14 Best Free Email Hosting: Top Services for 2024

Finding a reliable and free email hosting service can be quite difficult with so many options available. Whether it’s for personal or professional use, choosing the right email hosting is key. The best free email hosting services offer basic email capabilities and features like custom domains, advanced security, and ample storage.

Among the top contenders, some services provide comprehensive options that ensure both reliability and user-friendliness. From popular names like Gmail and Outlook to other lesser-known providers, each has unique benefits tailored to different needs.

To help you navigate through these choices, we’ve tested and reviewed a variety of providers, focusing on performance and security. Keep reading to discover which free email hosting service meets your requirements and stands out in 2024.

Understanding free email hosting

Free email hosting offers users the ability to send and receive emails through a custom domain without any cost. It’s especially useful for small businesses and individuals looking for a professional online presence.

What is email hosting?

Email hosting is a service that runs email servers. It allows you to use a custom email domain like [email protected]. These servers store your emails and let you access them through email clients or web browsers.

With email hosting, you get more features than free email services. These can include larger storage, better spam filters, and advanced security options.

Benefits of free email hosting

Free email hosting can be a smart solution for small businesses and individuals seeking a professional presence without added expenses. Here are some key benefits:

• Professional appearance: Using a custom email address (e.g., [email protected]) enhances your credibility and trustworthiness. It looks more professional compared to free services like Gmail or Yahoo.
• Custom domains: Free email hosting allows you to set up emails with your domain name, making your communication more aligned with your brand identity. This is important for creating a cohesive and memorable brand presence.
• Cost-effective solution: For startups or small businesses with limited budgets, free email hosting is an excellent way to manage costs while still maintaining a professional image. You get the essential tools without needing to invest in expensive packages.
• Basic features included: Many free email hosting providers include necessary features like spam protection, basic security measures, and sometimes even customer support. These features are essential for ensuring your email communications are secure and efficient.
• Scalability: Some free hosting services offer paid upgrades, allowing you to scale your email solution as your business grows. You can start for free and transition to premium options when you need more advanced features.

Overall, free email hosting provides a strong foundation for businesses and individuals focused on professionalism, cost-efficiency, and brand alignment.

Types of email hosting

The email hosting service you use directly affects how you manage, access, and secure your emails. Whether it’s a third-party service or your own server, learning about the different types of email hosting will lead to informed decision.

IMAP email servers

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) stores emails on the server, allowing you to access them from multiple devices. This makes it ideal for users who need constant access to their emails from different locations.

Unlike POP3, IMAP keeps your emails synchronized across all devices without automatically downloading and deleting them from the server. While it offers flexibility and convenience, IMAP can be more resource-intensive and complex to manage, particularly if you handle a high volume of emails.

POP3 email servers

POP3 (Post Office Protocol) is a widely used type of email server that downloads your emails to a local device and then deletes them from the server. It’s an excellent option if you prefer offline access to your emails.

The email server POP3 is known for being simple, efficient, and easy to manage, particularly if you don’t handle a large volume of emails. However, because emails are stored locally, it can be difficult to manage them across multiple devices. POP3 servers have limited capabilities, such as not displaying images by default and only allowing access to attachments if they’ve been downloaded beforehand.

Dedicated hosting

Dedicated email hosting gives you exclusive use of a server for your email services, offering the highest level of control, security, and performance. While it comes with a higher price tag, it’s ideal for larger businesses or those handling sensitive information that demands robust security protocols. Dedicated hosting ensures your email system can handle a significant volume of traffic without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Cloud email hosting

Cloud email hosting stores your emails in the cloud, making them accessible from any device with an internet connection. This option is highly scalable and flexible, which is perfect for businesses that anticipate growth and need to expand their email services without worrying about server limitations.

Cloud email hosting also provides continuous uptime and efficient disaster recovery. However, if you prefer direct control over your email infrastructure, this might not be the best choice. Be sure to evaluate the provider’s features and security measures to ensure they meet your business requirements.

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is a cost-effective option where your email services share server resources with other users. While it’s affordable, this type of hosting comes with limitations in terms of storage and performance, making it less suitable for businesses with high email traffic or specific performance needs. However, it can be a practical choice for smaller businesses or personal use that don’t require extensive resources.

Each of these email hosting options has unique advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which one is best for your needs, consider factors such as scalability, control, budget, and the specific demands of your business.

Top free email providers (+ the ones with free trial)

Finding the best free email provider can make a significant difference in terms of features, security, and convenience. Here is a detailed look at some of the top options available today.

ProtonMail

Price: $0 per month with 1GB of storage per user.

ProtonMail is an encrypted email service, which emphasizes privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for emails, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the contents. The company operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the strongest in the world, making it a trusted choice for users who prioritize data security. ProtonMail has expanded its services to include a secure calendar, file storage, VPN, and password manager, positioning itself as a comprehensive privacy-focused platform.

Features

• End-to-end encryption: All emails sent and received on ProtonMail are encrypted, ensuring that no one, including ProtonMail, can read your messages.
• Zero-access encryption: ProtonMail uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even the company cannot decrypt your emails, adding an extra layer of security.
• Anonymous account creation: You can create a ProtonMail account without providing personal information, ensuring privacy from the start.
• Self-destructing emails: Set a timer for your emails to automatically delete after a specific time, adding to your privacy.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enhances account security by requiring an additional verification step beyond just a password.
• Mobile app: ProtonMail offers a user-friendly mobile app, making secure email communication accessible on the go.

