Best Email Hosting: Top Solutions for Your Business

Having reliable and professional email hosting is crucial for businesses of all sizes, especially because nearly all major business communications go through emails. Email hosting services provide secure and efficient communication and allow companies to enhance their brand image with custom domains. Finding the right email hosting solution promises to streamline communication, ensure security, and boost productivity.

This article will cover the top email hosting solutions, explaining their key features, pricing, and how they can best serve different business needs. Let’s gain a better understanding of email hosting’s key features.

FAQ

Understanding email hosting

Email hosting is a service that runs email servers. These servers allow you to send and receive email across the internet. It’s a crucial tool for maintaining professional communication.

Email hosting gives you a custom email domain. Instead of using a generic domain like @gmail.com, you can have your own, such as [email protected]. This adds a layer of professionalism to your email communication.

Email hosting has many benefits, like increased storage, enhanced security, and reliable customer support. Most providers also include spam filtering and virus protection, ensuring your emails are safe.

Small businesses and startups often use email hosting services to maintain a professional image. With email hosting, you get more control over your email users. You can create and manage multiple email accounts under your custom domain.

Types of email hosting

The choice of hosting service can significantly impact how you manage and access your emails, whether using a third-party service or hosting the email on your server. Let’s learn about the various types of email hosting to help you make the right choice for your needs:

POP3 email servers

POP (Post Office Protocol) is one of the most common types of email servers. This server downloads messages to your local device and removes them from the server, making it ideal if you prefer offline email access. POP3 is simple, efficient, and easy to manage if you do not have a high volume of emails. However, since messages are stored locally, managing emails across multiple devices can be challenging. POP servers also have limited functionality, such as not displaying images in emails by default, and attachments are only available if previously downloaded.

IMAP email servers

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) allows you to store your emails on the server and access them from multiple devices. This is the best choice for those who need constant access to their emails from various locations. Unlike POP3, IMAP does not automatically download and remove messages from the server, meaning your emails remain synchronized across all devices. While IMAP offers greater flexibility, it may be more complex to manage for users with a large volume of emails since it requires more server resources.

Cloud email hosting

Cloud email hosting stores your emails in the cloud, enabling access from any device with an internet connection. This solution is scalable, flexible, and ideal for businesses that need to accommodate growth without worrying about server capacity. Cloud hosting also offers the benefit of continuous uptime and easy disaster recovery. However, if you prefer more direct control over your emails, this may not be the best option. Ensure that the cloud email provider offers all the features and security options necessary for your business needs before committing to the service.

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is a budget-friendly option where multiple users share the same server resources. While affordable, shared hosting limits the amount of storage and server resources available for your email, making it less ideal for businesses with high email traffic or specific performance needs. It is often sufficient for smaller businesses or personal use.

Dedicated hosting

Dedicated email hosting provides a server exclusively for your email services. This type of hosting offers the highest level of control, performance, and security, but at a higher cost. It is suitable for large businesses or those handling sensitive information that requires robust security measures.

Each of these email hosting services has its benefits and drawbacks. Consider your business needs, including scalability, control, and budget, to determine the best option for your email hosting.

Essential features of email hosting

• Storage space: Ample space for storing emails.
• Custom domains: Personalized email addresses.
• Security: Strong encryption and spam filters.
• Support: 24/7 customer assistance.

When choosing an email hosting service, consider what features are important for your professional needs. Some of the best options offer a mixture of affordability and functionality. Let’s discuss the core features that the best email hosting should have:

Security and encryption

Security is critical for any email service. The best email hosts offer strong encryption methods to protect your data both in transit and at rest. This includes SSL/TLS protocols and end-to-end encryption features. Many services also provide two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Spam and phishing filters help to keep your inbox clean and secure. Look for services that offer real-time monitoring and anti-malware protection. Regular security updates and compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA ensure your data remains safe.

Storage and backup solutions

Storage capacity is another crucial consideration. Top email hosting services offer scalable storage options, often starting with generous monthly allowances that can be expanded based on your needs. For example, business plans may include 50GB of storage per user or more.

Backup solutions are equally vital. Reliable hosts provide automated backups to secure your data against accidental loss or corruption. You should have the ability to restore emails and attachments easily. Services often include options for customizing retention policies, allowing you to decide how long your data is kept.

Collaboration and productivity tools

Email hosting isn’t just about sending and receiving messages; it’s also about improving your team’s productivity. Look for services that integrate collaboration tools like shared calendars, contacts, and task management features. These integrations can help streamline workflows and ensure everyone stays on the same page.

