Proton Mail vs Riseup Email

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.

Riseup Email is a free email account available through webmail or a mail client. Riseup describes the service as part of movement-run communications infrastructure for activists and allies. New accounts require an invite code from someone who trusts the applicant, and each account has 1 GB of storage. Riseup recommends Thunderbird and lists mail-client options for Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. Clients connect using IMAP or POP, with SMTP for outgoing mail. Riseup says messages are individually encrypted on its servers and can be unlocked with the account password, but the service is not end-to-end or client encrypted unless users add Mailvelope or another OpenPGP solution. It says it does not log users’ internet addresses or include the sender’s IP address in outgoing email. Riseup services have Tor onion services, and email to certain activist providers is delivered over them. Trash messages are deleted after 21 days and Spam after 7 days. Riseup does not back up all old messages, so users are responsible for keeping their own copies. The service is funded entirely by small user donations.