Fastmail Masked Email vs Proton Mail

Fastmail Masked Email creates a random email alias for each login, letting users give a site an address other than their real one. Using separate aliases can make it harder for companies to connect accounts for tracking. Messages to these addresses arrive in Fastmail; a masked icon marks them, and opening a message shows the label assigned to the address. An alias can be turned off if it starts receiving spam, which Fastmail says may help identify who exposed it. Users can connect Masked Email with 1Password or Bitwarden, or use their own domain; Fastmail says a custom domain is less anonymous than its shared domain but makes addresses portable. A JMAP extension lets apps read and manage addresses, though pending API-created aliases are deleted after 24 hours and do not appear in the interface. Fastmail supports two-step verification and passkeys and encrypts stored data and communications. Its own apps do not offer end-to-end encryption. Plans start at $4 a month, and a 30-day trial is available; there is no free plan. Access is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web.

Proton Mail is an encrypted email service available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its free plan lists 1 GB of storage and one email address, although its FAQ says storage starts at 500 MB; the free tier is described as having the same security level as paid plans. The service uses end-to-end and zero-access encryption, with open-source apps and independent audits. It blocks email trackers and includes phishing and spam protection, password-protected messages, and link confirmation. Users can schedule, undo, or snooze emails and organize messages with folders, labels, and categories. Easy Switch imports email, calendars, and contacts from other providers. Paid plans support external email clients through IMAP and SMTP using Proton Mail Bridge. Mail Plus lists 15 GB of storage, 10 extra email addresses, and one custom domain. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the desktop app has a 14-day free trial. Paid plans display monthly billing; the listed starting price is 3.99 /user/mo.