Many providers offer integrations with popular software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. This makes it easier for you to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time. Advanced search features, email templates, and scheduling tools can further boost your productivity and efficiency.

Evaluating the best email hosting services

Choosing the right email hosting provider is crucial for businesses and individuals. It involves understanding various factors like pricing, security, and features offered by different providers.

Choosing the right email hosting provider

When selecting an email hosting provider, you need to consider reliability, storage capacity, and customer support. Look for providers that offer a solid uptime guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Evaluate the storage options based on your needs, whether you require large inbox storage or a scalable solution for growing businesses.

Understand pricing and plans

Email hosting services come with various pricing structures. Some providers, offer email hosting combined with web hosting, potentially saving costs. Others provide standalone email hosting plans. Compare what’s included in each plan, such as the number of email accounts, storage per user, and additional features. Look for any hidden fees or contract lengths that might impact your decision.

Assess value for money

It’s important to assess the overall value you get from your email hosting service. Consider the features, storage, and support relative to the price. Sometimes, paying a bit more for additional features or better support can provide better overall value. Look at user reviews and expert ratings to gauge the real-world performance of these services.

Email security and spam protection

Security is a top priority when choosing an email hosting service. Ensure the provider uses encryption for data transmission and storage. Also, look for features like two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance security. Reliable providers invest in robust security measures to protect your email communications.

Advanced security features

Beyond basic security, some email hosting providers offer advanced features. These may include advanced threat protection to guard against phishing and malware attacks, and encryption of stored data to prevent unauthorized access. Google Workspace often includes these advanced security options. Features like admin control over user permissions can also enhance security by limiting access to sensitive information.

Effective spam filtering

An effective spam filter is essential for maintaining a clean inbox. Providers like Zoho Mail and Scalahosting offer powerful spam filtering technologies that identify and block unwanted emails. Look for features like customizable spam filters that let you adjust sensitivity levels according to your needs. Also, check if the provider offers periodic updates to their spam filtering software to adapt to new types of threats.

By focusing on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and security measures, you can select the best email hosting service that aligns with your specific needs.

Best email hosting for different business sizes

Choosing the right email hosting solution depends on the size of your business, specific needs, and budget. It is crucial to select a service that offers reliability, security, and the features your organization requires. Let’s learn what’s the best email hosting you can choose.

Zoho Mail

Pricing: Starts at $1 per user per month

Zoho Workplace is a comprehensive suite designed to meet the needs of modern businesses by providing an integrated platform for communication, collaboration, and productivity. It includes hosted email, calendars, and contacts, all while offering Zoho’s proprietary apps, such as WorkDrive for cloud storage and collaboration tools like Writer, Sheet, and Show for document creation and sharing. Its seamless integration with Zoho’s vast ecosystem makes it especially appealing to businesses that already use or plan to use Zoho’s suite of apps.

Features

• Email hosting: Zoho Workplace offers hosted email with your business domain, ensuring professional communication. The email app, Zoho Mail, includes shared inboxes and stream messaging, enhancing collaboration between team members.
• Calendars and contacts: In addition to email, Zoho Workplace includes calendar and contact management, making it easier to organize meetings and manage client information.
• Productivity apps: Zoho Workplace includes WorkDrive, a cloud storage solution, as well as Writer, Sheet, and Show for document, spreadsheet, and presentation creation.
• Team communication: Cliq, Zoho’s team chat app, integrates directly into the suite, enabling quick and efficient internal communication.
• Zapier integrations: Zoho Mail can be automated using Zapier, allowing for easy integration with thousands of other apps to streamline workflows.

Hosting types

• Cloud hosting for emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks

• Collaborative tools

Customer support

Zoho Workplace offers comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including email, live chat, and phone support, depending on the pricing tier. Additionally, Zoho provides extensive documentation, step-by-step guides, and tutorials to help users navigate the platform. While some users may find the admin panel slightly less intuitive compared to other services, Zoho compensates for this with detailed instructions that guide users through any necessary setup or troubleshooting processes.

Performance

Zoho Workplace delivers reliable performance with solid uptime metrics. Although Zoho does not provide a formal uptime guarantee on par with some other email hosting services, its infrastructure and widespread use indicate strong stability. Users rarely report downtime issues, making Zoho Workplace a dependable solution for businesses that need continuous access to their email and productivity tools.

Why we chose it

We chose Zoho Workplace for email hosting because it delivers an exceptional balance of features and price. Its robust email hosting capabilities, coupled with additional tools like calendars, cloud storage, and team chat, make it an all-in-one solution for small to medium-sized businesses. Zoho’s affordability and ability to scale with growing businesses add to its appeal, ensuring it remains a competitive option as business needs evolve.

