Gmail vs ProtonMail: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gmail and ProtonMail comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Gmail
Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Free email service by Google.
- • Offers smart features like spam filtering and smart replies.
ProtonMail
Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need email clients features specifically
- • Provides end-to-end and zero-access encrypted email for privacy.
- • Blocks email trackers and offers features like hide-my-email aliases.
| At a Glance |  Gmail |  ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Task Management | Email Clients |
Rating | 80/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Gmail | ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Task ManagementCalendar | Email ClientsEncryption |
How Gmail and ProtonMail Compare
Gmail
Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone.
Free · 80/100 score
ProtonMail
Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Gmail is a task management tool. ProtonMail is in email clients.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Gmail is free. ProtonMail is freemium.
Go with: Gmail
Want the highest-rated option?
Gmail: 80/100. ProtonMail: 82/100.
Go with: ProtonMail
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ProtonMail
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Gmail is free. ProtonMail is freemium. Go with Gmail if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Gmail is a task management tool. ProtonMail is in email clients. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ProtonMail scores higher: 82/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
ProtonMail
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Gmail
- Completely free
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
ProtonMail (82/100) is our pick. That said, Gmail is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gmail or ProtonMail better?
ProtonMail scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Gmail is free and ProtonMail is freemium.
What are Gmail and ProtonMail used for?
Gmail: Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone.. ProtonMail: Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption..
What does Gmail cost vs ProtonMail?
Gmail is completely free. ProtonMail is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.