Even among free choices, there are lots of differences between webmail providers. Here's what the experts recommend you consider when choosing a webmail service:

  • Speed. With the services evening out in terms of features, the amount of time it takes to login and check messages is an important consideration according to several reviewers. Most say that Gmail's stripped down design gives it the edge on speed.
  • Email organization -- folders or tags? This is a matter of personal preference. Tech-savvy users seem to prefer Gmail's system of applying one or more tags to an email, while many users prefer the more familiar drag-and-drop folder organization in most webmail.
  • Ads can be annoying. This is another matter of personal preference. Some users are bothered by the fact that Gmail bases text ads on a robot's scan of incoming email text, viewing it as a violation of privacy even though it's done by a computer, not a live person. Other users are more bothered by the big graphic ads in the free versions of Yahoo! Mail and Windows Live Hotmail.
  • Attachment size-limits vary. Consider how large an attachment you might want to send. Only the paid versions of Yahoo! Mail and Windows Live Hotmail let you send 20 MB emails, but this comes free with Gmail.
  • POP/IMAP support. Gmail and Windows Live Hotmail make it easy to download messages to a desktop email client, but doing this with Yahoo! Mail requires a third-party add-in or stepping up to the paid version. Gmail and GMX also offer IMAP support, which synchronizes desktop email with the online version.
  • Extra features could make the difference. None of the webmail providers offer every single desirable feature, so reviews suggest checking comparison charts to see which one provides the features you care about most.
  • Spam filtering. Professionals warn that spam can easily accumulate to fill up your mailbox and can be exhausting to handle. Most email providers offer some sort of protection against junk email, but not all spam filters are equal. Gmail earns better marks than Yahoo! Mail on this score.
  • Storage space is a minor concern now. Reviews say even the 5 GB limit at the free version of Windows Live Hotmail and at GMX are ample for even heavy email users. Gmail offers 7 GB and keeps increasing the space. If this is a deal breaker for you, Yahoo! Mail offers unlimited storage even with its free version.
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