Mailspring supports every major mail provider—Gmail, iCloud, Office 365, Outlook.com, Yahoo!, and IMAP/SMTP—so you have a single, streamlined command center for all your messages. Translation Business happens in every language.
Some people say you should stop using desktop email clients. I get where they’re coming from. Web-based email services have come a long way over the past decade, and many of them are feature-rich enough to be on par with desktop-based alternatives.
But there are several valid reasons to keep using desktop email software, and I believe desktop email clients will never be obsolete.
- These are the best email clients to download, from open-source solutions to powerful and popular email apps. Protecting your machine is as easy as picking from the best free antivirus apps for.
- The Mail application that ships with macOS and OS X is solid, feature-rich and spam-eliminating software that is also an easy-to-use email client. Optimized to work on the Mac, the Mail app is trouble free and full featured.
- Unline any other free email client, it has one big advantage – yu can even check your Yahoo mail in Zimbra Desktop. Apart from that, it is extremely easy to configure your accounts in Zimbra Desktop. Native account setup support for Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, and AOL. Syncs Zimbra calendar with Yahoo and Gmail calendars.
- And, as sad as it is to say, Thunderbird is the only free and open-source desktop email client that’s actually worth using. Other open-source clients exist, but they’re riddled with issues like clunky interfaces, glitchy performance, and a lack of advanced features.
Postbox and Microsoft Outlook are the two main options, but they’re pricey. If you only need an email client to handle one or two personal accounts, then a free email client will likely serve you just fine. Here are the best free desktop email clients we’ve found.
1. Thunderbird
Available for Windows, Mac, Linux.
Although Thunderbird development was “discontinued” back in 2012, it still receives maintenance updates so don’t write it off as dead. In fact, as of this writing, the latest release (version 60.2.1) came out in October 2018. Sure, Thunderbird may not be getting new features going forward, but it’s absolutely still viable for everyday personal use.
And, as sad as it is to say, Thunderbird is the only free and open-source desktop email client that’s actually worth using. Other open-source clients exist, but they’re riddled with issues like clunky interfaces, glitchy performance, and a lack of advanced features.
![Mail Mail](/uploads/1/3/3/2/133281834/329688268.jpg)
If you’re adamant about never spending a penny and never switching to a web-based email client, then Thunderbird is your best option. It can do pretty much anything you need, including setting up message filters, autoresponding to emails, and several other nifty Thunderbird tips and tweaks.
Download:Thunderbird (Free)
2. Mailspring
Available for Windows, Mac, Linux.
Back in 2016, Nylas Mail hit the scene and looked as if it’d be the desktop email client to put all other desktop email clients to shame. But then in August 2017, the team announced that they’d no longer be working on Nylas Mail and opened up the source to the public.
One of the original authors then forked the project and relaunched Nylas Mail as Mailspring. He optimized and improved many of the internal components, resulting in quicker syncing, less RAM usage, faster launch times, and more.
Thunderbird may be the client of choice for those who want reliability and time-tested staying power, but Mailspring is the client to use if you want something fresh, new, exciting, and full of future potential. It’s free to use indefinitely with some advanced features locked behind a subscription.
Notable Free Version Features
- Syncs with Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo, iCloud, FastMail, and IMAP.
- Unlimited email accounts and unified inbox.
- Undo sent emails within a given period of time.
- Support for pre-built themes, layouts, and emojis.
Notable Pro Version Features
- Powerful template support for productivity.
- Track whether emails are opened and links are clicked.
- Schedule emails to be sent at a future time.
- Snooze emails and create follow-up reminders.
- Share email threads with others using a web link.
Download:Mailspring (Free, Pro for $8/mo)
3. Sylpheed
Available for Windows, Mac, Linux.
Sylpheed is a desktop email client that’s been around since 2001. While it does feel dated compared to modern email clients, it’s not bad by any stretch. In fact, its old-school interface and approach to email management may actually prove helpful if your email habits are causing undue stress6 Simple Tricks to Reduce Email Stress6 Simple Tricks to Reduce Email StressDealing with email is the best part of my day. Said no one ever. You need all the tips you can get to manage your email inbox? We can help you out!Read More.
The best thing about Sylpheed is that it knows what it is: an email client. It doesn’t concern itself with tons of extraneous features that bloat the installation and clutter the interface. Sylpheed is simple, lightweight, and full-featured.
Notable features include fast launch and overall performance, advanced email search and filters, effective junk mail control, encryption, and extensibility through plugins.
Download:Sylpheed (Free)
4. Mailbird
Available for Windows.
Mailbird is an attempt to optimize the desktop email client experience.
If you’ve never used desktop email before, then you’ll probably love Mailbird. If you’re migrating from another client, it will be hit or miss—some parts will feel familiar, other bits will impress you, but you’ll undoubtedly find aspects that you hate as well.
All we can recommend is giving it a try. It’s definitely slick and modern, and there’s a lot to like about it. Note that it’s a freemium app so the free version is restricted in some ways.
Notable Free Version Features
- Beautifully sleek and minimal interface.
- Syncs with any IMAP or POP email service.
- Lightning fast search and indexing.
- Integration with Dropbox, Evernote, Google Docs, and more.
- Supports up to 3 email accounts.
