BT Internet Email: Sign-up, Pricing, Plans, & Alternatives

December 12, 2024
|
15 Minutes
Modified on:
November 12, 2024
|
Written by:
Swati Bucha
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BT Internet Email: Sign-up, Pricing, Plans, & Alternatives

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Email hosting is a service that rents and operates email servers for businesses and individuals. It provides a more professional and premium solution than free email, with enhanced features and security.

If you want to establish a strong online presence for your business, you need a more effective solution. Look for a professional business email that uses your company name (e.g., hello@yourbusinessname.com). This helps create a unique identity for your brand, making it more trustworthy and recognizable to customers.

BT Internet Email, a reliable British-based email service provider, enables users to send and receive messages, manage contacts, and optimize their inboxes efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything from setup to features and pricing for BT Internet Email. We also share some affordable alternatives that allow you to create a custom email address with your company name at a fraction of the cost.

What is BT Internet Email?

BT Internet email, or BT Email, is an email service offered by BT Group (formerly British Telecommunications), a UK-based telecommunications company. BT provides various services, including broadband, mobile, and IT solutions in the UK. One of these is the BT Internet Email service, which uses the “@btinternet.com” domain name.

Previously, the BT Internet email service operated under Yahoo Mail with btyahoo.com servers. However, in 2014, BT Internet introduced its independent email service for former BT Yahoo users to create and manage email accounts. Over the past decade, BT Internet has established itself as a reliable email service provider, offering key features such as spam filtering, virus protection, and easy email access through webmail or Outlook. BT also allows users to manage their contacts, calendars, and tasks through its email service.

Features of BT Internet Email

BT Internet is a reliable email communication platform that helps you share information online, keeping you connected and productive for longer. To help you understand BT Internet Email better, we’ve outlined some of its key features designed to maximize business efficiency.

1. Organize Your Inbox

BT Internet email allows businesses to create folders to organize their inbox and use filters to categorize and prioritize emails by sender, subject, or keywords. With this feature, businesses can easily mark and locate important messages without sorting through a cluttered inbox.

2. Customize Email Signature

A customizable email signature lets you leave a professional impression on recipients while saving time and effort by automating repetitive information. BT Internet makes it easy to generate a custom email signature with essential business details (such as contact information, website link, and address). Users can set different signatures for new emails and replies.

3. Smart Calendar Integration

BT Internet includes a built-in calendar feature that supports seamless scheduling, event management, and team collaboration. Users can create events, set reminders, and share calendars with colleagues, all within the email interface.

4. Productive Shortcuts

Handling a large number of emails daily can be overwhelming and time-consuming. This is where learning keyboard shortcuts can be beneficial. BT Mail provides several shortcuts, allowing users to navigate emails, compose new messages, and perform various tasks without needing a mouse.

To use the shortcuts, click on the Settings menu and then select Keyboard Shortcuts in BT Internet webmail. A list will appear, and you will have to familiarize yourself with the shortcuts, such as R for replying and C for composing a new email. 

How to Set Up BT Internet Email?

As of October 26, 2022, creating a new BT email address is not allowed. However, existing BT email account holders can still create up to 11 additional addresses. For BT Internet sign-up, you’ll need the following information:

  • Your BT email address and password
  • The device and application you’re using (e.g., Apple Mail or Outlook)
  • BT email incoming and outgoing server settings (IMAP/POP3, SMTP, and SSL/TLS)

To set up your BT Internet email on BT’s webmail or an email client (such as Outlook, Apple Mail, or Windows Mail), follow these steps:

Step 1: Access BT Internet Sign Up Online

You can access your BT email directly by logging in at webmail or through an email client.

Step 2: Creating a BT Internet Email Address

Follow these easy steps to create an email address for yourself or a minor:

  • Log in to “MY BT” with your BT ID.
  • Click on “Your Products.”
  • Scroll down to “Email” and click on “Manage.”
  • Select “Create a new email address.”
  • Choose your new email address (e.g., name@btinternet.com) and enter a password for it. 
  • Once done, click “Create email”

You will receive a confirmation message that your new email address is linked to your BT ID.