Best for

Zoho Workplace is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those with fewer than 50 employees. It’s an excellent choice for startups, entrepreneurs, and organizations that want to keep costs low without sacrificing essential business communication tools. Companies already using Zoho’s ecosystem or those looking for a complete suite of business software will also benefit greatly from Zoho Workplace.

Microsoft 365

Price: Starts at $12.50 per user per month

Microsoft 365 is a leading cloud-based productivity suite that offers a range of services, including email hosting, collaboration tools, and business applications. Developed by Microsoft, it provides businesses with access to the full suite of Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, alongside hosted email through Microsoft Exchange.

Features

Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive set of features that extend far beyond email hosting, making it an attractive choice for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution. Key features include:

• Email hosting through Microsoft Exchange: Provides reliable and secure email services with custom domain support, spam and data loss prevention, and shared calendars.
• Full suite of Office apps: Access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook on desktop, web, and mobile platforms, enabling seamless productivity from any device.
• 1TB of cloud storage: Each user receives 1TB of cloud storage through OneDrive, ensuring ample space for file storage and sharing.
• Microsoft Teams: Integrated team chat and collaboration tool that competes with Slack, offering messaging, video calls, and file sharing.
• Advanced security features: Includes robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and compliance tools to protect business data.
• Zapier integrations: Automate tasks and connect Microsoft 365 apps with thousands of other business tools, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Hosting types

• Email hosting through Outlook

• Cloud hosting

• Collaborative tools

Customer support

Microsoft 365 offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Microsoft provides extensive online resources, including a knowledge base, community forums, and detailed documentation to help users troubleshoot issues on their own. Business plans often include access to dedicated account managers and priority support, depending on the subscription tier. Microsoft’s support is generally regarded as comprehensive, though the complexity of its services can sometimes lead to longer resolution times for more technical issues.

Performance

Microsoft 365 is known for its strong performance and reliable uptime. Microsoft guarantees a 99.9% uptime for its services, supported by a robust global infrastructure with multiple data centers around the world. This ensures that email hosting and other Microsoft 365 services remain available and responsive, minimizing the risk of downtime that could disrupt business operations.

Why we chose it

We chose Microsoft 365 for email hosting due to its unparalleled combination of productivity and collaboration tools integrated with enterprise-level email hosting. The platform offers everything a business needs for communication, document creation, and collaboration in one package, making it a comprehensive solution for organizations of any size. Microsoft 365’s ability to scale with a business, along with its robust security and compliance tools, make it a standout choice for businesses looking for a reliable and feature-rich email hosting solution.

Best for

Microsoft 365 is best suited for medium to large businesses, especially those that rely heavily on Microsoft Office apps. It’s ideal for companies that need a comprehensive suite of productivity tools along with their email hosting, as well as for organizations looking for advanced collaboration features through Microsoft Teams. Additionally, businesses with strict security and compliance requirements will benefit from Microsoft 365’s advanced security options.

Google Workspace

Price: Starts at $6 per user per month

Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) is Google’s cloud-based productivity and collaboration platform designed to help businesses manage their communication and workflow. As an all-in-one solution, Google Workspace combines business-grade email hosting through Gmail with a suite of powerful apps, including Google Drive for storage, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for document creation and collaboration, and Google Meet and Chat for communication.

Features

• Business email hosting: Google Workspace provides business-grade email hosting through Gmail, offering custom domain support, powerful spam filters, and integration with the broader Google ecosystem.
• Cloud storage: Users get 30GB of cloud storage per user with the Business Starter plan, which can be expanded to 5TB or unlimited storage on higher-tier plans. Google Drive allows for easy file storage, sharing, and collaboration.
• Productivity apps: Google Workspace includes Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for document, spreadsheet, and presentation creation, all with real-time collaboration features.
• Communication tools: Google Meet provides video conferencing capabilities, while Google Chat allows for internal messaging and collaboration.
• Easy administration: Google Workspace’s admin console is user-friendly, with straightforward controls for managing users, devices, and security settings. Vault offers compliance and data retention tools.
• Zapier integrations: Google Workspace apps integrate with Zapier, enabling automation of tasks and connections to thousands of other business tools.

Hosting types

• Cloud hosting and storage

• Collaborative tools

Customer support

Google Workspace provides various customer support options, including 24/7 access to phone, email, and chat support, depending on the pricing plan. Google also offers an extensive knowledge base, forums, and training resources to help users troubleshoot issues and make the most of the platform. Enterprise customers often receive enhanced support, including dedicated account management. Google’s support is known for its responsiveness and efficiency, particularly for handling critical issues that impact business operations.

