vs
Gmail vs iCloud Mail
Google's free webmail versus the one built into every Apple account. iCloud Mail has no ads and adds custom domains and Hide My Email with iCloud+ from $0.99 a month; Gmail gives more free storage.
Which one to pick
Pick Gmail if
- You use Android or Windows, or want the most free storage (15 GB against 5 GB)
- You want a mailbox that isn't tied to an Apple Account
Pick iCloud Mail if
- You're on Apple devices and want no ads in your inbox
- You want your own domain cheaply: up to 5 on iCloud+, shareable with your family
- You want Hide My Email addresses for sign-ups
Where they differ most
Cheapest paid plan
- Gmail
- $23.88/yr, Google One Basic (100 GB) (12 × monthly)
- iCloud Mail
- $11.88/yr, iCloud+ 50 GB (12 × monthly)
Cheapest with your own domain
- Gmail
- $84/yr, Google Workspace Business Starter
- iCloud Mail
- $11.88/yr, iCloud+ 50 GB (12 × monthly)
Free plan
- Gmail
- 15 GB; Shared with Drive and Photos; ads in Promotions and Social tabs; sending limits apply (number not stated)
- iCloud Mail
- 5 GB; 5 GB shared with all iCloud data; no ads; Apple Account required
Ads on the free plan
- Gmail
- YesYes
- iCloud Mail
- NoNo
Household plan
- Gmail
- $23.88/yr, Google One Basic (100 GB) (12 × monthly), 6 people
- iCloud Mail
- $11.88/yr, iCloud+ 50 GB (12 × monthly), 6 people
Owner
- Gmail
- Alphabet
- iCloud Mail
- Apple
Every fact, side by side
Open a row to see notes and sources. Highlighted rows differ.
GmailiCloud MailPrice
Who can read your mail
Who you're trusting
Apps and access
Addresses and features
Moving in and out
Sources (16)
- Google privacy policyVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Gmail Help: ads in GmailVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Research summary of the provider's pages (no single link)AI-assisted research, spot-checked, checked 2026-10-16
- Google Transparency ReportVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Google One plansVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Google WorkspaceVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Gmail HelpVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Gmail Help article 17101213Vendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Google Workspace: GmailVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Research summary of the provider's pages (no single link)AI-assisted research, spot-checked, checked 2026-10-16
- Apple Support: iCloud data security overviewVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Apple privacy policyVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Apple transparency reportVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Apple Support: iCloud+ plans and pricingVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Apple Support: iCloudVendor, checked 2026-10-16
- Research summary of the provider's pages (no single link)AI-assisted research, spot-checked, checked 2026-10-16