Cybersecurity · head to head
IDnow vs Proton Mail
IDnow
Cybersecurity
Identity verification and qualified electronic signature for regulated European markets
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Proton Mail has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: IDnow agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.; Proton Mail paid plan pricing not displayed on vendor site
- Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which IDnow and Proton Mail actually diverge.
| Attribute | IDnow | Proton Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | Free |
| Pricing model | quote | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, API | Web |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
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 IDnow
- VideoIdent
- AutoIdent
- eSign
- eID and NFC
- Bank identification
- EU data processing
Only in Proton Mail
Nothing recorded that IDnow does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
IDnow
- A German bank opening regulated accounts where BaFin requires a recognised identification methodnot Proton Mail
- An insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a European courtnot Proton Mail
- A telecom operator meeting national SIM registration identity rules across several EU statesnot Proton Mail
- A lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value casesnot Proton Mail
Proton Mail
- Encrypted email communicationnot IDnow
- Privacy-focused email servicenot IDnow
- Family email protectionnot IDnow
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
IDnow
- Agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.
- Pricing is quoted with an annual volume commitment, so the accreditation advantage comes with a floor you pay whether or not you use it.
- The product is optimised for European regulatory regimes, so buyers verifying users in North America, Asia or Africa will find coverage and cost less competitive than global specialists.
- Qualified electronic signature is a separate licence from identity verification, which surprises buyers who assumed the accredited identity check made the signature capability included.
- Integration for the regulated flows is heavier than a simple SDK drop-in because the compliant journey, including consent and recording requirements, constrains the user experience you can build.
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
IDnow
On request- IDnow Platform$undefined/year
- Per-identification pricing that differs sharply between automated and agent-led methods
- Annual volume commitment typically required
- Qualified electronic signature licensed separately
Proton Mail
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Proton Mail review.
Which should you pick?
Choose IDnow if
- You need videoident.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- You also want autoident.
Questions people ask
- Is IDnow or Proton Mail better?
- Neither clearly leads. IDnow starts at On request and Proton Mail at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, IDnow or Proton Mail?
- Proton Mail has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for IDnow and Free for Proton Mail.
- Does IDnow or Proton Mail run on more platforms?
- IDnow runs on Web, iOS, Android, API. Proton Mail runs on Web.
- Can I use Proton Mail for free?
- Yes. Proton Mail has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IDnow starts at On request.
- What is IDnow best used for?
- IDnow is most often used for a german bank opening regulated accounts where bafin requires a recognised identification method, an insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a european court, a telecom operator meeting national sim registration identity rules across several eu states, a lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value cases. Of those, a german bank opening regulated accounts where bafin requires a recognised identification method and an insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a european court are not what Proton Mail is typically brought in for.
- What can IDnow do that Proton Mail cannot?
- IDnow covers VideoIdent, AutoIdent, eSign, eID and NFC.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
IDnow: Why choose it over a cheaper automated vendor?
Because in some European regimes the cheaper vendor is not legally permitted for the transaction. This is an eligibility question, not a quality one.
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.
SourceIDnow: Is the electronic signature included?
No. Qualified electronic signature under eIDAS is licensed separately from identity verification.
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.
SourceIDnow: Where is the data processed?
In European data centres, which is a requirement rather than a preference for many of its regulated customers.
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.
SourceProton Mail: Does Proton Mail offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Proton Mail provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid plans.
SourceRelated pages
More on Proton Mail
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