Performance

Google Workspace is known for its robust performance and industry-leading uptime. Google guarantees a 99.9% uptime for its services, ensuring that businesses experience minimal disruptions. Google’s global infrastructure, which includes data centers spread across multiple regions, helps ensure that email hosting and other services are consistently available and responsive. Gmail benefits from Google’s extensive experience in delivering reliable email services to billions of users worldwide.

Why we chose it

We chose Google Workspace for email hosting because of its unmatched ease of use, powerful collaboration tools, and reliability. Gmail’s familiar interface simplifies the onboarding process, while the integration with Google’s cloud apps ensures that businesses have everything they need to manage their workflows efficiently. Google Workspace’s scalability, combined with its robust security features and simple administration, make it a versatile choice for businesses of any size.

Best for

Google Workspace is best suited for businesses that prefer cloud-based tools and rely heavily on real-time collaboration. It’s an excellent choice for small to medium-sized companies that want a straightforward, user-friendly platform that scales easily. Companies that already use Gmail for personal email accounts will find Google Workspace particularly appealing due to the minimal learning curve involved. Additionally, organizations looking for a solution that integrates well with other Google services, such as Google Ads or Google Analytics, will benefit from using Google Workspace.

Fastmail

Price: Starts at $3 per user per month

Fastmail is an independent email hosting service designed with a strong focus on privacy and simplicity. Unlike larger platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, Fastmail specializes exclusively in email hosting, making it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses looking for a secure, reliable, and straightforward email solution without the need for additional productivity apps. Based in Australia, Fastmail is known for its commitment to user privacy, open standards, and avoiding the advertising-driven business models of larger competitors.

Features

• Custom domain email hosting: Fastmail supports custom domains, allowing businesses to use professional email addresses (e.g., [email protected]).
• Email aliases: You can set up multiple team email addresses (e.g., [email protected], [email protected]) that forward to specific inboxes or team members, making it easier to manage communication.
• Calendars and contacts: Fastmail provides shared calendars and contact management, allowing team members to coordinate schedules and keep track of important contacts.
• Security and privacy: Fastmail is privacy-focused, meaning it doesn’t scan your emails for advertising purposes. It offers advanced security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted connections, and compliance with global privacy laws.
• Custom branding: Businesses can add their own branding to the Fastmail app and login screen, giving a more professional feel to their email environment.
• Spam filtering: Fastmail offers advanced spam filtering to ensure inboxes remain clean and organized.

Hosting types

• Email hosting

• Calendar and contacts hosting

Customer support

Fastmail provides solid customer support, with options for email support and a comprehensive help center featuring detailed guides and FAQs. While the service doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat or phone support, its responsive email support team and clear documentation are generally sufficient for resolving issues quickly. Fastmail’s commitment to customer privacy extends to its support processes, where users can expect a privacy-first approach to troubleshooting and assistance.

Performance

Fastmail is known for its reliable performance and solid uptime. With data centers located in multiple regions, the service ensures consistent access to email, calendars, and contacts. Fastmail doesn’t publicly guarantee specific uptime percentages like some larger services, but users report very minimal downtime or service interruptions. Fastmail’s lightweight and streamlined design also ensures that the platform is fast and responsive, even for larger inboxes and complex email setups.

Why we chose it

We chose Fastmail for email hosting because it provides a reliable, privacy-focused alternative to the more mainstream options. Fastmail’s strong emphasis on security and user privacy makes it a top choice for organizations that want to avoid big tech ecosystems. Fastmail’s straightforward approach to email hosting, combined with features like custom domains, email aliases, and shared calendars, make it an excellent solution for businesses that need a solid email service without the extras.

Best for

Fastmail is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and individuals who prioritize privacy and are looking for a simple yet powerful email hosting service. It’s also a great option for those who want to avoid using products from major tech companies like Google or Microsoft. Fastmail is ideal for organizations that already have their productivity tools or don’t need additional apps and are simply looking for a dependable email solution.

IceWarp

Price: Starts at $3.50 per user per month

IceWarp is a comprehensive email hosting and productivity platform designed to cater to small and medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. Like its competitors, IceWarp offers a robust suite of tools that go beyond email hosting. These include document editing, team chat, video conferencing, and cloud storage. What sets IceWarp apart is its affordability and the sheer amount of storage it provides, making it an attractive option for businesses that need both email hosting and significant storage space. IceWarp emphasizes flexibility by offering tiered plans and the ability to mix and match services.

