DidTheyReadIt vs Mail Track for Gmail

DidTheyReadIt tracks sent email and alerts the sender when a recipient opens a tracked message. Receipts can show the opening time, how long the message remained open, and an approximate location based on the reader’s IP address. To set up tracking, users add.DidTheyReadIt.com to the recipient address; instructions cover Outlook, Thunderbird, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Mac users, and other email clients. An optional Auto-Tracker is described as a Windows beta with email-program and browser plugins. A paid PDF add-on creates trackable PDF copies and reports when and where they are opened. For a message sent to multiple recipients, the service tracks the message rather than each person, so it cannot name the opener; location may offer a clue. The free subscription costs nothing, though trial duration and message limits may vary. The privacy policy says the service does not save or copy messages sent through its online services.

Mail Track for Gmail adds open tracking and read receipts to Gmail messages. In Gmail, double check marks appear alongside open counts and timestamps, and the service can send instant push notifications when a tracked message is opened. Tracking relies on a small pixel: it records an open when the recipient’s email client loads message images, so image blocking can delay the record until images are displayed. The add-on works inside Gmail and is available through the Google Workspace Marketplace. Mail Track says it works with Gmail on Android and iOS for sending tracked messages and receiving notifications, as well as on the web and as an extension. Its free plan includes unlimited tracked emails and a visible tracking signature. Premium removes that signature and adds full tracking history, daily email reports, and priority support. Premium costs $2.99/mo (annual); Lifetime costs $99.99 once. Mail Track says it does not read email content, records only open events for messages sent with the product, and complies with GDPR.