Proton Mail provides end‑to‑end encrypted email that blocks trackers and prevents the provider from accessing message content, ensuring private communication by default. It offers a free tier and paid plans with additional storage, custom domains, and advanced security tools such as Proton Bridge for standard email clients, all hosted under Swiss privacy laws.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many email services scan message content and use personal data for advertising or profiling, exposing users to privacy breaches and unwanted tracking. Traditional email also lacks protection against email trackers that reveal reading behavior to senders.
Solution
Proton Mail offers end‑to‑end encrypted email that ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages, with zero‑access encryption preventing even the provider from accessing content. The service blocks email trackers and removes advertising‑based data profiling, delivering an inbox that is private by default. Users can create free accounts or upgrade to paid plans that add storage, custom domains, and additional security features. Proton Mail’s open‑source code and independent security audits provide transparency, while Swiss jurisdiction applies strong data‑protection laws. Integration tools such as Proton Bridge enable secure use with standard desktop clients, and the platform supports password‑protected emails for encrypted communication with non‑Proton users.
Target Audience
Individuals and organizations seeking confidential email communication, including privacy‑focused consumers, journalists, activists, and businesses requiring secure messaging and compliance.
Features
- End‑to‑end encryption for all messages and attachments, with zero‑access encryption on Proton’s servers
- Automatic blocking of email trackers and removal of embedded tracking pixels
- Open‑source applications and independently audited cryptographic libraries
- Free tier with 1 GB storage plus paid plans offering up to 500 GB, custom domains, and additional aliases
- Proton Bridge app for secure access via third‑party email clients (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail)
- Password‑protected email and PGP support for encrypted communication with external recipients
- Swiss‑based data centers with strong legal privacy protections and biometric physical security