Both ProtonMail and PDG Mail prioritize privacy through encryption, but PDG Mail combines zero-knowledge architecture with full support for open standards like IMAP and JMAP. This allows you to use any email client while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Architecture Comparison
Both services provide strong privacy protection through different approaches. ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption with proprietary client requirements, while PDG Mail implements zero-knowledge encryption with open standards support.
ProtonMail Approach
- • End-to-end encryption
- • Proprietary client requirements
- • Swiss jurisdiction
- • Limited protocol support
PDG Mail Approach
- • Zero-knowledge encryption
- • Open standards support
- • Hong Kong jurisdiction
- • Full protocol compatibility
Export Requirements
ProtonMail requires use of their official export tool for data extraction. The tool is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, and requires a paid ProtonMail subscription to access export functionality.
Export Prerequisites
- • Active ProtonMail paid subscription
- • ProtonMail Export Tool installation
- • Decryption credentials for your account
- • Sufficient local storage for export files
Migration Process
The migration process involves exporting data from ProtonMail using their official tool, then importing the extracted files into PDG Mail through our standard import interface.
Data Export Process
- • Use ProtonMail Export Tool to create MBOX files
- • Export contacts in vCard format
- • Export calendar events in ICS format
- • Verify export completeness
Open Standards and Client Compatibility
Unlike ProtonMail's requirement to use their applications for full functionality, PDG Mail supports any email client that implements standard protocols. This includes desktop applications like Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird.
Protocol Support
- • Full IMAP, JMAP, and SMTP implementation
- • CardDAV for contacts synchronization
- • CalDAV for calendar integration
- • PGP encryption for external communication
Search and Functionality
Both services implement encryption that can limit search functionality, but PDG Mail uses encrypted indexing techniques that preserve search capabilities while maintaining privacy protection.
Encrypted Search
Encrypted indexing enables powerful search functionality while maintaining zero-knowledge privacy protection, ensuring that search queries and results remain private to the user.
Making the Transition
Migrating from ProtonMail to PDG Mail maintains strong privacy protection while adding open standards support and client flexibility. The transition requires using ProtonMail's export tool but results in greater choice of email clients and improved data portability.