Difference Wiki

Hotmail vs. Gmail: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 5, 2023
Hotmail, now Outlook, and Gmail are both email services, but they are provided by Microsoft and Google respectively. Both offer email management, but have different user interfaces and features.

Key Differences

Hotmail, initially an independent venture, was one of the first webmail services and was eventually acquired by Microsoft in the late 1990s. Gmail, contrarily, was developed by Google and introduced in the early 2000s as an innovative email service providing a notably large storage space. While both Hotmail and Gmail spearheaded new eras in digital communication, their initiations and initial offerings distinctly differ with Hotmail's early webmail services and Gmail's generous free storage.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023
Hotmail has undergone various rebrandings and redesigns since its inception, eventually becoming Outlook.com, which is integrated with Microsoft's suite of online services. On the other hand, Gmail has maintained its brand name while continuously evolving its features, aligning tightly with other Google services. Although both have experienced modifications and advancements, Hotmail and Gmail exhibit variances in brand evolution and service integration.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023
The user interface of Hotmail (now Outlook.com) is integrated with the broader Microsoft ecosystem, aiming to offer a seamless experience for users utilizing multiple Microsoft products. Conversely, Gmail provides a user interface that aligns with the Google ecosystem, ensuring cooperative functionality with services like Google Drive and Google Photos. User interaction and experience with Hotmail and Gmail can be divergent, reflective of their respective organizational ecosystems.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023
Hotmail and Gmail both offer substantial functionality as email services but have varied features and capacities in managing emails, contacts, and integration with other apps. Gmail might be favored for its robust filter and search functionalities, alongside integration with Google services. Conversely, Hotmail might be appreciated for its coherent integration with Microsoft products and services, thereby presenting distinct utilities.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023
Hotmail and Gmail, while both being pivotal in the evolution of digital communication, have not only distinctly influenced but also have been influenced by the digital strategies of Microsoft and Google respectively. Both have carved out specific niches and user bases by constantly adapting to technological advancements and user expectations, albeit under the distinctive umbrellas of Microsoft and Google’s overarching digital domains.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Company

Microsoft
Google
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Integration

Integrated with Microsoft services
Integrated with Google services
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Initial Launch

1996
2004
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Storage Capacity (basic)

15 GB (with conditions)
15 GB
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Offline Access

Available with Outlook software
Available via Gmail Offline
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Hotmail and Gmail Definitions

Hotmail

Hotmail was acquired by Microsoft, integrating it into its suite of online services.
After Microsoft’s acquisition, Hotmail users experienced various redesigns and rebrandings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023

Gmail

Gmail is renowned for providing a significant amount of storage space to its users.
Gmail initially attracted users by offering 1GB of email storage space.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023

Hotmail

Hotmail/Outlook.com provides webmail, contacts, tasks, and calendaring services.
Hotmail allowed users to manage their digital communications and schedules online.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023

Gmail

Gmail is a free, web-based email service developed by Google.
Gmail offers users the ability to send and receive emails securely.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023

Hotmail

Hotmail was one of the first web-based email services, founded in 1996.
Hotmail provided free email access to users all over the globe.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023
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Gmail

Gmail is integrated with various Google services, including Drive and Photos.
Gmail users can easily attach files directly from Google Drive in their emails.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023

Hotmail

Hotmail has undergone significant transformations since its initial inception.
From a standalone webmail service, Hotmail evolved into an integral part of Microsoft’s online services.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Gmail

Gmail allows users to access their emails offline through its offline feature.
Gmail Offline enables users to read and compose emails without an internet connection.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023

Hotmail

Hotmail eventually transitioned into Outlook.com, retaining its email functionalities.
Hotmail users had their email addresses migrated to the new Outlook.com domain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Gmail

Gmail supports a powerful search feature to find specific emails or attachments.
Gmail allows users to swiftly locate emails using precise keywords or filters.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023

Gmail

(trademark) Gmail
Sumera Saeed
Apr 20, 2015

Gmail

Alternative case form of Gmail
Sumera Saeed
Apr 20, 2015

FAQs

Is Gmail integrated with Google Drive?

Yes, Gmail is integrated with Google Drive.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Can Gmail be accessed offline?

Yes, Gmail can be accessed offline using Gmail Offline.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

What did Hotmail transition into?

Hotmail transitioned into Outlook.com.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Can Gmail users have a custom domain for their email address?

Yes, with Google Workspace, users can have a custom email domain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Which company developed Gmail?

Google developed Gmail.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

When was Hotmail originally launched?

Hotmail was launched in 1996.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023

How was Hotmail accessed before transitioning to Outlook.com?

Hotmail was accessed via the hotmail.com web portal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Can Hotmail be set up in email clients using POP or IMAP?

Yes, Hotmail (Outlook.com) supports POP and IMAP.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Is Gmail available on mobile devices?

Yes, Gmail has dedicated mobile apps for various platforms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Can Hotmail (Outlook.com) be accessed offline?

Yes, using the Outlook software, emails can be accessed offline.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023

Does Gmail support the scheduling of emails to be sent later?

Yes, Gmail allows users to schedule emails for future delivery.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Does Hotmail (Outlook.com) offer a focused inbox feature?

Yes, Outlook.com offers a feature that separates important emails from the rest.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023

How much free storage space does Gmail offer?

Gmail offers 15 GB of free storage space.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Is Hotmail integrated with Microsoft 365?

Yes, Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) is integrated with Microsoft 365.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023

Was Hotmail available for free to the users?

Yes, Hotmail was a free email service.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023

Is Gmail encrypted for secure email communication?

Yes, Gmail uses TLS to encrypt emails in transit.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Is Hotmail still in existence?

Hotmail has been rebranded and is now known as Outlook.com.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023

Can Gmail filter spam emails?

Yes, Gmail has robust spam filtering capabilities.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 05, 2023

Can Gmail be used to send large files?

Gmail can send large files via Google Drive links.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023

Is Hotmail considered a webmail service?

Yes, Hotmail was one of the first webmail services.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

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