These are the Best Email Services for 2025, recognized for their outstanding security measures, ample storage capacity, intuitive user interfaces, and seamless integration with productivity tools. These features are essential for navigating the year ahead effectively.
The providers listed here have excelled in critical areas, offering features that cater to both individual users and businesses, all while providing exceptional value. For those seeking more specialized email solutions, such as enhanced secure email services or the best free email provider, we have dedicated guides available.
Quick Overview
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Email Provider Name: | Gmail | Outlook | iCloud Mail | Proton Mail | Zoho Mail | Neo Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max attachment size | 25 MB | 20 MB | 20 MB (up to 5 GB with Mail Drop) | 25 MB | Up to 1GB depending on the plan | 30 MB |
| Costs (monthly, per email) | $6 Business plan | $6.99 Microsoft 365 | $0.99 with 50 GB storage | $4.99 Mail Essentials | $1 Mail Lite | $1.99 Starter |
| Mailbox storage space | 15 GB for free | 15 GB for free | 5 GB for free | Up to 1 TB | Up to 100 GB | Up to 100 GB |
| Messages per day | 500 | 10,000 | 1,000 | 150 | Up to 1,000 depending on the plan | 1,000 |
| Mobile Sync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SSL encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FISMA compliant | Yes | Yes | – | No | No | Yes |
| POP3 | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| IMAP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (via Proton Mail Bridge) | Yes | Yes |
| SMTP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (via Proton Mail Bridge) | Yes | Yes |
| Import Contacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open Source | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| 2FA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email aliases | 30 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 30 | 10 |
| Custom domain addresses | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Multiple Domains | Yes | Yes | Up to 5 | Up to 3 | Yes (paid) | Yes |
The best email providers of 2025 in full:
Why you can trust TechRadar We dedicate significant time to testing every product and service we review, ensuring you receive reliable recommendations and the best value. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
Gmail sign in page displayed on a laptop – Top Rated Email Service
Gmail
The best email service provider overall
Reasons to buy
- Excellent free service offering
- Robust suite of office tools
- Generous free storage space
- Seamless integration with Google services
Reasons to avoid
- Folder and label system could be improved
- Search functionality can be inconsistent
Features
Gmail is packed with useful features, including the ability to snooze emails for later attention, schedule emails to send at a designated time, and access emails offline. Users can send self-destructing messages, require a unique passcode for email access, and benefit from 15 GB of secure storage. File sharing directly from cloud storage, undo send options, and customizable vacation auto-replies are also standard. Furthermore, Google’s Gemini service is available for users who opt-in, enhancing productivity and offering AI-driven assistance.
A major advantage of Gmail is its deep integration with other Google services. This makes collaboration on projects and conducting virtual meetings seamless within a unified account ecosystem.
Gmail’s user experience is highly customizable, with themes that allow users to personalize their interface. It also features advanced settings, adaptable filters and labels, and the capability to import emails from other accounts. Add-ons are available to extend functionality, tailoring the service to specific user needs. However, the free service includes advertisements. While not intrusive, these ads are present within the email interface.
Plans and pricing
For individual users, Gmail’s free account offers extensive features at no cost, providing a comprehensive email solution. Businesses looking to leverage Gmail along with other Google Workspace applications can opt for a business plan starting at $6 per user per month. While not the cheapest option available, the feature-rich environment and integration capabilities offer substantial value.
Interface and in-use
While the folder and label management in Gmail is not ideal for all users, and search results can sometimes be less relevant, these issues can be mitigated by using a dedicated email client. For recommendations, refer to our guide on the best email clients. The user interface is straightforward, though not the most aesthetically refined compared to other email providers tested.
Verdict
Gmail is a strong choice for individuals seeking a versatile email solution, and for businesses aiming to enhance collaboration through Google’s integrated suite of services. Despite subjective preferences regarding the UI, Gmail’s comprehensive features and robust functionality make it a highly recommended email service to consider.
Best for Microsoft users
Microsoft Outlook main page on a tablet – Best Email Service for Microsoft Users
Outlook Mail
Best email service provider for Microsoft users
Reasons to buy
- Clean, Windows-style interface
- Excellent integration with Microsoft services
- Ample free storage space
Reasons to avoid
- Business plans can be expensive
- Free plan includes advertisements
Features
Microsoft 365’s email service, Outlook, is tightly integrated with essential tools like calendars, document sharing, and collaboration platforms, including group chat, video conferencing, and immersive 3D spaces. For businesses, Microsoft offers three service tiers: Basic, Standard, and Premium. All tiers provide web and mobile access to Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Standard and Premium tiers additionally include desktop versions of these applications, along with Clipchamp for video editing and Microsoft Loop for enhanced team collaboration.