Step 3: Server Settings

Ensure you use the correct IMAP, POP3, and SMTP settings for a stable connection. For secure email access and synchronization, it’s recommended to use IMAP with SSL/TLS. Most client applications will automatically configure email accounts with these settings, so users can access email via other applications, such as Outlook, Apple Mail, or Mozilla Thunderbird. To access your btinternet.com email account online, use the IMAP and SMTP settings below:

Settings IMAP (Recommended) POP3 (Optional) SMTP (Recommended)
Incoming Mail Server mail.btinternet.com mail.btinternet.com
Outgoing Mail Server mail.btinternet.com
Port 993 (with SSL encryption) 995 (with SSL encryption) 465 (with SSL encryption)
SSL Encryption Enabled but not STARTTLS Enabled but not STARTTLS Enabled but not STARTTLS
Username Full email address (including domain names like @BT Internet or @btopenworld.com) Full email address (including domain names like @BT Internet or @btopenworld.com) Full email address (including domain names like @BT Internet or @btopenworld.com)
Password Your BT Internet email account password Your BT Internet email account password Your BT Internet email account password
Authentication PLAIN PLAIN PLAIN

Step 4: Security Settings

SSL/TLS encryption is essential to protect your data when using email clients. Ensure your client supports these protocols for secure email access.

Step 5: Checking and Updating Settings

Regularly review your settings to keep your email client updated, secure, and in sync with BT Internet email servers.

BT Internet Email Pricing and Plans

BT Internet Email offers three plans: Standard, Premium, and Basic. Here’s a detailed comparison of BT Internet email, including key features, pricing, and accessibility for various user capabilities.

Feature Standard Premium Basic
Monthly Cost Included with older BT Broadband £7.50/month Free
Email Addresses Up to 11 Up to 11 1 only (existing additional addresses remain)
Virus Protection Yes Yes Yes
Spam Protection Yes Yes Yes
Phishing Protection Yes Yes Yes
UK-based Tech Support Yes Yes Yes
Email Client Access Yes Yes No (web access only)
Mobile App Access Yes Yes No
Access Method Any email client/app Any email client/app www.bt.com only
Best For Customers who registered before October 26, 2022 with Broadband Users who cancel BT Broadband but want to keep full email features (requirements: UK residency, UK bank account, or direct debit payment capability) Available to anyone leaving BT Broadband (no special requirements are needed)

Are There Any Other BT Internet Email Alternatives?

BT Internet is a trusted webmail service provider. However, many users experience issues with logging in, resetting passwords, and sending or receiving emails. While these issues may be temporary, they can impact your business. 

For example, if you need to send an urgent email to a dealer but can’t due to a service interruption, this could delay delivery and harm your brand’s reputation among clients. Besides, new accounts cannot be opened on BT Mail, so finding a reliable alternative to BT Internet Email that offers robust features and an intuitive interface is essential.

We have provided a list of the best BT Internet email alternatives, including their key features, pros, cons, and pricing details. 

1. Neo

Neo is a secure and reliable business email and email management platform that allows businesses or individuals to create a free, professional-looking email with a .co.site domain (for one year). It offers three email hosting plans: Starter, Standard, and Max. Each plan offers unique features like read receipts, email forwarders, AI-powered smart email writing, and other useful tools at affordable rates. Plus, Neo provides a 15-day free trial, so you can cancel the subscription anytime if you don’t find its services useful.

Key Features

  • Storage up to 100 GB
  • One-page website builder (with a co.site domain)
  • Email tracking and bulk email sending
  • Turbo search and built-in calendar for scheduling
  • Support for multiple accounts
  • AI-powered email writing
  • Email campaigns and custom signature designs

Pros

  • Allows bulk emails using multiple accounts without server errors.
  • Intuitive interface and pre-designed email templates for beginners.
  • AI-powered email writing with grammar and spell-check tools to enhance email quality.

Cons

  • Limited free trial
  • No offline functionality

Pricing

Plan Price Key Features
Starter Plan $1.86/mailbox/month Mailbox storage up to 15 GB, 500 emails sends per day, 50 read receipts, and 1 email forward
Standard Plan $3.74/mailbox/month Mailbox storage up to 50 GB, priority inbox, 1,000 emails per day, read receipts, 3 email forwards, and Smart Write
Max Plan $7.49/mailbox/month Mailbox storage up to 100 GB, priority inbox, 1,000 emails per day, read receipts, 3 email forwards, custom signature, and Smart Write access

2. Fastmail

Fastmail is a premium email service focused on providing robust, ad-free email hosting with custom domain support. It offers comprehensive business and family solutions with powerful alias management and multi-domain capabilities. The service emphasizes user privacy and professional email management without compromising on features.

Key Features

  • Custom domain support with up to 100 domains per account
  • Comprehensive email alias management and catch-all address options
  • Integrated calendar and contacts system
  • Advanced spam protection and filtering
  • Ad-free interface with a clean user experience
  • Multiple user support with separate login credentials.