Hosting types

• Free plan
• ProtonMail Plus
• Proton Unlimited
• Business plan

Customer support

ProtonMail offers a range of customer support options, including a knowledge base with guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips. Paid users, especially those on Proton Unlimited and Business plans, receive priority customer support, which includes personalized assistance via email. While ProtonMail does not offer live chat or phone support, their responsive and knowledgeable email support team is praised for addressing user issues effectively. For free plan users, ProtonMail’s comprehensive support documentation helps resolve most common issues.

Performance

The company’s performance is characterized by reliable uptime and efficient service delivery. The company operates its own servers in secure data centers in Switzerland, ensuring that emails are stored securely and delivered without significant delays. ProtonMail’s emphasis on security does not come at the cost of performance; its lightweight, minimalist interface is designed for fast loading times and ease of use. With consistent uptime and swift email delivery, ProtonMail is a dependable option for those seeking secure email hosting.

Why we chose it

We chose ProtonMail as the best free email hosting option due to its unmatched focus on privacy and security. While many free email providers offer basic services, ProtonMail goes above and beyond by ensuring that user data remains encrypted and inaccessible to anyone other than the account holder. The free plan provides essential features, including end-to-end encryption, without compromising on usability. ProtonMail’s transparent business model and commitment to privacy make it a standout choice for those seeking secure email hosting.

Best for

This mailing option is best for individuals and businesses that prioritize privacy and security in their communications. It is ideal for users who are concerned about data breaches, government surveillance, or third-party access to their emails. ProtonMail is also a great choice for activists, journalists, and anyone handling sensitive information. Businesses that need secure email hosting for client communication, particularly in industries like law, healthcare, or finance, will benefit from ProtonMail’s strong encryption and privacy features.

Zoho Mail

Price: $0 per month for 5 users with 5 GB of storage per user.

As a part of the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Mail offers a suite of cloud-based applications aimed at businesses of all sizes. Zoho Mail has gained a reputation for providing reliable and feature-rich email hosting, specifically tailored for businesses. Zoho Mail’s focus on privacy, combined with its affordability and integration with the broader Zoho suite of applications (like Zoho CRM, Zoho Docs, and Zoho Calendar), makes it an appealing choice for companies seeking a unified workspace.

Features

• Free plan with custom domain support: The free plan supports up to 5 users with 5 GB of storage per user and allows integration with one custom domain, giving users a professional email address (e.g., [email protected]).
• Ad-free email: Even on the free plan, Zoho Mail provides an ad-free experience, which is a rarity among free email services.
• Email management tools: Zoho Mail includes features like filters, folders, and email forwarding to help users efficiently manage their inboxes.
• Zoho productivity suite integration: Users can seamlessly integrate Zoho Mail with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho Docs for document management and Zoho Calendar for scheduling and task management.
• Webmail access: The free plan offers webmail access, although external email client support (via IMAP/POP) requires an upgrade to a paid plan.

Hosting types

• Free plan
• Mail Lite
• Mail Premium
• Business Email Hosting

Customer support

The providers offer comprehensive customer support, with different levels of assistance depending on the plan. Free plan users have access to the extensive knowledge base and community forum, which offers guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips. Paid users, especially those on higher-tier plans, benefit from enhanced support, including email support and quicker response times. Zoho’s customer support is praised for being responsive and helpful, particularly for business users who need quick resolutions to issues.

Performance

With data centers in various locations worldwide, Zoho Mail ensures that email delivery is swift and that downtime is minimal. The company offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, which is crucial for businesses that rely on email for daily operations. Zoho Mail’s robust infrastructure and cloud-based architecture enable it to provide consistent performance across all user tiers, from free plan users to enterprise-level customers.

Why we chose it

We chose Zoho Mail as the best free email hosting option for its rare feature of custom domain support on the free plan, coupled with generous storage, an ad-free experience, and seamless integration with Zoho’s suite of applications. These advantages make it a top choice for small businesses, startups, and individuals for a professional online presence without significant costs.

Also, 10Web complements Zoho by guiding users through domain verification, DNS configuration (TXT and MX records), and setting up SPF/DKIM for email security. While 10Web doesn’t host emails directly, it simplifies the integration process, ensuring smooth email management using your custom domain.

Best for

Zoho Mail is best for small businesses, freelancers, and startups that need a professional email address with custom domain support but want to minimize costs. It is also an excellent option for users who are part of the Zoho ecosystem and can benefit from integrating Zoho Mail with other Zoho productivity and business tools as well as the users who have hosted their website on 10Web, which makes the domain verification and DNS configuration a matter of a click.

GoogieHost

Price: $0 per user per month with storage of 1000MB.

GoogieHost is a popular free email hosting provider that offers an excellent solution for small businesses, startups, and individuals with limited budgets. It combines free email hosting with free web hosting services, making it an ideal choice for those who need to establish a professional online presence without incurring significant costs. With a focus on providing accessible resources to startups and small businesses, GoogieHost is known for delivering quality services at no cost.

Features

• Free custom domain email: GoogieHost offers two free email addresses with your custom domain, giving your communications a professional appearance, along with free web hosting services.
• Unlimited storage: Unlike many free email hosting providers, GoogieHost offers unlimited storage for your email-related data, ensuring you never have to worry about running out of space.
• 99% uptime guarantee: GoogieHost guarantees 99% uptime, ensuring that your emails and attached documents are always accessible.
• Collaboration tools: GoogieHost provides a suite of productivity tools, including calendars, contact management, and document storage, helping businesses manage their workflow more effectively.
• Secure file sharing: GoogieHost enables secure file transfers with encrypted connections, allowing you to share files and folders of any size safely.

