ProtonMail vs Gmail: Complete Comparison (2025)
Comparing the Swiss privacy-focused email service to Google's popular offering
Quick Verdict
ProtonMail is the clear winner for privacy-conscious users who value data sovereignty and EU-based storage. Choose ProtonMail if privacy and GDPR compliance matter. Choose Gmail if you need deep Google ecosystem integration and maximum free storage.
1. Overview
Looking for a privacy-focused alternative to Gmail? ProtonMail, based in Switzerland, offers end-to-end encrypted email with EU data storage and GDPR compliance. Unlike Gmail, which scans emails for advertising purposes, ProtonMail cannot read your emails thanks to zero-access encryption. This comparison explores the key differences between these two email providers to help you make an informed decision.
2. Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonMail | Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Privacy | ||
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | No |
| Zero-access encryption | Yes | No |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
| No IP logging | Yes | No |
| No ads | Yes | No (free tier) |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Features | ||
| Custom domain | (paid) | (Workspace) |
| Email aliases | Yes | Yes |
| Email scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Snooze | Yes | Yes |
| Labels/Folders | Yes | Yes |
| Search | (limited) | (powerful) |
| Calendar integration | Yes | Yes |
| Contacts | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | ||
| Free storage | 500 MB | 15 GB |
| Max storage (paid) | 500 GB | 30 TB |
| Platforms | ||
| Web app | Yes | Yes |
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Android app | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop app | (Bridge) | No |
| Compliance | ||
| GDPR compliant | Yes | Partial |
| HIPAA compliant | (Business) | (Workspace) |
| SOC 2 | Yes | Yes |
3. Privacy & Security
ProtonMail is built on Swiss privacy laws, which are among the strictest in the world. All emails are encrypted end-to-end, meaning only you and your recipient can read them. ProtonMail uses zero-access encryption, so even ProtonMail employees cannot access your data. Your data is stored exclusively in Switzerland, outside of US and EU jurisdiction. Gmail, on the other hand, operates under US law and scans emails for advertising purposes. While Gmail offers some security features, it does not provide end-to-end encryption for standard email. Google has access to your email content and metadata, which raises privacy concerns for many users.
4. Pricing
ProtonMail offers a free tier with 500MB storage and 1 email address, perfect for basic use. Paid plans start at €4/month with 15GB storage and 10 email addresses. Business plans start at €8/user/month. Gmail offers 15GB of free storage (shared with Google Drive and Photos). Google Workspace (business) plans start at $6/user/month for 30GB storage, with higher tiers offering up to 5TB. While Gmail offers more free storage, ProtonMail provides better value for privacy-conscious users who want encrypted storage without ads.
5. Pros & Cons
ProtonMail
✓ Pros
- • End-to-end encryption
- • Swiss privacy laws
- • No ads ever
- • Open source
- • EU data storage
- • Zero-access encryption
✗ Cons
- • Limited free storage (500MB)
- • Weaker search functionality
- • Learning curve for encryption
- • No IMAP on free tier
Gmail
✓ Pros
- • 15GB free storage
- • Powerful search
- • Deep Google ecosystem integration
- • Smart features (AI)
- • Wide compatibility
- • Familiar interface
✗ Cons
- • Privacy concerns
- • Ads in free tier
- • US jurisdiction
- • Data used for advertising
- • No end-to-end encryption
6. Who Should Choose What
Choose ProtonMail if:
- • Privacy is your top priority
- • You want EU-based data storage
- • You dislike targeted advertising
- • You need end-to-end encryption
- • You value open source software
- • GDPR compliance is important
Choose Gmail if:
- • You need Google Workspace integration
- • You need large free storage
- • You want AI-powered features
- • You're already in Google ecosystem
- • You need powerful search
- • Free tier is sufficient
7. Final Verdict
Winner: ProtonMail
For users who prioritize privacy, data sovereignty, and GDPR compliance, ProtonMail is the clear winner. Its end-to-end encryption, Swiss legal protection, and zero-access architecture provide unmatched email privacy. Gmail remains excellent for users deeply embedded in Google's ecosystem who prioritize features and storage over privacy. If you handle sensitive information or simply value your privacy, ProtonMail is worth the switch.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonMail safer than Gmail?
Yes, ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption, meaning even ProtonMail cannot read your emails. Gmail does not offer end-to-end encryption and scans emails for advertising purposes.
Can I migrate from Gmail to ProtonMail?
Yes, ProtonMail offers an Easy Switch tool that helps you migrate emails, contacts, and calendar events from Gmail to ProtonMail. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.
Is Gmail GDPR compliant?
Partially. While Google offers a Data Processing Addendum and has implemented some GDPR measures, concerns remain about data transfers to the US and Google's use of data for advertising. ProtonMail, being based in Switzerland with strict privacy laws, offers stronger GDPR compliance.
Why does Gmail offer more free storage than ProtonMail?
Gmail can offer more free storage because it monetizes user data through advertising. ProtonMail offers encrypted storage which is more expensive to maintain and doesn't monetize user data, hence the smaller free tier.
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