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Comparison of webmail providers

Comparison of webmail providers

The following tables compare general and technical information for a number of notable webmail providers who offer a web interface in English.

The list does not include web hosting providers who may offer email services as a part of hosting package.

General

General information on webmail providers and products

ProductOwnerLocationReleasedCostMailbox storageMaximum attachment limitSupported languagesPOP3[1] supportIMAP supportSMTP supportCryptographic protocol supportAccount expiration
(inactivity)
Use Own Domain
AOL MailVerizon CommunicationsUnited States1993Free (with ads)Unlimited25 MB54YesYesYesSSL3 months (deactivation), 6 months (deletion)[27]?
ExciteMindspark Interactive NetworkUnited States1995Free (with ads)??????Yes?No
FastMailFastmail Pty LtdUnited States (servers)
Australia (company)
1999$30/year to $90/year[28]2 GB to 100 GB50 MB[29]37YesYesYesSSL, TLS[30]After subscription expiryYes, standard and professional plans
GmailGoogle LLCUnited States2004Free (with ads); $6/user/month on the user's domain[31]15 GB[32]25 MB[33]
(10 GB per file via Google Drive)[34]
71YesYesYesSSL, TLS9 months[35][2]Yes, for $6/user/month option only
GMX Mail
(gmx.net)
United Internet AGGermany1997Free (with ads)[36] or Paid (€3–5/month)1.5 GB (free)[37]
5–10 GB (paid)
20 MB (free)
50–100 MB (paid)
GermanYesYesYesYes6 months or if payment stoppedNo
HushmailHush Communications Ltd.Canada1999Free 14-day trial
$49.98 year (Premium)[38]
10 GB (Premium)20 MB per file, total 50 MB per mail[39]EnglishPaidPaidPaidSSL, TLS, OpenPGP3 weeks (Free); Until payment endsPaid[40]
iCloud[3]Apple Inc.United States2011$0 or $0.99/month, $2.99/month, or $9.99/month[4]5 GB (Free), 50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB monthly[5]20 MB (5GB per message with Mail Drop via iCloud)[43]4No[44]Requires phone number for mandatory 2FA[45][46]Requires phone number for mandatory 2FA[45][46]SSL, TLS[44]1 Year (Inactivity [1] [119] )?
Kolab NowKolab Systems AGSwitzerland2013Free 30-day trial
From 4.41 CHF/month (individuals), 5.38 CHF/month (groups)[47]
2 GB per user, can purchase more[48]?EnglishNoYes[49]Yes[49]SSL/TLS[49]6 months after subscription expiry[50]Yes
LycosLycos, Inc.United States1997$4.95 per month
$19.95 yearly[51]
5 GB35 MBEnglishYesYesYesSSLAfter subscription expiry[52]?
Mail.comUnited Internet AGUnited States (servers)
Germany (company)
1995Free (with ads) or $3.95/month or $19.95/yearUnlimited50 MB3PaidPaidPaidSSL6 months (Free);[53] Until payment ends?
Mail.ruMail.ruRussia1998[54]Free (with ads) or paid optionsUnlimited50 MB11YesYesYesSSL, TLS6 months (Free); Until payment endsYes
MailfenceContactOffice GroupBelgium[55]2013Free (no ads)
€2.50/month (Entry)
€7.50/month (Pro)[56]
500 MB (free)
5 GB (Entry) or 20 GB (Pro)[56]
10 MB (Free)
50 (Entry/Pro)
6[57]Paid[58]Paid[58]Paid[58]SSL/TLS, OpenPGP[59]12 months (Free);
Never (Paid)[60]
Yes, for paying accounts
Outlook.com
(Live Mail, Hotmail)
MicrosoftUnited States1996 (Hotmail)
2012 (Outlook)
Free (with ads); Paid option15 GB[61]25 MB (Unlimited via OneDrive)106Yes[62]Yes[62]Yes[62]SSL,[62] Exchange ActiveSync[62]9 months[63]Premium Only[64]
ProtonMailProton Technologies AGSwitzerland2013Free (no ads); Multi-tiered pricing500 MB (free)
5 to 20 GB[65]
25 MB10Paid[66]Paid[66]Paid[66]SSL, Tor, OpenPGP3 months
(not necessarily enforced)[67]
Yes, for premium accounts
Rackspace EmailRackspace IncUnited States2001[68]$2.99/user/month[69]25 GB[70]50 MB[70]12[71]YesYesYesSSL, TLSNo expiration on paid accountsYes
RediffmailRediffIndia1997Free (with ads) and Paid:399(US$5.80)/year for POP3;50(72¢ US)/month for mobileUnlimited25 MB11399(US$5.80)??SSL, TLS2 months (mailbox deletion), 3 months (deactivation)?
RunboxRunbox Solutions ASNorway2000[72]Minimum (micro plan): $19.95/year or €14.95/year[73]1 GB (micro plan)[73]100 MB (micro plan)[73]2YesYesYesSSLUntil payment endsYes
TutanotaTutao GmbHGermany2011Free (no ads)
€12 year (Premium)[74]
1 GB25 MB30No[75]No[75]NoSSL, DANE6 months (Free accounts)[76]for premium accounts
Yahoo! MailVerizon CommunicationsUnited States1997Free (with ads)
Yahoo! Mail Plus $49.99
1 TB[6]25 MB
(150 MB per file via Dropbox)[78]
27Most countries or YPOPs!Yes[7]YesSSL[80] except classic version.12 months[81]?
Yandex MailYandex LLCRussia2000Free (with ads)Unlimited[82]22 MB per file, total 30 MB per mail (2 GB per file via Yandex Disk)[83]10YesYesYesSSL, TLS24 months[84]Yes
Zoho MailZOHO CorporationIndia2008Personal Free (no ads); Premium options $24 to $99/user yearly5 GB "Lite".
"Standard": 10 & 15 GB
20MB free, 30 or 50 MB paid16Paid[85]Paid[85]PaidSSL4 months (Free); Until payment endsYes (free up to 5 users)
ProductOwnerLocationReleasedCostMailbox storageMaximum attachment limitSupported languagesPOP3[8] supportIMAP supportSMTP supportCryptographic protocol supportAccount expiration
(inactivity)
Use Own Domain