Hosting types

• Free email hosting
• Free web hosting
• Premium email hosting

Customer support

Customer support is provided through its website, offering a knowledge base and support tickets to help users resolve issues. While the level of support might not be as comprehensive as some paid services, GoogieHost aims to assist its users as efficiently as possible, given the free nature of its services. Users can access resources such as tutorials and FAQs to help them set up and manage their email and web hosting accounts. For premium users, GoogieHost offers more direct support, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed.

Performance

99% uptime for email hosting services is guaranteed by GoogieHost, which is impressive for a free provider. This ensures that users can rely on consistent access to their email accounts and attached documents. GoogieHost also prioritizes security, providing encrypted file-sharing options and strong password security features to protect user data. While the performance might not match that of premium hosting services, GoogieHost delivers a reliable experience for startups and small businesses that need a cost-effective solution.

Why we chose it

We chose GoogieHost for best free email hosting because it offers an exceptional balance of features and accessibility, making it a standout option for users with limited budgets. The combination of free custom domain email addresses, unlimited storage, and additional productivity tools provides significant value, especially for small businesses and startups. GoogieHost’s focus on delivering professional services at no cost makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a free email hosting solution.

Best for

GoogieHost is best for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and individuals who need a professional email hosting solution without the cost. It’s particularly well-suited for users who are just starting out and need to establish a professional online presence with custom domain email addresses. GoogieHost is also ideal for those who require unlimited storage for email data and want additional tools like calendars, contact management, and secure file sharing. GoogieHost is perfect for users looking for a scalable solution as their business grows.

Google Workspace and Gmail

Price: 14-day free trial. Plans start at $6 per user per month.

Gmail for business is a leading email hosting solution for businesses of all sizes. It leverages Google’s powerful infrastructure, offering reliable and secure email services with advanced collaboration tools. Gmail for business includes features such as custom email domains (e.g., @yourbusiness.com), integration with Google’s productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Meet), and enhanced security features like two-step verification. Google Workspace, which hosts Gmail for business, is regarded for its simplicity, ease of use, and the extensive range of features designed to improve productivity and collaboration across teams.

Features

• Custom email domains: With Gmail for business, companies can use their own domain for email addresses, which adds professionalism to communications (e.g., [email protected]).
• Ample storage: Business plans come with 30 GB to unlimited storage, depending on the plan, ensuring businesses can manage a large volume of emails and files without concerns about space.
• Google Workspace integration: Gmail seamlessly integrates with Google’s other services such as Google Drive, Docs, Calendar, and Meet, providing a unified productivity environment.
• Security and administration tools: Businesses can benefit from Google’s top-notch security, including advanced spam filtering, data loss prevention (DLP), and mobile device management. Administrators can control user access, enforce security policies, and monitor activities from a centralized dashboard.
• 24/7 support: Gmail for business provides round-the-clock support via chat, phone, or email to help resolve any issues quickly, minimizing downtime.

Hosting types

• Cloud-based email hosting

• Business starter hosting

• Business standard hosting

• Business plus hosting

• Enterprise hosting

Customer support

The email hosting by Gmail offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, including chat, email, and phone. This is a major advantage for businesses that require continuous operational uptime. The support team is well-trained to handle technical issues ranging from setting up accounts to troubleshooting security concerns. Additionally, Google provides extensive online resources, including a knowledge base, forums, and tutorials, to help users resolve issues on their own or learn more about the service.

Performance

This email hosting is known for its exceptional performance and reliability. Google guarantees a 99.9% uptime, which means minimal disruption to business operations. The email service is hosted on Google’s global infrastructure, which ensures fast email delivery, robust security, and redundancy to prevent data loss. Gmail’s spam and phishing filters are highly effective, reducing the risk of cyber threats. Businesses can rely on Gmail for consistent, high-performance email hosting with minimal downtime.

Why we chose it

Gmail for business hosting offers a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. Although it’s not free, its 14-day free trial gives businesses the opportunity to explore its features without immediate financial commitment. The combination of professional email hosting, cloud storage, and collaborative tools provides value, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to establish or upgrade their business email system.

The good news is if you host your website on 10Web you can easily set up G Suite (now Google Workspace) business email, including domain verification and configuring MX records. This process allows you to use your custom domain for Gmail and other Google services.

Best for

Gmail hosting is best for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and freelancers who need a reliable, secure, and scalable email hosting solution. It is ideal for companies that are already using or plan to use Google’s productivity tools, as the integration creates a seamless workflow. It is also great for the businesses that have hosted their website on 10Web – verify your domain, configure Gmail MX records for email routing, and manage your team’s accounts all through 10Web’s dashboard and G Suite admin panel.

Microsoft 365 and Outlook

Price: 1-month free trial. Plans start at $5 per user per month with 50GB of storage.

Outlook for Business offers a powerful platform for professional communication, blending email management with task management, calendar features, and contact organization. Outlook for Business is specifically designed to meet the needs of companies, providing advanced features and security measures that help streamline business operations. Its deep integration with other Microsoft tools like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive makes it a powerful tool for collaboration and productivity.

Features

• Professional email address: Businesses can create custom domain email addresses (e.g., [email protected]), making their communications more professional.
• Large mailbox storage: Depending on the Microsoft 365 plan, users get anywhere from 50GB to 1TB of email storage, ensuring they have ample space for all their emails.
• Advanced security features: Outlook offers enterprise-grade security, including encryption, data loss prevention, and anti-malware protection, which is crucial for safeguarding business communications.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 apps: Seamlessly integrates with Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint, enhancing collaboration across different departments.
• Calendar and task management: Outlook allows users to schedule meetings, set reminders, and manage tasks, all within the same platform.
• Cross-device accessibility: Outlook for Business works on desktop, web, and mobile devices, ensuring that employees can access their email anytime, anywhere.

