It seemed that there were many free email services in the early days. A few companies have been able to dominate the market with their reliability, customizable interfaces and ample storage options.

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Google’s Gmail, Microsoft’s Outlook, and Microsoft’s Outlook are the best in terms of accessible, well-rounded features. However, users should be aware that there are some exceptions depending on what their email needs are.

Gmail

Gmail makes a great choice because it’s customizable, free and offers access to the full Google Workspace (previously known as G Suite). Gmail is used by more than one billion people around the globe.

These are the features that make Gmail stand apart:

Schedule Send (which allows users to schedule when an email will be sent)

Google Drive allows you to share files with email recipients directly without having to leave the message box

Filter emails automatically into different categories such as Promotions, Social and Updates

Undo send

You can send confidential emails that expire after a certain time.

Gmail’s interface is very customizable and has a sleek design. However, the labeling system could be improved. Gmail users often need to manually sort emails into folders and customise labels.

Outlook

Microsoft Outlook offers so many features that it can be overwhelming for those who need a simple email service. Outlook can be integrated with Microsoft programs such as OneDrive, Skype and Calendar.

These are the features that make Outlook stand apart:

 

• Schedule Send (where users are able to schedule when an email will be sent)
• Automatic Out Of Office Replies
• Use the toolbar’s advanced search function to locate specific emails
• 15 GB free storage (subscribers receive 50 GB).
• Offline access via the Outlook Web App
• Junk mail filter protects against phishing, and bugs
• You can snooze email messages for later
• Automatic email filtering (Outlook arranges the emails it considers important to be sent to the “Focused Inbox”)
• It seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft-related apps on the platform

Microsoft Word offers similar editing capabilities.

Outlook’s template to send automatic emails is not as flexible as Gmail’s and does not offer many options. Its ability to filter and label emails, as well as find them, makes it stand out from the rest.

iCloud

Many Apple users are familiar with iCloud email service. However, they don’t have one. You can create an iCloud account within a matter of minutes. iCloud’s email services are for those who want a simple, no-frills solution that can perform basic email functions.

These are the features that make iCloud stand apart:

Automatic Out of Office Responses

5GB storage space (an additional space can be purchased in monthly installments or yearly).

Junk mail filter protects against phishing, and bugs

Rules can be used to create filters easily. The sidebar contains rules.

Access to Apple apps such as iCloud drive and Notes, Reminders. Photos, Calendar, Calendar, Contacts.

 

• Can be synced to any iOS device
• It’s easy to use minimalist design
• Users can designate VIP senders

The main problem with iCloud’s email services is the requirement that you have an Apple device in order to access all of its features. An iCloud account cannot send email, snooze email for later or access email offline. Signing up for iCloud if you already have an Apple ID is the fastest and easiest way to get an address.

Microsoft Word offers similar editing capabilities.

Outlook’s template to send automatic emails is not as flexible as Gmail’s and does not offer many options. Its ability to filter and label emails, as well as find them, makes it stand out from the rest.

iCloud

Many Apple users are familiar with iCloud email service. However, they don’t have one. You can create an iCloud account within a matter of minutes. iCloud’s email services are for those who want a simple, no-frills solution that can perform basic email functions.

These are the features that make iCloud stand apart:

Automatic Out of Office Responses

5GB storage space (additional storage can be purchased in monthly and yearly instalments).

Junk mail filters protect against phishing, and bug Rules can be used to create filters easily. You’ll find them in the sidebar.

 

• Access to Apple apps such as iCloud drive and Notes, Reminders. Photos, Calendar, Calendar, Contacts.
• Can be synced to any iOS device
• It’s easy to use minimalist design
• Users can designate VIP senders

The main problem with iCloud’s email services is the requirement that you have an Apple device in order to access all of its features. You can’t schedule emails, snooze messages for later or access emails offline with an iCloud account. Signing up for iCloud if you already have an Apple ID is the fastest and easiest way to get an address.

ProtonMail

ProtonMail is the best email security service. ProtonMail is a trusted choice for journalists and government officials because it provides privacy and security to users.

All emails are encrypted automatically unless you choose otherwise. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to protect their correspondence but doesn’t want extra features.

These are the features that make ProtonMail stand apart:

Email encryption from end-to-end, even for those who don’t have ProtonMail

Encrypted email data

Email expiration dates (automatically deletes email after a specified time period, which can range from one hour up to 28 days).

To access encrypted email, recipients will be given a unique password.

Anonymous sign-up

ProtonMail has its limitations. Daily sent messages are limited to 150. Its 500MB of free email storage is an abominable value compared to other services. It is also impossible to filter messages into more than three folders.

Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail is not dead. Yahoo Mail is a more established email provider than most, but it doesn’t get enough credit due to its many features and large storage options. Yahoo has opted to forgo the page-long, flashy ads in favour of a more polished, professional interface that is comparable to its competitors.

 

• These are the features that make Yahoo stand apart:
• Schedule Send (where users can set when they want an email sent)
• Automatic Out of Office Responses
• 1 TB free storage (significantly greater than most providers).
• Junk mail filter protects against phishing, and bugs
• Connect external apps easily, such as Google Drive or Dropbox
• Disposable email address: Users can create up to 500 email addresses that aren’t linked to their primary accounts.
• Layouts and folders that can be Customised
• You can easily unsubscribe to unwanted emails, without having to leave your inbox
• GIF keyboard

 

• Import contacts from Facebook
• Text message and SMS capabilities
• Yahoo Mail allows you to track packages and mail

Yahoo’s greatest flaw is its inability to be responsive and fast. Filters can be difficult to create, and organization can take a lot of time. The app allows you to easily integrate Yahoo Mail, AOL and Gmail into one place.