Fax by email sounds convenient: simply write an email and the document is delivered as a fax. But traditional email-to-fax services have their pitfalls - registration, monthly fees and complicated configuration.
In this guide we explain how email-to-fax works and why FaxMonkey's web-based alternative is simpler, cheaper and faster.
What is fax by email?
With a traditional email-to-fax service you send an email to a special gateway address. It typically works like this:
- You register with an email-to-fax provider
- You receive login details for the email gateway
- To fax, you send an email to e.g.
0123456789@faxgateway.de - The document in the attachment is transmitted to the fax number
This method is established in companies that want to use their existing email system. For private individuals and occasional users, however, it is often impractical and expensive.
The modern alternative: web-based faxing
FaxMonkey takes a different approach: instead of complicated email configuration we offer a simple web interface that anyone can use immediately:
- No registration: open the website and start right away
- No configuration: no gateway, no special email addresses
- Preview function: see your fax before it is sent
- Pay per use: pay only for faxes actually sent
- Immediate transmission report: by email with legally valid proof
This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to send a fax quickly and easily without committing to a long-term service.
Comparison: email-to-fax vs web-based faxing
Here are the key differences at a glance:
- Registration: email-to-fax requires registration, FaxMonkey does not
- Configuration: email-to-fax needs gateway setup, FaxMonkey is ready to use immediately
- Costs: email-to-fax usually needs a monthly subscription, FaxMonkey is pay per use only
- Preview: rarely available with email-to-fax, always included with FaxMonkey
- Spam risk: emails can be blocked, with FaxMonkey there is no such risk
Conclusion: for occasional faxes, FaxMonkey's web solution is much more practical and cost-effective than a traditional email-to-fax service.