Proton Mail vs Mailbox.org
Both Proton Mail and Mailbox.org are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the email hosting space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Proton Mail
EU- Headquarters
- Geneva, CH
- Pricing
- Free / From €4/mo
- Open Source
- Yes
Mailbox.org
EU- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Pricing
- From €3/mo
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- Proton Mail offers a free tier, while mailbox.org starts at €3/month. This makes Proton Mail more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring their options before committing.
- Proton Mail is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. Mailbox.org is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
- Data residency differs: Proton Mail hosts data in Switzerland, Germany, while Mailbox.org hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Proton Mail holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Mailbox.org does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter if your organisation requires them for vendor approval.
- Each product has unique strengths: Proton Mail offers End-to-end encryption and Zero-access encryption, while Mailbox.org provides Ad-free email hosting and PGP encryption support. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Proton Mail | Mailbox.org |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Proton Mail | Mailbox.org |
| Pricing | Free / From €4/mo | From €3/mo |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Geneva, CH | Berlin, DE |
| Data Centers | CH, DE | DE |
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| Zero-access encryption | ||
| Custom domain support | ||
| PGP support | ||
| Bridge for desktop clients | ||
| Calendar | ||
| Cloud storage (Proton Drive) | ||
| VPN | ||
| Password manager | ||
| Ad-free email hosting | ||
| PGP encryption support | ||
| Calendar and contacts (CalDAV/CardDAV) | ||
| Cloud storage with office tools | ||
| Tracking pixel protection | ||
| IMAP/POP3/SMTP access | ||
| Catch-all addresses |
Pricing Comparison
Proton Mail
Free / From €4/mofreemium
Mailbox.org
From €3/mosubscription
Compliance Comparison
Proton Mail
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Mailbox.org
GDPRDPA
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Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Proton Mail
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Mailbox.org
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose Proton Mail
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Proton Mail
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Proton Mail
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Mailbox.org
Proton Mail vs Mailbox.org — FAQ
What is the main difference between Proton Mail and Mailbox.org?
Both Proton Mail and Mailbox.org are European email hosting solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Proton Mail is open source while Mailbox.org is proprietary, and Proton Mail uses freemium pricing while Mailbox.org uses subscription. Proton Mail is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, while Mailbox.org is based in Berlin, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Proton Mail or Mailbox.org?
Proton Mail offers a free tier, while mailbox.org starts at €3/month. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Proton Mail and Mailbox.org GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Proton Mail and Mailbox.org are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Proton Mail holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.