Software distribution

Licensing and JavaScript requirements for webmail products

ProductWebmail softwareRequires JavaScript
AOL MailProprietaryAOL Mail standard view requires JS; AOL Mail basic HTML view does not use JS
FastMailPartial[9]standard interface requires JavaScript, classic interface does not
GmailProprietaryGmail standard view requires JS; Gmail's basic HTML view does not use JS
GMX Mail
(gmx.net)
ProprietaryYes
HushmailProprietaryYes
iCloud[10]ProprietaryYes
Laposte.netProprietaryYes
LycosProprietaryYes
Mail.comProprietaryYes
Mail.ruProprietarystandard interface requires JS, lite interface does not
MailfenceProprietaryYes
Outlook.comProprietaryYes
ProtonMailMIT licenseYes
Rackspace EmailProprietaryYes
RediffmailProprietaryYes
RunboxProprietaryYes
TutanotaGPL v3Yes
Yahoo! MailProprietaryYahoo Mail standard view requires JS; Yahoo Mail basic HTML view does not use JS
Yandex mailProprietaryYes
Zoho MailProprietaryYes
ProductWebmail softwareRequires JavaScript

Digital rights

Verification

Security information users must provide to verify and complete the registration when opening an account:

ProductSMS verificationSecondary email verification
AOL MailYesUnknown
FastMailYesYes
GmailYesUnknown
GMX Mail
(gmx.com)
email or mobile phone[91]email or mobile phone[91]
HushmailYes[92]Yes[92]
iCloud[11]UnknownUnknown
Laposte.netOptionalOptional
LycosNoNo
Mail.comNoOptional
Mail.ruYesUnknown
MailfenceNoYes
Outlook.comYesUnknown
ProtonMailNoOptional
Rackspace EmailNoYes[93]
RediffmailYesYes
RunboxNoYes
TutanotaNoUnknown
Yahoo! MailYesUnknown
Yandex MailYes[12]Unknown
Zoho MailYesYes

