Switch to an Outlook alternative that’s private
Outlook’s surveillance puts your business data at risk. Choose Swiss privacy, end-to-end encryption, and fast migration instead.
Why businesses are looking for Outlook alternatives
Microsoft Outlook earned its place as the default by offering centralized control. But for many businesses, that convenience came at the cost of true data ownership.
With stricter data privacy regulations and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, that trade-off no longer makes sense. It’s time to rethink the default.
Microsoft can access your data
In standard Microsoft 365 plans, Microsoft retains the keys to your data. They get technical access to your emails for automated scanning or legal requests. For organizations that rely on strict GDPR boundaries, legal privilege, or confidential client communications, that’s a clear compliance risk.
US jurisdiction puts data at risk
As a US-based company, Microsoft is subject to the CLOUD Act and FISA courts. US authorities are empowered to compel the company to hand over data (sometimes without a warrant), even if that data is stored on servers located in Europe or elsewhere. If you’re a business in a regulated industry, that’s a compliance blind spot.
Outlook is not privacy-friendly
Microsoft shares your Outlook data with 801 external partners and uses it for its own ad delivery system. Technically, you could get strong privacy in Outlook, but it will come at the cost of expensive enterprise plans and complex, IT-heavy configurations that leave room for human error and exposed sensitive data.
How to switch from Outlook to Proton Mail
Migrating to Proton Mail is a straightforward, three-step process:
1. Create your Proton Mail account
Sign up for Proton Mail and choose your new secure email address.
2. Transfer data and forward new emails
Easily migrate your data from Outlook, including emails, contacts, and calendars. Then forward incoming messages to Proton Mail while you transition.
3. Make the full switch
Once you’ve updated your accounts and contacts, delete your Outlook account and make Proton Mail your primary email service.
Keep your workflow, upgrade your security
A major barrier to switching email providers is the fear of disrupting your team’s workflow. With Proton, there’s no retraining required and no loss of productivity during the transition.
Keep using the Outlook app
Proton Mail Bridge lets business customers connect Proton Mail to the classic Microsoft Outlook desktop app, as well as Apple Mail or Thunderbird.
Bridge runs in the background, handling encryption and decryption locally. Your team gets the familiar buttons and layout of Outlook, while your business gets the security and privacy of Proton.
Seamless migration
Our Easy Switch tool imports your existing emails, contacts, and calendars from Outlook automatically.
Your emails, events, and contacts are encrypted as soon as they arrive at Proton, and we never access them.
Note: Proton Mail Bridge works with the classic Outlook desktop app available through a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The new Outlook app does not support Bridge. Microsoft has confirmed that classic Outlook will remain supported until at least 2029.
Proton Mail vs. Outlook: A head-to-head comparison
Proton doesn't monetize your data. We protect it. Compare how Proton Mail reduces your risk compared to Outlook.
 Proton Mail for Business |  Microsoft Outlook | |
|---|---|---|
Zero-access encryption | Always on | Optional, complex S/MIME |
Data access | None (only you can access your data) | Has the technical ability to scan your data |
Jurisdiction | Switzerland | USA |
Source code | Open source and independently audited | Closed / proprietary |
How Proton protects your communications
We built Proton to be secure by default. You don't need to be a tech expert to ensure your intellectual property and client data are safe.
End-to-end encryption
When you message another Proton Mail user (or someone using an email provider that supports PGP encryption), encryption happens before your data reaches the cloud, protecting you even if a provider is compromised. Your messages remain end-to-end encrypted while they travel through the internet, making it impossible for hackers, internet providers, or even Proton to intercept them.
Zero-access encryption
For emails sent to or from non-Proton accounts, we use zero-access encryption. Once a message arrives in your inbox, it is instantly encrypted using your public key. Because we do not possess your private key, we cannot access or hand over your data, even under legal pressure.
Password-protected emails
Send sensitive data (like contracts or financial records) securely to clients, even if they use Outlook or other email providers without PGP encryption. With Proton Mail, you can extend end-to-end encryption to anyone via password protection, creating a secure private channel for that specific conversation without the recipient needing a Proton account.
Learn more about our security features for business emails.
A complete privacy-first ecosystem
Proton for Business is more than just email. Your subscription includes a suite of encrypted tools designed to replace the Microsoft ecosystem while respecting your privacy.
Manage your team's schedule with the same end-to-end encryption used in Proton Mail. Event titles, descriptions, and participants are encrypted, so your business strategy remains private.
Securely store, share, and collaborate on business files. Unlike OneDrive, Proton Drive ensures that your files are encrypted before they are uploaded to the cloud.
Protect your business network and secure remote access for employees working from home or on public WiFi. Monitor usage and manage gateways from a central admin panel.
Secure your team’s identity with an encrypted password manager. Share login credentials securely between team members without risking exposure.
Make secure voice and video calls for internal discussions and external conversations. End-to-end encryption ensures your calls remain private — even from Proton.
Why businesses trust Proton with their data
Businesses deserve a better internet — a place where privacy is the default, not a workaround.
Swiss privacy protection
Proton is headquartered in Switzerland. Your data is protected by some of the world’s strictest privacy laws, including the Swiss Federal Data Protection Act (DPA) and the Swiss Data Protection Ordinance (DPO).
Nonprofit ownership
Proton is majority-owned by the Proton Foundation, a nonprofit organization. This unique governance structure ensures that we are accountable to our community, not to advertisers or venture capitalists. We cannot be bought out, and our privacy mission cannot be compromised for profit.
Trust that can be verified
Proton’s apps are open source and regularly audited by independent security experts, with results published for full transparency. Our security is trusted by journalists, EU organizations, NGOs, and regulated businesses.
Frequently asked questions about Proton Mail, the best Outlook alternative
- Can I use my custom domain?
- Will Proton Mail work with our existing security tools?
- What happens if I lose my password?
- Is Proton compliant with GDPR and HIPAA?
- Does Proton sell my data?
- Can I change the server location of my dedicated IP?