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Comparison · Secure email providers

Proton Mail vs Runbox: which is better in 2026?

Proton MailvsRunbox

Proton Mail ranks higher in our list of secure email providers (#1 against #5, score 92.0 against 83.0).

Choose Proton Mail if you want

Private email with a free plan and apps.

Zero-access encryption, a free plan and apps on every major platform, with the web client published under GPL-3.0. Custom domains and extra storage need the paid plans.

Choose Runbox if you want

Norway-hosted email with PGP compatibility.

Norwegian hosting under Norwegian privacy law, browser PGP compatibility and renewable electricity. It has no free plan after the 30-day trial and lists only the web platform.

The main differences

  • Only Proton Mail runs on Linux.
  • Only Proton Mail runs on Windows.
  • Only Proton Mail runs on macOS.
  • Only Proton Mail runs on iOS.
  • Only Proton Mail runs on Android.
  • Proton Mail is open source; Runbox is not.
  • Proton Mail can be used for free; Runbox requires payment.

Side by side

Proton MailRunbox
Score92.083.0
Rank in list#1 of 6#5 of 6
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan; paid Mail Plus and Proton Unlimited add storageSubscriptionPlans from 1.66 euros per month; 30-day free trial
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWebiOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinuxWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, LinuxWebWeb
Made byNot statedNot stated
EncryptionEnd-to-end and zero-accessPGP-compatible, full disk at rest
Hosting baseSwitzerland (company)Norway (Oslo)
Free planYesNo
Best forPrivate email with a free plan and appsNorway-hosted email with PGP compatibility
Strengths
  • Zero-access encryption, as described on its site
  • Free plan and apps on every major platform
  • Web client published under GPL-3.0
  • Hosted in Oslo under Norwegian privacy law
  • Browser PGP end-to-end encryption compatibility
  • Full disk encryption at rest, per its site
Limits
  • Custom domains are listed only on paid plans
  • Extra storage needs Mail Plus or Unlimited
  • No free plan after the 30-day trial
  • PGP needs key handling on the user side
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Proton Mail vs Runbox

Is Proton Mail better than Runbox?
Proton Mail ranks higher in our list of secure email providers (#1 against #5, score 92.0 against 83.0). Proton Mail is best for: private email with a free plan and apps. Runbox is best for: norway-hosted email with PGP compatibility.
Which is cheaper, Proton Mail or Runbox?
Proton Mail: Free plan; paid Mail Plus and Proton Unlimited add storage. Runbox: Plans from 1.66 euros per month; 30-day free trial.
Do Proton Mail and Runbox run on the same platforms?
Proton Mail supports Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux. Runbox supports Web.