Other

Verified privacy and legal defense[13]Verified (possibly) neutral technologyClaimed privacy policies[14]
ProductServer's location(s)Secure (TLS) webmailTor gateway availableTor browser allowed[15]Proxy gateway availableInternet censorship (countries)HTTP tracking cookiesPersonalized ads[16]Email tracking[17]Information sharingBrowser/platform tracking
AOL MailUSAYes (default)NoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownYesYesYesUnknown
FastMailUSA / IcelandYes (default)NoYesYes[94]UnknownUnknownNoUnknownUnknownUnknown
GmailUSAYes (default)NoRequires Tor users to confirm their identity with SMSNoUnknownYesYesYesYesYes
GMX Mail
(gmx.com)
USAYesNoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownNo[95]UnknownUnknown
HushmailCanadaYes (default)NoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownNoUnknownNoUnknown
iCloud[18]USAYes (default)NoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
Laposte.netFranceYesNoUnknownUnknownNoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
LycosKoreaYesNoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
Mail.comGermany / USAYesNoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
Mail.ruRussiaYes (default)NoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
MailfenceBelgiumYes (default)NoYes[96]Yes[97][98]NoNoNoNoNoNo
Outlook.comUSAYes (default)NoRequires Tor users to confirm their identity with SMSUnknownUnknownUnknownNo[95]Limited[19]UnknownUnknown
ProtonMailSwitzerlandYes (default)YesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Rackspace EmailUSAYes (default)NoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownNo[99]No[99]No[99]Unknown
RediffmailIndiaYesNoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown
RunboxNorwayYes (default)NoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
TutanotaGermanyYes (default)NoUnknownNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Yahoo! MailUSAYes (default)NoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownYesYesYesUnknown
Yandex MailRussiaYes (default)NoYesUnknownUnknownUnknownYes[95]Yes[95]UnknownUnknown
Zoho MailUSA / IndiaYesNoUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownNoUnknownUnknownUnknown

Unique features

Unique features in webmail products
NameFeatures
FastMailOne time passwords;[100] spam filter; backscatter detection;[101] deletion of selected attachments. Android and IPhone apps.
GmailAccount verification via SMS or voice call in some countries;[102] Messages grouped into "conversations"; "Normal" view via Settings; Labels instead of folders; Undo send (implemented as a delayed send)
Laposte.netspam filter, deletion of selected attachments, address book and calendar/agenda, import/export features for mails, contacts and calendar events, messages in "normal" view or grouped into "conversations" (via settings), custom signatures for each alias, filters (custom rules) for organizing your emails, holiday mode (auto-response), mobile app for smartphones, integration with Digiposte (a virtual safe-deposit box that allows you to safely archive all your documents in a secured place, including legal documents).
MailfenceClient-side encryption with email expiration, Digital signatures, Full OpenPGP inter-operability and support, Integrated account keystore, Multiple PGP keypair support, Public keyserver connection, Full reversibility and key revocation[103], Full email-suite, Shared mailbox and collaboration with group members
Outlook.comOne-time password, Mobile alerts, Account verification via SMS or voice call in some countries, Rules,[104] Messages grouped into "conversations", Scheduled Cleanup,[104] Filter to e.g. only see newsletters or Emails from contacts,[104] Recover deleted emails;[105] Key encryption for paid accounts[106]
ProtonMailClient-side encryption, email expiration, automatic encryption for ProtonMail-ProtonMail emails, optional email encryption for messages from ProtonMail to other providers
Rackspace EmailWhite label option for resellers; Webmail chat; Recover deleted emails; Shared contacts and calendars; SMS based password recovery; Integrated Cloud Drive file storage with document and spreadsheet editors; Attach files from Dropbox[70]
Rediffmailsign-in via Google, Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter, Mobile Sync; Indrive.
TutanotaClient-side encryption, automatic encryption of mailbox, automatic encryption of emails between Tutanota users, optional email encryption for messages from Tutanota to other providers
Yandex MailNo ads, email for own domains (Yandex PDD), scheduled email delivery, SMS verification, sign-in via Twitter, VK, Facebook, Google Profile
Zoho MailEmail Sharing, Folder Sharing, Collaborating with other users by Chat/ Social media for organization, Filters, Schedule and send emails, reminders, Notes, Tasks, Bookmarks and so on.