Each Microsoft 365 subscription includes a custom email domain and features for scheduling and managing meetings with shared calendars. Business users benefit from 50GB of email storage per mailbox and 1TB of cloud storage per employee. The Copilot AI add-on further enhances productivity across Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Individual users on the free plan will find that while many features are accessible, they are often in a limited form, and cloud storage is reduced to 15 GB, suitable for typical email usage.
Users looking for an ad-free experience within free email services will find that Outlook includes ads. These advertisements are not overly intrusive but are present for free account users. Similar to Gmail, Outlook is a highly versatile cross-platform email service.
Plans and pricing
The free Outlook plan is a robust service supported by advertising and aims to encourage users to upgrade to a paid plan. Paid options include Basic at $1.99 per month, Personal at $6.99, and Family at $9.99. While these plans may not be the least expensive, the extensive features and substantial cloud storage offered provide strong value for the cost.
Interface and in-use
The user interface of Outlook is designed with a Windows-centric approach, which many users find highly intuitive. The layout is well-organized, with icons logically positioned on the left and emails prominently displayed in the center. The overall experience is smooth, featuring fluid transitions and a color palette that works well in both dark and light themes, mirroring the familiar Windows environment.
Verdict
Outlook is a compelling free email option for individual users seeking reliable cloud storage for emails and files. For businesses, while it represents a higher investment compared to some alternatives, it delivers a comprehensive suite of tools suitable for businesses of all sizes, ensuring all business communication needs are met effectively.
Best for Apple users
iCloud Mail
Best email service provider for Apple users
Our expert review:
Reasons to buy
- Seamless integration with Apple services
- Excellent user interface
- Ad-free experience in the free version
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks advanced office environment features
- Limited 5 GB storage in the free version
Features
iCloud Mail provides a range of practical features, including email access across multiple Apple devices, efficient message organization with folders, and a powerful search function. It also includes spam filtering and virus protection to ensure a secure and clean inbox.
A notable feature is the service’s emphasis on user privacy, highlighted by “Mail Privacy Protection.” This feature effectively hides your IP address and read receipts, operating similarly to iCloud Private Relay in Safari. By employing a dual-relay system, it secures user information while maintaining email integrity. Most iCloud data, including email content, is protected with end-to-end encryption. While iCloud Mail’s feature set may not be as extensive as Microsoft Outlook’s, it adequately covers all essential email service functionalities.
Plans and pricing
iCloud Mail is fundamentally a free service, with the primary constraint being the initial cloud storage limit. For a minimal $0.99 monthly fee, users can upgrade to 50 GB of cloud storage, which is a significant enhancement. Additional plans are available that scale up storage options, with the largest offering being 12 TB at $64.99 per month.
Interface and in-use
iCloud Mail features a clean, intuitive interface with easy access to mailboxes, folders, and accounts through a sidebar. Messages are presented in threaded conversations, grouped by subject for clear navigation. Users can manage all emails in a unified inbox or filter by specific accounts. Features like Handoff enable seamless transitions between Apple devices, allowing users to continue email tasks effortlessly. The Mail Drop feature simplifies sharing large attachments by uploading them to iCloud. Overall, it is a robust and user-friendly email client that integrates smoothly within the Apple ecosystem.
Verdict
iCloud Mail is an excellent choice for privacy-focused users who appreciate the design and user experience of the Apple ecosystem. It effectively handles basic email needs, provides a reasonable amount of free cloud storage, and offers additional features that enhance integration with Apple devices and services. While it might not be the top choice for businesses requiring extensive scaling, it is ideal for individual users seeking encrypted, ad-free email service within the Apple environment.
Best for privacy
ProtonMail interface on desktop – Most Secure Email Service Provider
ProtonMail
Best email service provider for privacy
Our expert review:
Reasons to buy
- Superior email encryption functionality
- Robust security features
- Email expiry option
- User-friendly interface
Reasons to avoid
- Higher pricing compared to others
- Limited storage on the free account
Features
ProtonMail distinguishes itself through its strong emphasis on email encryption, ensuring that only senders and intended recipients can access message content. Unlike many providers, ProtonMail itself cannot decrypt and read user emails.
Encryption is default for all emails between ProtonMail users and can be extended to external, non-ProtonMail recipients. A notable security feature is the ability to set an expiration time for encrypted messages, up to four weeks, after which the message becomes inaccessible. The free plan offers these security features but limits storage to 1 GB, starting with an initial 500 MB which can be increased for free. The daily message limit is also lower than competitors, capped at 150 emails per day.
Additionally, ProtonMail includes Link Confirmation to protect against phishing attempts by previewing link destinations before users click, adding an extra layer of security.
