Waiting for email replies can be an exercise in patience, especially for crucial communications like job applications. Gmail’s read receipts offer some relief by allowing you to verify if your message has been viewed.

There are two primary methods to activate read receipts in Gmail: a paid option directly from Gmail and a free alternative using third-party extensions, albeit with the drawback of leaving signatures on your emails.

The paid method, accessible through Google Workspace subscriptions, permits you to request read receipts while composing an email. However, recipients must consent to this feature, and if they decline, you won’t receive confirmation of whether they’ve read your message.

For those opting for the free route, third-party extensions like Gmelius, Boomerang, and Mailtrack can provide read notifications. Nevertheless, most of these extensions impose a signature on your emails unless you opt for a paid version. Additionally, these extensions are typically limited to Gmail desktop versions.

Mailtrack stands out as a versatile option, compatible with desktops, smartphones, and non-Workspace Gmail accounts. While it also appends a signature to emails, users can remove watermarks by paying as little as $4.99 for unlimited read receipts.