Best Free Email Service

With so many similarities between the offerings of the top email sites, it can be difficult to pinpoint the best free email service. Which service is the best for you will largely depend on personal needs and preferences, such as required storage space, which instant messaging service you use, or which interface is most appealing to you.

After checking your email, check out the best search engines.

1.

 Google has used its programming prowess to create a popular and useful email service. Spam filters keep junk mail from cluttering your inbox. Practically limitless storage means you never have to lose important emails from the past. The conversation view allows you to read an original message and its replies in the same window. In addition, you can use the power of Google to search within your messages. Although most people enjoy the convenience of accessing web mail anywhere, you can also download Gmail messages to your favorite email software. The one downside to the service is content-targeted ads. Although no one at Gmail ever reads your email, the electronic message scanners that serve these advertisements leave some feeling violated. However, none of the best free email services could operate without advertising.

2.

 With unlimited storage space, you can keep every email you've ever received. Users can choose between Yahoo's classic interface and a new, updated look that offers additional features, including slideshows, tabs, and chat capabilities. Yahoo! Mail Classic is especially helpful for users on dial-up, as its simple design won't bog down your connection. Unlike Gmail, Yahoo! does not allow users to download emails to an outside program unless they pay for a premium account.

3.

 The old Hotmail service got a new lease on life when it was redesigned as part of the Windows Live service. The site offers 5 MB of storage space, a number that continues to increase. Hotmail allows users to import emails from other accounts while logged into their site, a handy service for those with multiple email addresses. As an added bonus, after you've signed up for a Hotmail account, you can use your Windows Live login to access MSN Messenger, Xbox Live, and other Microsoft services.

4.

 Zenbe isn't just an email provider; it's a communications hub. The site allows you to view Facebook and Twitter updates, in addition to letting you chat with Google Talk. One of Zenbe's unique features is its ability to file and organize email attachments, part of a larger file-sharing interface. Upcoming business email services will be available for a fee.

5.

 If you've ever wished you could "unsend" an email, then BigString is for you. Although it doesn't offer the inbox features that many of the best free email services do, it stands out for the versatility of security features it offers for sent email. Make sure your emails and attachments aren't forwarded, saved to another site, or printed. Tag messages to self-destruct. And if you ever feel sender's remorse, you can call back any message.

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