Web.de Reviews

Web.de is a prominent German internet portal and email service provider, founded in 1995 initially as an editorially managed web directory by Michael and Matthias Greve in Karlsruhe. It quickly evolved, launching its email service in 1998, which remains its core offering. In 2005, Web.de was acquired by United Internet AG and is now operated by 1&1 Mail & Media GmbH, alongside GMX and Mail.com. Primarily targeting the German-speaking market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Web.de serves approximately 17 million customers, offering free ('FreeMail') and premium email accounts, substantial cloud storage ('Online-Speicher'), news aggregation, and other digital services. While its main focus is email and portal content, Web.de also provides basic web hosting services ('WEB.DE Hosting') featuring 5 GB webspace, domain registration, compatibility with CMS like WordPress, PHP, MariaDB support, and optional SSL certificates. The company emphasizes security and data protection under German law, participating in the "E-Mail made in Germany" and "Cloud made in Germany" initiatives, ensuring data storage within German data centers (primarily IONOS, another United Internet company). Its business model relies on advertising within its free services and premium subscriptions (WEB.DE Club, MailPlus) offering enhanced features like more storage and ad-free experiences.