Hosting types

• Microsoft 365 business basic
• Microsoft 365 business standard
• Microsoft 365 business premium

Customer support

Microsoft offers 24/7 customer support for its Outlook for Business users, accessible through phone and web channels. The support team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive, assisting users with everything from basic setup to complex troubleshooting. Microsoft provides extensive online resources, including tutorials, articles, and a community forum, to help users resolve issues independently. For more complex needs, enterprise customers can access dedicated account management and premium support services.

Performance

Outlook for Business is known for its reliability, with Microsoft offering a 99.9% uptime guarantee. The platform benefits from Microsoft’s global network of data centers, ensuring fast email delivery and consistent performance. This is critical for businesses that rely on email as a primary communication tool, as downtime or slow performance can significantly impact operations. With robust infrastructure and regular updates, Outlook for Business consistently delivers high performance and dependable service.

Why we chose it

Outlook for Business was chosen as a top email hosting solution because of its strong balance of features, security, and integration within the Microsoft 365 environment. While not free, its inclusion in Microsoft 365 plans means that businesses can leverage a host of other productivity tools alongside their email service. For companies that need professional, secure email hosting with powerful organizational tools, Outlook for Business is an ideal solution. Its scalability and robust infrastructure make it a great fit for businesses of all sizes.

Best for

Outlook for Business is best suited for companies that are already using or planning to use Microsoft 365 for their office productivity tools. It is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize security, reliability, and integration with other Microsoft applications. Larger organizations and enterprises that need advanced features like data loss prevention and mobile device management will find Outlook for Business particularly beneficial. Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a unified communication and productivity platform will also benefit from its offerings.

IONOS

Price: $1 per month per user with 2GB of storage.

IONOS is a well-known provider offering a cost-effective solution for individual email hosting. It stands out by combining affordable plans with essential features, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses looking for a cheap way to manage their emails. IONOS provides free domains with their email hosting plans, along with essential email functionalities such as webmail access, spam filtering, and email synchronization across devices.

Features

• Free domain: IONOS includes a free domain with its email hosting plans, which is a significant value-add for individuals or businesses that don’t yet own a domain.
• Affordable pricing: The Mail Basic 1 plan costs only $1 per month and provides 2 GB of storage. This low-cost plan is perfect for individuals with minimal storage needs who want professional email hosting.
• Webmail access and email synchronization: IONOS offers a user-friendly webmail interface and supports synchronization across devices via IMAP, POP3, and SMTP protocols. This ensures seamless access to your emails on different platforms.
• No ads: Unlike many free email services, IONOS’s paid plans do not include ads, allowing for a clean and professional email experience.
• Spam filter and security: IONOS includes advanced spam filters and basic antivirus protection with their email hosting, ensuring that your inbox remains secure.

Hosting types

• Email hosting

• Mail Basic 1

• Mail Basic 1+

• Mail Business

Customer support

As an email hosting, IONOS provides dedicated customer support through phone, chat, and email. One standout feature is the assignment of a personal consultant to each customer, ensuring that any technical issues or questions are resolved efficiently. This personalized support is especially helpful during setup and migration from other email providers. Additionally, IONOS offers an easy email migration tool that simplifies the process of transferring your existing emails and folders to their platform.

Performance

The servers of IONOS are hosted in ISO-certified data centers, which ensures compliance with stringent data privacy regulations and guarantees the security of your emails. With SSL/TLS encryption protecting all communications, IONOS ensures a high level of data security. Although IONOS doesn’t explicitly advertise uptime guarantees like some competitors, its robust infrastructure generally supports a reliable email experience.

Why we chose it

We chose IONOS for best free email hosting because of its unbeatable value proposition. Even though it’s not entirely free, the cost is minimal at $1 per month, and the inclusion of a free domain significantly reduces the overall cost of setting up a professional email account. This combination makes IONOS an exceptional alternative to truly free options, offering better features and no ads, while remaining highly affordable.

Best for

Individuals, freelancers, and small businesses with minimal storage needs will benefit from the IONOS email hosting. It’s an excellent option for those who are just starting out and need an email address tied to their domain without the high costs typically associated with email hosting. Additionally, teams with modest storage needs can benefit from IONOS’s Mail Business or Mail Basic 25 plans, which offer affordable per-user pricing.

Purelymail

Price: $0.83 per month for unlimited users with unlimited storage.

As a budget-friendly email hosting provider, Purelymail is known for its straightforward and affordable pricing. Its goal is to provide “pure” email hosting services without the extras that drive up costs, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize low-cost email hosting. Purelymail is highly flexible, offering unlimited users and storage without the traditional caps found in other plans. Despite its simplicity, Purelymail includes essential features such as security, encryption, and compatibility with most email clients.

Features

• Unlimited users and storage: Purelymail does not impose arbitrary limits on the number of users or storage. This means businesses can add users and store as much email as they need without worrying about hitting caps.
• Low-cost annual pricing: The basic plan costs $10 per year, which breaks down to approximately $0.83 per month. This is one of the cheapest options available for email hosting, especially for organizations that need flexibility.
• Security features: Purelymail includes two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security, as well as encryption for all emails at rest, ensuring data protection.
• Email client compatibility: Purelymail supports IMAP and POP3, allowing users to connect to their preferred email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail. A webmail option is also available for those who prefer to access their email through a browser.
• Spam filtering: Purelymail uses SpamAssassin for spam filtering, helping to keep inboxes clean and secure.

