How/Why I use Proton

I’m so glad to see Proton on lemmy! Hello!

Just wanted to add some activity here and explain why and how I use Proton. I’ve used Proton for years now but unfortunately never locked into the visionary plan when I could :(

  • Email: Not only advanced security options but multi email support that is seamless. The filtering and interface is absolutely great compared to other options. Even the free version is better, just wish it had more storage.
  • Drive: For backups and easily sharing files, recently the windows app came out so now I can access my PC files (securely) which is great but really wish there was a linux app too. But makes it super easy and much better than using Google Drive. For example I share a folder with a client and they can access the project files in virtually real-time.
  • VPN: Although, I’ve seen my fair share of hate on it, it’s better than using nothing and it’s maintained my a top notch company. The Anti-ad/tracking/malware works great! With always on set, I often forget I’m even using a VPN. And at least now I know my ISP isn’t snooping, always encrypted and it’s added privacy!
  • Pass: The newest service! It’s really great, way better than the browser autofill I, and many others, typically use. I’ve completely swapped over to it. I wish you didn’t ever have to access SimpleLogin for things but it’s very new. I not only daily use notes but all my 2FA is setup thru it as well. Weather it be mobile or browser extension it’s very stable!

Calendar is another great addition, I do use it for recurring reminders but I’m still stuck in 1990 using paper planners ☠️

With the new family plan, it’s so much more affordable and I’ve been able to swap family over to the service as the free plan of only 500mb (1GB after steps) just isn’t enough and paying for it has been the barrier. Considering I use it for hours every day for work and personal, it’s been invaluable and I’ve never had any issues. I don’t get any spam, my filters always work, it’s clean and organized!

Highly recommended!

Gleddified,

I think I might switch to pass from bitwarden if/when they get some basic features released (for me, the big one is a separate master password from my proton account, I don’t want one point of failure between my email and password manager).

TheVPN is great (security/trust wise)>, the reason it gets hated on is the client suuuuucks. The Linux client is missing so many features that android/windows already have. Just having a GUI client for Linux users is a relatively new release.

KrisND,

Yeah, I can understand that. Personally, I also use a Yubico key for login for the added security with easy. For both proton and services that let me use it.

If your primarily looking for pass, right now they have $1/mo locked in for life deal. I did consider making a new proton for the same reason you stated just for pass. But I honestly just slacked and took the easier route.

I’ve used the linux client too and it is pretty bad, I ended up just setting it up thru OpenVPN, followed a article and set it up for autoconnect. So no GUI, but I left it alone. I had used the browser extension for a bit on linux too, better than the linux app.

pabloscloud, (edited )
@pabloscloud@lemmy.world avatar

You didn’t notice speed differences cause you didnt use 5g without a VPN or fiber but for the average internet user 50Mbit/s are enough anyways probably

KrisND,

I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand. For example, on 5Ghz Wi-fi I get about 490mb/s, with VPN I’m getting about 450mb/s. It’s all strongly based on time of day but overall, if anything it’s higher latency but the difference has not affected me. Even using ProtonVPN on mobile 4G/5G networks I haven’t had loading issues, just more captcha requests making sure I’m not a bot but it’s a good trade off.

With VPN enabled:

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/42dc38d8-2171-496a-9f3e-5f734d28b6e0.png

With VPN enabled, using secured core server (still can stream YT, might buffer for a second at the start)

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/572806b7-61f8-4a9e-a03e-c6a84590565b.png

With-out VPN enabled:

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/dab0f973-7f6e-48e2-8157-86113f329b0b.png

pabloscloud,
@pabloscloud@lemmy.world avatar

This is with vpn!? 😮

KrisND,

Yeah, in order:

  1. Standard VPN
  2. Protons “Secure Core” VPN
  3. No VPN

To ensure a fair comparison I made sure to manually select the same server for the test as well. It does depend on time of day but I’ve never gone below 200mb/s unless my internet goes out or lose power of course. I could probably make a new post for ppl to share theirs and include my mobile data connection speeds too.

It’s also probably important to note I do have a paid plan with Proton, so probably better service than the free VPN option.

Cotillion189,
@Cotillion189@lemmy.world avatar

Just quick question about Proton pass. Are passwords, 2fa stored on local storage or on cloud?

