One of the most significant things Google did to differentiate Gmail from other email services was to forgo folders in place of labels. Gmail vs Outlook: Folders, labels, and searches
Gmail also features a reading pane, which can be accessed through the settings menu. The reading pane on Outlook is switched off by default, but can be enabled quite simply. The redesign improved on this simplistic feel while retaining the ability for users to concentrate on emails themselves rather than face any distractions. Gmail had previously prioritised simplicity, although some would describe this as plain. This changed in 2018 when a comprehensive redesign saw its aesthetics and user experience vastly improve - looking far more in line with Outlook. Outlook takes its cue from the Windows Modern UI style, also known as the Metro user interface, while Gmail was, until recently, considered the 'uglier' of the two. Gmail vs Outlook: Interfaceīeing the two biggest players in the email space naturally means we're talking about a clean pair of interfaces.
These days, Outlook caters for business and professional users, offering a range of services matching that of Gmail, while the Mail app is a simplified app designed for the everyday user.