ProtonMail Review: Should You Choose It in 2025?

Email security has become a hot topic in today’s digital age, where data breaches and surveillance are on the rise. ProtonMail is one of the industry’s best-known encrypted email providers, offering a secure alternative to mainstream services like Gmail. This ProtonMail review will explore whether this well-established service still holds up in 2025 as a top choice for those prioritizing privacy.

Whether you’re an individual looking for a secure alternative to Gmail or a business seeking robust encryption, this review will help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll know if ProtonMail is the right fit for your needs.

And if you’re searching for a ProtonMail alternative, we’ll also introduce another secure email service.

ProtonMail: History and Mission

ProtonMail was founded in 2013 by a group of scientists and researchers at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland. The project was born out of growing concerns over global surveillance programs, such as PRISM (revealed by Edward Snowden), which exposed how big tech companies were sharing user data with governments.

The idea was to create an email service that even its creators couldn’t access. Unlike traditional email providers such as Gmail or Outlook, which have access to users’ messages, ProtonMail created a system based on end-to-end encryption and zero-access architecture. This means that even if someone hacked ProtonMail’s servers, they wouldn’t be able to read the stored emails.

ProtonMail was one of the first services to popularize end-to-end encrypted email, making it accessible even to non-tech users. Over the years, the platform has grown significantly, introducing new services like Proton Drive, Proton VPN, and Proton Calendar, Proton Pass, and Proton Wallet, expanding its ecosystem of privacy-focused tools.

ProtonMail’s Core Mission

ProtonMail’s key mission is to protect user privacy and promote secure communication. The company operates under strict Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most stringent in the world, and this has earned it a loyal user base, including journalists, activists, and businesses that handle sensitive information.

ProtonMail Pros and Cons – Quick Glance

Let's cut to the chase. Before we go into the detailed ProtonMail review, here's a quick rundown of what makes it stand out and where it might not meet your needs.

✅ Pros:

• Advanced security measures compared to traditional email services.
• End-to-end encrypted emails with other ProtonMail users.
• Password-protected messages for non-ProtonMail recipients.
• Self-destructing emails.
• User-friendly interface with cross-platform availability (web, mobile, desktop).
• Operates under strict Swiss privacy laws.
• Integration with other Proton services (Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar).
• Ability to import contacts and emails for seamless migration.

❌ Cons:

• Limited free plan with only 500MB-GB of storage, restrictions on daily emails, and you can’t use many other features, like email aliases and custom domains.
• Only 1 email address is allowed in the free plan.
• ProtonMail does not offer IMAP/SMTP access unless you subscribe to a paid plan.
• High cost of premium plans compared to competitors.
• No encryption for email subject lines, exposing metadata.
• Recovery methods may require a phone number or secondary email.
• Limited customer support for free users.

Key Features Overview

ProtonMail offers a variety of privacy-focused features for different types of users. Below is a breakdown of its core functionalities.

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): ProtonMail's big selling point is its end-to-end encryption. So, when you send an email to another ProtonMail user, the message is encrypted on your device and can only be decrypted by the recipient.
• Zero-Access Encryption: Unlike most traditional email providers, ProtonMail cannot read your emails because it does not store decryption keys.
• Password-Protected Emails for Non-ProtonMail Users: By enabling password protection, you can send encrypted emails to anyone – even those who don’t use ProtonMail. The recipient receives a link to access the message, which they can unlock using a shared password. 
• Self-Destructing Emails: ProtonMail allows you to set an expiration time for your emails. Once the timer runs out, the message is permanently deleted from the recipient’s inbox.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users can enable TOTP-based authentication (via apps like Authy or Google Authenticator).
• Integration with Proton Ecosystem: ProtonMail seamlessly integrates with other Proton services, including Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and others.
• Address verification: ProtonMail uses digital signatures to verify email addresses, helping to prevent phishing attacks. This feature adds an extra layer of security by confirming the authenticity of the sender.
• Phishing protection: ProtonMail incorporates mechanisms to warn users about suspicious emails and helps them avoid clicking on malicious links.
• Secure contacts: ProtonMail encrypts contact details, ensuring that only the user can access them.
• Custom Domains & Aliases: With ProtonMail's paid plans, you can set up custom email domains and aliases. How many you can create depends on the chosen plan.
• Many Paid Plans for Different Needs: ProtonMail offers tailored plans for individuals, families, and businesses, with features like extra storage, custom domains, and multi-user support. 

