Proton Proton Mail: customer experiences
Reviewers report a mixed experience with Proton Mail, with a significant number expressing strong opinions on both sides. The service has 2,664 positive mentions and 2,057 negative ones, indicating that while many users appreciate its privacy-focused design and security features, a substantial portion face persistent technical and usability issues. Overall, the sentiment leans slightly negative, particularly regarding app performance and recent updates. Over time, there has been no available monthly history to track shifts in user sentiment, but recurring complaints, especially about the Android app, formatting limitations, and broken features, suggest ongoing frustrations. Meanwhile, positive feedback consistently highlights Proton Mail’s commitment to privacy, lack of spam, and strong free-tier functionality, reinforcing its appeal to users seeking alternatives to mainstream email providers.
What customers praise
Customers praise Proton Mail for its strong privacy and security features, particularly its end-to-end encryption and protection against tracking. Many users appreciate the absence of spam and the ability to use email aliases to manage online subscriptions. The free tier is frequently highlighted as excellent for casual users, offering solid functionality without intrusive ads or data harvesting. These strengths are often cited as reasons to switch from services like Gmail.
What customers said:
- „There is no spam for a year now“
- „If you’re looking for a solution that actually values both privacy and security.“
- „once in a while I get an email send it to junk and never again“
Common complaints
Common complaints center on app instability and poor user experience, especially on Android. Users report frequent logouts, broken autofill integration, and drafts not saving properly. The mobile interface is criticized for being slow, unresponsive, and lacking basic formatting tools. Some also note that recent updates have removed useful features or introduced visual issues, such as unreadable text colors, which disrupt daily use.
What customers said:
- „the Android app is unusable for way too many reasons to list in this space“
- „I tried to send a email to proton support and I got invalid recipient!“
- „I will use the browser app instead.“
How it has changed over time
While no monthly history is available to track changes over time, evidence shows that certain issues have persisted for years. For example, users have waited since 2017 for basic formatting options in the compose window, despite repeated promises from Proton. Similarly, the removal of features like the full bottom toolbar and the lack of read receipt support in the app, despite being available on the web, indicate a pattern of feature regression or delayed improvements. These long-standing problems suggest that user feedback has not consistently led to meaningful changes.
What customers said:
- „The bottom toolbar for inbox messages no longer has 5 items (only 4)“
- „proton's service is great“
Practical takeaways
For users prioritizing privacy and security, Proton Mail remains a top choice, especially with its free tier and strong encryption. However, those relying on mobile productivity should consider the web version due to app limitations. If formatting, reliable drafts, and stable logins are essential, users may need to test the app thoroughly before committing. The service is best suited for individuals who value data protection over convenience and are willing to work around known bugs.
What customers said:
- „I love ProtonMail“
- „free tier is excellent for casual users“
- „Love the UI, love all the security and privacy features like aliases and tracker…“
„Love the UI, love all the security and privacy features like aliases and tracker protection“
Customer voices
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I want to delete my account so please tell me how to delete the account email address permanently“
„You are charging and everything is free on Gmail anyway“
„I 110% recommend Proton Mail“
„best protection of my email and info“
„I love the fact that I don't get Junk mail“
„sometimes mails are rendered very weirdly like Apple receipts are displayed completely off screen“
„Best Email Out There!“
„Appreciate Proton keeping my emails safe from prying eyes“
What Reddit users discuss
Below are extracts from Reddit which discuss Proton Mail in more detail - each linked to the original thread.
„i tried out the free version of Proton Mail and ...“
„ended up giving proton mail a try“
„The service is good but damn ...“
„I heard on It Could Happen Here that proton email is used because it's encrypted.“
„The free plan is reliable as long as you abide by their ToS“