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Need an email account and don’t want to pay for it? Sometimes “free” means great features, less hassle, and exactly what you need without the fluff. Here are six free email services to check out, ranked from best to still great.
About Our Ranking
If you search the web, you’ll find plenty of lists of the best free email accounts. Of course, the truly best choice is subjective to the reader, except perhaps if you’re ranking by one particular attribute of the service, like ease of use, security, or platform support. Even then, not everyone will agree that one attribute is the most important.
One thing that virtually all free email services have in common, though, is a limited set of features compared to their costly upgrades or alternative paid services. Plus, each provider normally has one standout feature or offering that gives it an edge above its competitors.
So, for our ranking, we’re listing those free email accounts that give you the most bang for the buck. Or, in this case, which provider gives you the most for free. You can review each list of features and determine which are important to you and your unique email needs.
1. Gmail
Gmail from Google is one of the most widely known free email services with good reason. Google continues to enhance its offerings forGmailwith new and improved features all the time.
Related:How to Create a Gmail Account
Gmail is at the top of this list because of its robust feature set. Email scheduling? Yes. Email recall? Yes. But what else is there that makes Gmail such a winner? Let’s take a look.
Notable Features
Cons: Privacy concerns have grown over time for Google’s products, with Gmail being one of them. Many users are worried aboutemail skimming, the lack ofend-to-end encryption, and the integration with other Google servicesgiving hackers easier entry.
Use Gmail:Web,Android,iPhone(Install a third-party app likeThunderbirdfor a desktop experience)
2. Outlook.com
You might think that you need Microsoft Office on your device to use Outlook. But Outlook.com is available with a freeMicrosoft accountand accessible from any web browser.
Related:How to Create a Microsoft account
While you might find limited features with Outlook.com compared to its desktop versions, you’ll still appreciate the large number of useful offerings you get for free.
Remember that these features are available on Outlook.com. If you have the desktop version of Outlook, you havemore featuresnot listed here.
Cons: The interface can feel overly complicated, andretrieving older messagescan be difficult at times.
Use Outlook.com:Web,Android,iPhone,Windows,Mac
3. ProtonMail
If email security is your top priority when looking at free email accounts, then you wantProtonMail. It uses end-to-end encryption for messages and zero-access encryption with digital signatures to keep your contacts safe.
Related:What Is ProtonMail, and Why Is It More Private Than Gmail?
The ProtonMail app is open source and third-party audited, offers PhishGuardphishingdefense, link protection, device-level security, and much more.
Cons: ProtonMail prides itself on security and privacy. So, you may not see as many features as other email services like message scheduling or email recall.
Use ProtonMail:Web,Android,iPhone,Bridgefor using Protonmail with desktop email clients (requires paid account)
4. Tutanota
A lesser-known service that also concentrates on security and privacy isTutanota. The free service uses end-to-endencryption in its emails, mailboxes, calendars, contacts, and other services.
Related:ProtonMail vs. Tutanota: Which Is the Best Secure Email Provider?
Tutanota provides an anonymous email service without tracking. So you won’t find things like targeted ads in your inbox. Additionally, the company doesn’t log yourIP address, doesn’t require a phone number, and isopen sourcewith its code on GitHub.
Cons: Tutanota isn’t as well known as the other services on this list and is still working on its feature set (above).
Use Tutanota:Web,Android,iPhone,Linux,Mac, andWindows
5. Yahoo
Yahoo Mail has been offering free accounts for over 25 years, and you’ll rarely find someone who hasn’t heard ofYahooin general. Once one of the most well-known search engines, Yahoo’s mail service is still going strong with millions of active users.
Related:How to Create a Yahoo! Account
When it comes to its free email service, Yahoo Mail does offer features and functionality that might be just what you’re looking for today.
Cons: Some usersreport problemswithsigning in, unresponsiveness, and long load times. And you’ll find a good amount of inbox ads. Additionally, Yahoo had its share ofsecurity breacheswhich still concern many people.
Use Yahoo Mail:Web,Android,iPhone
6. iCloud Mail
If you’re an Apple device user looking for a great free email service, then iCloud (Apple) Mail is a no-brainer. Anyone, though, can take advantage of the free mail account you receive with an Apple ID.
Related:How to Access iCloud Mail from Any Web Browser
Taking a page from Google’s book, Apple has been improving its email service over time with better and more useful features. Although more limited on the web than the mobile or desktop app, iCloud Mail is still ideal for Apple device users.
Keep in mind the above features are available specificallyon iCloud.com. If you own an Apple device, you have additional features in the Mail app.
Cons: One of the biggest issues for those considering aniCloud Mail accountis the limited device availability. While you can access it on the web and Apple devices, it’s not available on platforms likeAndroid. This can make transitioning to iCloud Mail less attractive for those who primarily use mobile email.
Use iCloud Mail:Web, Mail app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
When you need an email account and don’t want to shell out cash for fancy features, these several options give you just what you need, and some, give you even more. And while you’re considering a new email service, look into other ways you can upgrade your productivity with a newto-do list appornote-taking app.
