FastMail: FastMail.FM offers several different levels of user accounts, but only the Guest level is free. It is very limited in some of its settings in that it only offers IMAP access beyond the Web interface, and 10 MB of storage with only 80 MB of transfer per month. Upgrading runs anywhere from $4.95 to $34.95 annually, depending on the level of account you want. The service offers a wide selection of domain names for you to choose from as your email address.
Gawab: Gawab is based out of Egypt, and its name is a phonetic spelling of the Arabic word for “letter.” The service offers 10 GB of storage, IMAP & POP3, 50 MB email attachments, delivery confirmation and more. The inbox is AJAX-based, and they also offer free SMS text messaging from inside of your account to various countries.
Gmail: Even though Gmail is not the biggest webmail service in terms of subscribers, it is about the only one anyone seems to discuss with any regularity. Google’s mail application offers 7.5 GB of storage, support for 25 MB attachments, support for multiple external mail protocols (IMAP, POP, POP+TLS, Microsoft Exchange), integrated Google Talk and it does filter out .EXEs from attachments including inside of .ZIP files.
GMX: GMX started off as a European mail service, and after acquiring 11 million users they opened up a branch in the United States. The service allows you to have up to 10 email address that all get delivered to the same inbox that has over 5 GB of storage. They also offer IMAP, POP3 and mobile access to your account, attachments up to 50 MB in size, and a service called Mail Collector that will bring all of your emails from various services to one account to make it easy to check your various addresses.
Inbox: Inbox.com offers three plans with the basic free one offering 5 GB of storage, 90 days of inactivity account protection, SMTP and POP3 access, an online photo gallery and more.
Lavabit: Lavabit offers two different levels of free service that offer varying size limits, but both offer a limit of 1,024 incoming messages a day and 256 outgoing. Oddly, neither of the account levels offer statistical spam filtering, so you might have some problems there.
Mail.com: Mail.com offers an unusual twist in that they offer numerous domain names for you to choose from including things like mail.com, email.com, techie.com, lawyer.com, and many, many more. The free version of the account lacks SMTP or POP3 functionality and only two months of account inactivity protection. Storage clocks in at 3 GB.
Windows Live Hotmail: Possibly the winner for the longest name as Microsoft just keeps adding words to it, Hotmail is one of the oldest players in the webmail space. The free basic account includes ads, but an annual subscription of $19.95 will remove those. Hotmail offers an initial storage of 5 GB, attachment limits of 10 MB, and POP3 support. There is the drawback of your account being closed after 270 days of inactivity, as well as having support issues with Safari.
Yahoo! Mail: Yahoo! Mail has been around for a long time, and probably took the most serious hit from Gmail’s arrival. In an attempt to fight off the upstart, Yahoo! now offers unlimited mail for its free accounts, and will remove ads with a $19.99 per year subscription. Attachments are allowed to be up to 25 MB, and the service provides YIM Chat support, POP3 support and numerous applications for the platform that now provide additional functionality to the interface.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Free Webmail Services
What are the key features to look for in a free webmail service?
When choosing a free webmail service, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the storage capacity is crucial. Most free webmail services offer a certain amount of storage space for your emails and attachments. Secondly, consider the user interface. It should be easy to navigate and user-friendly. Thirdly, look for a service that offers robust spam filters and virus protection. Lastly, consider the availability of customer support. Even though the service is free, having access to help when you need it is important.
Are free webmail services secure?
Security is a major concern when it comes to email services. Most free webmail services offer basic security features such as SSL/TLS encryption to protect your emails during transit. However, some services go a step further by offering end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and other advanced security features. It’s important to research each service’s security measures before making a decision.
Can I access my free webmail from different devices?
Yes, most free webmail services are accessible from any device with an internet connection. This includes computers, smartphones, and tablets. Some services also offer dedicated mobile apps for easier access and additional features.
How does the spam filter in free webmail services work?
Spam filters work by analyzing incoming emails and determining whether they are spam based on various criteria. This can include the sender’s reputation, the email’s content, and whether the email matches known spam patterns. Most free webmail services offer spam filters to help keep your inbox clean.
Can I use my free webmail for business purposes?
While you can use free webmail services for business purposes, they may not offer all the features that a business might need. For example, business email services often include features like shared calendars, contact management, and integration with other business software. If you’re running a small business or are a freelancer, a free webmail service might suffice. However, for larger businesses, a paid business email service might be more appropriate.
Do free webmail services offer customer support?
The level of customer support offered by free webmail services can vary. Some services offer extensive online resources, such as help articles and forums, while others may offer limited or no direct customer support. It’s important to check what kind of support is available before choosing a service.
Can I import my contacts to a free webmail service?
Yes, most free webmail services allow you to import your contacts from other email services. The process for doing this can vary between services, so it’s best to check the specific instructions for the service you’re considering.
Do free webmail services display ads?
Many free webmail services are supported by advertising, which means you may see ads in your inbox or when reading or composing emails. However, some services offer ad-free versions for a fee.
Can I have multiple email addresses with a free webmail service?
Some free webmail services allow you to create multiple email addresses, while others may limit you to one. If you need multiple email addresses, be sure to check the service’s policy before signing up.
What happens if I exceed my storage limit on a free webmail service?
If you exceed your storage limit on a free webmail service, you may not be able to send or receive new emails until you free up some space. Some services may offer additional storage for a fee.
Sean P Aune