Now, let’s compare the plans and see what’s included.

Pricing Plans & Subscription Tiers

ProtonMail offers both free and paid plans, each with varying levels of storage, features, and customization options. Below is a breakdown of the different plans:

Individual & Family Plans

Businesses Plans

Are the Paid Plans Worth It?

The value of ProtonMail's paid plans highly depends on your specific needs. If you're a casual user with basic email requirements, the free plan might be enough to start. However, one of the biggest downsides of the  ProtonMail free plan is its limitations. You won't have access to all the essential features, and the storage cap of 500MB-1GB may eventually force you to upgrade as your inbox grows.

If you're ready to invest in secure communication and require advanced tools like custom domains, increased storage, or team management capabilities, ProtonMail’s paid plans offer great functionality. But if you're looking for more free features or more attractive paid plans, it might be worth exploring a ProtonMail alternative that better aligns with your budget and priorities.

Have a look at the table above to find the plan that best suits your needs before making a decision.

ProtonMail Privacy & Security: How Private Is It?

ProtonMail has built its reputation on robust security and privacy features. But how secure is it, really? Let’s delve into the tech it uses.

🔒 Encryption Types

ProtonMail uses different types of email encryption:

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): When you send an email to another ProtonMail user, the message is encrypted on your device before leaving your computer or phone. Only the recipient can decrypt it using their private key.
• Encryption by a password and TLS encryption: Emails sent to non-ProtonMail users are encrypted in transit using TLS if the recipient's email provider supports it (most do). You can also password-protect messages if you want to send them with end-to-end encryption. The recipient will receive a link to access the email, which they could unlock with the shared password.
• Zero-Access Encryption: ProtonMail uses zero-access encryption, meaning your private keys are stored locally on your device rather than on their servers. Even if someone gains unauthorized access to ProtonMail’s infrastructure, your data remains inaccessible without your private key.

Important note: Email subject lines remain unencrypted, due to limitations in the OpenPGP standard used by ProtonMail. It can reveal metadata.

🕵️‍♂️ Anonymity Level

• Users can sign up without providing personal information, but...
• Account recovery requires a phone number or backup email, which can be a privacy concern.
• In some cases, ProtonMail may require personal information for account verification.
• ProtonMail has been known to log IP addresses in specific legal cases, despite its usual no-logs policy.

🏢 Server Security

• ProtonMail’s servers are located in Switzerland, in high-security data centers.
• Data is stored encrypted, meaning even ProtonMail staff cannot access it.

Despite strong privacy measures, ProtonMail does have some metadata exposure risks. In the next section, we’ll examine past security incidents to see how ProtonMail has responded to threats.

Is ProtonMail Safe? Security Incidents & Breaches

ProtonMail has a good reputation as an email provider that puts privacy first, but how well does it really protect its users against real-world threats? Let’s take a look at its security track record, including any past incidents and how the company has responded to them.

Has ProtonMail Ever Been Hacked?

ProtonMail hasn't had a major system-wide hack that compromised its encryption, but like any online service, it has faced its share of security challenges:

• 2015 DDoS Attack – ProtonMail was targeted by a large-scale ​​Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on its servers. The attackers demanded a ransom, threatening to continue the assault unless their demands were met. Instead of paying, ProtonMail worked with Swiss authorities and implemented advanced DDoS protection measures to mitigate the attack, ensuring minimal disruption to users.
• 2021 IP Logging Incident – ProtonMail faced criticism when it was compelled by a Swiss court order to log the IP address of a French activist. This incident sparked debate about the balance between user privacy and legal obligations. It showed that even though ProtonMail can't read email contents because of the encryption, they might still have to comply with legal requests for metadata in some situations.
• 2024 Data Disclosure – ProtonMail faced a lot of criticism when it came to light that they had revealed a user's recovery email address to the Spanish authorities in a legal case involving a Catalan activist. This led privacy rights advocates to claim that the company had broken its promise to protect user data.
• Phishing Attacks: ProtonMail users have occasionally been targeted by phishing campaigns attempting to steal login credentials. However, these attacks were external and did not stem from a breach within ProtonMail’s infrastructure.