Features

• Email hosting: IceWarp provides business-grade email hosting with custom domains, spam filtering, and shared inboxes. It also includes shared calendars and contacts, making it easy for teams to coordinate and communicate.
• Generous storage: Even on its entry-level plans, IceWarp offers 200GB of email storage and 1TB of cloud storage per user, making it ideal for businesses that need extensive storage capabilities.
• Productivity apps: IceWarp includes its own suite of office apps for document editing, spreadsheets, and presentations, providing alternatives to Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
• Team collaboration: The platform integrates team chat, voice and video conferencing, and file sharing into its ecosystem, creating a unified communication platform for teams.
• Flexible pricing and plans: IceWarp allows businesses to mix and match plans based on user needs, so companies only pay for the features they use.
• Desktop and web clients: IceWarp provides both an all-in-one web app and desktop apps, catering to different preferences within a business.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Cloud storage hosting
• Collaboration tool hosting

Customer support

IceWarp offers comprehensive customer support through email, phone, and live chat, depending on the subscription plan. The platform also provides extensive online resources, including user guides, FAQs, and tutorials, which help users troubleshoot issues independently. While IceWarp’s support is generally responsive, businesses on lower-tier plans may not receive the same level of dedicated support as higher-paying customers. The platform’s commitment to flexibility extends to its customer support, with different levels of service available depending on the needs of the business.

Performance

IceWarp is known for its reliable performance and solid uptime. The platform uses a global infrastructure to ensure that services remain available and responsive, with minimal downtime. IceWarp doesn’t advertise specific uptime guarantees like some competitors, but user feedback indicates that the platform delivers consistent performance, even for businesses with large email and storage needs. IceWarp’s combination of a lightweight web app and powerful desktop clients ensures that users experience fast loading times and smooth performance across all devices.

Why we chose it

We chose IceWarp for email hosting because it provides a comprehensive suite of communication and collaboration tools at a fraction of the cost of its larger competitors. Its flexibility in pricing and the ability to mix and match plans based on user needs make it an excellent choice for businesses that want to optimize their expenses while still getting access to a robust set of features. Additionally, IceWarp’s generous storage allowances and focus on an all-in-one solution make it a strong contender for businesses with heavy storage needs and a desire for integrated tools.

Best for

IceWarp is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need a comprehensive email hosting solution with additional productivity and collaboration tools. It’s ideal for organizations that require significant storage space, as well as for businesses that want to streamline their operations by using a single platform for email, document editing, and communication.

DreamHost

Price: Starts at $1.99 per month per mailbox

DreamHost is a versatile web hosting provider that also offers reliable email hosting services. Known for its robust hosting features, DreamHost provides email hosting as part of its premium plans, allowing businesses to create professional email accounts with custom domains. While DreamHost is primarily marketed as a web hosting provider, its email services are designed to be intuitive and include essential features like spam filters and email syncing across devices. DreamHost caters to both small and large businesses, with flexible pricing options and strong integration capabilities.

Features

• Professional email accounts: DreamHost provides email hosting with custom domain support, allowing businesses to establish professional email addresses.
• Spam, virus, and phishing protection: All email hosting plans come with built-in filters to protect against malicious attacks.
• Cloud storage: Users get 25GB of cloud storage per mailbox, allowing for ample email storage.
• Integration: DreamHost email can be used alongside other web hosting services, and it even offers integration with Google Workspace for businesses that prefer Google’s suite of apps.
• Mobile and desktop syncing: Email syncs seamlessly across devices, ensuring that users can access their messages from anywhere.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Web hosting
• Cloud hosting

Customer support

DreamHost offers reliable customer support through email and live chat, with 24/7 availability. While phone support is not included, DreamHost’s support channels are generally responsive and effective. The platform also provides a well-organized knowledge base with detailed guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting resources. This ensures that users can find answers to common issues quickly, even without direct contact with support staff.

Performance

DreamHost is known for its strong performance and uptime guarantees. The company offers a 100% uptime guarantee, which is rare among hosting providers. This means that DreamHost commits to keeping its services online at all times, minimizing any potential downtime that could disrupt business operations. DreamHost’s servers are regularly monitored and maintained to ensure they deliver consistently high performance.

Why we chose it

We chose DreamHost for email hosting because it offers a solid, feature-rich service at an affordable price. The platform’s focus on security, ease of use, and flexibility to integrate with other hosting services makes it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. DreamHost’s email hosting plans come with essential features like spam filtering and 25GB of storage, making it a strong contender for businesses seeking a professional email solution without breaking the bank.

Best for

DreamHost is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable email hosting solution with strong security features. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses that already use DreamHost for web hosting, as they can bundle services together for greater convenience. Additionally, DreamHost is ideal for businesses that value flexibility, as it allows users to access its email hosting services without needing to migrate their entire web hosting to DreamHost.

