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Technology · head to head

Google Chrome vs Proton Mail

Google Chrome logo

Google Chrome

Technology

Fast, secure browser built for the modern web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Proton Mail logo

Proton Mail

Cybersecurity

Secure email that protects your privacy

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities; Proton Mail paid plan pricing not displayed on vendor site

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Chrome and Proton Mail actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Chrome and Proton Mail differ
AttributeGoogle ChromeProton Mail
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWeb
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded2008Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Chrome

  • Fast page loading
  • Extensive extension library
  • Cross-device sync
  • Built-in security
  • Developer tools
  • Incognito mode
  • Password manager
  • Auto-updates

Only in Proton Mail

Nothing recorded that Google Chrome does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Chrome

  • Web browsingnot Proton Mail
  • Web developmentnot Proton Mail
  • Online researchnot Proton Mail
  • Work applicationsnot Proton Mail
  • Entertainmentnot Proton Mail
  • Educationnot Proton Mail

Proton Mail

  • Encrypted email communicationnot Google Chrome
  • Privacy-focused email servicenot Google Chrome
  • Family email protectionnot Google Chrome

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Chrome

  • Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
  • Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
  • Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs

Proton Mail

  • Paid plan pricing not displayed on vendor site
  • Free tier limited to 1 GB storage
  • Free tier limited to single email address

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Chrome

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.

Proton Mail

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Proton Mail review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Chrome if

  • You need fast page loading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want extensive extension library.
Google Chrome review

Choose Proton Mail if

  • You want to start without paying.
Proton Mail review

Questions people ask

Is Google Chrome or Proton Mail better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Chrome starts at Free and Proton Mail at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Chrome or Proton Mail?
Google Chrome starts at Free and Proton Mail at Free.
Does Google Chrome or Proton Mail run on more platforms?
Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Proton Mail runs on Web.
Can I use Google Chrome for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Chrome best used for?
Google Chrome is most often used for web browsing, web development, online research, work applications. Of those, web browsing and web development are not what Proton Mail is typically brought in for.
What can Google Chrome do that Proton Mail cannot?
Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?

Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.

Source
Proton Mail: Is there a free version of Proton Mail?

Yes, Proton Mail offers a free plan with 1 GB storage, 1 encrypted email address, and basic features like folders, labels, and filters.

Source
Google Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?

Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.

Source
Proton Mail: What does the Mail Plus plan include?

Mail Plus includes 15 GB storage, 10 encrypted email addresses, support for 1 custom domain, 10 hide-my-email aliases, priority support, and access to Proton Calendar.

Source
Proton Mail: What is included in Proton Unlimited?

Proton Unlimited provides 500 GB storage, 15 email addresses, 3 custom domains, unlimited hide-my-email aliases, access to Mail, Calendar, VPN, Drive, and Pass, plus dedicated support.

Source
Proton Mail: Does Proton Mail offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, Proton Mail provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid plans.

Source
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Related pages

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