- Free storage: the number that surprises people
- Side by side
- Privacy and encryption in plain English
- Switching from Gmail to Proton
- Or run both
- For business email
- Search, filters and daily use
- Calendars, contacts and the rest of your day
- Security habits that matter on either
- Who should switch, and who shouldn't
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
Proton Mail suits people who want encrypted, privacy-first email and don't mind fewer integrations. Gmail suits people who want lots of free storage, powerful search and tight links with Google's other apps. The right choice depends on whether privacy or convenience matters more to you.
Most people already have a Gmail address, so the real question is usually whether to move, or whether to add a private address alongside it. Here's how the two compare on the things that make a difference day to day.
Free storage: the number that surprises people
Here's the detail most comparisons gloss over. Proton's plans page lists Proton Free with 1 GB of storage, one user and one encrypted email address. Google's own help page says each Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage, but it's shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. So Gmail looks far bigger, yet a phone full of photos can fill that shared space and stop new email arriving. Check what's using your Google storage before you assume you've got room.
Side by side
| Area | Proton Mail | Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 1 GB on Proton Free | Up to 15 GB shared with Drive and Photos |
| Encryption focus | Encrypted email is the core product | Standard security with Google account protections |
| Integrations | Proton's own apps and a smaller ecosystem | Deep links with Google Calendar, Drive and many apps |
| Search | Works differently because of encryption | Fast, powerful search across all mail |
| Best fit | Privacy-first users | Convenience and integrations |
Privacy and encryption in plain English
Proton is built around encrypted email, so messages between Proton users are protected end to end. Mail to and from other providers travels with standard protections unless you use extra features. Gmail protects your account with strong security features, but it's designed to work closely with the rest of Google's services. If you handle sensitive client information, the privacy-first option deserves a serious look.
Switching from Gmail to Proton
- Create your new address and set up two-factor login.
- Import your old mail, contacts and calendar.
- Turn on forwarding from Gmail so nothing is missed.
- Update the login email on important accounts, starting with banks and your domain.
- Tell contacts and keep the old address active for several months.
Or run both
Many people keep Gmail for shopping, newsletters and older accounts, and use a private address for personal or sensitive conversations. That works well, as long as you're clear which address is for what. If your inbox is overflowing either way, my piece on using AI to triage email might help.
For business email
If you're sending marketing or client email from your own domain, deliverability depends on your domain set-up as much as your provider. If you're changing providers at the same time, my guide to choosing an email marketing platform when you switch covers the sending side. Both providers support custom domains on their business plans, so check what each includes for your team size.
Search, filters and daily use
Gmail's search is one of the reasons people stay. Because encrypted email works differently, searching inside message bodies on a privacy-first service can behave differently, so test a few real searches, such as an old invoice or a client name, before you move everything. Filters, labels and folders exist on both, but the way you set them up differs, so plan an hour to rebuild your rules.
Think about your phone, too. Both have mobile apps, but if you use your phone's built-in mail app, check how each service connects to it and whether you'll need a separate app.
Calendars, contacts and the rest of your day
Email rarely lives alone. Gmail sits next to Google Calendar, Drive and Docs, and a lot of small businesses run their whole week through those tools. Proton offers its own calendar and storage as part of its wider set of apps. If you move your email, decide whether your calendar and files move too, or whether you'll keep them where they are for now.
Security habits that matter on either
- Turn on two-factor login with an app or security key.
- Use a password manager and a unique password.
- Check recovery email and phone details are current.
- Be suspicious of any email asking you to sign in, whatever provider you use.
Who should switch, and who shouldn't
Switch if you handle sensitive personal or client information, if you'd rather your provider's business model wasn't built around a wider ecosystem of services, or if you simply want a cleaner, more private inbox. Stay if your work depends on Google's calendar, files and integrations, or if you'd lose hours rebuilding automations. There's a middle path, too: a private address for what matters and Gmail for everything else.
My verdict
If privacy is the main reason you're reading this, move your important conversations to the encrypted option and keep Gmail for the rest. If you live in Google Calendar, Drive and Docs, Gmail's convenience is hard to beat. Either way, check your storage and set up two-factor login today.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Proton Mail more private than Gmail?
Proton is built around encrypted email, so messages between Proton users are end-to-end encrypted. Gmail focuses on account security and integration with Google's services.
How much free storage does each have?
Proton's plans page lists 1 GB on Proton Free. Google says each account includes up to 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos.
Can I move my Gmail to Proton Mail?
Yes. You can import mail and contacts, then forward Gmail to your new address while you switch.
Can I use my own domain?
Both support custom domains on their business plans. Check what each plan includes.
Why did my Gmail stop receiving email?
One common reason is full storage, since Google's 15 GB is shared with Drive and Photos.
Should I keep both?
Many people do: a private address for sensitive conversations and Gmail for shopping and newsletters.
Is search different on encrypted email?
It can be. Test a few real searches on the privacy-first service before you move all your mail.
Will my calendar move with my email?
Not automatically. Decide whether to move your calendar and files too, or keep them where they are.
Is it hard to switch email providers?
It takes an afternoon to set up and a few months of forwarding to catch everything. Start with your most important accounts.
