Gmail is the most popular email provider in the world, and for good reason. Google has many core services, and Gmail is the thread that holds all of them together–the only way to have a Google account is to have a Gmail account. Therefore, it’s also your key to Google’s software ecosystem.

You’re missing out on a lot if you don’t use Gmail as an email service provider. Here, we’ll show you all the reasons why you should choose Gmail over any other email service out there.

Google’s App Store page on an older model iPad

1. Access Google’s Suite of Apps and Services With Its Email

Google currently has one of the most essential apps and services online. Under Google’s umbrella is Google Search (and its app), Google Maps, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Play Store, and so much more. That’s a pretty heavy list of essential internet services.

Google has designed its services so that you need an email address from Gmail to manage and access them. If you have another email provider you prefer, it’s still a good idea toset up a Gmail accountthat you can use to enter the Google ecosystem.

Gmail’s Settings tab in the Gmail web app

2. Easily Register Your Email Address for Services

Google is a well-integrated service, and due to its popularity, many developers add a Google auto-sign-up feature to their registration system. This saves you the trouble of typing in an email address and password whenever you want to register for a service online.

It also adds an extra layer of security insurance when signing up for a service. You know that if you sign in with Google, your email and password are safe, and you don’t have to worry if a third party has access to it.

Gmail’s malware warning for an attachment

3. Use Gmail’s Robust Organizational and Customization Tools

To properly appreciate how robust Gmail’s customization is, you have to compare it with the next best thing, Microsoft Outlook. When you open Gmail’s settings tab, the breadth of things you can change is mind-blowing.

You can change your Gmail theme to a custom image from Google Photos, you can add new labels and sections for your mail, you can choose to arrange your messages in any order you like, and you can even reduce the density of emails displayed per page.

Google Workspace Marketplace home page

While Outlook has decent customization features, it doesn’t have the same level of detail that Gmail grants its users. Learn all theways you can customize and personalize Gmailin our dedicated guide.

4. Enjoy Comprehensive Email Security

Gmail has certain measures that ensure that your data and your device are protected. Here are a few key security features that protect you when you’re using Gmail:

All these features are the tip of the iceberg; there are various security layers likeGmail’s confidential mode, account recovery, suspicious login alerts, and so much more. We can’t cover them all here.

Google One’s storage breakdown page showing 3.41GB of 15GB used

5. Attach Many Gmail Web Integrations

You can use many app extensions with Gmail to help boost your productivity. Check out theGoogle Workspace Marketplaceto find all kinds of app extensions for Gmail. You can streamline your search to find apps for Gmail only and choose tools that could enhance your email experience.

But that’s not all; you can install Gmail-compatible web extensions if you use Google Chrome. For example, many people like to install Grammarly and Zoom to Gmail. There are plenty ofChrome extensions for Gmail, so you can find the best combination for you.

6. Gmail Has a Large and Affordable Storage Capacity

Because Gmail uses your Google Drive’s storage space, it currently boasts the largest free storage capacity of any email service provider. You can have up to 15GB worth of files in your email. For context, Outlook will let you have only 5GB for free.

You can evenincrease your storage limit with Google One. Before 2018, you would have to manage your storage with Google Drive, but Google One offers a way around this. You can get up to 2TB with pricing tiers drastically cheaper than Microsoft’s solution.

7. Gmail Offers One of the Best Mobile Email Applications

Many of us have experienced email apps that jumble up all emails, take time to deliver emails, and delay notifications. However, you won’t suffer any of that with the Gmail app.

It works well from a user experience angle while integrating all the security and convenience features that Gmail on the web has to offer. That means you would have an email app that integrates your Google Contacts, Google Calendar, and Google Drive.

You can also access recent emails offline and create drafts that will sync across all platforms as soon as you’re online. All the while, you’re using a cross-platform email application that works on pretty much any modern device you own.

8. Search Through Your Emails With a Powerful Search Engine

Google is most famous for its search engine, and it has borrowed Gmail some of its search engine’s power. When you type something into the search bar, the smart search engine can prioritize keywords and search for things in context. It will exclude promotional things from suggested answers and display more helpful information in the quick results.

You can also search using certain criteria like if the email has an attachment, what size it is, what time period it was sent, what category it is under, who sent it, and other useful filters. You can even create your custom filter.

Combine Gmail With Another Preferred Email Platform

If it comes down to your ties with an earlier email service provider, then there’s no reason for you not to use both. Google doesn’t discriminate, and we’re sure your other email provider won’t mind either. Not having a Gmail account will usually put you at a disadvantage. But how does it stack up to other options?