Is ProtonMail Really Secure?

As of now, ProtonMail has maintained a strong track record, with no publicly reported large-scale hacks or data leaks compromising user email content. However, ProtonMail may need to provide some user data in response to government requests, as required by law. While Swiss regulations offer robust protections, the line between total privacy, anonymity, and legality is indeed very thin.

Thanks to zero-access encryption, your email content remains inaccessible even if metadata or other non-encrypted details are requested. For most users, ProtonMail continues to be a highly secure email service.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

ProtonMail operates in compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The service also provides a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) for business users, outlining the rights and obligations of each party regarding data protection.  

ProtonMail is ISO 27001 certified, demonstrating its commitment to information security management systems (ISMS). It also has regular security audits by independent experts to make sure its services are secure.

What Users Say: Reviews & Common Concerns

ProtonMail is seen as one of the best email providers, but people have different experiences depending on their needs. Here's a rundown of what people love – and what they don't like.

Positive User Reviews

• Great Security and Privacy: Users appreciate the end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, giving them confidence that their emails are protected from prying eyes, including ProtonMail itself.
• Swiss Jurisdiction: Privacy-conscious users value ProtonMail's Swiss base, which is subject to more robust data protection laws than those in the U.S. or EU.
• Custom Domains & Aliases: Paid users value the option to use custom domains and email aliases.
• Improved Customer Support: While some users have experienced slow response times in the past, recent reviews indicate that ProtonMail's customer support has become more responsive and helpful.

Common User Complaints

• Limited Free Plan: Many users feel restricted by ProtonMail’s 500MB-1GB storage limit on free accounts and the lack of access to basic features like email aliases and more than 1 email address.
• Account Blocking Without Clear Reason: Many users have reported experiencing account blocks without prior warning or explanation. Moreover, numerous blocked users who had purchased premium plans claim they did not receive refunds despite losing access to their accounts.
• Lack of Subject Line Encryption: The fact that subject lines are not encrypted by default is a recurring concern, with some users expressing a desire for more comprehensive encryption coverage.
• Concerns about Anonymity: While ProtonMail allows anonymous sign-up, the recovery methods and potential need for personal information during account verification raise concerns about true anonymity for some users.
• Slow Customer Support for Free Users: Free-tier users report long response times from ProtonMail’s customer service team.
• Legal Obligations and Data Disclosure: Some users are worried about ProtonMail's ability to share recovery emails or other data with the authorities when legally required. They're concerned about the limits of privacy because of past incidents.
• Cost of Premium Plans: Upgrading to premium tiers is expensive for large teams or enterprises. Some users wish for more competitive pricing or additional free allowances.

ProtonMail Usability: Is It Easy to Use?

ProtonMail is known for its strong security, but how does it perform when it comes to everyday use? Let’s break it down from a user’s perspective.

Signing Up: What’s Required?

Creating a ProtonMail account is a relatively simple process, but there are some key differences compared to mainstream email providers like Gmail:

1. Choose a Username & Password – Users enter a desired username and choose a ProtonMail email address (e.g., [email protected]) and set a password. Users also have the option to choose between two default domains – @proton.me or @protonmail.com.

2. Choose between the free plan or a paid plan.
3. Human Verification – To prevent spam, ProtonMail requires users to complete a CAPTCHA and may request an additional verification step, such as an existing email address or SMS confirmation.

While the process is straightforward, users who want complete anonymity may prefer signing up through a VPN or the Tor network to avoid exposing their IP address.

