HEY vs ProtonMail: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between HEY 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.
Bottom line: ProtonMail is our overall pick for email workflows. Pick HEY if you need email clients.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Best for you if:
- • You need email clients features specifically
- • Email reimagined by Basecamp
- • Screener for incoming mail
ProtonMail
Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need email 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 |  HEY |  ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moHEY for Domains | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Clients | |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose HEY or ProtonMail?
Choose HEY if
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
- Innovative approach
- No tracking pixels
- Clean design
- Your work is email clients-shaped, not email-shaped
Choose ProtonMail if
Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.
- Best privacy email
- End-to-end encryption
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Budget matters (Free vs $12/mo)
- Your work is email-shaped, not email clients-shaped
| Feature | HEY | ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 18 reviews | ★4.4/5 130 reviews |
| Categories | Email ClientsProductivity | EmailSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Strengths
- +Innovative approach
- +No tracking pixels
- +Clean design
Weaknesses
- -Requires new email address
- -Expensive
Key features
ProtonMail
Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.
Strengths
- +Best privacy email
- +End-to-end encryption
- +Swiss jurisdiction
- +Good apps
- +No tracking
Weaknesses
- -Limited free tier
- -No IMAP free
- -Search limited
- -Less integrations
- -Encryption has limits
Key features
Pricing: HEY vs ProtonMail
| Plan | HEY | ProtonMail |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $99 HEY for You | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $12 HEY for Domains | $3.99 month Mail Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $9.99 month Proton Unlimited |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $12.99 /user/month Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on HEY pricing and ProtonMail pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ProtonMail has a free tier. HEY is paid only.
Go with: ProtonMail
Want the highest-rated option?
HEY: 4.0/5 (18 reviews). ProtonMail: 4.4/5 (130 reviews).
Go with: ProtonMail
Value user reviews?
HEY: 18 reviews (4.0/5). ProtonMail: 130 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: ProtonMail
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
HEY is paid. ProtonMail is freemium. ProtonMail lets you start free.
What's your use case?
HEY is a email clients tool. ProtonMail is in email. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ProtonMail is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
ProtonMail
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (130 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HEY
- Better fit for email clients
The Bottom Line
ProtonMail is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HEY or ProtonMail better?
ProtonMail is rated in our evaluation. HEY is paid and ProtonMail is freemium.
What are HEY and ProtonMail used for?
HEY: Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies. ProtonMail: Secure email that protects your privacy with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption..
What does HEY cost vs ProtonMail?
HEY is a paid tool. ProtonMail is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.