The Best Email Providers Besides Gmail And Yahoo

The Best Email Providers Besides Gmail And Yahoo - In 2012, Gmail overtook Hotmail to become the most popular email provider in the world. Since claiming the crown, it has shown no signs of slowing down. Today, the service boasts more than one billion users.

Another free incoming email provider is Yahoo Mail. Of course, its user count pales into insignificance compared to Gmail (it numbered around 255 million in early 2018), but it's still one of the most recognized global email brands. But what other free email providers are out there? If you don't want a Gmail or Yahoo account.

Here is a list of the best email services that you can choose from.

1. Microsoft Outlook

Outlook terminology is confusing. Microsoft has done a terrible job of distinguishing between free email accounts, free modern Windows apps, and Office 365 apps. Luckily, if you just want a free email account, you don't need to get bogged down in the details; just go to outlook.com and sign up for an @outlook.com email address. The service has surpassed Yahoo to become the second most popular free email provider in the world. As of mid-2016, Microsoft reported having more than 450 million active users.

Using an Outlook account comes with significant benefits. Because it's operated by Microsoft, it's deeply integrated into the Windows 10 operating system. It also works seamlessly with the Outlook Office 365 apps. If you decide to use a web client or a desktop client, you're in good company. 16 percent of all emails sent were opened in one of the two apps.

2. GMX Mail

GMX Mail is a subsidiary of United Internet, one of Germany's largest internet service providers. Free mail services have gained popularity over the last few years, but have been around since 1997.

Even though it only has 11 million active monthly users, it's still comfortable making ten free email providers in terms of user count. This is a shocking statistic and one that reveals the almost undeniable popularity of services like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.

Features-wise, you can expect 1 GB of file storage, a 50 MB attachment limit, and support for IMAP and POP. Best of all, it offers 65 GB of email storage which is enough to never run out of space again. Unfortunately, it lacks an RSS reader and a conversation view.

3. Zoho Mail

Zoho Mail is one of the newest providers on the list. It's only been around since October 2008. In a short time, the service has quickly grown to become one of the best free email providers outside of the Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook troika. Driven by an ad-free web client (even for free users), it grew to over 10 million active users in just nine years.

The app offers everything you'd expect from a free email provider, including multi-level folders, conversation view, inbox drag-and-drop organization, and filters. Zoho Mail also lets you manage email at your domain for free! One omission is the integrated video chat tool.

Zoho Mail is part of a larger office productivity suite. This service is tightly integrated with Zoho Docs — a Microsoft Office alternative that lets you create, edit, and collaborate on text, presentations, and spreadsheet documents.

4. AOL Mail

AOL Mail is the grandfather of free email services. It went live in March 1993, making it three years older than Hotmail, four years older than Yahoo Mail, and nearly ten years older than Gmail.

Due to its age, it has a large user base. However, the numbers have decreased in recent years. In 2006, it had 50 million active monthly users, and as recently as 2010 it was the third largest email provider in the world. Currently, the number of active users has fallen to 25 million.

Just because AOL Mail is a recognizable brand name with millions of users, there's no need to rush to sign up. In recent years, several studies have hinted at "email bias". Potential employers are more likely to hire you if you have an AOL or Hotmail address.