Proton Mail vs Kolab Now
Proton Mail wins on privacy, Proton Mail wins on price and they tie on features. Every fact below was checked on or before 25 October 2026.
Should you pick Proton Mail or Kolab Now?
- Go for Proton Mail if you'd like encryption that means even the provider can't read your mail; the lower price ($3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly)); and a free plan to start on.
- Kolab Now is the better pick if you want freedom to use the mail app you already like.
| Feature | Proton Mail | Kolab Now |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Price | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Mail Plus $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly) | Mailbox CHF 5 a month |
| Free plan | Yes, 1 GB, no own domain | No |
| Storage | 15 GB | 5 GB |
| Your own domain | ✓ 1 | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ Built in | No |
| Company based in | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Your data is kept in | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Founded | 2014 | 2013 |
| 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 | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | 10 addresses | Yes |
| Open-source apps | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| 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 |
Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.
Where they differ
- Cheapest plans: Proton Mail Mail Plus, $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly). Kolab Now Mailbox, CHF 5 a month.
- Proton Mail has a free plan (1 GB, no own domain); Kolab Now has no free plan.
- Space: Proton Mail gives 15 GB of storage, Kolab Now 5 GB of storage.
- On encryption, Proton Mail encrypts mail end to end, whereas Kolab Now doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
- Mail apps: Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans; Kolab Now works in any mail app over IMAP.
- Aliases: Proton Mail offers 10 addresses, Kolab Now yes.
Questions people ask
Is Proton Mail more private than Kolab Now?
Proton Mail scores 5 out of 5 for privacy and Kolab Now 3. Proton Mail gives you encryption that means even the provider can't read your mail and sign-up without ID.
Is Proton Mail cheaper than Kolab Now?
Proton Mail is cheaper. Its Mail Plus plan is $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly), against CHF 5 a month for Kolab Now's Mailbox. 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 Kolab Now?
Yes, both do. Proton Mail: 1 domain on its cheapest plan that allows one. Kolab Now: Yes.
Where is my email stored with Proton Mail and Kolab Now?
Both keep it in Switzerland.
Can I use Proton Mail and Kolab Now in Apple Mail or Outlook?
Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans. Kolab Now works in any mail app over IMAP.
Prices and the latest news
I haven't seen either change its price since I started checking on 23 October 2026.
The latest headlines: Proton Mail news · Kolab Now news.
Also worth a look
Proton Mail vs mailbox.org · Kolab Now vs mailbox.org · Proton Mail vs Posteo · Kolab Now vs Posteo · Proton Mail vs Tuta · Kolab Now vs Tuta
Switching between them
Moving to Proton Mail · Moving from Proton Mail. Or see all my switching guides.