Notable Pro Version Features
- Unlimited email accounts and unified inbox.
- Snooze emails and set up reminders.
- Speed reader for emails.
- Quick preview for email attachments.
Wifi hack mac download. Download:Mailbird (Free, Pro for $18/year or $59 one-time purchase)
5. eM Client
Available for Windows.
eM Client aims to be an all-in-one solution for dealing with office tasks and communications. It’s primarily designed for email, but also has nifty calendar integration, task management, contacts organization, and even chat support—and the free version only has one (albeit major) limitation, as you can see below.
Notable Free Version Features
- Slick Modern UI interface that fits well with Microsoft apps.
- Syncs with Gmail, Exchange, iCloud, Office 365, and Outlook.com.
- Conversational view for email threads.
- Integration with all common chat services, including Jabber.
- Supports up to 2 email accounts.
Notable Pro Version Features
- Supports an unlimited number of email accounts.
- Can be used for commercial purposes (e.g. business office use).
- VIP support and troubleshooting.
Download:eM Client (Free, $50 one-time purchase)
Windows and Mac Have Built-In Email Apps
All of these free desktop email clients are fantastic so don’t fret too much. They can all get the job done, so give each one a try and stick to the one you like best. As for me? I’ve been using the free version of Mailspring for months and I’m quite happy with it.
If the above apps seem too complex for your email needs, then you can always resort to the Mail app that comes pre-installed on Windows 10. Some consider it bloatware while others think Windows 10 Mail is worth using. In any case, Mail is the simpler of the two Microsoft email apps. And if you have an Android phone, get one of the best email appsThe 10 Best Email Apps for Android, ComparedThe 10 Best Email Apps for Android, ComparedEmail on a smartphone? Use one of these excellent email apps for Android to make the experience more productive and enjoyable.Read More to complement your Windows client.
And for a better computer experience, have you considered building a DIY desk7 DIY Computer Desk Projects That'll Save You Money7 DIY Computer Desk Projects That'll Save You MoneyNeed a computer desk on a budget? Here are some excellent DIY computer desk projects you can build yourself.Read More?
Explore more about: Desktop Email Client, Email Tips, Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Mailbird no longer has a free version https://skieywelove163.weebly.com/blog/samsung-360-stitching-software-mac.
- I've been looking for a client that lets you download all the attachments at the same time, to a folder, like selecting several mails, clicking on 'save as' and that's it, so I don't have to manually download 50 pdf files from 50 different emails. I still haven't found what I'm looking for. I've read thunderbird had a third party plugin that did it but now it doesn't work anymore. I think even netscape communicator 4 on win9x back in 98 o 99 could do it. why can't modern clients do it?.
- I think the best feature about Thunderbird, which is absent in all other clients, is the ability to delete only the Attachment in the Email. I retain the actual Email with only the Attachment name, and not the actual attachment file. For example, when we send an Email to clients, we attach relevant Datasheets / Brochures of the products, our company profile, etc., which makes the Email 2-3 MB large. But later, I simply delete the Attachments from the Sent items, making the Email shrink to 30-40 KB. This is a very useful feature which I think all Email Clients should have.
- Hi
Like everybody in the world I receive dozens of attachments (doc, excel, pdf.) everyday.
So I use the ONLY email client in the world which is able to PREVIEW attachments (WITHOUT opening dedicated software like word or excel or acrobat) with only ONE click INSIDE the email window.
And I save time everyday
Best regards - I use Thunderbird for backing up my Hotmail & Gmail, but I find it slow to use as a regular Client so I still access my Hotmail via Outlook Live online. I get up to 50 emails a day and immediately toss half - it's mainly for Social Media.
I still prefer to use OperaMail as my Client for Gmail (it's a separate program now) because I find Gmail online to be a non-intuitive PITA and with OperaMail I can have it in the same layout as forever. It's a bit buggy once in a while, but way more effective for me. I get a couple 100 emails a day - personal and hobbies - and I also access my RSS Feeds from it (which alone is worth having it). Tagging is easy. - Another component in favor of Thunderbird: because of its addon ecosystem, it's possible to integrate seemingly unrelated messaging tools like Google Hangouts or Voice. This can be helpful if you find yourself keeping many browser tabs open just for communication; at least you can centralize everything in one place!
- I was a home user of Outlook Express email until they went to Microsoft Live and continued to use it until it just didn't work. It was perfectly functional for all that I needed on my home computer (Outlook Client for work email). A few years back as Windows moved on, I tried Thunderbird, and it just didn't have enough features of what I used to keep me happy. I switched to eM Client (about 3 years ago) and have never turned back. I've had no problems and it does everything I need it to do.
- I started using Thunberbird a few months ago when my Windows Live started gliching when trying to receive e-mails. Kept showing a message saying it could not connect to the server - and I had a TON of folders with saved stuff on there too.Downloaded Thunderbird and for the most part, it is great. I do HATE that you can only enter one e-mail address on a line at at time. Ridiculous! I am also having HUGE issues with it flagging e-mail as junk from people I work with who send e-mails ALL the time. I have 'trained' it and flagged these e-mails as not junk and even went into settings and made sure the address books are checked so it SHOULD ignore those e-mail address. Nope, still flagging them as junk. Would love to have this fixed but am about to try a different program! GRRR!!
