Last updated: January 2026
What Is Proton?
In an era of constant data breaches and surveillance capitalism, Proton offers something increasingly rare: technology designed with privacy as the primary feature, not an afterthought. Founded by CERN scientists and based in Switzerland, Proton provides a suite of privacy-focused services including email, VPN, cloud storage, calendar, and password management.
The company's approach is fundamentally different from mainstream tech—end-to-end encryption means even Proton can't read your data, Swiss jurisdiction provides strong legal privacy protections, and the business model is subscriptions rather than advertising. For individuals and organizations who take privacy seriously, Proton provides the infrastructure to communicate and store data without compromising security.
What started as Proton Mail—the world's largest encrypted email provider—has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem for privacy-respecting digital life.
Get Started with Proton FreeKey Features of Proton
Proton Mail
End-to-end encrypted email that even Proton cannot read. Messages between Proton users are automatically encrypted; for external recipients, you can send encrypted messages that require a password. The web and mobile apps provide familiar email experiences with security built in.
Proton VPN
A no-logs VPN service that protects your internet connection from surveillance and geographic restrictions. Servers in 60+ countries, high-speed connections, and a free tier make privacy-protecting internet access widely available. The VPN includes malware and ad blocking.
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage—your files are encrypted on your device before upload, meaning Proton never has access to your data. Store, sync, and share files with the confidence that only you and your chosen recipients can read them.
Proton Calendar
Encrypted calendar that keeps your schedule private. Event details are encrypted, and sharing works with security preserved. Integrates with Proton Mail for event invitations and scheduling.
Proton Pass
Password manager with end-to-end encryption, storing your credentials securely across devices. Includes secure password generation, autofill, and encrypted notes. Available as part of Proton's ecosystem.
Swiss Privacy Law
Switzerland has some of the world's strongest privacy laws, and Proton is headquartered there deliberately. Your data is protected by Swiss jurisdiction, beyond the reach of surveillance requests from other countries in most cases.
Proton Pricing in 2026
Free — Proton Mail (1 GB storage), limited VPN, basic features across services. Genuinely useful for basic privacy needs.
Mail Plus — $5.49/month (approximately €4.99) for 15 GB mail storage, custom domains, and additional mail features.
Proton Unlimited — $10.99/month (approximately €9.99) for full access to all Proton services: 500 GB storage, VPN, Drive, Calendar, Pass, and priority support.
Family Plans — Available for multiple users at discounted per-user rates.
Business Plans — Custom pricing for organizations with admin controls, collaboration features, and compliance requirements.
Try Proton Unlimited FreePros and Cons of Proton
Pros
- Real privacy — End-to-end encryption means even Proton can't access your data
- Swiss protection — Strong legal privacy framework
- Comprehensive ecosystem — Email, VPN, storage, calendar, passwords in one suite
- Generous free tier — Useful privacy protection without paying
- Open source — Apps are audited and transparent
- No advertising business model — Your data isn't the product
Cons
- Less convenient than mainstream — Privacy adds friction in some workflows
- Email encryption limits — Full encryption only works between Proton users or with password-protected messages
- Storage costs more — Encrypted storage is pricier than mainstream alternatives
- Feature gaps — Some features lag behind mainstream equivalents
Who Should Use Proton?
Privacy-Conscious Individuals — Anyone who values digital privacy and wants to reduce exposure to surveillance.
Journalists and Activists — Those whose work requires secure communication channels.
Businesses Handling Sensitive Data — Organizations with confidentiality requirements benefit from encrypted infrastructure.
Professionals in Regulated Industries — Healthcare, legal, and financial professionals with compliance needs.
Anyone Tired of Surveillance Capitalism — Those who want technology that serves them rather than advertisers.
Proton vs Alternatives
Gmail/Google Workspace offers more features and integration but scans your email for advertising.
Tutanota is another encrypted email provider with different technical choices. Similar privacy focus.
NordVPN/ExpressVPN are commercial VPNs with similar performance but profit-driven rather than privacy-mission-driven.
iCloud/Google Drive provide mainstream cloud storage without end-to-end encryption.
Proton's advantage is the integrated ecosystem and mission-driven approach to privacy.
Join Proton's Privacy EcosystemGetting Started with Proton
- Create a free account — Start with Proton Mail at no cost
- Import existing email — Migrate from your current provider
- Install the apps — Mobile and desktop apps for all services
- Enable VPN — Protect your internet connection
- Set up Drive and Calendar — Complete your privacy infrastructure
- Upgrade as needed — Expand storage and features when you need them
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own domain with Proton Mail?
Yes, paid plans support custom domains. You can use your own domain while benefiting from Proton's encryption.
Is Proton truly secure?
Proton's encryption is end-to-end, meaning even Proton can't read your data. The apps are open source and regularly audited. No system is perfect, but Proton represents best-practice privacy architecture.
Can I email non-Proton users securely?
You can send password-protected encrypted messages to anyone. They receive a link to view the encrypted message using a password you share separately.
Does the VPN slow down my internet?
Proton VPN is designed for speed. Some slowdown is inherent in VPN usage, but high-speed servers minimize impact for most uses.
Final Verdict
Proton represents what technology looks like when privacy is a core value rather than a marketing checkbox. The encryption is real, the Swiss jurisdiction is meaningful, and the business model doesn't depend on exploiting your data.
The trade-off is some convenience—encrypted services can't offer certain features that require server-side access to your data. For most users, this trade-off is worth the privacy gains. For those handling sensitive information, it's essential.
As privacy concerns grow and data breaches become routine, Proton offers a path toward digital life that doesn't require surrendering your information to corporations and governments. That's increasingly valuable.
Take Control of Your Privacy with Proton