Hosting types

• Cloud-based email hosting

• Custom domain hosting

• Support through IMAP and POP3

Customer support

While Purelymail does not offer 24/7 support, they aim to respond to inquiries within a day. Given that Purelymail is a lean operation, users should not expect round-the-clock service, but the team does strive to address issues promptly. Support is primarily provided via email, and the company is transparent about being in beta, which may result in occasional service hiccups.

Performance

Hosted on the reliable AWS cloud infrastructure, ensures Purelymail’s strong performance and uptime. While the service is in beta, it has proven to be robust so far, with minimal outages reported. Purelymail’s reliance on established email protocols means that even in the event of an outage, the email system is forgiving, and most emails will still be delivered once the service is restored. The use of encryption and 2FA enhances security, making it a reliable choice for basic email hosting needs.

Why we chose it

Purelymail was chosen as the best free email hosting due to its unmatched flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Even though it isn’t entirely free, the extremely low cost ($0.83 per month) paired with the freedom to add unlimited users and storage makes it a more scalable and hassle-free option compared to many other free email hosting providers. Purelymail’s commitment to privacy and security without upselling unnecessary services makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking for no-nonsense email hosting.

Best for

Purelymail is best for small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and individuals who need an affordable and flexible email hosting solution. It is particularly suitable for those who expect fluctuations in their user base or storage needs and don’t want to worry about hitting plan limits. Purelymail is also a good choice for privacy-conscious users who prefer a service that doesn’t sell their data or include ads in their email experience. Given its low price and scalability, it’s an excellent option for those who want simple email hosting without the extras.

Namecheap

Price: $0.99 per month per user with 5GB of storage.

Widely recognized for its affordable domain registration, Namecheap also offers low-cost email hosting services. Namecheap’s email hosting plans are competitively priced, starting at just $0.99 per month for the first year. The service is ideal for businesses that require scalability, as additional mailboxes can be added at minimal cost. Beyond basic email hosting, Namecheap also provides features such as spam protection, two-factor authentication (2FA), and webmail access, making it a well-rounded solution for both individuals and growing businesses.

Features

• Low-cost plans: The Starter plan costs $0.99 per month (billed annually) for the first year and renews at $1.24 per month. This plan includes one mailbox with 5 GB of storage, making it one of the most cost-effective options available.
• Scalability: Additional mailboxes can be added for $0.74 per month, each with another 5 GB of storage, allowing businesses to easily scale their email hosting as they grow.
• Spam protection: Built-in spam filters ensure that unwanted emails are kept out of your inbox, enhancing security and productivity.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging into email accounts.
• Webmail and email client support: Namecheap offers webmail access for convenient browser-based email management, along with IMAP and POP3 support for connecting to external email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird.
• Customization options: Users can personalize their email experience with mild customization options, such as changing colors, adding logos, and embedding handwritten signatures.

Hosting types

• Email hosting

• Reseller hosting

• Shared hosting

• VPS hosting

Customer support

As a reliable customer support, Namecheap offers live chat and ticketing system support available 24/7. Users can also access a comprehensive knowledge base that includes tutorials, FAQs, and guides to help with common issues and setup processes. Namecheap’s support team is responsive and well-regarded for assisting customers with both technical problems and general questions related to their services.

Performance

Along with reliable email hosting services, Namecheap offers solid performance metrics. While specific uptime guarantees aren’t advertised, Namecheap’s email hosting is known to be stable and secure. The inclusion of spam protection, 2FA, and encryption ensures that email accounts remain protected from threats. Namecheap’s infrastructure supports fast and efficient email delivery, making it a dependable option for businesses that rely on email for daily operations.

Why we chose it

Namecheap was included in this list because it offers affordable plans with important features like spam protection, two-factor authentication, and scalability. Although it’s not entirely free, the low entry cost and flexibility make it a highly attractive alternative to other free hosting options. Namecheap’s combination of affordability, ease of use, and solid support make it a strong contender in the email hosting space.

Best for

Namecheap is best for small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and startups that need a low-cost, scalable email hosting solution. It is especially suitable for businesses that anticipate rapid growth, as Namecheap’s affordable pricing allows for easy expansion by adding more mailboxes. It’s also a great choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one provider that offers domain registration, web hosting, and email hosting in one place, making it convenient for future web development needs.

Hostinger

Price: $1.59 per month per user with 10GB of storage.

Widely recognized for its affordable web hosting services, Hostinger also provides cost-effective email hosting plans for individuals and businesses alike. Hostinger offers a simple and streamlined email hosting service with only two plans to choose from, making it easy for users to pick the right solution based on their needs. The entry-level plan starts at just $1.59 per month, providing a mailbox with 10GB of storage and 50 email aliases. Hostinger’s email hosting service is ideal for those who need a reliable email platform, but may also require additional web hosting or domain services in the future.

Features

• Affordable pricing: The Business Starter plan is priced at $1.59 per month (billed annually), offering 10 GB of storage and support for one mailbox, making it a competitive option in the email hosting space.
• Generous email aliases: Hostinger allows up to 50 email aliases on the Business Starter plan, giving users flexibility in managing multiple email addresses without needing additional mailboxes.
• Advanced security: Hostinger includes protection against spam, malware, and phishing attacks, ensuring that your inbox remains secure from various cyber threats.
• Webmail and external email client support: Hostinger provides webmail access, along with IMAP, POP3, and SMTP support, allowing users to connect to external email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail.
• Mobile device synchronization: Hostinger’s email hosting supports synchronization with iOS and Android devices, making it easy to manage emails on the go.
• Email forwarding and auto-replies: Users can set up to 10 email forwarding rules and configure auto-replies, which are helpful for managing email communications efficiently.

