iCloud Mail Free Email Service Review

iCloud Mail's web interface is a breath of fresh air

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on July 24, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

iCloud Mail is free to anyone who signs up for an Apple ID. It comes with ample storage, IMAP access, and an elegantly functional web interface. Our iCloud Mail review covers everything Apple's email service has to offer.

All of Apple's devices support iCloud Mail including the Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV, as do Windows computers with iCloud for Windows.

iCloud logo
Apple, Inc.

iCloud Mail Review: Pros and Cons

What We Like

  • Free email accessible via IMAP and on the web.

  • iCloud Mail web interface does not include advertisements.

  • Keyboard shortcuts make iCloud Mail on the web efficient to operate.

What We Don't Like

  • Does not offer labels and search folders.

  • You cannot access other email accounts in iCloud Mail on the web.

  • Not accessible via POP.

iCloud Mail offers free email accounts with 5 GB of cloud storage for documents, calendars, and backups. Additional space can be purchased for a low monthly fee. For sending files, iCloud Mail supports traditional attachments up to 5 GB with Mail Drop.

The minimalist iCloud Mail web interface mimics the desktop application and is easy to use with the help of keyboard shortcuts. An Archive folder and button keeps your inbox clean without much effort. For messages from mailing lists, iCloud Mail on the web offers a convenient unsubscribe button.

Setting Up iCloud Mail

After you create an iCloud address, you must set up the iCloud Mail service on your Mac or other devices. Although iCloud Mail doesn't support POP access, you can configure iCloud Mail IMAP access so that you can receive your messages in Outlook and other email clients.

iCloud Mail Spam Filtering

iCloud Mail comes with a spam filter that keeps junk mail out of your inbox, but you can mark a message as spam manually by moving it to the Junk folder. You can even create rules to block unwanted messages in iCloud Mail.

iCloud Folders

iCloud Mail comes with an Archive folder to keep mail you want to retain, and you are free to add any additional folders you like. You can search mail in any folder by sender, subject, or recipient. Filters are available to sort messages based on simple criteria automatically. You can also set up iCloud Mail to forward all incoming mail automatically.

iCloud Mail on the Web

To access iCloud Mail on the web, go to iCloud.com in any browser and log in with your Apple ID. From the online iCloud Mail interface, you can compose emails using rich formatting, send file attachments using Mail Drop, and manage your messages. You can also create up to three email aliases to use as alternate identities.

The online version of iCloud Mail does not offer labels or other advanced tools for organizing mail, nor can you access messages from other email accounts.

VIP Senders in iCloud Mail

New messages from the most important senders are easy to find if you make those senders VIPs. iCloud Mail automatically creates special searches that show messages from VIP senders. Senders you mark as VIP will automatically synchronize with Apple Mail.

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