Webmail Vs Gmail: Which One Is Best For Email?

As the world of digital communication is rapidly changing, deciding between Webmail and dedicated email clients is necessary for effectively managing emails. Different Webmail services, like Gmail, make it easy for users to access emails via a web browser by avoiding the hassle of installing additional software.

On the other hand, dedicated email clients offer a strong user interface and additional functionalities for handling several accounts. In this article, we’ll be exploring the major differences between Webmail and Gmail, supporting you in making the best decision regarding which email service is perfect for your specific needs. 

Exploring Webmail

If you’ve used any email services such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or any other email service, you might have interacted with Webmail. You can use Webmail to receive and send emails via your browser. 

In reality, Webmail enables you to view your email using any web browser and device, provided your device is connected to the web. To access your domain emails using Webmail, you’re required to open your browser and put your Webmail login address in the panel. 

For instance, assume that you want to access your MilesWeb domain email account using Webmail; in that case, you’re required to enter https://www.milesweb.com/webmail/ in your web browser. 

After that, you’re required to put the domain email account’s address and password that you wish to log into. Upon successful login, you’ll be able to view and compose emails directly from the Webmail portal. 

Explaining An Email Client

If you’ve checked your emails using software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, or Apple Mail, then you know what an email client is. An email client is a software program that is implemented on your system. 

Later, you can utilize this program in order to download your emails from the server to your computer device and there you’ll be able to view and compose emails. In simple words, if you want to utilize an email client to view your domain emails, then you’re first required to install the email client software program on your device.

If Microsoft Office is already installed on your system, then you must have seen Outlook as a part of this bundle. Or else, if you’re utilizing a Mac, then you might have come across the default Mac email app, i.e., Apple Mail. Mozilla Thunderbird and AirMail are some of the other examples of email clients. 

Once an email client has been installed on your system, then you’re required to set it up so that it locates the particular mail server from where it can fetch your emails. The fundamental configuration involves setting your domain email address, username, password, inbound and outbound email servers, and their associated ports. Your email client information is available in the Member Zone. 

Webmail vs Gmail – Which Service is More Effective? 

Webmail and an email client like Gmail both serve similar purposes of effectively sending and receiving emails. Where Webmail can be accessed from anywhere and all you need is a web browser with an internet connection. 

But having said that, Gmail also has its own benefits. 

Using Webmail, you can backup all of your emails on the server, i.e., you’ll continue to access your emails even if your computer device experiences any issues. Whereas, when using an email client, your emails can be downloaded onto your system, which facilitates you to save your emails on your local hard drive or cloud storage service such as Dropbox. 

An email client also lets you handle all of your emails offline, as your emails are saved on your system. No doubt, an internet connection is required to download your emails from the server onto your system, but once you download them, you can view them whenever you wish, irrespective of the internet connection. 

Consider an Email Client if:

You own multiple email addresses from various domains, and you’re looking for a simple way to manage, read, and send emails from each address without requiring you to log in to them individually. Also when offline email access is necessary for you. 

When it is important for you to regularly back up your email and/or you might be facing email storage constraints with your email service provider. Accessing your emails via email clients means you’re downloading emails directly from the mail server to your device. 

Unless you choose to store a copy of your email on the mail server, the email will be deleted, thereby allowing for more server space. Also, you want to have connectivity with different desktop applications such as Dropbox, CloudApp, or similar tools. 

Consider Webmail If:

You opt for individual inboxes for each of your email accounts. In this case, you’re required to log into every individual email account separately, but it keeps everything organized and simple to manage. 

You like to use online services instead of desktop applications, or you might not want to or don’t have the option to install software on your device. 

You think that storing your email online is more secure than downloading it, which offers more security, particularly when you’re accessing your email account on a public or shared system.