Fastmail vs Gmail: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Fastmail and Gmail comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Fastmail
Fast, private, and reliable email and calendar hosting for individuals and businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You need calendar features specifically
- • Private and secure email and calendar service with no ads or data mining.
- • Boosts productivity with features like powerful search, scheduled send, and masked email.
Gmail
Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Free email service by Google.
- • Offers smart features like spam filtering and smart replies.
| At a Glance |  Fastmail |  Gmail |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Calendar | Task Management |
Rating | 73/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Fastmail | Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 73 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CalendarPassword Managers | Task ManagementCalendar |
How Fastmail and Gmail Compare
Fastmail
Fast, private, and reliable email and calendar hosting for individuals and businesses.
Paid · 73/100 score
Gmail
Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone.
Free · 80/100 score
Fastmail is a calendar tool. Gmail is in task management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Gmail is free. Fastmail is paid.
Go with: Gmail
Want the highest-rated option?
Fastmail: 73/100. Gmail: 80/100.
Go with: Gmail
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Gmail
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Fastmail is paid. Gmail is free. Go with Gmail if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Fastmail is a calendar tool. Gmail is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Gmail scores higher: 80/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Gmail
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 73
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Fastmail
- Better fit for calendar
The Bottom Line
Gmail (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fastmail or Gmail better?
Gmail scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Fastmail is paid and Gmail is free.
What are Fastmail and Gmail used for?
Fastmail: Fast, private, and reliable email and calendar hosting for individuals and businesses.. Gmail: Secure, smart, and easy-to-use email for everyone..
What does Fastmail cost vs Gmail?
Fastmail is a paid tool. Gmail is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.