Proton Mail vs. Gmail: Which is right for you? [2024]

Proton Mail has superior privacy standards due to its location in Switzerland, which adheres to the country's strict data protection laws and the European Union's GDPR regulations. Proton Mail uses zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption with PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) for secure communications. In contrast, Gmail relies on industry-standard TLS (Transport Layer Security) for message security between users and Google servers, but holds encryption keys to reveal user data. While both services offer robust protection against account breaches, Proton Mail has additional features like password-protected emails and self-destructing messages. However, Gmail excels in providing a more intuitive user experience and better integrations with other Google apps and third-party tools, making it suitable for most users. For those prioritizing complete privacy, especially high-risk professionals or individuals dealing with sensitive information, Proton Mail is the better choice due to its focus on security and zero-knowledge practices.