SiteGround

Price: Starts at $2.99 per month

SiteGround is a web hosting service, known for its fast, reliable hosting solutions with a focus on speed, security, and eco-conscious practices. SiteGround provides secure and reliable business email services with custom domain support, spam filtering, and webmail access. The platform’s integration of email hosting with its broader web hosting services allows businesses to manage all aspects of their online presence from one central platform. SiteGround’s robust security features, including free SSL certificates and daily backups, further enhance its email hosting capabilities, making it an excellent choice for businesses that value reliability and security.

Features

• Email hosting: SiteGround includes business email hosting with custom domains, spam filtering, and webmail access, along with email migration tools.
• Free CDN and SSL: Every plan comes with a free Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster global load times and a free SSL certificate for enhanced security.
• Caching for speed: SiteGround offers both static and dynamic caching to boost site speed and performance, making it an attractive option for businesses focused on fast loading times.
• Daily backups: Automatic daily backups are included, ensuring that website data is safely stored and recoverable.
• Google Cloud infrastructure: Leveraging Google’s global cloud infrastructure ensures top-tier security and performance.

Hosting types

• Shared hosting
• Cloud hosting
• Managed WordPress hosting
• Reseller hosting

Customer support

SiteGround offers high-quality customer support via live chat and email/ticket systems, available 24/7. While there’s no phone support, SiteGround’s team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive. Higher-tier plans come with priority support, which connects users with the most experienced agents for faster resolutions. The platform also provides a detailed knowledge base and tutorials to help users resolve common issues on their own.

Performance

SiteGround is highly regarded for its performance, thanks to features like SSD storage, Cloudflare CDN, and various caching mechanisms. The platform’s use of Google Cloud data centers ensures strong uptime, with SiteGround providing a 99.9% uptime guarantee. SiteGround’s infrastructure is designed to handle traffic efficiently, minimizing slowdowns and maximizing the reliability of hosted websites.

Why we chose it

We chose SiteGround for email hosting because of its integration with high-performance web hosting services, along with the inclusion of essential email features like spam filtering, custom domains, and webmail access. The platform’s reputation for speed and security, as well as its reliable customer support, makes it a top choice for businesses looking for a dependable and feature-rich email hosting solution.

Best for

SiteGround is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize speed, security, and performance for their email and web hosting needs. It’s ideal for businesses that also need reliable web hosting with integrated email services. SiteGround is a particularly good choice for companies that value eco-conscious hosting solutions, as well as those looking for managed WordPress hosting with built-in email support.

A2 Hosting

Price: Starts at $1.59 per month

A2 Hosting is a web hosting provider that offers reliable email hosting services as part of its broader suite of hosting options. It is known for its affordability, especially for long-term commitments, and its robust customer support. A2 Hosting provides email hosting plans as standalone services or as add-ons to its web hosting plans, catering to businesses of all sizes. With competitive pricing and a focus on speed and reliability, A2 Hosting aims to be a solid all-around option for email hosting.

Features

• Cloud storage: The Professional plan offers 10GB of cloud storage per account, with additional storage available on higher-tier plans.
• Integrated tools: Users benefit from integrated email, calendars, and contacts, along with multi-account administration tools.
• Email security: A2 Hosting includes spam and malware protection, SSL encryption, and support for POP3 and IMAP protocols to secure communications.
• Mobile support: A2 Hosting offers native apps for Android and iOS, making it easy to manage emails on the go.
• Email productivity tools: The Pro Plus plan adds advanced features like email templates, read receipts, and follow-up reminders to enhance productivity.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Shared hosting
• VPS hosting
• WordPress hosting
• Dedicated hosting

Customer support

A2 Hosting excels in customer support, offering 24/7 assistance via phone, live chat, and email. The Guru Crew support team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive, helping users resolve issues quickly. Additionally, A2 Hosting provides an extensive knowledge base with guides and tutorials that cover everything from email setup to advanced configuration options. This makes A2 Hosting a standout in terms of support, ensuring customers have access to help whenever they need it.

Performance

A2 Hosting is known for its fast performance and reliable uptime, largely due to its use of SSD storage and Turbo Servers, which claim to deliver up to 20x faster page load speeds. The platform offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring that email and websites remain accessible and operational at all times. A2 Hosting’s infrastructure is designed to support speed and stability, making it a dependable choice for businesses that require consistent performance.

