I moved over to Fastmail from ProtonMail a few weeks ago. I think if you value the encryption and privacy and don’t mind the lack of basic stuff like threading in the mobile app or IMAP integration, ProtonMail is fully worth it. That said, for me I just want a well featured email/calendar service that can replace gmail once Gewgle fucked us over with Inbox. Fastmail does that for me and provides a lot less friction whilst doing so.
ProtonMail feels like a one-trick pony to me. They’re cruising on the allure of privacy features but they have a ways to go on other basics.
I'm not even sure it's all that great of a trick, considering that no amount of encryption and security on Proton's own servers or in their app can protect the contents of emails that are sent to (edit: or received from) someone who doesn't use Proton.
I am a current customer and think they've got a really well-done service and app, but lately I've been wondering if it's the privacy equivalent of the Maginot Line.
Makes me wonder if its possible or reasonable to consider an option with protonmails (and similar) - have a note in the footer of the email - explaining that encrypted is default in their system, but sending to your email provider has it converted to plain text where others can access it..
if you'd like to keep this mail message private click to login to protonReadPortal - where you can read, and if you'd like make a passphrase, to reply and keep messaging on secure servers.. get an optional app for replies to your contacts that have proton accounts.. then tap to checkbox so further emails to you from proton accounts send you a notice to check out the protonReadPortal instead of including the plain text..
I'd want my protonReaderApp to have default shred message after reading.. keep available on proton server for 48 hours after.. one click to save as pdf or zip or other safer password format, or save on protonServer longer.. with easy to change defaults..
would be nice option. I dunno maybe something like this exists?
There are several use cases for this..
a system like this could make for encrypted form storage and messaging with the right API maybe hippa compliant?
I'd expect my lawyers and accountants and such to use something like this.
When I initially set out to change mail providers, I considered both Fastmail and ProtonMail.
Ultimately, my decision was based on the fact that ProtonMail is a Swiss company, a country whose privacy laws are stronger than Fastmail’s country of origin, Australia.
So far I’m really happy with ProtonMail as a replacement for Gmail, as a mobile-first user. The only issue is saying “ProtonMail” to people who have never heard of it (surprisingly prone to misspelling).
You could try out the short-hand version "yourname@pm.me". It is not enabled by default, but it is a simple radio button toggle away in your account settings. Certainly more convenient than the full '@protonmail.com'.
They have IMAP, you just have to install a program they call the bridge. I use the Linux version that's still in beta and have had no issues with it so far.
ProtonMail feels like a one-trick pony to me. They’re cruising on the allure of privacy features but they have a ways to go on other basics.