Side by side

Gmail vs Proton Mail

Both stand on personal email services. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Gmail

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Gmail combines email with writing assistance and links to other Google services. Storage is shared across Google products, and custom-domain email is part of paid business plans.

Visit Gmail

Proton Mail

Free plan WebWindowsMac+3

Proton Mail offers encrypted email with a free tier and a set of privacy and organization features. Check the free storage detail and confirm current paid pricing before deciding which plan fits.

Visit Proton Mail

The facts

	Gmail	Proton Mail
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Web	Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
Lowest paid plan	See the plans	Free or on request
Plans published	11	4
Maker	Gmail	Proton Mail
Website	mail.google.com	proton.me
On personal email services	#5 of 115	#1 of 115

Gmail: what it does well

Free accounts include up to 15 GB shared storage.
Gemini can help draft, reply, and summarize.
Connects with Meet, Calendar, Tasks, and Chat.
Supports aliases and business custom-domain email.
Mail merge supports up to 1,500 spreadsheet recipients.

What to know first

A Google Account is required to sign in.
Free storage is shared with Drive and Photos.
The inbox is not ad-free.
Some plan and feature age limits may apply.

Proton Mail: what it does well

Free plan lists 1 GB storage and one email address.
Uses end-to-end and zero-access encryption.
Blocks email trackers and includes phishing protection.
Easy Switch imports email, calendars, and contacts.
Paid plans support IMAP and SMTP through Bridge.

What to know first

FAQ says free storage starts at 500 MB.
Free plan includes one email address.
Paid plan prices are not listed here.
Desktop app trial lasts 14 days.

Alternatives to Gmail Alternatives to Proton Mail The whole list