Hosting types

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

Customer support

Hostinger offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and a ticketing system, ensuring that help is available whenever it’s needed. Hostinger also provides a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials, guides, and FAQs to assist users with common issues and setup processes. Their support team is well-regarded for its responsiveness and effectiveness in resolving technical problems, making it a reliable choice for users who may require assistance with their email hosting service.

Performance

Known for delivering reliable performance and uptime Hostinger is a dependable choice for email hosting. While specific uptime guarantees for email hosting aren’t advertised, Hostinger’s overall web hosting services come with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, which indicates a high level of reliability. Their email hosting service benefits from advanced security measures, including protection against spam, malware, and phishing, ensuring that users’ inboxes remain secure and operational.

Why we chose it

We chose Hostinger for best free email hosting because of its affordable entry-level pricing that competes closely with free email hosting providers, while offering more features and better security. Hostinger’s combination of email hosting, web hosting, and domain registration services makes it a convenient one-stop shop for individuals and businesses who may need additional tools beyond email. The balance of cost, storage, and security features makes it a strong alternative for those looking to save money without compromising on functionality.

Best for

As an email hosting provider, Hostinger is best for individuals, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses that need an affordable, reliable email hosting solution. It’s especially well-suited for users who anticipate needing additional web services in the future, as Hostinger provides a full suite of web hosting, domain registration, and email hosting options. The ability to scale up with higher-tier plans and add more storage or features makes it an ideal choice for businesses that expect growth.

Neo

Price: 15-day free trial. Plans start at $1.25 per user per month with 30GB of storage.

Neo is a professional email hosting service designed specifically for solopreneurs, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. It focuses on delivering an efficient and user-friendly email experience, offering features for boosting productivity and enhancing personal branding. Neo stands out by including a free domain and a one-page site to help users create a cohesive online presence. Neo combines simplicity with advanced features, allowing users to manage their email effectively while maintaining a polished brand image.

Features

• Free domain and one-page site: Neo includes a free domain with its email hosting plans, as well as a one-page site, helping users enhance their branding with a professional online presence.
• User-friendly interface: Neo’s email platform is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for users who need a straightforward, professional email service without a steep learning curve.
• Productivity tools: Neo offers features like Read Receipts, Follow-up Reminders, and a Priority Inbox, for users to stay on top of their communications and manage their workflow efficiently.
• Mobile and web access: Neo provides both mobile and web access, ensuring users can stay connected and manage their email from any device.
• Customization: Users can create a professional email address that matches their brand, adding credibility and consistency to their communications.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Domain hosting
• One-page website hosting

Customer support

The customer support that Neo offers helps users navigate their email hosting service and troubleshoot any issues. The support is typically accessible through various channels, including email and chat, ensuring that users can get assistance when needed. Neo also provides resources such as FAQs and guides to help users maximize the platform’s features. While specific details about support availability (e.g., 24/7 service) may vary, Neo emphasizes a user-friendly experience and aims to offer responsive and helpful support to its customers.

Performance

Designed to deliver reliable performance, Neo ensures users can depend on their email hosting service for smooth communication. The platform is built to handle the email needs of solopreneurs and small businesses efficiently. Neo offers features like Read Receipts and Follow-up Reminders to streamline email management, which indicates that performance and responsiveness are central to its service. While specific uptime guarantees may not be explicitly mentioned, Neo’s focus on providing a professional and efficient email service suggests that reliability is a priority.

Why we chose it

We chose Neo because it goes beyond simply offering email service. Neo inlcudes a free domain and one-page website, essential for solopreneurs and small business owners looking to enhance their online presence. The combination of professional email hosting, branding tools, and productivity features makes Neo a comprehensive solution that rivals other free options on the market. After the 15-day free trial, Neo’s pricing is as low as $1.25 per user per month, making it an affordable choice.

Best for

Solopreneurs, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners alike will benefit from using Neo as their email hosting provider. It’s for those who need an affordable, professional email hosting service with added branding tools. It’s particularly ideal for individuals who are looking to establish a strong online presence without having to manage multiple services for domains, websites, and email.

Bluehost

Price: 14-day free trial. Plans start at $7.80 per user per month with 30GB of storage.

Primarily known for its reliable web hosting services, Bluehost also provides professional email hosting solutions as part of its hosting plans. Bluehost’s email hosting is designed for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need an easy-to-use, dependable email service that integrates seamlessly with their website hosting. Bluehost’s email hosting is included in many of its web hosting packages, offering a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to manage both their website and email services in one place.

Features

• Integrated email hosting: Bluehost includes email hosting as part of its web hosting packages, making it easy to manage both your website and email from a single platform.
• Generous storage: Bluehost provides ample storage space for email accounts, allowing businesses to manage large volumes of email without worrying about running out of space.
• Spam protection and security: Built-in spam filters, malware protection, and secure login protocols ensure that your email communications remain safe and free from unwanted threats.
• Webmail and email client compatibility: Bluehost supports access through webmail as well as popular email clients like Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird via IMAP, POP3, and SMTP protocols.
• Mobile access and synchronization: Users can synchronize their email accounts with iOS and Android devices, ensuring they can manage their email on the go.
• Scalability: Bluehost’s email hosting scales with your business, allowing you to add more accounts or upgrade storage as needed.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Shared hosting
• VPS hosting
• Dedicated server hosting
• WordPress and WooCommerce hosting

Customer support

Bluehost offers 24/7 customer support through phone, live chat, and a ticketing system. Their support team is knowledgeable and responsive, helping with everything from email setup to troubleshooting technical issues. Bluehost also provides a comprehensive knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and guides to assist users in resolving common problems on their own.

