mail.de vs Proton Mail

mail.de is an email service available on the web, iOS, and Android, with IMAP/SMTP support and end-to-end encryption listed. The provider is based in Gütersloh, Germany, and was founded in 2009. Two free plans are listed: FreeMail Zero has 500 MB of storage, a 25-email daily limit, and a 60 MB attachment size; FreeMail includes 1 GB, one email alias, and a 50-email daily limit. Paid plans start with PureMail at €0.99 per month, billed under a 12-month contract with the total amount due at the beginning of the term. PureMail includes 2.5 GB of storage, one alias, and 100 emails per day. PlusMail costs €2.49 per month and includes 5 GB and 10 aliases; ProMail costs €3.99 per month with 20 GB and 20 aliases. PowerMail costs €6.49 per month and provides unlimited storage and 30 aliases. The paid plans have daily email limits ranging from 100 to 5,000, and a 30-day trial is listed.

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.