- I'm using Thunderbird. However, last week, Quickbooks stopped communicating with Thunderbird, and wouldn't send invoices. on only ONE of my computers. The other one is still working fine. So, my question is - which of these programs have you used with Quickbooks?
- all my efforts to make the W10 email app behave better have failed. I got into a very expensive act of buying 2 plane tickets because the W10 email consistently faile sin searching for emails with any key word. In addition, there is no quick way to configure it the way you want. It is quite possible, power users will claim 'I do not know how to use it'.well, this statement itself is the proof of my claim! In my iPhone, safari shows I have 16000 emails correctly. & I found the earlier eticket sent to me but not in the W10(is it 'outlook'?) while for not apparent reason, W10 email chose to show only 3659 of them! .So I am done using it!
- I have been using Thunderbird.
I really like that the inbox uses columns for Date, Subject, From, To, and more that I can sort on after selecting a message.
I really don't like that when creating an email the To, CC, BCC only accept one address per line, so you can only see a small portion of the recipients in a long list.
This increases the chance of sending something to the wrong person. It's also really hard to enter long mailing lists.Can someone recommend an alternative that does both well? - Which do you use?
- General concerns about the email clients? I could do this myself (perhaps) but thought maybe by me posting a comment others might benefit. https://cleverstats527.weebly.com/blog/download-adobe-digital-editions-on-mac. Since Windows 10 Pro is more accommodating on then the Home edition I would like to know the following:First issue: Which of these programs are accepted by Windows 10 Pro and will survive a Microsoft 'Update' ?Secound issue: I'm concerned about migrating my 32bit versions of Windows OUTLOOK EXPRESSron
- Please add Hexamail Flow too!
- Tried Hexamail Flow. It won't allow me to add a single account. It cries that 'All accounts must have a unique name', but this is the first account. Nothing will satisfy the program as a name. I've even tried naming it something like 'liedrfkhugjklsdghjf' and it doesn't work.Mailbird allows only one account unless you buy it. They should make this clear when they advertise 'Have ALL your accounts in one client. FREE DOWNLOAD'. Very unscrupulous advertising.I've purchased email clients before, but I don't think I should have to keep buying the program every year, but they conveniently break the programs and require you to buy them again for support. I just want one good program.
- Does anyone know of any email client that will allow one assign a color category to an inbox email AND sort on it? I can't believe Outlook 2016 will not do this UNLESS it's a POP account. Thank you.
- Hexamail Flow allows labels to be coloured and sort on labels.
- Thank you so much!
- Thank you for introducing me Nylas Mail. https://investmenttree.weebly.com/blog/phone-program-for-mac. I was exactly looking for this. From my day beginning, I've started to search for best email client like Thunderbird. I'm running two different companies so I want to use two different email client software. You made my day author. Thank you!
- Having used email clients (Pinemail_ before there was a web-based Internet and once the WWW appeared, I tried web-based mail programs.Calculating attack dmg pathfinder. The major difference is SECURITY. Webmail is just that, the etch-a-sketch version of real email and like any browser going to any web site (webmail is web-page based), are easily hacked. Webmail, using the forced browser upgrades tied in with the latest HTML5 layers, Stalkers like canvas fingerprinting can now monitor your email, follow your email, and invade your privacy much easier than a real email client.Your Privacy, and Security are only available buy using a real email account on a real email client. Using a web browser to read/send/ webmail is like writing notes in a diary with a World Wide Web camera over your shoulder.
- if you ever want a super-secure web mail client, including an on line keyboard so keystrokes can't be recorded, check out safe-mail dot com (or dot org I don't recall which).there are only 1-2 glitches I've encountered (I don't use it regularly now, but did in the past when I needed 100% security that cost $0).one major glitch is that the FBI blocked access somehow until the server agreed to let them have access on demand. It's not a USA based company. This went on for a few months but apparently they gave in.Second glitch I encountered a couple years ago, it may be resolved now, is that late night access was extremely slow.
I know very little about networking etc so can only guess why.performance was fine during the day.Interface is minimalist, no ads, free access has limited storage space, only supports maybe3-4 languages--English Hebrew Japanese and I think Mandarin?
Paid version comes in tiers depending on needs. Has quite a few features like Google--calendar, a few other things. Encrypted enough to send medical or financial data. Also probably things like child porn—but that's the price of freedom I suppose.
- Hiri is a paid client. It is not free.
- i believe Nylas mail are pretty much dead now.
- I am looking for a replacement to EM Client version 7. Version 6 was good but the way they handle multiple replies on version 7 has serious problems
- Nothing but problems with Em Client. This week recent emails started flashing in my Inbox making it impossible to click on them. That was the last straw.finding another tool now!
- NONE of these email apps are FREE!
Hiri is only free for 14 days!
The rest give a limited number of free trial days, and only 2-3 email accounts!
WHY DO YOU LIE?- Yes, you are right. Reviews are not reflecting the truth.
I don't know what's the point except that the site is gonna lose customer base.
I'm definitively stopping my visits. - Thunderbird is free.
- WHEN I GOT A NEW USED PROCESSOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, IT DID NOT HAVE INCLUDED OUTLOOK EXPRESS THAT MY PREVIOUS COMPUTER HAD.