KrisND,

I’m sure @ProtonPrivacy could give a full explanation. But my understanding is yes, it’s stored in the cloud. It would have to be since it syncs with all signed in devices. Although, it’s encrypted before it’s sent, when it’s traveling and on Protons servers. Then it’s decrypted on device.

They actually have a pretty good article about the security model for Pass in particular, with some useful links too. proton.me/blog/proton-pass-security-model

Nelizea,

Yes that is all correct. All cryptographic operations happen locally on your device(s).

LunchEnjoyer,
@LunchEnjoyer@lemmy.world avatar

Cloud

TheLastOfHisName,
TheLastOfHisName avatar

I'm a Proton user as well, and overall, pretty happy with their products. They're transparent, genuine, and dedicated. I think that's worth paying for.

harsh3466,

I’m also a proton user and generally pretty happy. I’m not all in, but that’s principally because I’m not comfortable putting all my eggs in one basket.

clearnew,

@harsh3466 @KrisND as a guy with , my eggs were in too many baskets and I needed to get them into one. I choose Proton because I didn’t want to use anymore. I purchased a plan so I could use a custom domain. That allows me to move along at a moments notice if need be.

harsh3466,

I can understand and appreciate that reasoning. I also use a custom domain so I’m not locked to Proton. It’s a good way to go. I’m also with you on not using anymore. I stay as far away from Google as possible.

clearnew,

@harsh3466 I was never fully satisfied with any of their products in the first place. Then they attempted to bully the Canadian government over some legislation and that was it. I don’t like bullies.

harsh3466,

I never heard about that. Do you have a link I could check out to learn more? I tried searching, but I’m not sure I’m finding what you’re referring to.

clearnew,

@harsh3466 it looks like has joined them as well: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/google-canada-online-news-1.6892879

TurboDiesel,
@TurboDiesel@lemmy.world avatar

Love everything about Proton so far, but particularly their transparency. I’ve never used a service so open about what the company and technology are doing.

Noxvento,
@Noxvento@lemmy.world avatar

The way they force you onto their most expensive plan is not very transparent to me. I have Pass Plus and I can’t upgrade to Mail Plus. I would have to upgrade to Unlimited with features I don’t need.

alex_herrero,

We’ve been reading that recently, so based on users’ feedback, I know the team is working on ways to have multiple plans, not yet but probably on the roadmap.

Nelizea,

Yes currently you can have 1 subscription per account. Proton is however working in changing that, to have more than one active subscription per account.

TurboDiesel,
@TurboDiesel@lemmy.world avatar

TIL. That’s pretty icky. I was shopping for a new VPN and tired of Gmail, so when they offered me Unlimited I jumped on it.

artifice,

What’s wrong with the VPN? I’ve only read good things about it.

KrisND,

I think it’s a great service and certainly improves privacy and security. Although, there are articles and plenty of discussion online in regards to the pros/cons, VPN brands and weather a VPN is even effective. For me, it’s another tool in the toolbox but I find it harder to get people to use a VPN than any of the other services but not directly because of Proton (speeds, re-connecting time, it’s not a fix all solution – none of which is really something that can be fixed)

ultranaut,

The Linux client is not great. The Android client can get weird about reconnecting automatically. Otherwise, it’s been awesome and fast.

LUHG_HANI,
@LUHG_HANI@lemmy.world avatar

The Linux client has been great on desktop but laptop i have to kill the ipv6 leak protection uid now and again. Android is fine for me, never really had many issues. All in all, rather happy. Long time user.

foxfox,

I can’t wait for proton drive to backup photos on android.

Also, the apps to be included in fdroid.

And notifications for non play service devices, of course…

LUHG_HANI,
@LUHG_HANI@lemmy.world avatar

Do we have an ETA at all?

alex_herrero,

Not yet. But be sure I’ll be coming here to announce that when it’s out!

KrisND,

I’m running GraphineOS and just downloaded the .APK for the apps, the notifications are an issue though…but Mail, Drive, VPN and Pass works great! But it would be best thru f-droid.

Personally, Android backup would be great but I use linux too and I’d love to see an option to set it up as a NAS drive on any device for backup…

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