ProtonMail vs Tutanota: Which European Email is Better? (2025)
Comparing two leading European privacy-focused email providers
Quick Verdict
Both ProtonMail and Tutanota are excellent privacy-focused email providers. Choose ProtonMail for PGP compatibility, IMAP support (via Bridge), and if you want the Swiss jurisdiction. Choose Tutanota for lower prices, encrypted subject lines, and if you prefer a fully integrated ecosystem.
1. Overview
When choosing between ProtonMail (Switzerland) and Tutanota (Germany), you're comparing two of Europe's best privacy-focused email services. Both offer end-to-end encryption, open-source clients, and strong privacy protections. ProtonMail is based in Switzerland with strict privacy laws outside EU jurisdiction, while Tutanota operates from Germany under GDPR. The key differences lie in encryption approach, pricing, and ecosystem integration. This comparison will help you choose the right provider for your privacy needs.
2. Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonMail | Tutanota |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Privacy | ||
| End-to-end encryption | Yes (email body) | Yes (full email) |
| Encrypted subject lines | No | Yes |
| Zero-access encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Germany (EU) |
| Features | ||
| Custom domain | (€4/mo) | (€3/mo) |
| Email aliases | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Contacts | Yes | Yes |
| Search | Limited | Full-text |
| IMAP/SMTP support | (Bridge) | No |
| PGP support | Yes | No |
| Storage | ||
| Free storage | 500 MB | 1 GB |
| Max storage (paid) | 500 GB | 1 TB |
| Platforms | ||
| Web app | Yes | Yes |
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Android app | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop app | Yes | Yes |
| F-Droid availability | No | Yes |
| Pricing | ||
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | €4/mo | €3/mo |
| Business plans | From €8/user | From €4/user |
3. Privacy & Security
Both services take privacy seriously but use different approaches. ProtonMail uses PGP encryption for the email body but leaves subject lines and metadata unencrypted (standard email limitation). This allows compatibility with other PGP users. Tutanota uses a custom encryption protocol that encrypts the entire email including subject lines, but only works within Tutanota's ecosystem. ProtonMail's Swiss jurisdiction offers strong privacy protections outside EU law, while Tutanota operates under German and EU law (GDPR). Both use zero-access encryption, meaning neither company can read your emails. Both are open source and have been audited by independent security researchers.
4. Pricing
Tutanota is more affordable across all tiers. Its free plan offers 1GB storage (vs ProtonMail's 500MB). Paid plans start at €3/month for Tutanota compared to €4/month for ProtonMail. Business plans show even bigger differences: Tutanota starts at €4/user/month while ProtonMail starts at €8/user/month. However, ProtonMail offers additional services bundled in higher tiers (VPN, Drive, Calendar), which may provide better value if you need those services. Tutanota focuses solely on email, calendar, and contacts, keeping costs lower.
5. Pros & Cons
ProtonMail
✓ Pros
- • PGP support for external users
- • IMAP/SMTP via Bridge
- • Swiss jurisdiction (non-EU)
- • Larger ecosystem (VPN, Drive, etc.)
- • More storage in paid tiers
- • Well-funded development
✗ Cons
- • More expensive
- • Less free storage (500MB)
- • Subject lines not encrypted
- • Bridge requires paid plan
Tutanota
✓ Pros
- • Lower prices across all tiers
- • Encrypts subject lines
- • More free storage (1GB)
- • F-Droid availability
- • Simpler, focused product
- • Better search functionality
✗ Cons
- • No IMAP/SMTP support
- • No PGP compatibility
- • Smaller ecosystem
- • Less storage in paid tiers
6. Who Should Choose What
Choose ProtonMail if:
- • You need PGP compatibility
- • You want to use desktop email clients (Thunderbird, etc.)
- • You prefer Swiss jurisdiction over EU
- • You want an integrated ecosystem (VPN, Drive)
- • You need more than 1TB storage
- • You communicate with other PGP users
Choose Tutanota if:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You want subject line encryption
- • You prefer a focused, simple product
- • You're comfortable using their apps only
- • You want F-Droid availability
- • GDPR compliance is required
7. Final Verdict
Winner: It Depends
Both ProtonMail and Tutanota are excellent choices for privacy-conscious users. There's no clear winner - it depends on your specific needs. ProtonMail offers more flexibility with PGP support and IMAP/SMTP access, making it better for users who want to use traditional email clients or communicate with other PGP users. Tutanota offers better value for money, full email encryption (including subjects), and a simpler product focused on doing one thing well. For most users, the decision comes down to: Do you need PGP/IMAP compatibility (ProtonMail) or do you want the most affordable, fully-encrypted solution (Tutanota)?
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more secure: ProtonMail or Tutanota?
Both are highly secure with end-to-end encryption and zero-access architecture. Tutanota encrypts subject lines (ProtonMail doesn't), but ProtonMail offers PGP support for communicating with non-ProtonMail users. Both are excellent choices for security.
Why is Tutanota cheaper than ProtonMail?
Tutanota is more affordable because it uses a custom encryption protocol instead of PGP, which allows for more efficient encryption and lower infrastructure costs. ProtonMail's PGP compatibility and additional features like ProtonVPN bundles justify its higher price.
Can I use ProtonMail or Tutanota with Thunderbird?
ProtonMail can be used with Thunderbird and other desktop email clients via ProtonMail Bridge (paid feature). Tutanota does not support IMAP/SMTP and requires using their official apps only.
Which has better GDPR compliance?
Both offer excellent GDPR compliance. Tutanota is based in Germany (EU member) and directly subject to GDPR. ProtonMail is based in Switzerland, which has adequate data protection laws recognized by the EU. Both are strong choices for GDPR compliance.
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