Gmail review

Gmail remains the default choice for a reason. Every Google account includes 15 GB of storage, and Google says its filters block 99.9% of spam, malware and dangerous links before they reach the inbox, with warnings on suspicious messages that might still be legitimate. Confidential mode lets you set an expiry date, require an SMS passcode and disable forwarding, copying, downloading and printing. Gmail works offline and connects to Outlook, Apple Mail and Thunderbird. When the 15 GB fills up, Google One plans add 100 GB for $1.99 a month or 200 GB for $2.99 a month on the US App Store. The privacy picture is mixed: Google states it never uses the content of your emails to personalize ads, but free accounts can still show ads and messages are not end-to-end encrypted. The 15 GB is also shared with Drive and Photos, so a phone full of pictures can stop your email.

Who it is for

most people who want free email with strong spam filtering

Price

Free with 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos; Google One 100 GB $1.99 per month as an in-app purchase on the US App Store.

100 GB $1.99 200 GB $2.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 15 GB of free storage shared among Drive, Gmail and Photos
• Google says Gmail blocks 99.9% of spam, malware and dangerous links
• Warnings on suspicious emails that may be phishing
• Confidential mode with expiry dates and SMS passcodes
• Offline mode to read, reply to and search mail without a connection

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 15 GB free is enough for years of typical personal email
• Strength: Extra storage starts at 100 GB for $1.99 a month
• Strength: Works with Outlook, Apple Mail and Thunderbird
• Weakness: Free storage is shared with Google Drive and Photos
• Weakness: Free accounts may show ads, though Google says mail content is not used for ads
• Weakness: No end-to-end encryption for personal accounts

Key facts

• Free storage: 15 GB shared with Drive and Photos
• Cheapest paid upgrade: Google One 100 GB, $1.99 per month
• Spam filtering: Blocks 99.9% of spam, malware and dangerous links, per Google
• Offline access: Yes
• Platforms: Web, Android, iOS

Where it ranks

Gmail is No. 2 in our Best Email Providers verdict.