Why we chose it

We chose A2 Hosting for email hosting due to its affordability, robust feature set, and excellent customer support. The platform’s ability to deliver reliable email hosting with strong security features, coupled with its extensive support options, makes it a great choice for businesses of all sizes. A2 Hosting’s focus on speed and performance also ensures that businesses can rely on their email service to remain accessible and efficient at all times.

Best for

A2 Hosting is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for affordable and reliable email hosting with strong security and support. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses that need flexible hosting plans, allowing them to choose from a range of options based on their specific needs. A2 Hosting is also ideal for businesses that require integrated tools for productivity and mobile access, making it easy for teams to stay connected and manage their email on the go.

Hostinger

Price: Starts at $.99 per month per mailbox

Hostinger offers affordable and user-friendly email hosting services designed for small businesses and startups. With a focus on simplicity and accessibility, Hostinger provides essential email hosting features like spam and virus protection, calendar integration, and support for both IMAP and POP protocols. Hostinger’s services are ideal for small companies that want powerful, business-friendly features without the complexity or cost of more enterprise-focused solutions.

Features

• Storage: Plans offer between 10GB to 50GB of email storage, making it suitable for businesses that need to store large volumes of emails and attachments.
• Email filters: Basic plans include two filters, while the premium plans offer unlimited filtering options to keep inboxes organized.
• Security: Built-in antivirus and antispam protection ensure your data remains safe from cyber threats.
• Integration: Hostinger supports IMAP and POP, enabling email access through other email clients. The platform also includes a calendar app for scheduling.
• Mobile-friendly: Hostinger’s email services are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring smooth operation across various devices.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Shared hosting
• VPS hosting
• Cloud hosting

Customer support

Hostinger provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it. Although Hostinger does not offer phone support, the platform’s support team is known for being responsive and helpful. Hostinger also features an extensive knowledge base with guides, FAQs, and tutorials that allow users to troubleshoot issues on their own.

Performance

Hostinger is known for its solid performance and reliable uptime, with the platform providing a 99.9% uptime guarantee. The service’s infrastructure is designed to ensure fast load times and minimal downtime, making it a dependable option for businesses that require consistent email hosting performance. Hostinger’s mobile-friendly design also ensures that users can access their emails seamlessly across devices, maintaining performance and accessibility.

Why we chose it

We chose Hostinger for email hosting because it offers the perfect balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. Hostinger’s user-friendly interface, combined with essential business features like spam filtering, integrated calendars, and secure email hosting, makes it an excellent choice for small businesses. The platform’s competitive pricing also ensures that businesses can access these features without a significant financial commitment, making Hostinger a practical option for those on a budget.

Best for

Hostinger is best suited for startups, small businesses, and individuals who need affordable email hosting with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize easy setup and management, along with essential email hosting features like storage, spam protection, and mobile access. Hostinger’s pricing and features make it especially attractive to organizations looking for cost-effective email solutions.

Bluehost

Price: Starts at $14.99 per year

Bluehost is a well-known hosting provider offering a variety of services, including email hosting. Designed for businesses of all sizes, Bluehost’s email hosting comes with a solid range of features, such as spam filtering, antivirus protection, and productivity tools like shared calendars and contacts. The simplicity of its two-tier pricing structure makes it easy for users to choose the right plan. Although Bluehost’s email hosting isn’t the cheapest option, it is reliable, secure, and integrated with the company’s other hosting services.

Features

• Storage: The Professional Email plan offers 25GB of storage, while the Professional Email Plus plan provides 80GB of storage.
• Email aliases and filters: Up to 25 email aliases in the base plan, and up to 50 in the higher-tier plan, along with unlimited email filters.
• Integrated productivity tools: Includes shared calendars, contacts, and tasks to streamline collaboration within teams.
• Security features: Both plans include spam filtering and antivirus protection. The Professional Plus plan adds one-click email and file encryption for enhanced security.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Shared hosting
• VPS hosting
• Dedicated hosting
• Managed WordPress hosting

Customer support

Bluehost offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, phone, and an extensive knowledge base. While it doesn’t provide a support ticket option, the available channels generally provide quick and efficient solutions. The knowledge base is well-organized and covers a wide range of topics, from email hosting to web hosting services.

Performance

Bluehost is known for its reliable performance and solid uptime, offering a 99.9% uptime guarantee. The platform’s infrastructure ensures that email services remain accessible and responsive, making it a dependable option for businesses of all sizes. With robust security features and easy integration with other Bluehost services, performance remains consistent even for high-traffic users.

Why we chose it

We chose Bluehost for email hosting due to its reliable performance, security features, and seamless integration with the company’s other hosting services. Bluehost’s user-friendly interface, combined with strong customer support and essential email hosting features, makes it a solid option for businesses looking for an all-in-one hosting solution. Although the pricing may not suit everyone, the features and security offered justify the investment for many businesses.

