If you don't yet have an email account, or want the freedom offered by a flexible web-based account that you can access anywhere, anytime and regardless of which internet service provider you're using at the time, then this is the place for you.
Check out the following list of suppliers; each of whom offers free web-based email accounts or forwarding services. Some of these offer you the choice of a range of different domain name extensions to help ensure that your email address matches your personality, or the image you'd like to portray.
These services can also be very handy when used as backup or secondary email accounts to help reduce the amount of spam that is attracted to your primary mailbox, or to keep your work email free of personal emails.
Gmail
- Although newer than Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail, Google's Gmail service has become wildly popular, to the extent that it's likely the most actively used free email service at present. The service offers plenty of free email space, plus access to a free online calendar, and a range of other Google services.
Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail)
- is the grand-daddy of free, web-based email providers. Featuring powerful virus-scanning tools and huge storage allotments, Microsoft's Outlook.com is the email provider of choice for many Australians. If you need an email account that you can use from any net-connected computer, this is an ideal choice. As with Gooel's service, this also complete with free online calendar access.
Mail.com
- Although not as popular as some of the other players, this free email service comes with the benefit of allowing you to utilise one of their selection of custom domain names within your email address. Options include @email.com, @mail.com, @consultant.com, @elvisfan.com and many more.
Yahoo! Mail
- One of the oldest free email services on the web, Yahoo!'s offering provides access to abundant space, powerful anti-spam features and built-in virus scanning, all with an easy-to-use browser-based mail interface.
Proton Mail
- If privacy matters to you, Proton Mail is one of the strongest free email services available today. Based in Switzerland, it offers end-to-end encryption, which means your messages are protected before they even leave your device. The interface is clean, modern, and refreshingly free of advertising clutter. If you're tired of feeling like your inbox is part of someone else's marketing machine, this can feel like a breath of fresh mountain air.
Zoho Mail
feels polished from the moment you sign in. The free account includes email, calendar tools, contacts, notes, and a beautifully organised interface that makes everyday communication feel more productive. It is especially handy if you like keeping your work, side projects, or personal admin neatly organised. There are no distracting ads, and everything feels designed with efficiency in mind.
GMX Mail
- If you want plenty of features without spending a cent, GMX Mail packs in quite a bit. You can create multiple alias addresses, send larger attachments than many competing services allow, and even access built-in cloud storage. It is a handy choice if you like separating online shopping, family communication, and work messages into different identities. Sometimes the simplest way to stay organised is to give every part of life its own inbox.
iCloud Mail
- If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, iCloud Mail fits beautifully into your everyday digital life. Your messages sync seamlessly across devices, your contacts stay up to date, and your calendar events feel naturally connected. The interface is elegant and uncluttered, very much in keeping with the Apple experience. It is one of those services that quietly does its job without demanding attention.
