Proton Mail vs Fasthosts
On privacy it's Proton Mail. On price it's Fasthosts. On features it's Proton Mail. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.
Should you pick Proton Mail or Fasthosts?
- Go for Proton Mail if you'd like end-to-end encryption built in; a free plan to start on; and more space for your mail: 15 GB.
- Fasthosts is the better pick if you want a cheaper plan, at From £1 a month for the first year; freedom to use the mail app you already like; and a provider that's been going since 1998.
| Feature | Proton Mail | Fasthosts |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Price | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Cheapest plan | Mail Plus $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly) | Email From £1 a month for the first year |
| Free plan | Yes, 1 GB, no own domain | No |
| Storage | 15 GB | 2 GB |
| Your own domain | ✓ 1 | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ Built in | No |
| Company based in | Switzerland | United Kingdom (IONOS) |
| Your data is kept in | Switzerland | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2014 | 1998 |
| Free trial | Free plan; 30-day refund on paid plans | Unknown |
| Funded by advertising | No | No |
| Works in any mail app | With Proton Bridge on paid plans | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | No |
| Aliases | 10 addresses | Yes |
| Open-source apps | ✓ Yes | No |
| Sign up without ID | ✓ Yes | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | Offer Proton's current deals | None |
| Last checked | 23 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
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The key differences
- Cheapest plans: Proton Mail Mail Plus, $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly). Fasthosts Email, From £1 a month for the first year.
- Proton Mail has a free plan (1 GB, no own domain); Fasthosts has no free plan.
- Space: Proton Mail gives 15 GB of storage, Fasthosts 2 GB of storage.
- Data location: Switzerland for Proton Mail, United Kingdom for Fasthosts.
- The companies sit under different laws: Proton Mail in Switzerland, Fasthosts in United Kingdom (IONOS).
- On encryption, Proton Mail encrypts mail end to end, whereas Fasthosts doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
- Mail apps: Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans; Fasthosts works in any mail app over IMAP.
- Aliases: Proton Mail offers 10 addresses, Fasthosts yes.
Proton Mail and Fasthosts: your questions
Is Proton Mail more private than Fasthosts?
Proton Mail scores 5 out of 5 for privacy and Fasthosts 2.5. Proton Mail gives you end-to-end encryption built in, open-source apps anyone can check and an account that doesn't need your phone number or ID.
Is Proton Mail cheaper than Fasthosts?
Fasthosts is cheaper. Its Email plan is From £1 a month for the first year, against $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly) for Proton Mail's Mail Plus. Proton Mail also has a free plan. Check the renewal price before you pay, as some first-year prices go up.
Can I use my own domain with Proton Mail or Fasthosts?
Yes, both do. Proton Mail: 1 domain on its cheapest plan that allows one. Fasthosts: Yes.
Where is my email stored with Proton Mail and Fasthosts?
Proton Mail keeps it in Switzerland. Fasthosts keeps it in the United Kingdom.
Can I use Proton Mail and Fasthosts in Apple Mail or Outlook?
Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans. Fasthosts works in any mail app over IMAP.
Recent price changes
No price changes for either since 23 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.
The latest headlines: Proton Mail news · Fasthosts news.
Alternatives to Proton Mail and Fasthosts
Proton Mail vs mailbox.org · Fasthosts vs mailbox.org · Proton Mail vs Posteo · Fasthosts vs Posteo · Proton Mail vs Tuta · Fasthosts vs Tuta
How to switch
Moving to Proton Mail · Moving from Proton Mail. Or see all my switching guides.