the complete Proton ecosystem and need substantial storage for email, files, and other data. The inclusion of ProtonVPN adds an extra layer of privacy and security, making this plan excellent value for privacy-conscious users who want comprehensive protection.
Business Plans: ProtonMail offers several business plans starting at $6.99 per user per month for Mail Essentials, which includes 15GB storage per user, 10 email addresses per user, custom domain support, and priority support. The Mail Professional plan at $8.99 per user per month adds unlimited folders/labels and email filters. For organizations that need the full Proton suite, the Business plan at $12.99 per user per month includes all Proton services with 1TB storage per user. All business plans include centralized billing, user management, and administrative controls suitable for organizations of any size.
Verdict
ProtonMail stands out as the gold standard for secure, private email communication. Its combination of end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and Swiss privacy protection creates an email service that genuinely prioritizes user privacy over convenience or profit. For anyone concerned about surveillance, data mining, or unauthorized access to their communications, ProtonMail offers a level of security that mainstream email providers simply cannot match. The service has proven its commitment to privacy through years of operation, transparent security practices, and open-source code that can be independently audited.
The free plan makes encrypted email accessible to everyone, while paid plans offer features that rival traditional email services. Proton Bridge is particularly impressive, allowing users to maintain their preferred desktop email workflow while benefiting from ProtonMail's security. The integration with other Proton services creates a comprehensive privacy ecosystem that extends beyond just email. For businesses and professionals, the custom domain support and administrative features make ProtonMail a viable alternative to traditional business email solutions.
However, ProtonMail isn't perfect for everyone. The limitations on the free plan may frustrate users who send large volumes of email, and the inability to use IMAP/SMTP without Proton Bridge (which requires a paid plan) can be inconvenient. The service's strong encryption means that password recovery is impossible, which could be problematic for users who forget their credentials. Additionally, sending encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users requires extra steps that may be confusing for less technical recipients.
Overall, ProtonMail is an excellent choice for anyone who values privacy and security in their email communications. Whether you're a journalist protecting sources, a business handling confidential information, or simply someone who wants to keep their personal communications private, ProtonMail provides the tools and infrastructure to do so effectively. While it requires some adjustment from traditional email services and comes with trade-offs between security and convenience, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your emails are truly private makes ProtonMail worth considering for anyone serious about digital privacy.