Did you know that by 2026, the number of email users will exceed 4.73 billion?
Email is one of the most vital mediums of communication today. Mostly, everyone is using email, and the few who are not are also switching to it in this digital age. This move comes as no surprise since email serves many crucial purposes.
Now, if you are planning to build an email network for personal or business purposes, it’s time to look at the variety of email services available online. The two options currently dominating the market are free and paid email services. Let’s learn more about them, along with the differences between them.
What Are Free Email Services?
Free email services allow you to create an email address without paying money.
Some popular free email service providers include Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail. These providers allow you to create as many email addresses as you want for free and mail a large number of people at once.
By opening a free email address, you gain access to some other free features such as cloud storage, a spam filter, and more.
What are Paid Email Services?
Unlike free email, paid email services are the ones for which you have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to create and maintain an email address.
Some popular paid email service providers include Zoho Mail, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. These providers allow you to create a customized, professional email address.
With free email service providers, you also gain access to more features than the ones offered. These include additional cloud storage, high-quality privacy protection, and more.
Differences Between Free Email and Paid Email Services
Which option is better for you: free email vs. paid email service? Let’s explore the differences between the two so you can decide at the end.
1. Custom Email Address
While a free email service enables you to add your name or the name of your business at the front, it doesn’t allow you to make any changes at the end. For example, a free email address will end with “gmail.com” or “yahoo.in”, depending on the provider you use.
In contrast, a paid email service enables you to customize your email address: you have the freedom to choose the words that make up your email.
For example, if your business’s website is named Dazzle Design & Co., you can create your email address as dazzledesign.co. A paid email service allows you to maintain uniformity while building an email network and online presence.
2. Privacy and Security
A free email service offers some degree of security; however, it’s not as robust as the security provided by a paid email service. A free email service provider can access your account information and storage data, leaving little room for privacy.
Unlike this, a paid service provider offers stringent privacy protection, meaning only you have access to the information in your account and storage. Data encryption measures also ensure that only intended recipients can access and read your email. Further, spam protection and antivirus security measures guarantee that your email account data is safe and shielded from cyberattacks.
3. Storage Space
Storage space allows you to keep track of email history and attachments and maintain an organized email system. A free email service offers less storage space than a paid email service.
For example, the usual storage space offered by the former is 5 GB, with the exception of Gmail, which typically offers 15 GB.
On the other hand, the usual starting storage space offered by paid email services is 10 GB and, if needed, can go up to 50 GB. If you require more space, you can get the expansion by paying a small fee to your email service provider.
4. Display of Advertisements
The main source of income for free email service providers is advertisements, or more specifically, the display of advertisements on your dashboard or inbox. Ads can be annoying and distracting. They can slow down your progress and make you more prone to making mistakes while writing an email or missing something important while reading emails.
Fortunately, with a paid email service, you can manage and communicate through emails without the disturbance of advertisements. Your email account is relatively decluttered, making it easy for you to focus on the task at hand.
5. Provision of Features
When it comes to the provision of features, a paid email service provides you with the features of a free email service in addition to exclusive add-on features.
For example, a free email service enables you to keep track of your emails with a basic calendar.
A paid service offers advanced calendar features, such as setting up customizable event reminders and collaborative scheduling options. It also enables you to integrate your email account with other productivity tools and operate it across multiple devices and systems. A paid email service, thus, enhances user experience and productivity.
6. Customer Support
If you run into trouble and need assistance with your email account, a free email service provider will take a lot of time to respond. On the other hand, a paid email service provider will promptly address and offer solutions for your issue.
Unlike the limited support provided by free email service providers, paid email service providers provide exclusive support and are easier to get a hold of. They allow you to connect with them by starting a ticket, entering into a chat, or making a phone call.
The End Note
Free vs. paid email services are similar yet different in many aspects. Understanding the differences between them and keeping in mind your purpose and budget will enable you to make an informed choice about your mode of communication.
For example, if you want to use email for business purposes and appear professional to your clients, consider exploring the email hosting services offered by Freeparking. Offering a variety of essential email features and affordable plans, Freeparking provides the support you need to manage your emails with ease.
If you want to take your email communication to the next level, contact us today.
