Proton Mail is an essential tool for every professional concerned about security.
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In a world where digital privacy is becoming increasingly worrying, choosing a secure email provider has never been more critical.
Since 2017, I’ve been using Proton Mail as my primary email service, and in my experience, it stands out as one of the most reliable and secure platforms available. Like many others, I was drawn to Proton Mail because of its emphasis on safety and privacy.
But how safe is it?
Is it the best choice in terms of security? While there have been concerns—such as Proton Mail disclosing an activist’s identity—it’s important to remember that no service is 100% safe.
Proton Mail offers robust security features, making it a trusted tool for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious individuals worldwide.
In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into why Proton Mail is considered by many to be one of the safest email providers while also reflecting on its journey from being feature-limited to a full-fledged, easy-to-use email platform.
A Brief Introduction to Proton Mail
Proton Mail was founded in 2014 by a group of scientists from CERN with a mission to create an email service that prioritises security and privacy.
Unlike many mainstream email providers, Proton Mail uses end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the content of an email.
This significantly contrasts services like Gmail or Yahoo, which can access your email content to serve targeted ads. Based in Switzerland, Proton Mail also benefits from the country’s strong privacy laws, further solidifying its reputation as a secure choice.
Since its launch, Proton Mail has grown considerably in terms of its user base and feature set. While in the early days, the service lacked some of the functionalities users were accustomed to from other providers, like an intuitive user interface and robust organisation tools, it has since evolved into a platform that competes with the biggest names in the market.
The question remains: Is it the safest email provider available today?
Understanding End-to-End Encryption
One of the defining features of Proton Mail is its use of end-to-end encryption. This means that sending an email is encrypted on your device and stays encrypted while in transit and on Proton Mail’s servers.
Only the intended recipient, with the correct decryption key, can read the contents of your message. This level of encryption is not something most mainstream email providers offer.
But what does this mean for you, the user? In practical terms, even if Proton Mail were to be hacked or its servers seized, no one—not even Proton Mail itself—access the contents of your emails. This makes it especially useful for those handling sensitive information, such as journalists, activists, or individuals in high-risk professions where privacy is paramount.
Privacy Laws: The Swiss Advantage
Proton Mail operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strictest in the world. This legal framework makes it difficult for foreign governments or organisations to request user data without going through the appropriate Swiss authorities.
Proton Mail doesn't rely on technology to protect your data; it also benefits from legal safeguards many other email providers don't have.
However, this isn’t to say that Proton Mail is immune to legal action. In 2021, the company complied with a Swiss government request that led to the disclosure of an activist’s IP address. This raised concerns about how “private” the service truly is. It’s important to note that this was a legal request made under Swiss law, and Proton Mail was required to comply.
While no service can guarantee anonymity, Proton Mail remains one of the most secure options for protecting your email content.
Personal Experience: Using Proton Mail Since 2017
When I started using Proton Mail in 2017, it was a fairly basic service compared to what it offers today. The encryption was there, but there were limitations, such as a lack of integration with other email clients, and the overall user experience wasn’t as polished. Still, I stuck with it because of its security features, which were unmatched by any other provider then.
Fast forward to today, and Proton Mail has addressed many of these initial shortcomings. The platform now offers an intuitive user interface, advanced organisational tools, and seamless integration with other services through the Proton Mail Bridge.
This allows you to use Proton Mail with your preferred email client, such as Outlook or Apple Mail, without sacrificing encryption.
For me, this evolution has made Proton Mail the most secure and one of the most user-friendly email providers out there.
Proton Drive and Secure Cloud Storage
In addition to its email service, Proton AG (the company behind Proton Mail) has also expanded its offerings with Proton Drive, a secure cloud storage service. Although it remained in beta for nearly two years, Proton Drive is now available to the public and offers the same level of encryption and privacy that users expect from Proton Mail.
Proton Drive’s encryption ensures that your files are secure, both in transit and at rest, meaning they’re protected from unauthorised access.
This makes it an excellent choice for storing sensitive documents, whether you’re a journalist working on a confidential story or simply someone who values their privacy. While other cloud storage options offer more features or significant amounts of storage, few can compete with Proton Drive regarding security.