Performance

Reliable performance and uptime are what Bluehost is known for. The company guarantees 99.9% uptime, ensuring that your email service remains available. Bluehost’s email hosting benefits from robust security measures, including spam filters, encryption, and protection against malware and phishing attacks. With a strong infrastructure and regular backups, Bluehost ensures that your email accounts are not only secure but also accessible at all times, making it a dependable choice for business communications.

Why we chose it

We chose Bluehost because of its competitive pricing, robust feature set, and the fact that email hosting is included in most web hosting packages. For businesses that need both a website and email hosting solution, Bluehost offers an excellent value proposition by combining the two services at an affordable price. With strong security measures, scalability, and responsive customer support, Bluehost provides a comprehensive hosting solution that outperforms many free alternatives, especially for businesses seeking professional-grade tools.

Best for

Small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who are looking for a reliable and affordable email hosting solution integrated with their web hosting will benefit from Bluehost email hosting. It’s particularly well-suited for users who want to manage their website and email from a single platform, simplifying their digital operations. Bluehost’s scalability also makes it a great choice for growing businesses that may need to add more email accounts or upgrade their hosting plans over time.

Fastmail

Price: 30-day free trial. Plans range from $3 to $9 per user per month from 2GB to 100GB of storage.

As a privacy-focused email hosting provider Fastmail has made a name for itself as a reliable and secure service. It offers ad-free email hosting with powerful features designed for individuals, professionals, and businesses. Fastmail provides a user-friendly interface, custom domain options, integrated calendars, and robust spam protection. With its clean design and focus on delivering a distraction-free experience, Fastmail stands out as a dependable email hosting solution that goes beyond just basic email.

Features

• Ad-free experience: Fastmail guarantees an ad-free inbox, ensuring a clean, distraction-free environment that respects user privacy.
• Custom domains: Users can create professional email addresses using their custom domains, ideal for branding and business communications.
• Calendar and contacts integration: Fastmail is more than just an email service—it includes integrated calendars and contacts to streamline scheduling and communication.
• Spam protection: Advanced spam filtering and security protocols help keep unwanted emails out of your inbox, allowing for a more focused email experience.
• Cross-platform accessibility: Fastmail offers apps for iOS and Android, as well as compatibility with webmail and desktop clients, ensuring seamless access across all devices.

Hosting types

• Personal email hosting
• Business email hosting
• Custom domain email hosting

Customer support

While Fastmail doesn’t provide 24/7 live chat or phone support, its email-based support system is highly regarded for its reliability and prompt responses. Users can reach out to the support team through email and receive quick and practical solutions to their issues. Fastmail also offers a detailed knowledge base and support documentation to help users set up and manage their email accounts on various platforms.

Performance

To ensure that users can consistently access their email accounts, Fastmail offers reliable performance with minimal downtime. The service is built to deliver fast and efficient email operations across all devices, with a focus on security and privacy. Fastmail’s infrastructure is designed to handle large volumes of email without compromising speed or reliability. The service also includes regular backups and advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption, to ensure the safety and accessibility of user data.

Why we chose it

Fastmail was included in this list because, although it is not entirely free, it provides an enhanced email experience that justifies its cost. Fastmail offers a level of security, privacy, and functionality that surpasses many free email hosting services. For users who are willing to invest in a premium email service, Fastmail’s features, such as custom domains, spam protection, and an ad-free interface, make it a compelling alternative to free platforms. Its focus on privacy and reliability sets it apart from many competitors in the market.

Best for

Individuals, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses alike can benefit from using Fastmail. It’s particularly well-suited for users who want custom domain email addresses and integrated productivity tools, such as calendars and contacts, without sacrificing simplicity and ease of use. Fastmail is ideal for professionals and businesses looking for a reliable email platform that respects their privacy and offers a clean, distraction-free experience.

IceWrap

Price: 14-day free trial. Plans start at $3.50 per user per month with storage dependent on the plan.

As a powerful and versatile email hosting solution, IceWarp has evolved into a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform. Originally known for its basic email client, IceWarp now offers a wide range of tools designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. IceWarp’s webmail client is at the core of its service, seamlessly integrating email with collaboration tools like shared calendars, team chat, and resource management. Its user-friendly interface and modular design allow businesses to customize their experience, ensuring that they only use the features they need.

Features

• User-friendly interface: IceWarp offers a cohesive and intuitive interface that integrates various communication tools like email, calendars, and chat into one platform, making it easy for users to transition between tasks.
• Comprehensive collaboration suite: The platform includes email integration with shared calendars, task management, and a global address book, which helps teams collaborate more effectively.
• TeamChat: This feature enables real-time, project-based collaboration by combining the best of email and chat communication. Users can share files, tag colleagues, and work together in dedicated, secure spaces.
• Resource management: IceWarp allows businesses to manage shared resources, such as meeting rooms or company vehicles, optimizing resource usage.
• Scalability and modularity: IceWarp’s modular design lets businesses pick and choose the features they need, allowing them to scale the platform as their operations grow.
• Security and reliability: IceWarp prioritizes security with encryption, spam protection, and compliance with industry standards, ensuring that communications remain safe and reliable.