THUNDERBIRD IS A ROYAL PAIN IN THE REAR END.
I CLICK ON AN EMAIL & IT POPS UP, I CLICK IT OFF AND WHAT I JUST CLICKED ON IN THE PANE, IS NOW MOVED BACK TWO PACES TO A DIFFERENT EMAIL.
WHEN I TRY TO DELETE A FEW EMAILS AT A TIME.UP POPS A SERIES OF EMAILS, SO I HAVE TO STOP & CLICK THEM ALL OFF, IN ORDER TO GET BACK TO WHAT I WAS DOING.I AM SO OVER WITH THUNDERBIRD.
BUT, I HAVE NUMEROUS FOLDERS NOW & DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT FREE INBOX IS OUT THERE & WHETHER I CAN EXPORT ALL MY EMAILS & FOLDERS TO A NEW FREE INBOX.
OUTLOOK IS OVER 80 BUCKS HERE IN VANCOUVER.TO BUY THE PROGRAM.I DON'T KNOW IF I WANT TO SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY ON AN EMAIL PROGRAM.SEEMS LIKE A LUXURY I CANNOT AFFORD.
WHAT SUGGESTIONS MIGHT ANYONE HAVE & ANY SOLUTIONS OR FIXES FOR THUNDERBIRD, IF THERE ARE ANY, IF THERE IS NO PROGRAM THAT I CAN IMPORT EVERYTHING TO THAT'S FREE.
THANKYOU,
LAYNA.- I am running away from Thunderbird as fast as possible. Here are the problems I found.
It began to lose folders. I save all my email locally in a long list of folders. I've done it for decades. For no reason I can figure out, in 2018, version 52.52, folders began to disappear from the folder pane. Funny thing is, they still exist if I search for them, and I could search so as to get all the emails and then copy them to a new folder. Then that folder disappeared too, so I did it again with a new folder in a different place in the hierarchy. Today my TRASH folder disappeared.
Suddenly T-bird stopped downloading my emails. It just began to say 'No new messages' when there are hundreds. Even stranger - it finds one or two messages that it can download, but all the rest are invisible. The ones it downloads have nothing in common I can see. A google search shows none of these problems are unique.
Mozilla provides no real help. The 'fixes' are all high tech programming changes that leave me in the dust. You can't interact with the forum without registering which is a constant nightmare. The password is always deleting with time and you can't put in a new one without being told 'that email address is already in use' (yes, because it's mine, fool). Then you have to sift through hundreds of postings to find what - usually nothing! Mozilla doesn't want to hear from you about your little problems.
Constant problem - you can find a particular email, and it will tell you what folder it's in - but good luck finding that folder if you have extensive folders and subfolders. There is no help at all. No way to figure out where you stashed that folder. I've spent hours searching for a single folder.
Last problem - If you go to File Explorer to see where your data is stored - good luck. T-bird's scheme for storing its data in mixed up msf and sbd files is from some other planet. Some T-bird folder names have corresponding files but others don't and their contents have some of the saved emails but not others. It's all a complete mystery. If you want to save a good folder for later possible use, you have no idea of what to save, or how to restore anything by pasting it back again. If I could find an identifiable file with emails, that would be great, but I can't.
So sayonara T-bird. You are mysterious and unworkable unless you are just working perfectly without problems. And that is just a memory now.
- This is because these people never really test any of these 'Top' application lists. They just gather names from a search engine and post them in some random order.
- Try Hexamail Flow - it is COMPLETELY FREE to use for multiple accounts.We only request you purchase if if you really like it to allow us to continue to invest in its development!
- Yes, I tried your program. It just doesn't work.Can't add ANY email accounts. It pops up with an error:'All account names must be unique'Only one account and no text at all will satisfy this requirement.
- I've been searching for years for the best email client with these added requirements: a calendar/scheduler, tasks, events, contacts, highly configurable, securable, 'open source' (No Freemium) and fully portable at portableapps.com. I tried Operamail which I found to be a very good email and contacts client, but no calendar, etc., although I have no idea if anything has changed since being bought by Chinese owners.Then I tried Thunderbird was too 'clunky' and slow for me. I liked Seamonkey more and I've been using for the last four years. It has email, a calendar, tasks, events, contacts, a browser and more; most of which need add-ons to make them more usable to each users needs.Lync for mac mojave. It works quite well, still gets updated once a year or so (which is just fine for me), has a small dedicated team and an online extensions configurator to modify many T-bird & FFox extensions to work with it. I recommend users install exts's in small batches for troubleshooting any incompatibility issues that may arise. I'm still fussing with the address book fields and tasks/events to work with specific calendars though, but I've truly not found any better email client and if T-bird is no longer being developed I guess I'll stick with Seamonkey.
- I would strongly urge you to not use MailBird. They 'phone home' all your emails and have even publicly stated that it is not illegal to do so and are continuing. In their newer versions they added an 'opt out' feature but it still phones home. You can use any packet sniffer to see for yourself.
- Thanks for the tip. I downloaded it and removed it straight away because it is NOT free. Only the trial period is.
- The free version of EssentialPIM is also a possibility.
