When it comes to email service provider, two giants stand out — Google’s Gmail and privacy-focused Proton Mail. Gmail has long been the default for millions around the globe, but Proton Mail is quickly winning over hearts and minds due to its privacy-first features, streamlined design, and user control.
Which one is better for you and your needs this year?
Native Desktop Applications: Proton Mail Takes the Lead
Proton Mail vs Gmail: Which Email Platform Truly Deserves Your
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Proton Mail’s most powerful aspect is its native desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux. According to Android Police, these applications are natively integrated with your operating system, providing native notifications and a smoother experience without depending on your browser.
Gmail, however, lacks an official desktop application. The user relies on the web interface or third-party email clients, which remove fundamental Gmail features. That in itself makes Proton Mail a more business-oriented option for desktop users looking for reliability and system-level integration.
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User Interface: A Clean Battle of Aesthetics
Gmail recently updated to Google’s “Material You” design, simplifying the UI’s look and making it more modern. The cosmetic updates are superficial, and the wallpaper selection for the background is far too long overdue for a redo.
Proton Mail resists the temptation to be overly busy. Its theme customization options, such as the user-popular Snow theme, provide a clean and attractive appearance with great contrast. For users who prefer a distraction-free environment, Proton Mail’s interface is a winner.
Email Organization and Productivity Features
Both Gmail and Proton Mail tick the box for essential email features: personalized filters, labels, folders, and adjustable view settings.
Gmail’s labeling system enables one email to have many different categories, perfect for heavy users. Proton Mail uses a more folder-like system, with labels as an extra level. Import tools are present for simple switching between services, and creating filters is more straightforward on Proton’s platform.
Privacy and Security: Proton Mail Leads the Pack
If your privacy is important, then Proton Mail is the obvious choice. With end-to-end encryption, support for encrypted emails with non-Proton accounts, password protection, and message expiration features, it’s serious about your data security. The open nature of Proton’s code further enhances the trust among security professionals.
Proton Mail also has unlimited “hide-my-email” aliases available to keep your true address secure when registering on websites, something Gmail only supports through third-party plugins.
AI Writing Assistants: Gemini vs. Proton Scribe
Gmail includes Gemini AI, an optional assistant to compose and rewrite mail. Functional but sometimes not with a human touch, it also costs a prohibitive price tag: $20/month for access to all Google Workspace apps.
Proton Mail responds with Proton Scribe, a locally running, privacy-respecting AI writing assistant that comes as part of your Proton subscription. Your writing activity remains private at no extra charge.
Which is More Worthy of Your Money?
Gmail’s basic plan provides 15GB across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. Paid plans begin at $2 per month, but to unlock features like Gemini AI, prices go up to $20 per month.
Proton’s Unlimited plan at $10.81 monthly provides 500GB storage and complete access to Proton VPN, Calendar, Pass, Docs, and Wallet — an entire productivity and privacy bundle.
Proton Mail or Gmail?
For those tangled within the Google platform and craving ease, Gmail is an easy pick. But if privacy, clean look, and all-in-one security is your game, then Proton Mail is the better way to go.
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