It is not the best of times for email users relying on free storage. Both Yahoo Mail and Google’s Gmail have begun tightening storage limits, pushing long-term users toward paid subscription plans or requiring them to delete old files.
Yahoo Mail Users Face Reduced Free Storage
Yahoo Mail, once known for generous free storage, has now reduced its free tier to 20GB. Users exceeding that limit must either clean up old messages or pay for more space. Current Yahoo Mail paid storage options include:
- 100GB for $1.99 per month
- 1TB for $9.99 per month
- Yahoo Mail Plus at $5 per month, which includes 5TB storage and an ad-free interface
While Yahoo’s pricing offers excellent value in terms of raw storage capacity, users have expressed frustration at the sudden switch from free to paid requirements after years of reliance on the service.
Gmail Users Confront Google One Storage Limits
Gmail users are also reporting warning messages when nearing their 17GB free storage cap, which is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Once full, users cannot send or receive emails, back up photos, or upload files to Drive.
Google offers tiered plans under Google One, starting at:
- 100GB for $1.99 per month
- 200GB for $2.99 per month
- 2TB for $9.99 per month
- Higher tiers up to $21.99 per month with business and AI-enhanced features
Outlook as an Alternative
Microsoft Outlook’s personal plan costs $6.99 per month, providing 1TB storage bundled with Office 365 apps, giving users not only storage but also productivity tools.
- 100GB for $1.99 per month
- 200GB for $2.99 per month
- 2TB for $9.99 per month
- Higher tiers up to $21.99 per month with business and AI-enhanced features
Outlook as an Alternative
Microsoft Outlook’s personal plan costs $6.99 per month, providing 1TB storage bundled with Office 365 apps, giving users not only storage but also productivity tools.
Yahoo vs. Gmail vs. Outlook: Which Offers Better Value?
- Yahoo Mail: $5 per month for 5TB storage – best raw storage value but fewer productivity tools.
- Gmail: Starts at $1.99/month for 100GB – flexible tiers with AI and Workspace integrations.
- Outlook: $6.99/month for 1TB + Office apps – ideal for users who need productivity software bundled with storage.
Final Thoughts
The era of unlimited free email storage is over. Yahoo and Google are now monetizing storage, leaving users with two choices: pay for subscriptions or constantly clear out old files. While Yahoo offers the cheapest storage per dollar, Gmail and Outlook provide broader ecosystem features that may be worth the higher price for many users.
