Most popular e-mail sites in Europe in 2012, based on user engagement
Webmail Web-based email is one of the most popular activities among online users. Web-mail refers to email that can be accessed through a browser via webmail client in contrast to desktop email clients. Global webmail examples are numerous, but include such well known brands as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com (formerly known as Hotmail.com) as well as localized offerings such as Yandex Mail, GMX or Zoho. Many internet service providers as well as portal pages offer webmail accounts.
Most webmail services are free but include online advertising. Users are often able to pay a monthly fee to get premium features such as no advertisements or increased mailbox storage. Almost all webmail provider support IMAP and POP service, allowing email to be downloaded to remote mailboxes and desktop clients that allow emails to be accessed without internet. In order to heighten user engagement and to expand the product appeal, webmail services usually offer users features beyond email. Most common examples are the integration of IM services (sign-in or messaging), virus scanning, encryption and the customization of addresses.