Proton Mail review

Proton Mail is the most complete privacy upgrade for someone moving off a mainstream inbox. End-to-end encryption, encrypted contact details and password-protected emails are included even on Proton Free, which gives 1 GB, one address and up to 150 messages a day. Mail Plus lifts that to 15 GB, 10 addresses, one custom domain, unlimited folders and labels, and adds auto-forwarding, catch-all and IMAP or SMTP access through Proton Bridge. The first year costs $2.49 a month, billed at $29.88, then renews at $47.88 a year. Proton Unlimited at $6.49 a month in the first year bundles 500 GB of storage, 15 addresses, three custom domains, unlimited hide-my-email aliases, Proton VPN and Proton Pass. Apps cover iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux and the web, and the Easy Switch import assistant helps move mail from an old account. The trade-offs are the low daily sending cap on the free plan and the renewal jump on paid plans.

Who it is for

people leaving Gmail or Outlook who want encryption on every plan

Price

Free plan with 1 GB; Mail Plus $2.49 per month for the first 12 months ($29.88), then $47.88 a year.

50% off Mail Plus $4.99 $2.49 /month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Free plan with 1 GB storage, 1 address and 150 messages per day
• Mail Plus with 15 GB, 10 addresses and 1 custom domain
• Password-protected emails to people who do not use Proton
• Hide-my-email aliases: 10 on Free and Mail Plus, unlimited on Proton Unlimited
• Apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux and the web, plus Bridge for desktop email clients

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: End-to-end encryption is included on the free plan
• Strength: Mail Plus costs $2.49 a month in the first year
• Strength: Proton Unlimited adds VPN, Pass and 500 GB of Drive storage for $6.49 a month in the first year
• Weakness: Free plan caps sending at 150 messages per day
• Weakness: Mail Plus renews at $47.88 a year after the first 12 months
• Weakness: IMAP and SMTP client support needs a paid plan

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, 1 GB and 1 address
• Cheapest paid plan: Mail Plus, 15 GB
• Custom domains: 1 on Mail Plus, 3 on Proton Unlimited
• Based in: Switzerland
• Refund window: 30-day money-back guarantee

Where it ranks

Proton Mail is No. 1 in our Best Secure Email Services verdict.