Yes, you can send a fax through email using an online fax service

You can send a fax without a fax machine by using an online fax service. These services let you upload a document from your computer, type in a fax number, and send it through the internet. The service converts your file and delivers it to the recipient's fax machine or email, depending on what they use.

The process is faster than traditional faxing and works from any device with internet access — your phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to own a fax machine, pay for a phone line dedicated to faxing, or visit a store to send a fax.

Key Takeaways

  • Online fax services let you send documents to fax machines or email addresses by uploading a file and entering a fax number.
  • Most services charge a monthly subscription or a per-fax fee, and some offer a limited number of free faxes each month.
  • You can send faxes from your phone, computer, or tablet as long as you have internet access and an account with the service.
  • The recipient receives your fax on their fax machine or email inbox, depending on the service and their setup.
  • Common services include eFax, HelloFax, Fax.plus, and Interfax, each with different pricing and features.

How online fax services work

When you sign up for an online fax service, you create an account and receive a fax number. You then upload a document — usually a PDF, Word file, or image — to the service's website or app. You enter the recipient's fax number, add a cover page if you want, and send it.

The service converts your file into a format that fax machines can read and transmits it over the internet to the recipient's fax machine. If the recipient uses an online fax service too, they may receive it in their email inbox instead. Either way, the fax arrives within minutes.

You can also receive faxes through most online services. When someone faxes your number, the service stores the fax and sends it to your email or lets you read it from your account. This means you have a complete fax record without paper.

Pricing and what each service includes

Online fax services use different pricing models. Some charge a monthly subscription — typically $10 to $30 per month — and include a set number of faxes. Others charge per fax, usually 25 cents to $1 per page. A few offer a small number of free faxes each month before charging kicks in.

eFax charges around $15 to $20 per month and includes 150 outgoing faxes. HelloFax starts at about $10 per month for 50 faxes. Fax.plus offers pay-as-you-go pricing at roughly 50 cents per page. Interfax charges per fax as well, with rates varying by volume.

Most services also let you receive faxes for free once you have an account. Some include a fax number in your home country; others charge extra for that. Check what each service includes before signing up, because the best choice depends on how many faxes you send and receive each month.

What file types you can send

Most online fax services accept PDF files, which is the most common format. They also accept Word documents (.docx), images (.jpg, .png), and sometimes Excel spreadsheets. If you have a paper document, you can scan it with your phone or a scanner, save it as a PDF or image, and upload it to the service.

File size limits vary by service. Many allow files up to 25 MB, which is large enough for most documents. If your file is too large, you can compress it or split it into smaller parts before uploading.

Sending a fax from your phone

Most online fax services have mobile apps for iPhone and Android. You can take a photo of a document with your phone's camera, upload it through the app, and send it as a fax. Some apps let you sign documents before sending them, which is useful if you need to add your signature.

You can also email a document to your fax service's email address, and the service will convert it and send it as a fax. This works if you do not want to use the app or website. Check your service's instructions for the exact email address to use.

Receiving faxes through email

When someone sends a fax to your online fax number, the service converts it and emails it to you as an attachment. You can then read it, print it, or store it on your computer. This means you do not need a physical fax machine to receive faxes.

Some services let you set up rules for how faxes are handled — for example, forwarding them to multiple email addresses or storing them in a folder automatically. This is useful if you receive many faxes or want to organize them by sender.

When to use online faxing instead of email

Faxing is still required by some organizations, especially banks, law offices, and government agencies. These places may not accept email for sensitive documents because fax has a legal record of delivery. If someone asks you to fax a document, an online fax service is usually faster and cheaper than finding a physical fax machine.

Faxing is also useful when you need proof that a document was received. Online fax services provide a delivery confirmation, which you can keep as a record. Email does not always provide the same level of proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fax machine to use an online fax service?

No. Online fax services work entirely through the internet. You send and receive faxes through a website or mobile app, and the service handles the conversion to and from fax format. You never need a physical fax machine.

Can I fax to any fax number?

Yes. Online fax services can send to any fax number in the world, though international faxes may cost more than domestic ones. Check your service's pricing for the country you are sending to.

How long does it take to send a fax?

Most faxes are delivered within a few minutes. The exact time depends on the recipient's fax machine and the service you use. You usually receive a confirmation email once the fax is sent.

Is online faxing find?

Most online fax services use encryption to protect your documents while they are being sent and stored. However, security varies by service. If you are sending sensitive information, check the service's privacy policy and security features before signing up.

Can I keep my existing fax number?

Some online fax services let you port an existing fax number to their platform, though this usually costs extra and takes a few days. Ask your service whether number porting is available before signing up.