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Email services: Zoho Mail vs. Proton Mail

Quick Verdict

Both Zoho Mail and Proton Mail offer robust email solutions, but they cater to different priorities. Zoho Mail is a strong choice for users seeking a balance of features, integrations, and customer support, particularly within the Zoho ecosystem. Its AI-powered spam filtering and generous free storage are notable advantages. Proton Mail excels in privacy and security, with its zero-access encryption and location in Switzerland. It's ideal for users who prioritize data protection and are willing to pay for enhanced features and storage.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeZoho MailProton Mail
Email storage capacity5 GB (free plan), 30 GB/50 GB (paid plans)Up to 1 GB (free plan), 15 GB (Proton Mail Plus), 500 GB (Proton Unlimited)
Maximum attachment size20MB (personal users), Up to 250 MB (Mail Lite plan), 500 MB (Workplace Standard plan), or 1 GB (Mail Premium and Workplace Professional plans)25 MB (up to 100 files per email)
Number of allowed aliasesUp to 30 aliases per user account. The free plan allows up to 25 aliases.Up to 10 "hide-my-email" aliases (free plan), 5 email aliases (Mail Plus), unlimited hide-my-email aliases (Proton Unlimited)
Custom domain supportYesSupported on paid plans
Email encryption (at rest)Emails are stored on Zoho Mail servers in encrypted format, split into fragments and further encrypted.Employs zero-access encryption at rest, meaning Proton Mail cannot read your messages.
Email encryption (in transit)Zoho Mail uses SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt emails during transmission. Emails between Zoho Mail servers are encrypted using TLS. S/MIME and PGP offer additional layers of protection.Uses TLS encryption in transit for emails sent to non-Proton Mail users if their servers support it. Emails between Proton Mail users are end-to-end encrypted by default. You can send end-to-end encrypted emails to non-Proton Mail users using the password-protected email feature. Subject lines are encrypted but not end-to-end encrypted.
Two-factor authentication optionsTime-based one-time passwords, push notifications via Zoho OneAuth, biometric options like Touch ID or Face ID. Hardware security keys are also supported.Not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but generally, secure email providers offer 2FA.
Spam filtering effectivenessAI-powered filtering to detect spam, phishing, and other threats. It uses community data and predefined conditions to identify spam emails. Administrators can adjust spam scoring parameters.Unencrypted messages from external providers are scanned for spam and viruses.
Mobile app availability and featuresMobile apps for iOS and Android available with a full set of features.Information regarding specific mobile app features was not found in the search results.
Integration with other apps/servicesZoho apps like CRM and Projects. Also supports integration with cloud storage services like Zoho Docs, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box.Proton Unlimited integrates Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, Pass, VPN, and Wallet.
Customer support channels and response time24/7 support via email, chat, and call.Extensive support center with articles and FAQs. Premium users receive priority support via dedicated email or an advanced support portal. Live chat support is available for paid users. The support team aims to respond within a few business days.
Data privacy policy and jurisdictionGDPR and HIPAA compliant. Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. Proton Mail's servers are located in Switzerland and Germany. They do not have access to the content of encrypted emails. Proton Mail has access to email metadata like sender and recipient addresses, IP address, attachment name, message subject, and sent/received times.
Pricing and subscription plansFree plan for up to five users with 5GB storage each. Paid plans include Mail Lite (from $1 per user/month), Workplace (from $3 per user/month), and Mail Premium (from $4 per user/month).Offers a free plan with limited features. Paid plans include Mail Plus, Proton Unlimited, and plans for families and businesses. Business plans include Mail Essentials, Business, and Enterprise options.

Overall Comparison

Zoho Mail: Free plan with 5GB storage, paid plans from $1/user/month, 24/7 support. Proton Mail: Free plan with 1GB storage, emphasis on privacy, support response in a few business days.

Pros and Cons

Zoho Mail

Pros:
  • Strong spam filtering using AI and machine learning
  • Multiple two-factor authentication methods
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Integration with other Zoho apps and cloud storage services
  • Mobile app with a full set of features
  • Easy setup and use of custom domain email addresses
Cons:
  • Free plan has limited storage and features
  • Attachment size limits vary depending on the plan

Proton Mail

Pros:
  • Strong privacy laws in Switzerland
  • Zero-access encryption at rest
  • TLS encryption in transit
  • End-to-end encryption between Proton Mail users
  • Integration with other Proton services (Calendar, Drive, Pass, VPN, Wallet)
  • Extensive support center with articles and FAQs
  • Priority support for premium users
  • Live chat support for paid users
Cons:
  • Limited storage in the free plan
  • Custom domain support only on paid plans
  • Support team response time can be a few business days
  • Proton Mail has access to email metadata
  • Subject lines are encrypted but not end-to-end encrypted
  • Maximum attachment size is 25 MB

User Experiences and Feedback