- A little fact checking would be nice.First, its funny that you suggest the non-free Postbox as one of the two 'main' options, then make false claims (see below) about Thunderbird, apparently unaware that Postbox is a Thunderbird derivative, and is currently based on a very OLD version of Thunderbird.What false claims? Well, Thunderbird development is far from dead. It has received more new features and bug fixes since Mozilla pulled its developers off of the main project (Mozilla still provides considerable infrastructure support) than it did in the previous 5 years under Mozilla's umbrella.They also recently started receiving donations, and as of the last Treasury Report I saw, from November 2016, they were averaging about $70,000 per MONTH, most of these from small, one person donations.Current Thunderbird leadership (an elected Council) is considering the options for a new home - the SFC (Software Freedom Conservancy and The Document Foundations being the two main contenders I believe.So, the user base is definitely supportive of Thunderbird, and as far as I'm concerned, the future's so bright, you have to wear shades.
- Yeah. I've got Thunderbird release 45.7.1 that came out on.FEBRUARY 7, 2017.MUO should strive to be better than SCROTUS (So-Called Ruler Of The United States).
- FU asshole
- Thanks Charles! I'll definitely try Thunderbird again, I still have it and I surmise it gets updated through my portableapps.com menu which I love. I view Mozilla as a similar open source version of google in that they both work on a lot of projects which come, change often and go and sometimes come again. But Mozilla gets my support. Please let me know your thoughts on Seamonkey.I agree with you also that 'A little fact checking would be nice.', especially when you're a professional article writer and reviewer. I almost feel duped!
- I would really like Thunderbird except that it requires you to use a new line for each address entered in the To, CC, BCC fields. This is so silly, because with one address per line, you can only see a small portion of a long list at a time.
It also makes it really hard to add a lot of recipients. I can't understand why they do this in an otherwise really good product.
- I am still using Eudora, which is the best email client ever.A year or so ago it started choking on Google certificates. I looked around for another email client and could not find even one that was as good as Eudora. Fortunately some enterprising techie found a way to force Eudora to accept those certificates that Google has been cranking out at least once a week since then, so I'm happy.
- You should wake up honestly.
- Oh lord, Eudora . not heard of that since the late 90s. that is a relic for sure. I worked for an internet provider and we used to provide it with our DIALUP accounts pre-configured. It was junk, we eventually stopped supporting it all together.I didn't think that junk still existed.
- And I would still be using Eudora if my university had not shut down the POP-server. I never got Eudora to work satisfactorily with IMAP. Unfortunately. I fully agree that it is the best mail client I've ever used, and I'm desperately looking for an email client even half as good. Since having to let Eudora go, I suddenly understand all my colleague's email woes. I am definitely much less productive with managing my emails now.
- I started using Eudora back in the nineties. I used it for many years and would be using it yet if some geeky jerks hadn't killed it. I don't know why anyone would want better standalone email than Eudora.
I don't know how much longer we're gonna have email, anyway. Things I'm hearing lately give me to think email is gonna be bound and gagged ere too much longer: THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! EEEEEEEEEKK! HIDE THE MONEY! GIVE THEM THE CHILDREN INSTEAD!- omg too funny. thx for the morning pmu :))
- Yes of course, I agree with you 100%: Eudora (v. 6.3 for me) is still the best email client that was ever made available to an immense piblic, and that kept working so well for so long (more than 18 years for me).
I'm also starting to have problems with 'bad certificates' and would be very interested to know how your Eudora was forced to accept them (or rather, convince the POP server to agree to establish a valid communication with my PC-based, Win7, Eudora.)
Thanks if you can help!
We spent 120 hours testing 16 free email services, narrowing our list to the eight services we believe are the best options. These services have sufficient inbox storage and tools to make it easy to send, receive and store messages.
Gmail is our top pick because it’s the easiest to use and comes with the most services, including access to Google Calendar, an attachment preview, automatic spam filters and direct import of social media contacts into its address book. But there are a number of great options – you'll find our pick of the best free email services below.
Do you need a VPN to protect your email?
Your email account contains a lot of personal information, from details about your work to where you live, who your friends and family are, where you shop and more. If it's hacked, it can quickly lead to serious problems like identity theft, which could have huge financial implications.
The easiest and most secure way to keep your email safe is with a virtual private network service (VPN). These encrypt your emails and help you stay anonymous online – and they're becoming increasingly popular. They’re a particularly good idea if you’re using public Wi-Fi to send emails (at a hotel or cafe, for example) where anybody could read what you're writing if it isn't encrypted.
We think the best VPN service is ExpressVPN. It's fast, offers superb security, and it's very easy to use. But if you're not sure which one is right for you, take a look at our best VPN service guide, where you'll find plenty of advice.
ExpressVPN: Save 49% | $6.67/month (was $12.95/month)
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service there is. It'll keep your email secure, whether you're using a computer, cell phone or tablet – and with this exclusive offer you can get it almost half price, at just $6.67/month. That's fantastic value. (Plus there’s a 30-day money back guarantee if you don't like it.)
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service there is. It'll keep your email secure, whether you're using a computer, cell phone or tablet – and with this exclusive offer you can get it almost half price, at just $6.67/month. That's fantastic value. (Plus there’s a 30-day money back guarantee if you don't like it.)
