outlook.com
The name “Outlook” served for a long time to refer to the Personal Information Manager (PIM) or personal information manager developed by Microsoft that is part of the Microsoft 365 package. But, since the beginning of 2013, the similarly named webmail serviceOutlook. com went on to replace Hotmail, Microsoft’s previous free email service, and with it the company aims to become a high-ranking competitor to other mail providers such as Yahoo or Google.
The first and most important advantage of Outlook is its seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, and that is that by registering on the platform you have access to other services of the computer giant, such as the Skype video call and chat service, the OneDrive storage, the Office Online suite, or the OneNote app. Thanks to the interfaces to Office, Outlook is suitable for complex work environments and stands out for having an intuitive and familiar user interface. When it comes to storage, Outlook.com isn’t far behind Gmail: At 15GB, the service isn’t short on space to store messages. It also offers storage space in the cloud solution owning OneDrive for all kinds of files. Attachments here can be up to 34 MB in size. Free Business Email Without Domain
It is also very practical that Outlook, like Gmail and Yahoo Mail, allows you to use the POP3 and IMAP protocols when opening emails. Thus, for example, you can synchronize the inbox on mobile devices. There are also applications for all the most common mobile terminals.
At Outlook.com everything is free. For their part, Microsoft Office subscriptions receive premium features. Among others, no advertising is displayed in the user interface. Speaking of advertising, according to Microsoft’s terms of use, this is not personalized from the analysis of the content of emails, but from data on location or browsing habits collected with the help of cookies. In addition, the storage space for Microsoft Office users increases to 50 GB. Creating your own email address is also very easy.
In the privacy policy is specified that: “To show ads that you may be more interested in, we use data such as your location, web searches performed with Bing, Microsoft or advertiser web pages, demographic data and things you have marked as favorites. We do not use what you may say in emails, chat, video calls, voicemail, or in your documents, photos, or other personal files to target ads to you.”
However, the geographical location of the servers is somewhat uncertain: like the previous two free email providers in the US, Microsoft has its servers spread around the world, so figuring out where the data is located is just as difficult as in the case of Google and Yahoo.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
15GB of storage | Since Microsoft is based in the US, it is not subject to the GDPR |
5 GB of OneDrive storage | It is not known for sure where the servers are |
clear and simple design | |
Interfaces to Office, seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem | |
Apps for Android and iOS |
GMX
GMX is a very popular free email service in Germany, where it was founded in 1997 by United Internet AG. Currently, it has users all over the globe, although this free email is not as well known worldwide. One of GMX’s strengths, as a founding partner of the quality seal “Email made in Germany”, is the secure treatment that it gives to the data, in accordance with German and European regulations: the emails that are sent to the GMX servers and the data that is exchanged between the servers and the different providers affected by the initiative are always encrypted by SSL/TLS. Two-factor authentication provides even more security. In addition to their own password, users have to identify themselves with a One-Time-Password (OTP), which is obtained through the application.
With GMX, there is a storage capacity of up to 65 GB and files can be organized from anywhere and making use of efficient security systems. In the case of attachments, GMX allows these to have a size of up to 50 MB in order for users to enjoy the service without restrictions. In its own Cloud GMX cloud service, you can store up to 2 GB in files.
GMX also offers apps for Android and iOS. Thanks to them, the service allows you to check all messages at any time and anywhere. We must not forget, in addition, the integrated antispam tools with which the service can be used without any fear of possible threats.
The GMX interface is designed in blue, but alternative layouts can be selected and saved in the settings. Navigation is done through the menus located both at the top and on the left. While the upper bar allows you to quickly switch between the different mailboxes, the Cloud, the calendar or the contact list, the bar on the left contains the announcements or links to other GMX products with which it is financed. the free email service.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
Servers in Germany | Somewhat confusing interface |
European Privacy Policy | Service not yet well known internationally |
Unlimited storage and 50 MB for attachments | |
Cloud storage up to 2 GB | |
Apps for Android and iOS |
Zoho Mail
Our penultimate proposal to create free email accounts is Zoho Mail. This service is characterized by its versatility, in the sense that it offers the possibility of creating both personal and professional accounts. However, the free package is aimed at individuals and, although it is quite simple, it manages to cover the main needs of someone looking for a free email provider.
When it comes to storage, the free version offers 5 GB of space and 25 MB for attachments. With the Premium version, the memory amounts to 50 GB of memory and in the Workplace versions the conditions are adjusted to the needs of small companies with a greater range of options.
In addition, Zoho Mail stands out for its clear and familiar interface that allows intuitive use of the service and makes it suitable for any type of user. To improve the user’s navigation through the platform, in Zoho files can be dragged to attach them to messages and these can be moved in the same way to their corresponding folders. The application also has a filter system to configure the classification of incoming messages in folders.
Although the Zoho Mail app makes it possible to access messages anywhere and from any device, whether on Android and iOS mobile devices or locally via POP or IMAP protocols, only web access is allowed with the free version.
When it comes to security, Zoho takes protecting your data seriously. For this reason, among other measures, it guarantees compliance with European regulations. In addition, it offers the possibility of controlling and managing the rules and policies that must be applied to incoming and outgoing emails. Also, any item is scanned for malware, so your inbox is always kept clean. Also, one of the strengths of this email provider is that it is ad-free.
On a more professional level and upon payment of one of the available rates, Zoho integrates other applications such as calendars, notes and contact lists, and many other functions.
Advantages | Drawbacks |
Clear and well-structured interface | The free version has very limited features |
Versatile service: both for professionals and individuals | |
ad-free |
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Proton Mail
InProton Maildo does not expect great storage options, because the attention of the Swiss application is concentrated on the protection of your privacy. To do this, Proton Mail adheres to the strict Swiss regulations on data protection and applies various security measures, such as SSL/TLS encryption or end-to-end protection (which prevents third-party access). The mail provider also does not include targeted advertising.
This great ally to guarantee the security of your communications was founded in 2013 by a group of scientists with the dream of a safer Internet for everyone. From their headquarters in Geneva, the engineers and developers at Proton Mail have come up with what is perhaps the most secure free email application today.
Let’s summarize its most important functions. Its design is clear and intuitive and is based on a muted palette. What will be boring for some will be a source of joy for others. In any case, its simplicity will be a point in favor of efficiency and productivity. It is compatible with any other mail provider and its code is open. It can also be used without problems in mobile terminals thanks to its applications for Android or iOS systems or in the browser in its web version.
That being said, it remains to comment on its limitations. The free version only stores up to 500 MB and its use is restricted to 150 messages per day. To expand these features, it is necessary to bet on the payment options.