Best for

Bluehost is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need reliable and secure email hosting with added productivity features. It’s ideal for businesses that want to integrate their email hosting with other hosting services, such as web hosting or WordPress hosting. While smaller businesses may find the pricing a bit high, larger businesses with more demanding needs will appreciate the added security and storage options available in Bluehost’s higher-tier plans.

Domain and IP services

Using a custom domain is essential for establishing a professional email presence. It allows you to align your email address with your business name, enhancing brand consistency and trust. A reliable domain registrar can simplify this process, and 10Web offers an excellent solution with its domain registration services. The platform makes finding and registering your ideal domain easy, ensuring a seamless setup for your email hosting.

When setting up email hosting with a custom domain, you must also manage your IP addresses. Your email hosting provider allocates IPs to send and receive emails securely. Alongside this, 10Web ensures that your domain is protected with essential features like domain privacy and easy DNS management.

An SSL certificate is crucial for securing your emails, as it encrypts the connection between your server and recipients, safeguarding sensitive information. Many email hosting services include SSL certificates in their plans, but it’s vital to ensure that your provider covers SSL for both incoming and outgoing emails.

For improved email deliverability, having a dedicated IP address is recommended. This separates your email traffic from others, reducing the risk of blacklisting caused by another user’s activities. Providers that offer dedicated IP addresses are especially valuable if you send a large volume of emails regularly.

Here’s a quick checklist of what to consider:

• Custom domain name: Matches your business name. Use a trusted registrar like 10Web for easy domain management.
• IP address management: Allocated by your provider.
• SSL certificate: Encrypts your email traffic.
• Dedicated IP address: Enhances email deliverability.

By ensuring these elements are in place, you’ll elevate your email security, reliability, and professionalism. Always verify these services with your email hosting provider and domain registrar to maintain a high standard of communication.

Additional email hosting features

Many email hosting services offer features beyond just sending and receiving emails. These can include calendars, scheduling tools, and file-sharing capabilities to enhance productivity.

Calendars and scheduling

A built-in calendar helps you manage your time efficiently. Services like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace offer shared calendars, enabling team members to see each other’s schedules. This is useful for planning meetings and avoiding conflicts.

Scheduling tools allow users to set appointments and send invites. With Microsoft 365 Business, you can even integrate meeting schedules with video conferencing tools. Features often include reminders, customizable time zones, and the ability to sync with mobile devices. These tools are particularly valuable for businesses needing to coordinate activities across different locations.

File sharing and cloud storage

Services like Zoho Mail and Google Workspace offer integrated cloud storage, simplifying file sharing among team members. These services often support large attachment sizes, making it easier to collaborate on documents.

Cloud storage options typically include secure access with permissions to control who can view or edit files. Some providers, such as Microsoft Office 365, offer additional collaboration tools like real-time document editing. Filters and aliases enhance organization, allowing you to manage shared files and folders efficiently. This functionality is critical for maintaining a streamlined workflow within your team.

Guaranteed uptime and reliability

When choosing an email hosting service, one of the most important factors to consider is the uptime guarantee.

Bluehost and DreamHost also offer robust uptime guarantees, which means minimal disruptions to your business communications. These guarantees can save your organization from the consequences of potential downtime.

Look for a service with redundant servers and backup power supplies to handle unexpected outages. Knowing your data is safe and accessible at all times provides peace of mind and maintains business continuity.

Customer support channels

The quality and availability of customer support are pivotal. Many top providers offer 24/7 support through various channels, including live chat, phone support, and email.

A2 Hosting is known for excellent support, often resolving queries quickly. Having the option to contact support anytime ensures you can solve technical issues promptly, avoiding any work disruptions.

Conclusion

Choosing the best email hosting provider is a critical decision for businesses of all sizes. From enhanced security to increased storage and professional communication with custom domains, the right provider can greatly impact your organization’s efficiency and brand image. Whether you’re a small business seeking affordability or a large enterprise needing advanced features, understanding your specific requirements is essential.

Providers like Zoho Mail and Google Workspace offer scalable solutions, while Fastmail emphasizes privacy. Consider factors like security features, storage capacity, customer support, and pricing to find the perfect match for your business needs. By investing in reliable email hosting, you secure a key tool for professional communication and long-term business success.

#1 Managed WordPress Hosting

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#1 Managed WordPress Hosting

Discover the best WordPress hosting

Try 10Web for free, and enjoy all the benefits of a secure Google Cloud Partner hosting.

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