4 Top Email & Productivity Companies

What to look for in an email or productivity service

An email account often becomes the key to every other account you own, so pick a provider you expect to keep for years.

• Security options. Two-step verification and a clear account recovery process matter more than extra features.
• Storage and limits. Free plans may cap storage, attachment size or the number of messages you can send per day.
• Ads and data use. Free mail is often paid for by advertising. Check whether message content is scanned for ad targeting.
• Inactivity rules. Some providers close or delete accounts that have not been used for a set period. Find out what that period is.
• Per-use pricing. Fax and messaging services may charge by page or include a monthly allowance, with overage fees beyond it.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Reviews in this category often describe being locked out after a password reset failed, or being charged after a free trial ended. Add a recovery phone number and a backup email, write down backup codes, and set a reminder before any trial converts to a paid plan. Temporary inbox services are useful for one-off sign-ups, but never use one for an account you will need to recover later.

CandorRated lists who runs each website, how long the domain has existed and the contact details found, so you can see whether a service is reachable if something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Can a free email provider read my messages?

Automated systems may scan mail for spam filtering and, with some providers, for ads. The privacy policy states what happens.

What happens to an online fax number when I cancel?

Many services release the number after cancellation. Ask whether you can port it to another provider first.