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Gmail is still one of the best options, but it really depends on what you're looking for. The interface is clean, the storage capacity is good (15GB free shared with Drive and Photos), and integration with other Google services works well if you use Android or Chrome. Spam is filtered decently, so you won't get flooded with junk mail.
But there are some downsides. Gmail reads your emails for advertising purposes, even though it's improved on that in recent years. If you want more privacy, there are options like Proton Mail or Tutanota that are much more secure, but then you lose all that integration and storage is more limited on the free plan.
Honestly, if you just want a practical email to use day-to-day and don't care that much about extreme privacy, Gmail is still the easier choice. But if you're worried about your personal data being used to target ads, then it's worth considering the alternatives. It really comes down to your criteria.
If you get a lot of spam and newsletters, a trick that works really well is to set up automatic filters in Gmail right from the start - don't wait for hundreds of useless emails to pile up. Go to Settings, then Filters and Blocked Emails, and start redirecting everything that's not essential straight to a folder or trash. It makes a huge difference for people who think Gmail gets too cluttered.
Now, if we're talking about the actual best free email, it's not that straightforward. Gmail is solid, no doubt about it - the integrity is good, it works well with Android, syncs with your browser, and gives you 15GB. But there are alternatives that might be better depending on what you prioritize. If privacy is your main focus, there are options that offer end-to-end encryption by default, which Gmail doesn't do (only with manual activation). If it's simplicity you want, there are more minimalist clients. And if it's just a basic, reliable email, pretty much any established provider works.
The thing is: Gmail remains a safe choice because Google isn't going to disappear, the platform is stable, and most apps integrate well with it. But "best" is relative. It's worth testing another client for a week or two if you're unsure - it takes 5 minutes to set up an alternative email and see if it suits what you need better.
What really makes a difference is testing whether the integration with the rest of your apps works well - Gmail connects easily with Google Drive, Calendar, Meet, all that stuff. Of course there are decent alternatives like ProtonMail or Tutanota if you have privacy concerns, but for most people Gmail stays pragmatic and free. What's your situation? Are you looking for something more secure or just want to organize better what you already have?
felipe_martins asker
I just want to organize better what I already have, and the integration with Drive and Calendar is exactly what interests me.
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