Hosting types

• Email hosting
• Collaboration hosting
• Resource management hosting
• Enterprise hosting

Customer support

The comprehensive customer support offered by IceWarp is tailored to meet the needs of businesses. Support is available through multiple channels, including email, phone, and live chat. IceWarp also offers detailed documentation, FAQs, and guides that assist users in setting up and managing their email hosting and collaboration tools. For enterprise customers, IceWarp provides more personalized support and account management services, ensuring that large-scale deployments run smoothly.

Performance

Designed to deliver high performance and reliability, IceWarp’s infrastructure is built to support large-scale communications and collaborations without compromising on speed or security. The platform ensures consistent uptime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that rely on email and collaboration tools for daily operations. IceWarp’s security features, such as encryption and advanced spam filtering, further enhance its performance by ensuring that users’ communications are protected and accessible at all times.

Why we chose it

We included IceWarp in this list because of its versatility and ability to go beyond simple email hosting. IceWarp provides businesses with a complete platform for managing communication, collaboration, and resource management, all within a user-friendly interface. Its scalability, robust security features, and commitment to integrating essential business tools make it a standout choice for businesses that require more than just basic email hosting.

Best for

Businesses of all sizes that need a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform will benefit from IceWrap’s email hosting. It’s particularly well-suited for enterprises and growing businesses that require more than just email hosting, including integrated tools for team collaboration, task management, and resource scheduling. IceWarp’s modular approach allows smaller businesses to start with core features and expand as their needs evolve, making it an ideal choice for companies looking for a flexible and scalable solution that can adapt to their operational demands.

GoDaddy

Price: 30-day free trial. Plans start at $1.99 per user per month with storage dependent on the plan.

Offering a variety of services to help businesses establish and maintain an online presence, GoDaddy is a prominent name in the domain and hosting industry. GoDaddy provides two main email hosting solutions: GoDaddy Workspace Email and Microsoft 365 via GoDaddy. These services cater to different needs, from freelancers and small businesses to larger enterprises. GoDaddy’s email hosting options are designed to integrate seamlessly with its domain and web hosting services, providing a centralized platform for managing all online business needs. GoDaddy’s email hosting ensures professional communication, brand consistency, and ease of use across various devices.

Features

• Workspace Email: GoDaddy’s in-house email service provides a straightforward solution for businesses needing custom domain-based email hosting. It offers essential features such as calendar integration, contacts, and task management.
• Microsoft 365 integration: For businesses looking for more advanced tools, GoDaddy integrates with Microsoft 365, providing access to Microsoft’s productivity suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Custom domains: Both email solutions support custom domain email addresses, allowing businesses to create professional email accounts that match their brand.
• Spam protection and security: GoDaddy offers robust spam filtering, data security, and synchronization across all devices to ensure secure and consistent access to emails.
• Mobile and desktop support: Both Workspace Email and Microsoft 365 are accessible via mobile devices, webmail, and desktop applications, ensuring users can manage their email from anywhere.

Hosting types

• Workspace Email hosting
• Microsoft 365 email hosting
• Shared hosting
• VPS hosting
• Dedicated server hosting
• WordPress hosting

Customer support

24/7 customer support is offered by GoDaddy through multiple channels, including phone, live chat, and a ticketing system. GoDaddy is well-regarded for its comprehensive and accessible support, which helps users with everything from setting up email accounts to troubleshooting technical issues. Additionally, GoDaddy provides a detailed knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and FAQs to assist users with common problems and guide them through various setup processes. For users who prefer self-help, GoDaddy’s resources are extensive and cover a wide range of topics.

Performance

GoDaddy ensures reliable performance and uptime across its hosting services, including email hosting. GoDaddy’s infrastructure is designed to support high traffic and large volumes of emails, making it a dependable choice for businesses that rely on email communication for daily operations. GoDaddy guarantees 99.9% uptime, ensuring minimal disruption to services. With built-in security features such as spam protection and data encryption, GoDaddy helps safeguard business communications while maintaining fast and efficient email delivery.

Why we chose it

We chose GoDaddy for this list because of its comprehensive service offerings and competitive pricing, which provide a similar experience to free email hosting but with added benefits such as custom domain support and advanced security. GoDaddy’s email hosting services are designed to integrate seamlessly with its other offerings, making it a convenient and powerful choice for businesses that need more than just basic email functionality. GoDaddy’s strong reputation, reliable performance, and excellent customer support make it a standout option for businesses looking for a professional email solution.

Best for

Individuals, freelancers, small to medium-sized businesses, and enterprises that need a reliable and professional email hosting solution will all benefit from GoDaddy’s email hosting solution. It’s particularly ideal for businesses that want to bundle their domain registration, web hosting, and email hosting services in one place. GoDaddy’s Workspace Email is perfect for those looking for a straightforward, cost-effective email solution, while its Microsoft 365 integration is ideal for businesses that need access to a full suite of productivity tools.

Conclusion

Hosting your emails on a reliable hosting service can be a game-changer, whether you’re an individual, freelancer, or small business looking to establish a professional online presence. The best providers offer a balance of essential features, such as custom domains, security, and scalability, without compromising on usability or cost-effectiveness.

From secure options like ProtonMail to the versatility of Zoho Mail, and even the feature-packed Google Workspace trial, there’s a solution for every need. It’s important to consider your specific requirements, such as privacy, storage, and integration with other tools, as you evaluate the best free email hosting option for you.