Gmail and Yahoo have been around for ages. If you’ve been on the internet for a while, you’ve probably used both at one time or another. But if you’re using one and haven’t checked out the other in some time, are you missing out? Which one should you choose if you’re looking for a new email?
Generally speaking, Gmail is the better choice than Yahoo, offering more professionalism, functionality, third-party add-ons, and security. Yahoo is excellent as a secondary email and offers more built-in personalization through themes and backgrounds but misses key features.
There’s a lot more to consider than what we mentioned above. Although similar, each platform has advantages, disadvantages, and best-use cases. So which should you use, Gmail or Yahoo? Here’s everything you need to know to determine which platform is right for you.
How Long Have Yahoo and Gmail Been Around?
The email was invented in the 1970s by Ray Tomlinson and has been used for business, communication, and marketing ever since. But Gmail and Yahoo got their start much later. Yahoo Mail was launched on October 8th, 1997, and was founded by David Filo and Jerry Yang.
Gmail started a bit later, on April 1st, 2004, and was founded by Paul Buchheit. The platforms have been considered “rivals” ever since, and users are pretty divisive when choosing sides.
So, which Email Service Provider is better than the other? Read on for everything you need to know.
Which Platform is More User-Friendly?
Although appearance and usability can be subjective, accessibility and the learning curve are essential to choosing a platform that works for you. Choosing a platform that isn’t intuitive can lead to frustration, and you might miss out on key features. So is Gmail or Yahoo more user-friendly?
Gmail
In Gmail, emails are sorted into three categories accessible across the top of the inbox by default. Most of the screen is occupied by individual email threads, allowing you to see what’s new easily, read, unread, and more. On the left of the screen, you’ll notice straightforward menus and icons, giving you access to your inbox, drafts, sent messages, and more.
Yahoo
Yahoo has a similar layout, depending on how you configure it. However, Yahoo has more clutter, with more space dedicated to menus, advertising, and buttons. You can still locate all of the same features, but it’s a bit busier. Yahoo might run slower than Gmail due to all of the ads and features.
Gmail and Yahoo provide the user with easy customization options. For example, you can adjust message layouts, change inbox spacing, and use various colors and brightness levels to make the screen more readable. However, Gmail is a bit more cleaner, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
Organization Comparison
Email organization and management are crucial components to consider. Unfortunately, it’s more challenging to get your inbox under control without proper tools and features. Both Email Service Providers (ESP) offer numerous features, but which beats the other?
Categories
Gmail offers users different default categories, including Social, Promotions, and Forums, to separate emails into miniature inboxes without crowding the regular inbox. In addition, you can adjust these categories, their appearance, and how they function through Gmail’s settings menu for added personalization.
Yahoo uses something similar called Views. Yahoo Views include categories like Photos, Documents, Deals, Receipts, Groceries, and Travel. Yahoo detects which emails go to which category and can display them all at once.
Folders
Yahoo also uses a folder system similar to Outlook. Each folder in Yahoo holds different emails and works as a separate inbox, providing you with easy organization. Gmail uses something similar, known as Labels. Labels have a unique advantage that allows you to assign several labels to an individual email.
Each platform has a lot of similarities and differences. You can mark threads as unimportant, search through your inbox, set up filters, etc. However, Gmail offers more functionality through filters and labels, allowing you to complete more complex actions.
Yahoo has a bit more clutter and less than stellar organization by default.
Which Has Better Security Functions?
Email security is an important consideration whether you’re using an account for personal or professional purposes. Nobody wants to lose their sensitive information from picking the wrong platform. So which ESP provides better security?
Google and Yahoo have varying track records regarding securing customer information. Unfortunately, Yahoo has had several data compromises over the years.
Yahoo suffered its first and most significant hack in 2013, losing information from over 3 billion accounts. Throughout 2014 and 2016, Yahoo suffered more data breaches, losing phone numbers, passwords, security questions, and more.
On the flip side, Google hasn’t had as many security breaches. Google had a minor data breach in 2018, but it didn’t have much to do with Gmail or Gmail accounts.
Gmail also has several security tools users can use to improve their online protection. For example, Gmail users can compose emails in Confidential Mode to secure messages within a given timeframe.
Yahoo and Gmail are both secure platforms, but the clear winner is Gmail. Gmail provides consumers with several security features, including SMS-based passcodes that act as a two-factor authenticator. On the other hand, Yahoo has suffered multiple security breaches over the years, leaving consumers less trusting of the platform.
How Does Each Platform Handle Viruses and Spam?
Alongside security comes viruses and spam emails. As hackers and criminals use more advanced techniques, securing yourself from harmful messages becomes more critical. So which platform handles viruses and spam better?
Gmail
Gmail has built-in malware and virus-checking software that scans incoming emails. The software is constantly updated by Google, allowing you to rest easy knowing you have the most up-to-date protection available. Gmail also scans incoming messages for unusual patterns and can auto-detect unwanted spam emails.
Yahoo
Yahoo has good virus protection and spam sorting software, using a virus scanning algorithm that blocks any remote images or harmful content.
Yahoo also uses default encryption systems for web, apps, IMAP, POP, or SMTP. Yahoo also offers the option to create disposable emails linked to your account, so you don’t have to give out your standard email address to suspicious sites.
Both platforms provide security from malware, viruses, and spam emails. But Yahoo might have a bit more functionality regarding spam and viruses. But Gmail is an incredibly secure platform; it’s just missing the disposable email feature.
What Else You Should Know
You’re probably wondering about other features like add-ons and personalizations besides the basics we covered above. Here’s how Yahoo and Gmail fare when it comes to additional features.
Add-Ons and Features
Add-ons and features are an essential part of the email experience. However, additional features can make or break an email platform, so which one has more options?
Gmail provides users with the G Suite Marketplace, an open platform where users can access third-party extensions and applications to enhance their email experience.
Many of the add-ons are free, while others cost money. You might use project management applications to improve your email for work. Alternatively, you could use data analytics tools to improve your efficiency.
Unfortunately, Yahoo doesn’t have the same level of customization. Yahoo doesn’t have a built-in marketplace, and there aren’t as many add-ons or features you can utilize to enhance your experience. Instead, you’ll need to use browser extensions to transform your Yahoo email.
Personalization
Whether you’re interested in different color pallets or organization tools, both platforms allow for customization and personalization. But one platform might beat the other.
Yahoo typically offers more customization and personalization features. You can adjust the background on Yahoo, which is missing on the Gmail platform. You can change the theme on either platform, including color palettes, fonts, layouts, and more.
But Yahoo might be the better choice if you like to customize your email experience. Gmail doesn’t have as many customization features comparatively, which might be missed by some users.
What’s the Verdict?
So, Gmail vs. Yahoo: Which is better? Although the answer is subjective, the Gmail platform is generally better than Yahoo. Gmail offers more functionality, less clutter, and more security comparatively.
Yahoo is excellent for users who like more customization and want to personalize their email experience. But when it comes down to it, the answer will depend on your needs and preferences.
So play around with both platforms and figure out which one matches your preferences better to ensure you’re getting the most out of your email address.