Features

Service nameAutomatic forwardingEmail client access[20]Client email for other serverIntegration with IM serviceDomain
Name
customization
Interface
script
technique
Virus scanningFilters out emails with executable attachmentsCustom "From:" AddressAddress modifiers (subaddressing)Server hosted public keyring (for encryption)Shared key encryption
AOL MailNoYes
(POP3, IMAP, SMTP)
Yes[21]AOL Instant MessengerNo[22]JavaScript/ AjaxYes
(McAfee)
No??NoNo
FastMailYesYes
(POP3, IMAP, SMTP)
Yes
(POP3 only)
XMPPSome paid plans onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/AjaxYesConfigurable with user filtering rulesYesPlus addressing and subdomain addressing[107]NoNo
GmailYesYes
(POP3, IMAP)
SSL/TLS supported
SMTP restricted[23]
Yes
(POP3 only)
Google Talkbeta(XMPP), AOL Instant MessengerVia G Suite, premium plans onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ Ajax[24]YesYes, including .exe files in zip filesYes, limited.
Feature restricted to preconfigured addresses. Addresses not registered in advance with Gmail are blocked.
Plus addressingNoNo
HushmailBusiness accounts onlyExtra cost[25]?NoBusiness accounts onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ AjaxYes?Yes, unlimited email aliases for paid subscribersNoYesYes
Laposte.netNoYes (POP3, IMAP, SMTP) SSL/TLS supportedYes (POP3, IMAP) SSL/TLS supportedNoNouser can choose between HTML or AjaxYes?Yes (max. 6 alias per email account)NoNoNo
Mail.comPremium accounts onlyYes
(POP3, IMAP, SMTP)
SSL/TLS supported
Yes
(POP3 only)
Google Talk (XMPP)NoHTML/ JavaScript/ Ajax2YesYes, including .exe files in zip filesYesNoNoNo
Mail.ruYesYes
(POP3, IMAP)
Yes
(POP3, IMAP)
ICQ, CustomYes (Free, Mail.ru for Business supports up to 5000 mailboxes)HTML/ Ajax (Beta)Yes
(Kaspersky)
?Yes?NoNo
MailfencePaying accounts onlyPaying accounts only
(SMTP, POP3, IMAP, Exchange ActiveSync), DAVx supported
YesXMPP[26]Paying accounts onlyHTML/ AjaxYesYes, including .exe in zip filesPaying accounts onlyPlus addressing[108]YesYes[109]
Outlook.comYesYes
(POP3, SMTP, IMAP[110], Microsoft Exchange Server)
Yes
(POP3 only)
Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook ChatVia Office 365, some premium plans onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/AjaxYesYes, including .exe files in zip filesYesPlus addressing[111]Via Office 365Via Office 365
ProtonMailNoPremium plans only through ProtonMail Bridge[112]?NoPremium plans onlyJavaScript/AjaxYes (ClamAV)NoYesPlus addressingYesYes
Rackspace EmailYesYes
(POP3, IMAP, SMTP)
SSL/TLS supported
?CustomYesHTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/AjaxYesYes, including .exe in zip filesYesPlus addressingNoNo
rediffNoPremium plans only?Rediff BolYesJavaScript/ Ajax2Yes?Yes?NoNo
RunboxYesYes
(IMAP, POP, SMTP)
SSL/TLS supported
Yes
(POP3, Hotmail, Gmail)
SSL/TLS supported
NoPaid plans onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/Ajax/ Canvas (Beta)Yes
(ClamAV)
If discarded by virus scannerYes
Selectable while composing; saved identities
Plus addressing[113]NoNo
Seznam.czYesYes
(POP3, IMAP, SMTP)
SSL/TLS supported
Yes
(POP3 only)
NoNoHTML/ JavaScriptYes
(ESET-NOD32)
?Yes?NoNo
TutanotaNoNo?NoPremium plans onlyJavaScriptNoNoYesNoYesYes
Yahoo! MailYes[114]POP3-Plus members only, but free in some countries, IMAP
SSL/TLS supported
Yes
(POP3 only)
Yahoo! MessengerPremium plan onlyHTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/AjaxYes
(Norton AntiVirus)
Yes, including .exe files in zip filesYes
& only 10 addresses
Plus addressing (using "-" only)NoNo
Yandex MailYesYes (POP3, IMAP, SMTP, SSL)Yes
(POP3 only)
Ya Online, any XMPP IMYes (Free, Yandex PDD supports up to 1000 mailboxes without verification of legal use)HTML/ JavaScript/ CSS/AjaxYes
(Dr.Web[115])
Configurable or/and if discarded by antivirusYes, only from confirmed addresses[116]Plus addressing[117]NoNo
Zoho MailYes if you use Zoho domain, if you use your own domain then Premium plans only[118]Premium plans only (POP, IMAP, SMTP)Yes (POP)XMPP, Google Talk, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo! MessengerBusiness plans only, including free planAjaxYes?Yes?NoNo
Service nameAutomatic forwardingEmail client access[20]Client email for other serverIntegration with IM serviceDomain
Name
customization
Interface
script
technique
Virus scanningFilters out emails with executable attachmentsCustom "From:" AddressAddress modifiersServer hosted public keyring (for encryption)Shared key encryption