Composing & Sending Emails: How Does It Work?

Composing an email feels similar to other email providers but with some privacy-enhancing differences.

• Between ProtonMail Users: When sending an email to another ProtonMail user, messages are end-to-end encrypted automatically. This means only the sender and recipient can read the content.
• To External Users: If the recipient uses Gmail, Outlook, Atomic Mail, or any other email provider, users have two options:
  
  • Enable end-to-end encryption by setting a password. The recipient receives a link to access the email, which they can open with the password you provide.
  • If you don’t use password protection, ProtonMail encrypts your message with TLS (if the recipient’s server supports it). However, providers like Gmail or Yahoo can read and store the message on their servers, so it’s not end-to-end encrypted.

This added step for external emails may be inconvenient for some users, but it significantly enhances security.

Interface & User Experience

ProtonMail’s interface is clean and generally intuitive, with a focus on simplicity to suit users of all technical levels. But some users have mentioned that it's not the most user-friendly service, with certain features feeling hidden or tricky to access. For example, advanced settings like alias management might require extra navigation, which can feel cumbersome for those unfamiliar with the platform.

Additionally, while functional, the design lacks modern aesthetics compared to other email services. Some users find it visually outdated.

So, even though there are some downsides, ProtonMail's main focus is on security, which is more important to many people, especially when it comes to feeling safe online. However, there's definitely potential for making it more user-friendly and visually appealing.

Overall Impression & Key Takeaways

ProtonMail’s Key Strengths

✅ Great encryption – End-to-end and zero-access encryption ensure that emails remain private. 

✅ Privacy-focused design – No tracking, no ads, and based in Switzerland for strong legal protections. 

✅ Secure ecosystem – Integrates well with ProtonVPN, ProtonDrive, and ProtonCalendar. 

✅ Free plan available – Users can try ProtonMail without a paid subscription.

ProtonMail’s Weaknesses

❌ Limited free plan – Only 500MB-1GB of storage and many restrictions on features. 

❌ No encrypted subject lines – Only the email body is encrypted, leaving metadata exposed. 

❌ Higher pricing compared to competitors – ProtonMail’s premium plans can be expensive compared to other secure email providers.

❌ Recovery methods may require personal information, compromising anonymity.

❌ Outdated interface – While functional, it lacks the modern, polished feel of competitors.

❌ High cost of premium plans, especially for businesses or power users.

Final Verdict: Is ProtonMail Worth It?

ProtonMail has long been a dominant player in the encrypted email services landscape, largely because it was one of the first providers in the niche. But by 2025, the market had changed a lot. Lots of new encrypted email services had appeared, offering the same level of privacy – or even better – while being more affordable and user-focused.

If your primary concern is protecting sensitive data and maintaining privacy, ProtonMail may be worth considering. But if you’re looking for a more affordable, feature-rich, or high-performance solution, it may be worth exploring other options before making a final decision.

With that in mind, let’s move on to the best ProtonMail alternative.

ProtonMail Alternatives: Finding the Best Secure Email Service

While ProtonMail is undoubtedly one of the top secure email services, it’s not the only one. In fact, for many users, exploring ProtonMail alternatives can lead to discovering solutions that better fit their needs – whether that's something that's easier to use, cheaper, or has more features. Among these alternatives, Atomic Mail stands out as one of the best choices, especially when it comes to its free plan and all the features it offers.

Why Choose Atomic Mail Over ProtonMail?

✅ Feature-Rich Free Plan:
ProtonMail's free plan is pretty limited, but Atomic Mail has a more generous free tier. You get access to features that ProtonMail only offers to paid users, like:

• Larger storage capacity (more than enough for everyday use).
• Multiple email addresses (no need to stick to just one).
• Multiple email addresses (up to 10 for each account).
• No daily email limits, so you can send as many messages as you need.
• Responsive support, even for free users, ensuring you’re never left alone.

