10 Reasons to Switch from Gmail to ProtonMail (2024)

I've been a Gmail user forever. Anyone that has ever done business with me at some point realizes all of my email mashes together into my Gmail account through multiple email addresses.

When Gmail launched on April 1, 2004 with lightning fast email search and a storage limit of 1 GB—500 times more than prevailing inboxes of the time—a lot of people thought it was an April Fool's Day hoax. On this, the 20th anniversary of Gmail, we're getting divorced. It is going to be a slow and painful migration. I have 20 years worth of data in there, and there it will stay. But going forward, I am switching all of my operations over to ProtonMail. It's a superior platform, with better features and security. We all know what Google has become. It's time to rip the bandaid off.

In an age where privacy concerns are at the forefront of online interactions, email security has become more crucial than ever. While Gmail has long been a dominant force in the email sphere, there's a rising contender offering robust security features and a commitment to user privacy: ProtonMail. Here are ten compelling reasons why making the switch from Gmail to ProtonMail might be the best move for you:

1. End-to-End Encryption: ProtonMail offers end-to-end encryption by default, meaning only you and the intended recipient can read your emails. This level of security ensures that your messages remain private and secure from prying eyes. You already know that Google not only reads your emails, but then retargets you with advertising across the internet based on what you emailed your Mom. Google admits that it allows third party developers to access your Gmail messages, but "only if you've granted them permission, and only after they pass a strict review process." Google denies retargeting you based on your Gmail content. Does anyone believe that in 2024? It's just a wild coincidence that you see a Google targeted ad for beer pong tables the day after you email your college roommate to ask him where he bought his.

2. Zero-Access Encryption: Unlike Gmail, ProtonMail employs zero-access encryption, ensuring that even ProtonMail's servers cannot decrypt and access your emails. Your data remains inaccessible to anyone but you and your recipient. Meanwhile, see above. Google lets third parties scan your emails. They're not the same.

3. Swiss Privacy Laws: ProtonMail is based in Switzerland, renowned for its strict privacy laws. This location offers an additional layer of protection for your data, as it falls under Swiss jurisdiction, which has a long history of prioritizing privacy rights. Proton cannot be compelled by foreign or Swiss authorities to engage in bulk surveillance under Switzerland privacy laws. Sorry, FBI. There's a way to opt out of big brother surveillance, and it's called ProtonMail. You and Tony Saprano can email all you want. The US Government can't (and shouldn't ever be able to even under United States laws) access your email. I will get a knock on my door in 10...9...8...

4. Open Source: ProtonMail's codebase is open source, allowing for transparency and scrutiny by the community. This fosters trust and ensures that there are no hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors compromising your security. Proton's software has been independently audited for security by thousands of experts around the world. You can view the audit reports, inspect the code yourself, or even contribute improvements.

5. Anonymous Sign-Up: Unlike Gmail, ProtonMail doesn't require any personally identifiable information to create an account. You can sign up anonymously, further protecting your privacy from potential data mining. You don't give them your drivers license or any other identifiers, and if you want to you can pay with Bitcoin (anonymously) or use a prepaid credit card. Meanwhile, Google practically (and might actually) have my DNA. They certainly have my biometric data. Time to voluntarily start to go "off the grid" with ProtonMail.

6. Self-Destructing Emails: With ProtonMail, you can send self-destructing emails that automatically delete themselves after a specified period. This feature is invaluable for sensitive information that you don't want lingering in inboxes indefinitely. Google has a version of this now, but $5 will get you $10 there's a copy on a server somewhere. All they promise you is that that it gets deleted on the end users side after a pre-determined time. Meanwhile, Google has arial and street level photos of your and my house that they have published on the worldwide web.

7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): ProtonMail offers robust two-factor authentication options, adding an extra layer of security to your account and preventing unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. One thing I can tell you from first hand experience... write down old school your access credentials because if you lose them you're screwed. There's NO getting back into ProtonMail if you can't substantiate your two step authentication. Google has this also, but I can tell you from first hand experience (again), it's not real hard to gain access to your Google account. The entire premise of ProtonMail is secured access and secured communication. Google exists to sell you sh*t. Gmail is the gateway drug to their entire data point mosaic of you.

8. Custom Domain Support: For businesses or individuals looking to maintain their brand identity, ProtonMail offers custom domain support. This feature allows you to use your domain with ProtonMail's secure infrastructure. I haven't used this yet, but I will. They have several plans, ranging from free to family. The cheap plan I picked allows me to move some of my existing domains over there. I will be migrating slowly throughout 2024. I don't trust any of these tech companies, including any of the domain hosts and especially GoDaddy.

9. Ad-Free Experience: Unlike Gmail, which has admitted histoically to scanning your emails for targeted advertising, ProtonMail offers an ad-free experience. Your inbox remains free from intrusive ads, preserving both your privacy and user experience. Here's what Google themselves says about this :

10. Commitment to Privacy: Above all, ProtonMail is committed to user privacy. Unlike Gmail, which monetizes user data through targeted advertising, ProtonMail's business model revolves around providing secure email services without compromising privacy. They're adding a bigger suite of services, and I am adding them one at a time as I start migrating into their entire ecosystem. They don't keep ANY data logs on you. Since they don't log your activity, your IP address, or your location, they have nothing to share with anyone.

They now have everything from VPN's to something similar to Google Drive, and a password vault similar to LastPass. It will probably take me a year worth of putzing around with this to get everything set up. It took me 20 years with Google to get here, so it's reasonable to spend a year unwinding it.

As concerns about online privacy continue to grow, ProtonMail emerges as a formidable alternative and my recommendation and selection to replace Gmail. With its robust security features, commitment to privacy, and user-centric approach, ProtonMail offers a compelling reason to make the switch. Whether you're a privacy-conscious individual or a business looking to safeguard sensitive information (or both, as I have integrated both in a single sign on,) ProtonMail provides the tools you need to communicate securely in today's digital landscape. I'm all in on ProtonMail.

If you want to try it, grab the FREE account (free forever) through the affiliate link below. You can also get a free month of their PLUS service, which is what I use : https://pr.tn/ref/BDZD3M3E3E2G