Both Apple iCloud Mail and Outlook are robust email services with their own strengths. Outlook provides more free storage and deeper integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, making it a strong choice for users heavily invested in that ecosystem. iCloud Mail offers seamless integration with Apple devices, a minimalist design, and an ad-free experience, appealing to Apple users. The choice depends on the user's preferred ecosystem, storage needs, and budget.
| Attribute | Apple iCloud Mail | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Email Storage Capacity | 5GB free, upgradeable with iCloud+ (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB options) | Free version: 15GB mailbox storage, 5GB OneDrive storage. Premium version: 50GB mailbox storage, up to 6TB OneDrive storage. Outlook accounts can have up to 100GB of storage per mailbox. Microsoft 365 subscribers get 100 GB of space. |
| Spam Filtering Effectiveness | Industry-leading technology, generally good but some reports of legitimate emails marked as spam | Outlook offers spam protection, sending suspected spam emails to the Junk folder. The spam detection isn't perfect and may flag valid emails. Outlook spam filter uses advanced technologies and user input to block unwanted emails. It analyzes sender trustworthiness, email structure, and content. The filter assigns a spam confidence level (SCL) to each incoming email. |
| Mobile App Availability and Features | Seamless integration with Mail app on Apple devices, syncs email across devices with push notifications | Available for iOS and Android devices. Mobile app allows managing emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes. Offers features like Focused Inbox, swipe gestures, and integration with other apps. You can view and attach files from email, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc., without downloading them to your phone. The mobile app has features such as a calendar view and scheduling assistant. |
| Custom Domain Support | Yes, with iCloud+, up to five custom domains and three personalized email addresses per domain | Premium versions allow creating a personalized email address with a domain name you own. You can buy a new domain name and set it up through Microsoft 365's integration with GoDaddy. Using a custom domain can boost brand recognition and trust. |
| Email Alias Support | Up to three @icloud.com aliases | Outlook lets you have multiple aliases associated with a single account. An alias uses the same inbox, contact list, and account settings as your primary email address. You can choose which email address you send email from. Aliases can help protect your personal email from marketers and hackers. |
| Integration with other Apps/Services | Integrates with Apple services (Contacts, Calendar, iCloud Drive), and Microsoft Outlook on Windows (via iCloud for Windows) | Integrates with Microsoft tools like Calendar, People, and Tasks. Integrates with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and third-party tools like Salesforce and Zoom. You can connect Outlook with 1000+ popular apps using automation tools. Integrates with Skype, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Security Features (e.g., two-factor authentication) | Two-factor authentication, encryption, Mail Privacy Protection (TLS, hides IP address) | Premium version offers enterprise-grade security features like email encryption. Scans for suspicious links and attachments for viruses and malware. Offers two-factor authentication. Includes features like sensitivity labels and digital signatures. Can report phishing and spam messages directly from the Outlook client. |
| Ad-free Experience | Yes, no scanning for advertising or ads in inbox | Premium users with a Microsoft 365 subscription do not see advertisements. |
| Ease of Use and Interface Design | Easy to use, functional web interface, minimalist design | User-friendly interface that's easy to navigate. Offers a simple and functional layout. The interface has an appealing look. |
| Customer Support Options and Responsiveness | Considered some of the best in the world | Options to chat live with a technician, submit a ticket, or call for help. |
| Email Organization Features (e.g., folders, labels) | Folders and filters available | Offers features like folders, categories, and flags to keep your inbox organized. Focused Inbox helps prioritize important emails. Customizable rules and folders allow efficient inbox organization. |
| Cost (Free vs. Paid Plans) | Free with 5GB storage, iCloud+ provides additional storage and features | Free version with limited storage. Premium versions are available through Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $6.99 per month, and Family costs $9.99 per month. |
| Price | Free with 5GB storage; iCloud+ plans available for additional storage | Free version available, Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99/month, Family: $9.99/month |
| Ratings | Overall: Generally reliable; Performance: Spam filtering generally performs well | Not available |