Lumo (Proton)
Beginner RecommendedLumo (Proton) is one of the best Gemini alternatives. Proton's AI assistant. No conversation logs, zero-access encryption, works without an account.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Lumo applies Proton's principles to AI: no server-side logs, zero-access encryption for saved conversations, and a Ghost mode that erases the chat as soon as you close it. Queries run on open source models hosted by Proton in Europe and are never passed to third parties. The trade-off: answer quality trails the big American models on demanding tasks.
My take
The strongest lock on the market. Yet it's not my main tool: my mailbox is already with Proton, and I don't put all my eggs in one basket. That reasoning is in chapter 13.
Key features
- Zero-access encryption
- Ghost mode (ephemeral chats)
- Works without an account
- iOS and Android apps
- Image generation and recognition (2026)
Strengths
- + No server-side conversation logs
- + Ghost mode: the chat is erased when closed
- + Open source models hosted by Proton in Europe
Weaknesses
- − Answer quality trails on demanding tasks
- − Tends to promote Proton products in its answers
- − One more Proton tool if your mailbox is already there
Recommended for
- Questions you wouldn't ask out loud
- A chatbot with no account and no history
Lumo (Proton) vs Gemini: the comparison
| Criterion | Lumo (Proton) | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (no account needed). Lumo Plus at $12.99/month ($9.99/month billed annually). | Free, paid Google AI subscriptions |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Conversations tied to your Google account, partly reviewed by humans |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (1/5) | — |
Comparison
Lumo is the most protected option in this category. For heavy use, Vibe answers better; and if your mailbox is already with Proton, spreading providers remains good hygiene.
This topic is chapter 13 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- which assistant for which use, without ever trusting one player with everything?
- how do you run an AI at home, and on what machine?
- and how do you decide what you share, or not, with an online AI?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Lumo (Proton) cost?
Free (no account needed). Lumo Plus at $12.99/month ($9.99/month billed annually).
How do you switch from Gemini to Lumo (Proton)?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (1/5). Nothing to install or migrate: open lumo.proton.me, with or without an account.
Who is Lumo (Proton) for?
You want maximum protection for your AI conversations, even at some cost in answer quality.
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