Choosing the right email service has become more than just picking a platform to send and receive messages. With privacy concerns, user experience, and productivity tools all factoring in, you need an email provider that aligns with your needs. Today, we’re comparing Mail.com and ProtonMail—two popular email services—so you can make an informed choice.
Mail.com is a versatile email service that has been around for years. It offers a broad range of email domains, such as @journalist.com, @techie.com, and @mail.com, giving users a chance to personalize their email addresses.
Multiple Domains: Pick a professional or fun email domain that suits your personality.
Generous Storage: Free accounts come with 2 GB of storage; paid plans offer up to 65 GB.
Calendar and Organizer: Mail.com isn’t just about emails; it has integrated calendar and task tools.
Attachment Support: Send files up to 50 MB in size.
Webmail Access: Easy access through any web browser, plus mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Pros of Mail.com:
Customizable email domains
Simple and intuitive interface
Useful productivity tools like calendar and file storage
Cons of Mail.com:
Ads on free accounts
Limited advanced security features compared to privacy-focused services
ProtonMail, on the other hand, is a privacy-first email service based in Switzerland. It focuses heavily on security, offering end-to-end encryption so only you and the recipient can read your emails.
End-to-End Encryption: Even ProtonMail cannot read your messages.
Zero-Access Architecture: Protects your emails from unauthorized access.
Anonymous Sign-Up: No personal information is required to create an account.
Self-Destructing Emails: Send emails that automatically delete after a set time.
Open Source: ProtonMail’s code is open for audit and review, increasing transparency.
Pros of ProtonMail:
Top-notch security and privacy
User-friendly apps for web, iOS, and Android
Free version available with basic features
Cons of ProtonMail:
Storage on free accounts is limited (500 MB)
Some features require a paid subscription
Limited integrations with third-party apps
Security is often the deciding factor when choosing an email provider.
Mail.com: Uses standard SSL/TLS encryption for emails in transit, but messages are stored unencrypted on servers. This means Mail.com could technically access your emails.
ProtonMail: Offers end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and Swiss privacy laws protection, making it far more secure than Mail.com.
Winner: ProtonMail clearly takes the lead in security and privacy.
When it comes to storage and file sharing:
Mail.com: Free accounts come with 2 GB of storage and can send attachments up to 50 MB. Paid users get up to 65 GB.
ProtonMail: Free accounts offer only 500 MB of storage and 25 MB attachment size. Paid plans increase this, but still lower than Mail.com.
Winner: Mail.com, if storage space is your priority.
User experience is key for productivity.
Mail.com: Offers a simple, easy-to-navigate interface. The webmail dashboard is clean and comes with calendar, contacts, and tasks integrated. Ads on free accounts may slightly affect the experience.
ProtonMail: Has a modern interface, optimized for security, which may feel slightly restrictive but is easy to use. The mobile and web apps are smooth and responsive.
Winner: Tie, depending on whether you prioritize functionality (Mail.com) or security-focused simplicity (ProtonMail).
Mail.com: Offers over 200 domain options. This is great for branding and professional use, e.g., journalists, tech professionals, or creatives.
ProtonMail: Only uses @proton.me or @protonmail.com domains. Professional branding options are limited.
Winner: Mail.com, for domain variety and professional personalization.
Both services offer free and paid plans, but they differ in scope.
Mail.com Pricing:
Free Plan: Ads, 2 GB storage, basic support
Premium Plan: $2.99/month, 65 GB storage, no ads, better support
ProtonMail Pricing:
Free Plan: 500 MB storage, limited features
Plus Plan: $5/month, 5 GB storage, custom domains
Professional/Advanced Plans: $8–$30/month for teams, additional storage, and advanced features
Winner: Mail.com for affordability; ProtonMail for premium privacy and encryption features.
Mail.com: Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android. Push notifications and email syncing work well, but the free version shows ads.
ProtonMail: Mobile apps for iOS and Android are clean, ad-free, and optimized for privacy.
Winner: ProtonMail, for ad-free, secure mobile experience.
Mail.com: Has standard spam filters, but some junk may still get through.
ProtonMail: Uses advanced spam filters alongside encryption, ensuring safer communications.
Winner: ProtonMail, for overall email safety.
Mail.com: Ideal for users who want flexible domains, more storage, and integrated productivity tools. Great for casual and professional users who don’t prioritize extreme security.
ProtonMail: Best for users who value privacy and security over storage and domain customization. Suitable for journalists, activists, or anyone handling sensitive information.
Both Mail.com and ProtonMail have their strengths:
| Feature | Mail.com | ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Standard SSL/TLS | End-to-end encryption |
| Storage | 2 GB free, 65 GB paid | 500 MB free, 5+ GB paid |
| Domains | 200+ options | Limited to Proton domains |
| Ads | Yes, free accounts | No ads |
| Mobile Apps | Yes, some ads | Yes, secure |
| Professional Use | High flexibility | Limited domains |
Choose Mail.com if you want flexibility, storage, and professional domains at an affordable price.
Choose ProtonMail if your priority is security, privacy, and ad-free experience.
With the growing concerns around privacy and email security in 2025, your choice depends on what matters most—functionality or privacy.
1. Is Mail.com free?
Yes, Mail.com offers a free plan with ads and basic features. Paid plans remove ads and add more storage.
2. Can I use ProtonMail for work?
Yes, ProtonMail offers professional plans with custom domains, making it suitable for business email.
3. Which service is more secure?
ProtonMail is more secure due to end-to-end encryption and strict privacy policies.
4. Can I access these emails on mobile?
Yes, both Mail.com and ProtonMail have Android and iOS apps.
5. Does Mail.com scan my emails?
Yes, Mail.com scans emails for advertising and spam filtering purposes, unlike ProtonMail, which does not scan email content.
6. Which is better for storage?
Mail.com offers larger free storage (2 GB vs. 500 MB), making it better for users with lots of emails.
7. Can I use a custom domain?
Mail.com allows custom domains for free, while ProtonMail requires paid plans for this feature.
