Outlook is not as popular as Gmail or Apple Mail, but it still has a professional interface, availability on a variety of devices, and a solid set of free features. Check out the best Microsoft Office alternatives if you’re interested in learning more about other top providers. Ultimately, the right email client for you depends on your unique needs and preferences.
That said, some users may prefer certain aspects of other email clients, such as Apple’s free desktop app or Gmail’s simple, classic design. The free version offers more than enough for most individual users, and Microsoft 365 subscriptions are relatively similar to paid iCloud and Google Workspace plans. While there are a few key differences between Outlook and its top competitors, it matches most of the core features of Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Apple Mail. Similarly, email encryption and forwarding prevention aren’t available on free accounts. For example, Outlook won’t check attachments or links for threats unless you pay for the subscription. Unfortunately, certain critical security features are locked behind the Microsoft 365 paywall.
Email encryption and other important security tools are only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers (Image credit: Microsoft )
