We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
If you want an actual email service to replace Outlook, Fastmail is the only direct fit among the alternatives covered here. The others handle documents or fax, not email and calendars. That gap matters: Reddit users complain about New Outlook’s interface, missing features and unified-inbox limitations, but switching to a PDF or fax app won’t solve those problems. We’ve kept those tools below for adjacent workflows and called out where they are not replacements.
01Why people leave Microsoft Outlook
New Outlook feels like a downgrade
Reddit commenters describe it as clunky and laggy, and say it removed or rearranged features they relied on.
Unified inbox and ads frustrate switchers
A Windows Mail user cited the missing unified inbox, faux-email ads and inconvenient button placement as reasons to reject Outlook.
PST and mail-sync concerns remain
One commenter says New Outlook cannot read or write PST files; another reports messages missing in Classic Outlook. These are user reports, not verified product limits.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best email replacement
FastmailFastmailFastmail is the only option in this list described as an email service, so it is the closest match if your goal is leaving Outlook rather than changing document tools. It starts at $3 and is listed for custom-domain email, offline mail and calendar access. Check its plan limits before moving your inbox and calendar.
Trade-off: It is paid, starting at $3; plan limits need checking.
8.1/10from
€3/mo - Best for documents
Word for the webWord for the webWord for the web is worth considering only if your Outlook switch also involves choosing a basic document editor. It has a free plan, starts at $1.67 and is listed for browser-based editing and collaboration. It is not an email or calendar replacement, so keep a separate mail service in your plan.
Trade-off: It does not replace email or calendar software.
6.5/10from
$1.67/mofree plan - Best for office documents
WPS OfficeWPS OfficeWPS Office covers basic documents and PDF tools, making it an adjacent option if you are reviewing more than email software. It has a free plan and starts at $2.49. The listing warns that the free tier is limited and paid-plan costs are not fully transparent; it is not an Outlook substitute.
Trade-off: Limited free tier; paid-plan costs are not fully transparent.
6.4/10from
$2.49/mofree plan - Best for PDF workflows
SmallpdfSmallpdfSmallpdf is relevant if PDFs are part of the work you currently handle alongside Outlook. The listing covers e-signatures and editing, with a free plan and paid access from $7. It does not provide email or calendars, and free-use limits plus paid-plan costs may narrow its value.
Trade-off: Free-use limits and paid-plan costs narrow its appeal.
6.6/10from
$7/mofree plan - Best PDF toolbox
iLovePDFiLovePDFiLovePDF may suit people who want varied PDF tasks in one app while they separately replace Outlook. It has a free plan and starts at $5, with the listing highlighting multiple tools and custom team workflows. This is document software, not a way to move your email or calendar.
Trade-off: Free limits are unclear; the listing flags privacy concerns.
7.8/10from
€5/mofree plan - Best for fax workflows
FAX.PLUSFAX.PLUSFAX.PLUS only belongs on this list if fax is part of the workflow you are changing alongside Outlook. It has a free plan, starts at $6.99 and is listed for occasional faxing, shared numbers and API access. It will not replace an inbox or calendar.
Trade-off: Check page caps; the listing flags billing complaints.
6.8/10from
$6.99/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Outlook (current) | 6.3 | $1.67/mo | Yes | People who need free email |
| Fastmail Fastmail | 8.1 | €3/mo | No | People moving from Gmail to a paid service |
| Word for the web Word for the web | 6.5 | $1.67/mo | Yes | Free browser-based document editing |
| WPS Office WPS Office | 6.4 | $2.49/mo | Yes | Personal users with basic document needs |
| Smallpdf Smallpdf | 6.6 | $7/mo | Yes | People handling PDFs regularly |
| iLovePDF iLovePDF | 7.8 | €5/mo | Yes | People handling varied PDF tasks |
| FAX.PLUS FAX.PLUS | 6.8 | $6.99/mo | Yes | Individuals sending occasional faxes |
Questions people ask
What app is similar to Outlook?
Among the alternatives covered here, Fastmail is the closest match because it is an email service and is listed with calendar access. It starts at $3 and supports custom-domain email and offline mail and calendar access, according to its listing. The other picks cover documents, PDFs or fax—not an Outlook inbox.
Why is Outlook shutting down?
The published material does not say that Outlook is shutting down. A Reddit commenter says Outlook Classic is still supported, while a separate thread discusses Windows Mail being retired and users being pushed toward Outlook. Those are different products; the comments are user reports, not an official support notice.
What is the best free email account in 2026?
The available published material does not compare free email accounts, so we can’t name a best one. It describes Outlook as having strong free basics, while Fastmail starts at $3 and is the only covered alternative that is an email service. Check each provider’s current pricing and limits before switching.