Proton Mail’s Mobile Apps
One of the significant improvements to Proton Mail since I first started using it has been the development of its mobile apps. Available for both iOS and Android, these apps have significantly improved the user experience, making sending and receiving encrypted emails from your smartphone easy. The apps are also open source, meaning anyone can review the code to ensure no security vulnerabilities.
As of this writing, the Proton Mail Android app has over 5 million downloads and a rating of 4.5 stars. The iOS version fares slightly better, with a 4.0 rating based on over 3,200 reviews.
These ratings reflect the apps’ functionality and ease of use, although there is always room for improvement. In my experience, both apps work smoothly and offer the same level of encryption and security as the desktop version, making them an excellent option for on-the-go privacy.
Proton Mail for Business: Is It Ready?
In addition to its standard service, Proton Mail also offers a business version designed to provide end-to-end encryption for companies that prioritise privacy.
This service includes migration tools, a user hierarchy for managing accounts, and dedicated support to help businesses transition to Proton Mail.
However, Proton Mail’s business offerings have some limitations, particularly regarding search functionality and calendar features. For businesses that rely heavily on these tools, alternative providers such as Mailbox.org or Mailfence be a better fit.
Still, Proton Mail’s business service is a strong contender for organisations that prioritise security above all else.
Criticisms and Concerns
No service is without its flaws, and Proton Mail is no exception. One of the most commonly raised issues is using JavaScript encryption libraries in its browser client. While JavaScript encryption is considered secure, it’s less robust than the encryption used in Proton Mail’s mobile apps. Some critics argue that this leaves users vulnerable to certain types of attacks, although these risks are low for the average user.
Another point of criticism is Proton Mail’s decision to leave email subject lines unencrypted for compatibility with the PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) standard. While this decision makes sense from a technical perspective, it does mean that some metadata is exposed, which concerns individuals handling susceptible information.
It’s also worth mentioning that, as Proton Mail has become more popular, it has attracted more scrutiny. Just as the largest VPN providers, like NordVPN, are frequently targeted by critics, Proton Mail’s status as one of the biggest names in secure email means it’s often held to a higher standard. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Proton Mail is less secure than its competitors, but it does mean that it’s constantly under the microscope.
Alternatives to Proton Mail
While Proton Mail is one of the best-known secure email providers, it’s not the only option. For users who require even stricter security measures, Tutanota is often recommended as an alternative. Unlike Proton Mail, Tutanota encrypts the subject lines of emails, providing an additional layer of security. However, it lacks some of the features and user-friendliness of Proton Mail, making it less suitable for the average user.
Other options include Mailbox.org and Mailfence, which offer secure email services with broader business features. These providers are better suited for organisations that need robust search functionality, calendar integration, and other productivity tools while offering high security.
Proton VPN: A Trusted Companion for Secure Browsing
Of all the VPN services out there, Proton VPN is the one I use and trust the most. Built by the same team behind Proton Mail, it offers the same commitment to privacy and security.
Proton VPN provides a no-logs policy, meaning none of your online activities are tracked or stored. It also offers strong encryption, high-speed servers, and the ability to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions.
Whether you’re looking for privacy while browsing or secure access to content worldwide, Proton VPN delivers a reliable, secure experience that I’ve come to depend on.
Conclusion: Is Proton Mail the Safest?
So, is Proton Mail the safest email provider in the world?
In my experience, it’s undoubtedly one of the safest options available, particularly for individuals who prioritise privacy and security. Its end-to-end encryption and Switzerland’s strong privacy laws make it a solid choice for anyone looking to protect their emails from prying eyes.
That said, no service is perfect, and Proton Mail has limitations. Whether it’s the use of JavaScript encryption in the browser client or the decision to leave subject lines unencrypted, there are trade-offs that users need to consider.
However, for most users, Proton Mail provides more than enough security to meet their needs, and its ongoing improvements make it a service that’s only getting better.
Proton Mail is a reliable and secure option I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Whether you’re a journalist, an activist, a business or simply someone who values your privacy, Proton Mail is worth considering as your go-to email provider.