Encrypted email from Switzerland
Proton AG · Communication
Rating
4.8
45K · Apple App Store
Trust
8/9
checks passed · Jul 17, 2026
Platforms
3
macOS, Windows, Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+) +3
Chart
#2
Communication
Independently checked by Altapp where possible; developer-reported data is labeled as such. Last full review: Jul 17, 2026.
Open-source clients distributed through signed, official channels.
Zero-access encryption backed by Swiss jurisdiction and a subscription business model.
Strong audit track record, with the inherent limits of the email protocol.
Verification reflects the version listed above. Practices may change between releases. How we verify ›
Our verdict: the most credible mainstream choice for private email, pairing open-source clients with independent audits and a subscription-only business model.
Proton Mail is an end-to-end encrypted email service built by Proton AG, the Geneva-based company founded by scientists who met at CERN. Messages between Proton users are encrypted automatically, and zero-access encryption means Proton itself cannot read the contents of your mailbox. The service runs on a subscription model — there are no ads, and your inbox is not mined for data.
The clients are where Proton Mail earns its reputation: the web, Android, and iOS apps are open source under GPL-3.0, and the redesigned web client was independently audited by Securitum before release, with no major issues found. A capable free tier includes 1 GB of storage, password-protected emails, and encrypted contacts, while Mail Plus adds custom domains and more storage. Desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux round out coverage alongside the web app.
Speak freely, message privately
Choose Signal if
You want real-time encrypted messaging with disappearing messages instead of email
Swiss messenger without phone numbers
Choose Threema if
You want a paid, Swiss-based messenger that requires no phone number or email at all
Fast cloud-based messaging at scale
Choose Telegram if
You want large group channels and cloud sync and can accept weaker default encryption
Yes — the pricing listed at our last review is “Free · Plus $3.99/mo”.
Altapp's independent Trust Report (last full review Jul 17, 2026) shows 8/9 checks passed, covering source verification, data & permissions, and known risks. Verification reflects the version listed on this page.
macOS 12+ · Windows 10+ · Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+) · iOS 17.2+ · Android · Web.
Signal, Threema, Telegram — each with its own verified Trust Report on Altapp. See the full list ›
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