What is the Difference Between Outlook and Hotmail?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Outlook and Hotmail are both email services provided by Microsoft, and they are not as distinct as they might seem. In fact, Hotmail was rebranded as Outlook.com in 2013, and since then, both services have been merged into one platform. Here are some key points to understand the relationship between Outlook and Hotmail:

  • Origins: Hotmail was founded in 1996 and was acquired by Microsoft in 1997. Outlook, on the other hand, has been a part of Microsoft Office since Office 97.
  • Rebranding: In 2012, Microsoft announced that they were getting rid of the "Live" branding, and the new mail service would be Outlook.com.
  • Current Status: Hotmail and Outlook.com are the same service, and there are no differences in terms of options and security. Existing Hotmail addresses still work, but you cannot create new ones.
  • Encryption Protocols: Outlook supports encryption protocols S/MIME and SSL/TLS version 1.2, while Hotmail uses SSL as its sole encryption standard.
  • Integration: Both Hotmail and Outlook can be connected with other social media platforms like Skype, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google, and Outlook can also be integrated with MS Office.

In summary, Outlook and Hotmail are essentially the same service, with Hotmail being the older version that has been rebranded and integrated into the Outlook.com platform. There are no significant differences between the two in terms of options and security.

Comparative Table: Outlook vs Hotmail

Outlook and Hotmail are both email services provided by Microsoft, but they have some differences. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature Outlook Hotmail
Email Storage 5 GB Unlimited (with Flickr account)
Maximum File Size for Attachments 20 MB 10 MB
Integration with Other Services Outlook works well with other Office applications, such as Word and Excel Hotmail integrates with Messenger and SkyDrive
Spam Filtering Advanced spam filtering Good spam filtering
Mobile Access Works on most mobile devices Works on most mobile devices
Security Contains several security management features via ForeFront Data centers are secured

Please note that some of the information might be outdated or has changed since the sources were published. Both Outlook and Hotmail offer free email services with various features, and the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.