Best Overall
Gmail
Google Gmail
No inbox ads
Includes a language translator
Attaches one file at a time with the mobile app
Gmail has all the tools and features you need for an email account, including 15GB of inbox storage space, a 100-per-day limit on sent messages, and no inbox ads to interfere with navigating the program. Along with an email address, Gmail also gives you automatic access to many of Google’s other services, such as Drive, Calendar, Maps and Google Plus. You can also use Google Translate within Gmail to translate messages in other languages.
You can attach files up to 25MB and upload more than one at a time. Once they are attached, documents and images are displayed as thumbnails, so it’s easy to verify you’ve attached the correct files. When you receive attachments in an incoming message, these, too, are displayed as thumbnails so you can preview and sure they are safe to download to your computer.
Gmail keeps your inbox safe by automatically identifying and sending spam messages to a spam folder. It also has virus scanning and phishing blocks, so you know the messages you’re getting don’t have hidden threats attached to them.
Gmail keeps your inbox safe by automatically identifying and sending spam messages to a spam folder. It also has virus scanning and phishing blocks, so you know the messages you’re getting don’t have hidden threats attached to them.
Best for Spam Blocking
Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Business mail$1.19
Automatic spam filters
Allows up to 500 sent messages daily
Tricky to navigate
Yahoo Mail takes extra steps to keep your account secure by automatically enabling spam filters and directing messages into the spam folder. It also recognizes some junk mail and will place these items in the trash bin rather than your primary inbox. Another positive feature our testers liked is the sender block, which lets you add an email address to a black list. Rather than redirecting emails from these senders into the spam or trash folders as other email services do, Yahoo Mail blocks these messages entirely.
Yahoo Mail does have a fair number of ads that border your inbox, and some sponsored ads are inserted into the message lists so they look like legitimate emails. These aren’t too difficult to ignore, but they do cause some initial confusion and may make it harder to navigate your inbox.
Yahoo Mail gives you 1 terabyte of inbox storage (enough to hold 20 million email messages) before you must delete some to receive more messages. You also have a daily sent-message limit of 500 emails – five times more than most free email services allow, but less than Gmail. The Yahoo Mail app is also easy to use, with the same features available as the online account.
Yahoo Mail gives you 1 terabyte of inbox storage (enough to hold 20 million email messages) before you must delete some to receive more messages. You also have a daily sent-message limit of 500 emails – five times more than most free email services allow, but less than Gmail. The Yahoo Mail app is also easy to use, with the same features available as the online account.
Best for Email Encryption
ProtonMail
Proton Mail Plus$4
Proton Mail Professional$6.25
Proton Mail Visionary$24
Encrypts outgoing messages
25MB maximum attachment size
If you reset your password, you’ll lose access to previous messages
ProtonMail is a basic email service that is easy to set up because it doesn’t ask for any personal information. You just pick a user name and password, and you’re set. Be aware that some features – such as mail collection and the ability to sync across multiple devices – are only available with its paid email service. But the free version does have email encryption, which is important if you send messages with sensitive information you want to protect. ProtonMail automatically unencrypts the message when it reaches the recipient’s inbox and is opened.
To further protect your messages, ProtonMail has a secure password recovery process. Although you can reset your password if you forget your old one, ProtonMail won’t allow access to the messages you received in your inbox or saved in folders before you reset your password. This means you will lose all emails, both sent and received.
ProtonMail lets you attach multiple files at once to outgoing messages, up to the maximum attachment size of 25MB. Once they’re attached, you can’t preview the files without downloading and opening them again. You also have only 500MB of inbox storage, which is enough to hold about 1,200 messages.
ProtonMail lets you attach multiple files at once to outgoing messages, up to the maximum attachment size of 25MB. Once they’re attached, you can’t preview the files without downloading and opening them again. You also have only 500MB of inbox storage, which is enough to hold about 1,200 messages.
Best Email for Mac
iCloud Mail
Requires a lot of steps to set up
iCloud Mail is the official email service from Apple and is designed to be accessed easily from any Mac computer or mobile device, though you can send and read messages from Windows computers, too.
We learned that it takes a lot of steps to set up and verify an iCloud account and it isn’t easy. But the email program itself is impressive as it automatically saves contact information to your contact folder as messages are opened or sent. You can create alias email accounts and view them all in a single inbox and write automated reply messages for when you can’t return messages right away. We were really impressed with how fast our images and documents attached to outgoing messages using iCloud Mail, much faster than most services we tested. But you can’t preview these files once they’ve been attached.
Best for Home Businesses
Zoho Mail
Zoho Standard$1
Zoho Standard$2
Zoho Pro$5
Collects messages from other email accounts
Zoho Mail is part of a group of free services from Zoho that are designed for small businesses, especially if you have a home-based business or are a sole proprietor.
Programs include a calendar, contact manager, expense tracker and project reports that all sync together so you can see and manage your entire business from your email inbox. When you send or receive any messages from clients, Zoho Mail automatically makes a note of it in the CRM. And it will remind you of meetings or follow-up messages you need to send after checking the Zoho Calendar. One good feature is you can redirect email from other email services into your inbox so you don’t have to check messages in each individual account. And because Zoho has unlimited inbox storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space. One feature the service doesn’t include is the ability to import contacts from social media sites, so you’ll have to manually enter each one. Or you can import them into either the Zoho ContactManager or Zoho CRM that will sync with your inbox and give you access to this information.