✅ Advanced Encryption:
Atomic Mail empowers users with multiple encryption options, giving them control over their security preferences:

• TLS 1.3 by Default: All connections are secured using the latest version of Transport Layer Security (TLS), ensuring data integrity during transmission.
• End-to-End Encryption by Password: Send encrypted emails to non-Atomic Mail users by setting a password that only the recipient knows.
• End-to-End Encryption as a File: Send your messages as a secure, password-protected ZIP-file.
• End-to-End Atomic Encryption: Our unique protocol powered by EICES (Enhanced Integrated Cipher Encryption System) ensures seamless and ultra-secure communication between Atomic Mail users.

✅ Zero-Access Architecture
Like ProtonMail, Atomic Mail employs a zero-access encryption, meaning your private keys are stored locally on your device. Not even Atomic Mail can access your encrypted data, ensuring maximum privacy.

✅ ISO 27001 Certified Data Centers in Germany
Your data is stored in secure, ISO 27001 certified data centers located in Germany, ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance.

✅ Anonymous Registration
Unlike ProtonMail, Atomic Mail doesn’t require a phone number, secondary email, or any personal information during signup and even for account recovery, ensuring complete anonymity.

✅ Seed Phrase Account Recovery
To enhance account security while maintaining ease of recovery, Atomic Mail introduces seed phrase account recovery. Similar to modern cryptocurrency wallets, this method allows you to regain access to your account using a mnemonic phrase instead of relying on potentially insecure recovery methods which also break anonymity.

✅ Modern Design and Intuitive Interface: Atomic Mail puts the user experience first, with a sleek and intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, even for those new to secure email. Its simple and streamlined design makes it a joy to use every day for your communication needs.

If you want a secure, truly private email provider without the limitations of ProtonMail, Atomic Mail is the superior alternative.

Atomic Mail vs. ProtonMail

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When it comes to secure email services, Atomic Mail is a top alternative to ProtonMail, especially for those seeking a balance of affordability, functionality, and privacy. Its generous free plan, advanced encryption options, zero-access architecture, and modern design make it an attractive choice for both casual users and businesses alike. If you’re considering switching from ProtonMail, Atomic Mail deserves serious consideration.

✳️ Sign up for Atomic Mail today and experience unparalleled privacy, advanced encryption, and a user-friendly platform that puts your security first.

FAQs

Is ProtonMail safe?

Yes, ProtonMail is one of the most secure mainstream email providers due to its end-to-end encryption and zero-access architecture. However, it does not encrypt subject lines, and potential data disclosure under legal obligations are limitations to consider.

Who uses ProtonMail?

ProtonMail is popular among privacy-conscious users, including journalists, activists, businesses, and individuals who value encrypted communication.

Is ProtonMail anonymous?

Partially. ProtonMail allows anonymous sign-up, but users who add a recovery method (email or phone) may compromise their anonymity. In some cases, ProtonMail may also require personal information for account verification.

Is ProtonMail better than Gmail?

It depends on your needs. ProtonMail excels in privacy and security with its encryption features but lacks Gmail’s customization options and performance speed. If privacy is your priority, ProtonMail is a great choice; if convenience and integrations matter more, Gmail might be preferable.

How do I send encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users?

You can use Password-protected emails or PGP encryption for sending encrypted emails to non-ProtonMail users.

What is the best ProtonMail alternative?

Atomic Mail is the best alternative to ProtonMail, offering stronger privacy, advanced encryption options, better free features, and completely anonymous registration – all without the costly limitations of ProtonMail’s paid plans.

Is ProtonMail free?

Yes, ProtonMail offers a free plan, but it comes with limitations: from 500MB to 1 GB of storage, 150 emails per day, no custom domains or aliases, limited customer support. For more features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Can I use ProtonMail for business?

Yes, ProtonMail offers business plans with features like custom domains, multi-user support, and priority customer support. However, the cost can be high compared to ProtonMail alternatives.

Does ProtonMail have a mobile app?

Yes, ProtonMail has mobile apps for both iOS and Android, which offer most of the features available on the desktop version.