Pros

  • Excellent uptime and reliability
  • Responsive and effective customer support
  • Clean, intuitive user interface

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to competitors
  • Limited third-party integrations
  • Features may be overwhelming for basic users

Pricing

Plans Individual Plans Business Plans
Plan Type Standard Basic Standard Professionals
Pricing $6 per user/month $4 per user/month $6 per user/month $10 per user/month
Storage Storage 60 GB per user Storage 6 GB per user Storage 60 GB per user Storage 150 GB per user
Key Features Private book, extra email addresses, ability to use your own domain, masked email to hide address, personal and work calendars, automatically build a contact list, use with third-party apps. Expert support, shared email addresses, shared calendars, and company address book. Custom business addresses with domain, expert support, shared email addresses, shared calendars, and company address book, scheduled send and snooze, use with third-party apps.
Included all business standard features plus email retention archive for legal compliance.

3. Tuta

Tutanota is a German-based secure email provider that focuses on end-to-end encryption and privacy. It offers encrypted email, calendar, and contacts, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize security. The service offers both free and premium options for individuals and businesses.

Key Features

  • End-to-end encryption for emails, calendars, and contacts
  • Secure contact form feature for websites
  • Full-text search capabilities despite encryption
  • Custom domain support and branding options
  • Offline access to opened emails and contacts
  • Email alias support for enhanced privacy

Pros

  • Strong focus on privacy and security
  • Open-source transparency
  • Environmentally conscious infrastructure

Cons

  • Limited features in the free tier
  • Most advanced features require a paid subscription
  • Less intuitive than other email services.

Pricing

Business Plan Types Price Features
Essential €6/user/month 50 GB storage, unlimited number of calendars, 15 extra email addresses, and 4 custom domains
Advanced €8/user/month 500 GB storage, unlimited number of calendars, 30 extra email addresses, and 10 custom domains
Unlimited €12/user/month 1000 GB storage, unlimited number of calendars, 30 extra email addresses, and unlimited custom domains

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of BT Internet email and its alternatives based on their key features, pricing plans, accessibility, and target audience:

Features BT Internet Email Neo Fastmail Tutanota
Rating 3.8/5 4.8/5 4.5/5 4.6/5
Pricing Standard (with broadband), Premium (£7.50/month) Starter: $1.86, Standard: $3.74, Max: $7.49 Individual Plan starts at $6 per user/month;
Business Plan start at $4 per user/month
Personal plan starts at €0/month;
Business plan starts at €6/user/month
Free Plan Basic plan (web-only restricted features) 15-day trial (with all features) 30-day free trial Free personal plan available
Storage Standard: Varies, Premium: Up to 11 addresses Up to 100 GB Up to 60 GB (Individual Plan); Up to 150 GB (Business Plan) Up to 500 GB on personal plans; Up to 1000 GB on business plans
Features Folders, filters, customizable signature, spam and virus protection, Bulk emails, read receipts, AI-powered tools, spam and virus protection, Custom business address, expert support, shared calendars, email addresses, company book, scheduled send, and snooze Fully encrypted, no tracking, extra email addresses (up to 30), custom domains, and an unlimited number of calendars)
Accessibility Webmail, Outlook, Apple Mail Web and mobile app Outlook, iPhone Mail Web, mobile, and all email clients
Best For Existing BT Broadband customers and users waiting for continuity Businesses needing domain-based professional email, bulk emailing, signature design, AI writing Small to medium businesses Businesses needing domain-based professional email with collaborative tools

Note: The ratings to email services have been provided on the basis of features like custom domain registration, security, and privacy protection, AI-powered features, like AI-website builder and email writing assistance, high-uptime, and email marketing capabilities. 

The Bottom Line

BT Internet is a popular and reliable email service provider. It offers a range of services, from sending and receiving messages to organizing contacts and inboxes effectively. These features give you adequate time to focus on other tasks essential for achieving your business goals. However, some users experience performance issues, leading them to switch to another email hosting provider.

If you're looking for an email provider that can help your business move forward, consider Neo. Equipped with enhanced AI writing tools and upgraded security features, Neo offers a seamless email experience to its users. Don’t wait! Try Neo and take your business to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I sign up for a BT Internet email address?

Creating new BT Internet email addresses is currently restricted (as of October 26, 2022). However, existing BT account holders can create up to 11 additional email addresses with their BT ID.

2. What are some disadvantages of BT Internet email?

There is a restriction on creating new email addresses, and the free “Basic” plan has limited features with web-only access. Some users also report occasional login or password reset problems.

3. Are there any alternatives to BT Internet email?

Yes! Several alternatives offer similar features and may be more suitable depending on your needs. This guide explores options like Neo, Gmail, and Zoho Mail, comparing features, pricing, and benefits.

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