Why Trust Us?
While Top Ten Reviews has been evaluating free email services for 12 years, our testers have been familiar with email programs for much longer. To update our recommendations, we spent 120 hours using and testing 16 free email services.
One tester used an 18-year-old free email account (originally a Hotmail account, now an Outlook account), along with other free accounts, to help us compare the features and services of email providers.
We narrowed the 16 free email services to eight that we believe are the best options. We eliminated services that allow you to send free email messages but won’t let you receive messages without purchasing the service. We also discounted services that currently have free email accounts available but are either no longer offering support or have plans to discontinue them. We didn’t feel comfortable recommending a service that may not be around long term.
How We Tested
To test free email services, we performed common tasks with each service and took note of the ease or difficulty. For example, we noted how many steps it took to set up a new account, the amount of personal information required and whether we needed to provide a cellphone number to verify and officially activate the account.
We followed a similar process to test the tools for attaching files and images to outgoing emails. We recorded the number of steps it took to attach a file, whether we could attach multiple files at once, and how long the program took to upload attachments to our message.
Since each of the free email services we tested has a mobile app, we tested how easy it was to set up and access email accounts this way, too. Again, we tracked the steps and made note of any challenges in attaching images and files to messages via the app. We also determined whether any functions from the desktop version were missing in the app.
Can I Have 2 Gmail Accounts?
Yes you can! Many people have multiple Gmail accounts, each with its own email address. Each free Gmail account comes with 15GB of inbox storage space, enough to hold around 300,000 messages before you have to start deleting some to make room for incoming email. You can always choose to convert to a paid email account and get unlimited storage.
Gmail lets you log into multiple email accounts at once and simply toggle between them without having to log out and re-enter your credentials each time. We found this to be a very helpful perk especially if you have a personal Gmail account and another dedicated to your work or home business. This multi-account feature works on mobile, too, so you’re always connected and can quickly access important email while on the go. It’s hard to attach files to outgoing messages using the Gmail app, though, since it only allows you to upload one file at a time.
Best Email Program For Android
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Premium Email Account?
Email services typically charge between $2 and $10 per month for their paid services, depending on how much mail you need to send and receive. The biggest differences between free and paid email services is the size of the files you’re allowed to attach to outgoing mail, how many emails you can send per day, how much backup and inbox space you’re given, and the level of customer support you can access. Most free email services give you enough inbox and online backup space combined to hold hundreds of thousands of emails, but they typically limit the number of email messages you can send in a day to about 100. This is plenty for most people using an email account for personal use. But if you have a home business or know a lot of people you need to email every day, then it may be worth purchasing an email account with unlimited outbound messaging.
What to Look For When Choosing a Free Email Service
Inbox and Folders
Nearly all free email services have inbox ads, so there’s that most services include. Since they’re all but unavoidable, look for services that make them less obtrusive. Some place ads to the side, so they don’t create too much distraction. However, some services place ads all around the inbox, making it difficult to navigate the program. Some free email services even allow pop-up ads that cover your inbox and require you to click out of them to access your messages.
Nearly all free email services have inbox ads, so there’s that most services include. Since they’re all but unavoidable, look for services that make them less obtrusive. Some place ads to the side, so they don’t create too much distraction. However, some services place ads all around the inbox, making it difficult to navigate the program. Some free email services even allow pop-up ads that cover your inbox and require you to click out of them to access your messages.
Pay attention to the amount of inbox storage available, because once you reach the cap, you’ll have to start deleting messages in order to receive more. Many free email services offer a terabyte or even unlimited storage, which is helpful if you tend to receive messages with large attachments, like image and video files. However, even a few gigabytes of storage gives you enough space to hold between 100,000 and 300,000 messages.
Free email services do cap the number of email messages you can send out per day. This is to cut down on spam messages sent with their services. The cap is generally around 100 messages per day, which is sufficient for keeping in touch with family or other personal email uses. But if you need an email service for business purposes, it may be better to purchase an email service that permits unlimited messages each day.
Composition Tools
It’s easy to write and send email messages with any service once you figure out where the New Message and Send buttons are. It’s more important to examine the attachment features, including the maximum file size you can send and whether you can preview files once they are attached.
It’s easy to write and send email messages with any service once you figure out where the New Message and Send buttons are. It’s more important to examine the attachment features, including the maximum file size you can send and whether you can preview files once they are attached.
![Best Best](/uploads/1/3/3/2/133281834/299296895.jpg)
During testing, we looked at the maximum size allowed for attached files. Most of the accounts we tested can handle between 20MB and 25MB, which is about six professional images or 10 snapshots taken with a point-and-shoot camera. It was also important for us to see a thumbnail of the file once we uploaded it, so that we could confirm we had attached the correct one.
Securing Your Email
According to Mitch Stephens, a security consultant for Emagined Security, email attacks are the most common internet threat. “An attacker can send a link that looks similar to another link you are familiar with,” Stephens told us, and when you open it, you’ll see a site that looks legitimate and asks for your login information. Once you enter it, the attacker then has your credentials to log into the real site and gather even more personal information. These are known as phishing schemes, or phishing attacks.