Plans and pricing
The Free plan includes a single email address and 1 GB of storage. Upgrading to the Mail Plus plan at $4.99 per month increases storage to 15 GB, supports one custom domain, and allows up to 10 email addresses. Proton Unlimited, at $12.99, significantly expands the offering with 500 GB of storage and 15 email addresses. The Proton Duo plan at $19.99 further extends these benefits. While lower-tier pricing might seem higher, the enhanced privacy and security features, along with cloud storage, can justify the cost for businesses and privacy-conscious individuals.
Interface and in-use
ProtonMail provides a clean and intuitive user interface, aligning with top modern email providers. Its simplicity ensures efficient email management with features like folders, labels, and an easy-to-navigate message view. The focus on privacy does not compromise usability, making it accessible for users new to encrypted email services.
Verdict
ProtonMail is an excellent choice for individuals and companies prioritizing top-tier email security. The Free plan effectively showcases ProtonMail’s core strengths. For users where encryption and privacy are paramount, ProtonMail is highly recommended.
Best budget
Zoho Mail interface on a phone – Best Affordable Email Service
Zoho Mail
Best budget email service provider
Reasons to buy
- Ideal for team collaboration
- Seamless integration with Zoho apps
- Clean, user-friendly design
Reasons to avoid
- Paid subscription cancellation can be complex
- Extensive app ecosystem may be overwhelming for new users
Features
Zoho Mail’s minimalist, tabbed interface facilitates multitasking, allowing users to switch between composing emails and managing their inbox efficiently. The Streams feature enhances team collaboration by enabling shared message threads, attachments, and more. Similar to ProtonMail, Zoho Mail offers message expiration dates through its SecurePass feature, along with options to restrict forwarding, copying, printing, and downloading, ensuring secure content sharing.
Beyond standard email tools, Zoho Mail integrates with Zoho Docs, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box, simplifying file attachments. It also includes note-taking and task management features, keyboard shortcuts, email filters, vacation responses, and custom domain management with allow/block lists. This overview only touches on Zoho’s extensive functionality, with more features detailed on their website under pricing plans.
Plans and pricing
Zoho Mail pioneered low-cost email plans. The free plan covers basic needs, while team collaboration is supported through Mail Lite at $1 per user, Mail Premium at $4, and Workplace at $3 per user per month, all billed annually. Historically, subscription cancellations have been reported as challenging, which should be considered when choosing a plan.
Interface and in-use
Zoho Mail is recognized for its user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and manage daily email tasks. Its integration with Google Drive, Box, and other cloud services simplifies file sharing. The built-in task manager helps users organize their workflow directly within the email interface, enhancing productivity.
Verdict
Zoho Mail is a strong option for startups and small businesses. Its affordable plans allow for easy scaling of team resources, though subscription management should be noted. Overall, it’s a secure, user-friendly email provider with additional functionalities that cater to various business needs.
We’ve also featured the best secure email providers.
Honorable mention
Neo Mail interface on a computer screen – Best Email Service for Freelancers
Neo Mail
Best email service provider for small businesses and freelancers
Reasons to buy
- Competitive pricing
- Solid feature set
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks some advanced features of Microsoft and Google
- Initial setup could be more streamlined
Features
Neo Mail enables professionals and businesses to secure a custom email address, and includes a free domain name. It provides tools for calendar and contact management, website building, and customer relationship enhancement through email marketing and appointment scheduling features. Mobile and web apps ensure email accessibility on the go, while unique features like AI-assisted email composition, click-through rate (CTR) tracking, and open rate monitoring differentiate it from other services.
Plans and pricing
Neo Mail offers a free entry-level plan. For advanced features and increased storage, users can choose from three paid plans: Starter, Standard, and Max, priced at $1.86, $3.74, and $7.49 per month, respectively. Each plan offers distinct features, with the Max plan providing the most comprehensive business suite.
Interface and in-use
Neo Mail is designed for ease of use, featuring an intuitive layout and clean design. Templates simplify setup, though the range of features, including AI and site builder options, may initially seem complex to new users. The overall user experience is positive, and it integrates well with desktop email clients.
Verdict
Neo Mail is a valuable alternative for businesses seeking to avoid larger platforms like Microsoft for their online presence. It is intuitive, user-friendly, and equipped with essential features for small businesses, all offered at a competitive price point.
FAQs
What is the best email provider for privacy and security?
ProtonMail is highly recommended for privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption and benefiting from strong Swiss privacy laws. It ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages, providing exceptional security.
What is the best business email provider?
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are top recommendations for business email solutions. Microsoft 365 integrates seamlessly with Office applications like Outlook and Teams, while Google Workspace offers excellent collaboration tools such as Docs and Meet.
How we test
We conduct thorough testing of each email provider by setting up accounts and using the services in a daily work environment. Our testing focuses on user interface, security features, storage capacity, and overall performance to accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of each service. For some services, we utilize paid accounts to compare performance against free options.
Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
- You’ve reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^
