Email Privacy

Why Switch to Proton Mail

End-to-end encrypted email Gmail cannot read. Free plan, no ads, no data mining.

Why It Matters

Gmail is free because Google reads your email to serve ads. Proton Mail is free because they built a business model that does not require your data. It is end-to-end encrypted, based in Switzerland, and independently audited.

Google has handed over user email data to law enforcement thousands of times. Proton can only hand over scrambled encrypted data - because that is all they have.

What Encrypted Actually Means

Your email is encrypted on your device before it leaves. Proton cannot read it. Nobody intercepting it in transit can read it. Only the intended recipient can decrypt it. With Gmail, Google holds the encryption keys. With Proton, you hold them.

Free vs Paid

Free

1 address, 1GB storage, full encryptionPlenty for most people. No credit card required to start.

Paid

Around $4 per monthCustom domains, 15GB or more, multiple addresses, calendar and Drive included.

How to Get Started

Create a free accountGo to proton.me - no phone number required.

Install the appDownload Proton Mail on iOS or Android. Works like any other email app.

Start with sensitive accountsUse it for banking, medical, and legal first. Keep Gmail for newsletters if you want.

Migrate over timeUpdate important accounts to your Proton address gradually. No rush.

Harbor Privacy Recommends

No ads, no data mining, no reading your email. Free plan available - no credit card needed.

Try Proton Mail free →

Disclosure: Harbor Privacy earns a small referral fee if you upgrade to paid. We recommend Proton because we use it - not because of the commission.