Proton Mail vs. Gmail
Proton Mail is a private alternative to Gmail. Like everything you do online, Google tracks the way you interact with your Gmail account for advertising purposes. In contrast, Proton Mail’s end-to-end encrypted email gives you an inbox free from ads, trackers, spying, and data harvesting.
About Proton Mail and Gmail
Proton Mail uses end-to-end encryption, so no one else can access your data — not even us.
| Inbox features |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free Pay for more storage and products, starting at $3.49/month | Free You pay with your privacy |
| Your favorite Gmail features | ||
| Works on all your devices | ||
| Free calendar and drive included | ||
| Zero ads | ||
| End-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption | ||
| Blocks third-party trackers | ||
| Encrypted contacts | ||
| Protected by strong Swiss privacy laws | ||
| Free VPN included | ||
| Open source and independently audited | ||
| Not subject to U.S. surveillance |
Still deciding between Proton Mail vs. Gmail?
Private email
We are based in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s toughest privacy laws.
Proton Mail protects all your email messages and contacts with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption. This means only you have access to your inbox.
Gmail, on the other hand, is based in the United States and subject to government data requests. The US is also part of multiple intelligence-sharing agreements(new window) with other countries.
Gmail does not use end-to-end encryption. Instead, it keeps its own key to your inbox so it can scan your messages.
Security and transparency
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Both Proton Mail and Gmail support two-factor authentication (2FA) and hardware security keys to provide an extra layer of security for your account.
Proton Mail goes even further by offering advanced security features to defend your inbox against hackers. Our use of zero-access encryption significantly reduces the risk of your data being leaked in the unlikely event of a data breach. But Gmail has access to your inbox, which is like keeping a copy of the key next to the safe. Unlike Gmail, Proton Mail also gives you the option to secure your inbox with biometric authentication.
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Proton Mail also keeps you safe by warning you about suspicious emails and helping you avoid clicking on malicious links.
We even protect your contacts with end-to-end encryption and digital signatures, so you know no one has tampered with them.
Free calendar, drive, and VPN
In the same way Proton Mail uses end-to-end encryption to protect your emails, Proton Calendar and Proton Drive encrypt your events and files so only you have access.
Proton Pass keeps your passwords safe and provides hide-my-email aliases to protect your identity. Additionally, by connecting to Proton VPN(new window) to browse the web, you can unblock censored websites and keep your online activity private.
Gmail provides a large suite of tools through Google Workspace. But like all Google products, the company tracks your activity and has full access to all your data.
Effortless organization
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Proton Mail and Gmail let you set up rules that automatically sort your mail into folders or apply labels. You can also undo and schedule messages, be warned when you forget attachments, set up auto-replies when you are away, and more.
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However, Gmail does not offer the ability to generate dynamic hide-my-email aliases, which you can use to organize your inbox and control who has access to your real email address.
Pricing
Proton Mail Free gives you up to 1 GB of encrypted storage. If you want additional storage and premium features, paid plans start at $3.49/month for 15 GB. Proton Unlimited gives you 500 GB of storage, three custom domains, unlimited hide-my-email aliases, and all features on other Proton services starting from $7.99/month.
Proton Mail or Gmail?
When you choose Proton Mail, you’re choosing an internet where you control your data and privacy is the default.If you’re ready to switch to Proton Mail, you can easily migrate your emails and contacts with our Easy Switch feature. It also lets you automatically forward your Gmail messages with just a couple of clicks.
Proton Mail is the privacy-focused alternative to Gmail. Create a free Proton Mail account and start taking control of your data.
