Need to send a fax online but not sure where to start? You’re definitely not alone. Millions of people need to fax documents but don’t have access to traditional fax machines. The good news is that online fax services have completely changed how we send faxes, making it easier, faster, and more convenient than ever.
Online faxing (also called internet faxing or digital faxing) lets you send and receive faxes using your computer, smartphone, or tablet instead of a traditional fax machine. When you send a fax online, your document gets transmitted over the internet to the recipient’s fax machine or online fax service.
Online fax services offer some real advantages over traditional fax machines:
No hardware costs mean you don’t need expensive fax machines, no phone line required saves you on dedicated fax lines, lower per-page costs are often cheaper than traditional faxing, and no maintenance fees means no toner, paper, or repair costs.
Send from anywhere - fax from home, office, or on the go. Available 24/7 so you can send faxes anytime, anywhere. Digital document support means no need to print and scan, and instant delivery is faster than traditional fax transmission.
Encrypted transmission provides better security than phone lines, no physical documents lie around fax machines, delivery confirmations let you know exactly when your fax arrives, and digital audit trails offer better record keeping.
Learn more about why fax technology remains essential in our digital world with our guide: Why Faxes Are Still Essential.
The first step is picking the right service. Here’s what to consider:
For Occasional Users: Onetime Fax costs $5 per fax with no subscription required. It’s perfect for sending 1-10 faxes per month, needs no account creation, and provides secure, encrypted transmission.
For Regular Users: Subscription-based services work better for high-volume faxing. Monthly plans typically range from $10-30 and include features like fax numbers and storage.
For a detailed comparison of all available services, see our service comparison guide.
If you’re currently using eFax and looking for alternatives, check out our eFax alternative guide.
Before you send a fax online, make sure your document is ready:
File format requirements:
Document quality tips: Make sure text is clear and readable, use high contrast (black text on white background), check that all pages are included, and verify signatures are visible if required.
When you send a fax online, you’ll need:
Domestic fax numbers: Enter the 10-digit fax number, include area code. Example: 555-123-4567
International fax numbers: Include country code, use + before country code. Example: +44 20 1234 5678 (UK number)
For detailed international faxing instructions and country codes, see our international faxing guide.
Prefer to fax from your mobile device? Check out our mobile faxing guide for iPhone and Android instructions.
After you send a fax online, you should receive immediate confirmation that your fax was sent, delivery receipt when the fax reaches its destination, and error notifications if transmission fails.
| Service | Cost | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onetime Fax | $5 per fax | Occasional users | No subscription, secure, instant |
| eFax | $16.95/month | Regular users | 150 pages included, mobile app |
| HelloFax | $9.99/month | Small business | 300 pages, integrations |
| FaxZero | Free (limited) | Very occasional | 3 free pages, ads included |
For an in-depth analysis of each service, including pros, cons, and detailed feature comparisons, read our service comparison.
Looking for free options? Our free vs pay-per-use guide compares all no-subscription alternatives.
Encryption for secure transmission, delivery confirmations for peace of mind, multiple file format support for flexibility, international faxing capability, and mobile compatibility for on-the-go faxing.
Fax scheduling for time-zone considerations, digital signatures for legal documents, integration with cloud storage services, API access for business applications, and custom cover pages for professional appearance.
Concerned about security? Learn everything about fax security in our security guide.
Can I send a fax from a Chromebook or Linux computer?
Yes! Any device with a web browser can use online fax services like Onetime Fax. No special software is required.
Can I fax from my phone or tablet?
Absolutely. Use your mobile browser or see our mobile faxing guide for step-by-step instructions for iPhone and Android.
Do I need a fax number to send a fax online?
No. Most online fax services let you send faxes without providing your own fax number. You only need the recipient’s fax number.
Can I send international faxes?
Yes. Just include the country code (e.g., +44 for the UK) before the fax number. See our international faxing guide for details.
What if I need to send a multi-page document?
You can upload multi-page PDFs or combine images into a single file. Most services support multi-page documents.
How do I know if my fax was delivered?
You’ll receive an email confirmation when your fax is successfully delivered. If there’s a problem, you’ll get an error notification.
Can I fax sensitive or confidential documents?
Yes, but use a reputable service with encryption and avoid public Wi-Fi. For HIPAA or legal compliance, see our security guide.
What if my fax fails to send?
Check the recipient’s number, your internet connection, and file format. Try again or contact the recipient to confirm their fax machine is working.
Can I send a fax late at night or on weekends?
Yes! Online fax services operate 24/7. Just be aware of the recipient’s time zone for urgent documents.
Is there a way to get a dedicated fax number for receiving faxes?
Yes, but you’ll need a subscription-based service. See our service comparison guide for options.
HIPAA-compliant faxing for patient records, prescription transmission to pharmacies, insurance form submissions, and medical record transfers between providers.
Healthcare professionals should read our security guide for HIPAA compliance requirements.
Court document filing, contract transmission for signatures, legal notice delivery, and time-sensitive legal communications.
Legal professionals can find specialized guidance in our legal document guide.
Purchase agreements and contracts, mortgage documents to lenders, property disclosures to buyers, and closing documents coordination.
Vendor communications, government form submissions, insurance claims, and financial documents.
Fax failed to send: Verify the recipient’s fax number, check your internet connection, ensure document is in supported format, and try sending during business hours.
Poor quality reception: Use PDF format instead of images, ensure original document is clear, check file size (some services have limits), and verify recipient’s fax machine is working.
No delivery confirmation: Check your email spam folder, verify email address was entered correctly, contact the recipient to confirm receipt, and try resending if necessary.
For international timing considerations, see our international faxing guide.
Learn about advanced security practices in our security guide.
Online faxing continues to evolve with new technologies like AI-powered document enhancement for better quality, blockchain verification for enhanced security, voice-to-fax capabilities, advanced mobile integration, and cloud storage integration.
Discover why fax technology continues to thrive in our fax relevance article.
Ready to send your first fax online? Here’s what you need:
Whether you need to send one fax or hundreds, online faxing offers a modern, convenient solution that’s often more secure and cost-effective than traditional fax machines.
For occasional faxing needs, services like Onetime Fax provide a simple, no-subscription solution. For regular business use, subscription services offer additional features and volume discounts.
The days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines are over. With online fax services, you can send professional, secure faxes from anywhere in the world using just your computer or smartphone.