Hi, hope everyone is doing well. I finally got around getting into the proton ecosystem, but I’m quite overwhelmed on how setup things, and do’s and don’ts. Can anyone share their setup on how they’re using proton?
I also wanted to ask whether I should use my main inbox at all, as in not give it out to anyone and only use to login into my proton account, and create another account for email forwarding from Gmail and such?
Thanks.
Also wanted to add, with regards to don’ts, I want to know about stuff such as if you delete your proton pass stuff, it can also delete your simple login aliases. I know proton gives out a warning, but it’s still better to know beforehand
If you get proton unlimited that comes with proton native alias and simplelogin alias via proton pass and sl itself, do create a secondary proton native alias. Pick 1 as your login only address not shared anywhere and another 1 as routed address for sl. Use sl to generate randomise alias, 1 unique alias per 1 service.
But if you’re on proton free then can’t use the pass/sl alias that way since can only generate 10. Theres duck.com and addy.io as alternative. Addy free tier allow unlimited incoming but can’t reply without exposing your real address. Duck allow unlimited both incoming and reply but theres no fancy panel like sl and addy, in fact theres not even a list for your past generated alias. Got to coupled with a password manager to save them as login entries.
My inbox has been spam free since doing the 1 unique alias per 1 service thing.
Think carefully about what services you need. For example, I just switched over to Unlimited as Mail+, Drive+, VPN+, and Pass+ all have uses for me and the alternatives I was using to those services cost more even with no BF discounts for Unlimited.
Think carefully about how you want those services setup. I personally regret having all my Proton services under one account. Not only am I stuck with one password for all those services but it makes it significantly harder to downgrade to a cheaper package (say I don’t need Mail+ or Drive+ anymore) then it would be if I had seperate accounts for each service.
I think a lot of this has to do with personal preference and threat model. Do you have any need to hide your email? I personally try and give mine out as little as possible. I use aliases for signups and accounts, and I have a custom domain for when I need an email on the go or if SL domains are being blocked.
Yeah the danger is there, but besides proton pass, I think I can manage. As for the costs, I did factor in those and I’d be saving only few bucks if I go the individual subscription route but the hassle of managing all those accounts is just too off putting honestly.
fair enough 
for me, in retrospect, Id have rather had my password manager handle most of the hassle of the extra proton accounts and get the benefit of not having 1 password for 5 different services.
I only use Calendar and Mail free.
I use other paid services for email aliasing, VPN and passwords. No drive.
No 2password mode. Though I have passkey 2FA. Mobile apps on phone, PWAs on desktop.