Proton Mail vs Krystal
On privacy it's Proton Mail. On price it's Proton Mail. On features it's a tie. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.
Proton Mail or Krystal: which should you choose?
- Proton Mail is the better pick if you want mail that's encrypted end to end without any setup; a free plan before you pay anything; and open-source apps.
- Krystal is the better pick if you want freedom to use the mail app you already like and a provider that's been going since 2002.
| Feature | Proton Mail | Krystal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 | Not rated |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Price | 4.0 | Not rated |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Mail Plus $3.99 a month, yearly ($4.99 monthly) | Email hosting Not confirmed |
| Free plan | Yes, 1 GB, no own domain | No |
| Storage | 15 GB | Not confirmed |
| Your own domain | ✓ 1 | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ Built in | No |
| Company based in | Switzerland | United Kingdom |
| Your data is kept in | Switzerland | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2014 | 2002 |
| Free trial | Free plan; 30-day refund on paid plans | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 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 | 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 |
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). Krystal Email hosting, Not confirmed.
- For free, Proton Mail gives you a free plan (1 GB, no own domain), and Krystal no free plan.
- Proton Mail comes with 15 GB of storage and Krystal with storage not confirmed.
- Data location: Switzerland for Proton Mail, United Kingdom for Krystal.
- Proton Mail is based in Switzerland and Krystal in the United Kingdom, so different privacy laws apply.
- Proton Mail encrypts mail end to end; Krystal doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
- Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans, and Krystal works in any mail app over IMAP.
- For extra addresses, Proton Mail has 10 addresses and Krystal has yes.
Common questions
Which is more private, Proton Mail or Krystal?
Proton Mail scores 5 out of 5 for privacy and Krystal 2.5. Proton Mail gives you mail that's encrypted end to end without any setup, open-source apps and an account that doesn't need your phone number or ID.
Do Proton Mail and Krystal work with my own domain?
Yes, both do. Proton Mail: 1 domain on its cheapest plan that allows one. Krystal: Yes.
Where do Proton Mail and Krystal keep my email?
Proton Mail keeps it in Switzerland. Krystal keeps it in the United Kingdom.
Do Proton Mail and Krystal work in other mail apps?
Proton Mail works in other mail apps through Proton Bridge on paid plans. Krystal works in any mail app over IMAP.
Prices and the latest news
Neither price has changed since my first check on 23 October 2026.
The latest headlines: Proton Mail news · Krystal news.
Not sold on either? Try these
Proton Mail vs mailbox.org · Krystal vs mailbox.org · Proton Mail vs Posteo · Krystal vs Posteo · Proton Mail vs Tuta · Krystal vs Tuta
Moving your email
Moving to Proton Mail · Moving from Proton Mail. Or see all my switching guides.