See also

  • Comparison of web search engines - often merged with webmail by companies that host both services

References

[1]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgIn addition to the POP3 support listed here, almost all Web mail providers can be accessed with POP3 using the third-party tool FreePOPs.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[2]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgGmail accounts may or may not be deleted after 9 months of inactivity. There is no guarantee they will remain after then.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[3]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgMust be an Apple (iPod, iPad, &c.) owner to obtain an account, but works on Windows, as well.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[4]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.org50 GB cost $0.99/month, 200 GB cost $2.99/month, or 2 TB cost $9.99/month "Storage Upgrade Options". Retrieved December 10, 2018. "iCloud storage plans and pricing". Apple. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[5]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgshared between file and email storage, customizable ratio
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[6]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgYahoo! Mail announced Gratis 1 TB of storage space for all its members, in October 2013. "Yahoo Mail's Sweet 16 Is Sweet: A brand new view". Retrieved January 26, 2017.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[7]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgAlso can be used on non-mobile devices via third-party software. "Yahoo IMAP Connector". Retrieved January 26, 2017.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[8]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgIn addition to the POP3 support listed here, almost all Web mail providers can be accessed with POP3 using the third-party tool FreePOPs.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[9]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgSome parts of the FastMail web software have been released as free, open-source software. The front-end JavaScript library is released as Overture JS "Open-sourcing OvertureJS – the JS lib that powers FastMail". FastMail Pty Ltd. December 20, 2014. "Overture JS". and the rich-text editor as Squire. "FastMail's rich text editor". FastMail Pty Ltd. December 8, 2014. "Squire". The data model and various client code was donated to Roundcube for its JMAP implementation. "FastMail supports Roundcube Next development". FastMail Pty Ltd. June 5, 2015.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[10]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgMust be an Apple (iPod, iPad, &c) owner to obtain an account, but works on Windows, as well.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[11]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgMust be an Apple (iPod, iPad, &c.) owner to obtain an account, but works on Windows, as well.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[12]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgYandex mail accounts can be created anonymously. However after approximately 2 months of usage all of a sudden on login Yandex says that your account seems to be hacked (which is not true), and in order to improve security you are not permitted to log in unless you provide a phone number. Since the user after 2 months most probably has important unread emails on the account, he renounces his privacy and enters his phone number. Although this policy apparently is not applied retroactively to accounts created long time ago.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[13]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgThis information can be verified by anyone with access to internet. Servers location play role in a investigation and serves thereof for legal defense
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[14]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgStatement cannot be verified to be actual true as the information is handled by servers not accessed by the public
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[15]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgIt is possible that users cannot log in if they don't enable cookies or JavaScript for the Tor browser.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[16]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgFor services hosted by companies that also own web search engines: The results of ads are arranged for the user in accordance to his/her interests as determined from previous search queries or other information available to the search engine.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[17]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgTracking the user is not necessarily bad faith behaviour – it has to be conducted in order to provide .
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[18]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgMust be an Apple (iPod, iPad, &c.) owner to obtain an account, but works on Windows, as well.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[19]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgOnly for security threats.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM
[20]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgMost mail services that do not support POP3 access can be accessed through the FreePOPs mail proxy software.
Sep 30, 2019, 5:09 AM