According to Mitch Stephens, a security consultant for Emagined Security, email attacks are the most common internet threat. “An attacker can send a link that looks similar to another link you are familiar with,” Stephens told us, and when you open it, you’ll see a site that looks legitimate and asks for your login information. Once you enter it, the attacker then has your credentials to log into the real site and gather even more personal information. These are known as phishing schemes, or phishing attacks.
“The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is by only opening email from trusted or known sources,” said Stephens.
You can also install internet security programs to your computer that include antiphishing tools to help block these schemes from getting into your inbox to begin with. We’ve tested many internet security programs and recommend Bitdefender Internet Security and McAfee LiveSafe, which both come with antiphishing tools.
Email Safety Practices: How to Spot a Scam Email
If you have a landline, cell phone or email, you’ve undoubtedly received shady phone calls or messages. Scammers use shock and fear tactics to try to get you to quickly send money or give up personal information. In one of the most common scams, someone contacts you pretending to be from the IRS. In response, the IRS has released an article identifying the five tell-tale signs of an IRS scam. You should never give your personal information over the phone or through email.
If you receive an email or call from someone claiming your computer is out of date, be very wary. If they further ask you for your personal information, Wi-Fi information or IP address, you’ll know for certain it’s a scam. They’re simply trying to steal your identity or hack your computer. If you’re uncertain, contact the actual company they claim to represent to see if there is anything wrong with your accounts.
Further Ways to Spot a Scam Email:
Best Email Program For Visually Impaired
- If they try to pressure you into giving personal or credit card info, it’s a scam.
- Look at the sender’s email address. If the name is a near misspelling of an established company, it’s a scam. (i.e. “Chase Bnk” instead of “Chase Bank”)
- If there are a lot of grammatical errors and fractured sentences, the email most likely wasn’t sent from an official company.
- Prize winner emails are always scams unless you specifically remember signing up for something. Even then, it could still be a scam.
- If they sidestep your questions and pummel you with threats and fears, it’s a scam.
To better protect yourself, consider purchasing eScan, an anti-virus software that recognizes spam messages that are specifically tailored to you. Toast titanium 10 for mac free download.
More Internet Guides:
Best OverallBest Email Program For Mac
Gmail
Gmail is the easiest email service to use and the only one that doesn’t include inbox ads. It has all the features the best service should, such as mail collection, auto reply and spam filters.
Best for Spam BlockingYahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail lets you add email addresses to a block list so that messages from these senders never make it into any folder in your account, including the trash and spam folders.
Best for Email Encryption ProtonMail
Best Email Program For Seniors
ProtonMail encrypts all outgoing messages so they can’t be read by anyone except the receiver once it reaches their inbox.
Product | Price | Overall Rating | Inbox & Folder Settings | Composition Tools | Security Tools & Filters | Conveniences | Help & Support | Ease of Use | Daily Message Limit | Mail Collector | Mobile Service | IMAP Support | Inbox Storage | Message Translator | Import Social Media Contacts | Aliases | Spam Filters | Suspicious Account Activity Alert | Secure Sign-In | Phishing Blocks | Virus Scanning | View Attachments | Average Upload Time | Multiple Image Upload | Auto Reply | Conversation View | Max Attachment Size | Pop-Out Window | Standout Feature | Task Calendar | Custom Themes | Video Chat | Chat/Instant Messaging | FAQ | Email Support | Forums |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gmail | View Deal | 5/5 | 10 | 9.8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 100% | 100 | ✓ | 80% | ✓ | 15GB | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Automatic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 16.5 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25MB | ✓ | Message Translator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Yahoo Mail | View Deal | 5/5 | 10 | 9.8 | 10 | 8.8 | 10 | 85% | 500 | ✓ | 95% | ✓ | 1TB | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Automatic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25MB | ✓ | Block Sender | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Outlook | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 9.8 | 10 | 7.8 | 10 | 10 | 80% | 100 | ✓ | 100% | ✓ | 1TB | * | ✓ | ✓ | Manual | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50MB | ✓ | 50MB Attachment Limit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
AOL Mail | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 7.8 | 10 | 9.8 | 8.8 | 10 | 90% | 200 | ✓ | 75% | ✓ | Unlimited | - | - | - | Manual | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | .5 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25MB | ✓ | Fast Load Time | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
GMX | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 9 | 10 | 7.8 | 10 | 9.5 | 90% | Undisclosed | ✓ | 90% | ✓ | Unlimited | - | ✓ | ✓ | Manual | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50MB | ✓ | Unlimited Inbox Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Zoho Mail | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 7.8 | 10 | 10 | 95% | 250 | ✓ | 90% | ✓ | Unlimited | - | - | ✓ | Manual | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | .5 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 20MB | ✓ | Mail Collecting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
iCloud | View Deal | 4/5 | 8.5 | 9.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 90% | 1000 | ✓ | 75% | ✓ | 5 GB | - | - | ✓ | Manual | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | 2 sec | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 20MB | ✓ | Mac Compatible | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | - | - |
ProtonMail | View Deal | 3.5/5 | 7.8 | 7 | 5.8 | 5 | 6.8 | 90% | 150 | $ | 70% | $ | 500MB | - | - | $ | Manual | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | 2.5 sec | ✓ | - | ✓ | 25MB | ✓ | Message Encryption | - | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | - |