With over 4 billion email users worldwide, you need a top hosting service that streamlines your inbox, boosts productivity, and ensures your messages reach their intended recipients. Under my guidance as a web development, eCommerce, and SEO expert, our team evaluated the 10 best email hosting platforms.
We assessed critical factors like storage capacity, security features, user-friendliness, and value for money. Whether you're a small business owner or an individual, our guide will help you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and priorities. Explore our top picks below.
» Check out our 10 best web hosting platforms for small businesses.
Our 10 Best Email Hosting Services in 2024:
- Bluehost - Best email hosting service overall
- IONOS - Best for budget-conscious users
- DreamHost - Best for 97-day money-back guarantee
- A2 Hosting - Best for speedy uptime
- HostPapa - Best for small businesses
- Hostinger - Best for long-term savings
- domain.com - Best for all-in-one domain solutions
- Google Workspace - Best for collaboration and productivity tools
- Zoho Mail - Best for free email hosting plan
- FastMail - Best for user privacy and data protection
How We Reviewed the Best Email Hosting Services
Our team of email experts evaluated various providers through hands-on testing and extensive research. We gathered feedback from real users, examined technical benchmarks and performance metrics and analyzed customer reviews using the following evaluation criteria:
Evaluation Criteria
- Email Storage and Capacity: We assessed each service's storage capacity, considering the initial allocation and the potential for future growth to accommodate increasing email volumes.
- Security Features: Email security is paramount, so we evaluated security measures such as encryption, spam filtering, virus protection, and two-factor authentication options.
- User Experience and Interface: We examined each platform's user-friendliness, considering factors such as intuitive design, ease of setup, and the availability of mobile apps and integrations.
- Email Management Tools: We evaluated the range of email management tools offered, including features like email organization, search functionality, email forwarding, and collaboration capabilities.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial, so we assessed the availability and responsiveness of support channels and the quality of documentation and self-help resources.
- Pricing and Value: We compared pricing plans, including paid and free options, to determine each service's value proposition and cost-effectiveness.
- Scalability and Growth Potential: We considered each platform's scalability, ensuring it can accommodate the growth and evolving needs of businesses or individual users over time.
- User Reviews and Feedback: We analyzed customer feedback and reviews from reliable sites like Trustpilot and BBB to gauge overall satisfaction and common issues other users face.
A Closer Look at Our Best Email Hosting Services in 2024 - Our Quick Reviews:
1. Bluehost
Uses robust security measures to protect your data and communications
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- Best for - Integrations with custom domains
- Pricing - From $14.99/year
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
Bluehost provides domain-specific email addresses that instill credibility and trust in your brand. It offers 25GB of storage space and lets you create up to 25 email aliases per account. Its extensive security measures, like spam filters, redundant storage, and optional SiteLock protection, provide several ways to protect your website from hackers and online threats.
Bluehost also excels as one of our best WordPress hosting providers. Its AI WonderSuite tools allow you to host and launch a stylish website in minutes. Overall, it's an ideal all-in-one solution if you're looking for reliable email hosting and a platform to help you grow your eCommerce business.
Why we chose Bluehost: It's an excellent choice for beginners looking for email hosting due to its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with WordPress.
Bluehost also offers a free domain for the first year, making it an attractive and cost-effective option for individuals and small businesses.
Our experience: We were impressed with Bluehost's value-packed email hosting plans, which are perfect for small businesses and startups like ours. The shared calendars, tasks, and unlimited mail filters made team collaboration a breeze.
What really sets Bluehost apart is its excellent customer support, which truly outshines other providers.
Pros
- 24/7 chat support
- Beginner-friendly setup
- Strong security features
Cons
- No built-in email backup solution
- Only offers yearly pricing for email services
2. IONOS
Offers personalized addresses and easy migration 
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- Best for - Budget-friendly email hosting
- Pricing - From $1/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
IONOS delivers a robust email hosting service with three distinct plans tailored to various needs. Its entry-level option provides an ad-free email experience with webmail access, spam protection, and 24/7 expert support.
Its highest tier, the Mail Business plan, empowers teams with collaborative tools, real-time mobile synchronization, and 50GB storage.
Why we chose IONOS: IONOS's Microsoft Hosted Exchange package distinguishes itself by providing a centrally managed and scalable email solution.
The company also adheres to GDPR compliance and offers an intuitive control panel for efficient account management.
Our experience: After ordering a new WordPress and domain name contract, it didn't appear in our dashboard within the expected 24 hours.
We contacted IONOS, and the customer rep quickly resolved the issue within minutes. He also inquired about our future plans and offered assistance as our website grows.
Pros
- Personal consultant service
- Extensive knowledge base and user tools
- Robust spam and virus filtering
Cons
- Limited webmail corporate branding options
- Frequent upselling
3. DreamHost
Industry-leading IMAP support keeps your emails synced between devices
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- Best for - Built-in ad-free webmail
- Pricing - From $1.67/month
- Money-back guarantee - 97 days for shared hosting plans
- Uptime - 100%
DreamHost provides a solid email hosting service with 25GB storage and free inbound spam filtering that automatically adapts to emerging threats. This keeps your inbox safe from spam, viruses, and phishing attacks.
The setup is straightforward and integrates well with popular email clients like Outlook and Mac Mail. All DreamHost web hosting plans except Remixer Standard and Shared Starter include email hosting.
Why we chose DreamHost: With the Shared Unlimited plan, you can create as many email accounts as you want. It also provides ample storage, making it ideal for growing businesses.
Most plans include a free domain name, so you can create professional email addresses that match your website, enhancing your brand's credibility.
Plus, it demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by using power-efficient processors and partners with state-level "clean wind" programs.
Our experience: The customer service was outstanding when we had questions and issues with our email migration. They walked us through the solution step by step and even followed up to ensure everything worked properly. We could contact them 24/7 via chat and email.
Pros
- 4.7/5 star rating on Trustpilot
- Offers Pro Services like marketing, web design, and web development
- Comprehensive blog and knowledge base
Cons
- No phone support
- Accounts are disabled within 24 hours of expiration or cancellation
Read the full DreamHost review
4. A2 Hosting
Free SSL certificates, automatic server backups, and cPanel with all plans
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- Best for - Speed-focused businesses requiring maximum uptime
- Pricing - From $1.59/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
A2 Hosting offers a comprehensive email hosting solution that simplifies managing multiple accounts while supporting secure protocols like SSL, POP3, and IMAP. With a 99.9% uptime guarantee and advanced filtering functionality, it helps you stay organized and in control of your inbox.
The Pro Plus plan provides exclusive features such as HTML email creation, read receipts, and scheduled sending. You also get email templates, follow-up reminders, and alias identity sending for enhanced privacy.
Why we chose A2 Hosting: The software has customizable webmail and mobile apps, shareable contacts, and the ability to undo sent emails.
Plus, the generous 30GB inbox storage on the Email Pro plan and A2's 24/7 customer support ensure a hassle-free email hosting experience.
Our experience: We were impressed with A2 Hosting's secure and fast email hosting services.
The easy setup, spam protection, and advanced security protection stood out. The 24/7 support has been responsive and helpful.
Pros
- Webmail + native iOS and Android apps
- Anytime prorated refund for unused service between 30 and 90 days
- A+ rating on Best Business Bureau
Cons
- Various features and plans can be confusing
- Complaints about slow support ticket resolution times
Read the full A2 Hosting review
5. HostPapa
A straightforward email hosting provider with 102 servers located globally
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- Best for - Small and medium-sized businesses
- Pricing - From $1/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
HostPapa offers versatile email hosting plans for solopreneurs and startups. The Basic Email plan includes 1GB of email storage, while the Microsoft 365 package includes 50GB. If security is your top priority, HostPapa's Advanced Email offers anti-spam, malware, and antivirus protection.
It's an excellent choice for team members who are always on the go and need their email to stay in sync across multiple devices. Plus, you can attach files up to 35MB or opt for the file-sharing feature to send larger documents.
Why we chose HostPapa: HostPapa stands out for its exceptional customer support, which boasts an impressive 4.8/5 star rating on Trustpilot.
Users appreciate the knowledge and patience of HostPapa's tech staff and website editor.
As an added benefit, all of its web hosting plans include free email. The Premium and Elite options provide unlimited email addresses, making them attractive for businesses with growing communication needs.
Our experience: Our experience with HostPapa has been fantastic. Its email hosting services are perfectly tailored to the needs of small businesses like ours.
We particularly appreciate the seamless integration with Office 365 and cloud storage, which has streamlined our workflow and enhanced productivity.
Pros
- PapaCare support feature helps with email setup
- Free domain with one year of hosting
- Green-hosting practices
Cons
- Basic Email plan doesn't include SiteLock or automated backups
- Renewal prices for shared hosting plans are high
6. Hostinger
Provides ample storage to scale your business
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- Best for - Coupons and discounts
- Pricing - From $0.99/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
Hostinger's email hosting plans are perfect for businesses needing up to 50GB of storage and advanced security features. The user-friendly control panel and automated setup make email management a breeze.
The platform supports DKIM, DMARC, and SPF to prevent email abuse while also implementing strong spam and virus filters. Plus, it offers internal protection for emails sent within the same domain, ensuring your communications stay secure and reliable.
Why we chose Hostinger: Its intuitive control panel gives you all the tools you need, from device configuration to DNS settings.
With the Access and Action Logs in hPanel, you can monitor your email accounts for suspicious activities.
The webmail client also makes sending emails, organizing mailboxes, and adding new contacts easy.
Our experience: We've enjoyed years of reliable hosting without any downtime, coupled with great features at an affordable price.
What truly sets them apart is their customer support team. They're patient, understanding, and highly knowledgeable. We recommend Hostinger to anyone seeking a top-notch hosting provider.
Pros
- Affordable pricing starting at $0.99
- Catch-alls feature captures emails sent to misspelled email addresses
- Easy setup and management
Cons
- Limited resources with free business email
- Learning curve when upgrading plans
Read the full Hostinger review
7. Domain.com
Streamline your workflow with custom domains and Google tools
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- Best for - Google Workspace integration
- Pricing - From $6.00/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
Domain.com is an all-in-one domain solution with various tools and services to help you establish your online presence. In addition to domain registration, it has an AI website builder, web design, web hosting, and security products like SSL certificates and SiteLock.
Domain.com integrates with Google Workspace for email hosting, offering up to 30GB of storage in the Business Starter plan and a suite of Google tools. The seamless integration eliminates the need for confusing setups and platform switching.
Why we chose Domain.com: We opted for Domain.com's email hosting due to its seamless integration with familiar Google Workspace tools. This lets our team leverage features like collaborative editing and video conferencing directly within the email platform, boosting productivity and streamlining communication.
Our experience: We contacted Domain.com about a domain renewal we no longer needed. We initially interacted with a chatbot. However, as our request was more complex, we were promptly directed to a live customer support rep. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patiently answering all our questions and even guiding us to services beyond what Domain.com offers.
Pros
- Affordable Google Workspace integration
- Free SSL certificates for the first year
- Simple to use
Cons
- Some complaints about DNS issues
- No bundled packages available
Read the full Domain.com review
8. Google Workspace
Cloud-based email hosting with robust collaboration and productivity tools
- Best for - Third-party app integrations
- Money-back guarantee - No
- Uptime - 99.9%
- Pricing - From $5.40/month
When you choose Google Workspace for email hosting, you can access a comprehensive suite of integrated collaboration and productivity tools. The Business Standard plan offers 2TB of storage per user. It also includes custom domain support, meeting recording, and enhanced security with default encryption.
Google Workspace's user-friendly interface and familiar tools make adoption easy for your team. The centralized management console simplifies IT administration. Plus, 24/7 support and reliable infrastructure ensure your business runs smoothly.
Why we chose Google Workspace: Google Workspace offers a seamless email experience with its AI-powered assistant, Gemini. It streamlines email management with features like Smart Reply and Smart Compose. Gemini also helps sales teams focus on selling more by organizing prospects, generating proposals, and crafting effective outreach.
Google Workspace enables personalized marketing emails with mail merge and custom templates. Most importantly, its enterprise-grade security, privacy controls, and secure cloud infrastructure ensure your data remains protected and compliant.
Our experience: We switched to Google Workspace for email, and it transformed our workflow. Suddenly, everything felt connected. We could jump right from composing an email to a client to editing a shared document they needed, all within seconds. This saved our team a ton of time and supercharged collaboration.
Pros
- Browser-based apps with autosave and real-time collaboration
- Reduced spam with spam filter
- Free version available
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some traditional email hosting services
- Occasional compatibility issues with Microsoft Office formats
9. Zoho Mail
Easily mix and match Mail and Workplace plans to serve your needs
- Best for - Forever Free plan
- Pricing - From $1/month
- Money-back guarantee - 30 days
- Uptime - 99.9%
Zoho Mail is an affordable and feature-rich email hosting service, with plans starting at just $1. It offers SecurePass to protect your documents and provides digital signatures and encryption services for enhanced security. The Premium plan includes 50GB of storage space and allows you to attach files up to 1GB in size.
Why we chose Zoho Mail: Its Forever Free Plan is a stand-out option. It supports up to five users and provides 5GB storage and a 25MB attachment limit. It includes one domain's web access, mobile apps, and email hosting.
The workplace suite is excellent for those seeking more advanced features. It includes a file manager, word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Our experience: The customer service chat was incredibly helpful in guiding us through our migration from our previous email provider, which was a relief compared to the overcomplicated procedures we faced before.
We were also impressed with Zoho's user interface. It's much more intuitive and straightforward than what we were using.
Pros
- 15-day free trial of Mail Premium plan
- Training and certification programs to boost your product expertise
- Easy migration from other email providers
Cons
- Limited storage in the free version
- Some complaints about images not displaying correctly in email
10. FastMail
A privacy-first company that stands up for customer rights
- Best for - Multiple domains and aliases
- Pricing - From $5/month
- Money-back guarantee - No
- Uptime - 99.9%
FastMail is a privacy-focused email hosting service that prioritizes user security and data protection. It offers a clean, intuitive interface with powerful customization options. FastMail also provides robust spam filtering, calendar integration, and file storage capabilities. Plus, you can try it out commitment-free for 30 days.
Why we chose FastMail: The service supports custom domains and offers excellent uptime, ensuring reliable email delivery. While more expensive than some competitors, FastMail justifies its cost with top-notch customer support and a commitment to not scanning emails for advertising purposes.
Our experience: We were impressed with the service's simplicity and efficient email management features. Fastmail’s user-friendly interface and efficient support make it a great option for small teams needing multiple email addresses.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Supports up to 600 aliases and 100 domains
- Multiple labels per email
Cons
- No end-to-end encryption
- Doesn't include third-party app integrations in Basic plan
Compare the Best Email Hosting Services
What Are Email Hosting Services?
Email hosting services are online platforms that manage your email communications. They provide a secure and reliable way to send, receive, and store emails without the hassle of maintaining your own server.
These services are run by specialized companies that handle the technical aspects. With email hosting, you can access your messages from any device with an internet connection, making it convenient for personal and business use.
Why Should You Use an Email Hosting Service?
- Reliability: Professional email hosts utilize redundant servers and robust infrastructure to ensure high uptime. This means fewer outages and less risk of losing important emails.
- Custom domain: Using your business domain (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com) instead of a generic email address enhances credibility and brand recognition. It also allows consistency across all employee emails.
- Storage: Most hosting services offer generous storage quotas, often 50GB or more per user. This reduces the need for frequent email deletions and allows for easy archiving of important communications.
- Security: Advanced security features often include multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and AI-powered threat detection. These protect against phishing, malware, and data breaches more effectively than most free email services.
- Collaboration tools: Integrated features like shared calendars, task management, and real-time document collaboration enhance team productivity. Many services also offer video conferencing and instant messaging capabilities.
- Control: Administrators can set company-wide email policies, manage permissions, and remotely wipe data from lost devices. This level of control is essential for maintaining security and compliance in business environments.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily add new user accounts or upgrade storage plans without changing email addresses or migrating data. This flexibility supports business expansion without communication disruptions.
- Support: Unlike free email services, business email hosts typically offer 24/7 customer support via multiple channels (phone, email, chat). This can be crucial for quickly resolving issues that might otherwise impact business operations.
- Compliance: Some email hosts offer features specifically designed for industries with strict data regulations, such as healthcare (HIPAA) or finance. This includes data retention policies, audit trails, and encrypted storage.
- Backup and recovery: Regular automated backups and point-in-time recovery options protect against data loss due to accidental deletions or system failures. Some services even offer continuous data protection, allowing email recovery from any point in time.
Factors Influencing Email Hosting Costs
Storage Space
Storage space is a key factor in email service pricing. Providers offer various tiers based on capacity, from a few gigabytes to unlimited storage. Users who expect many emails or large attachments should choose a plan with more space.
However, remember that increased storage typically means higher costs. Consider your needs carefully to select the right balance between space and price.
Number of Email Accounts
The number of email accounts affects pricing. Some providers offer plans with set account limits, while others charge per account or provide unlimited options. Business plans typically include multiple accounts for team members and departments. Consider your needs carefully to ensure you get the right number of accounts without overpaying.
Advanced Features
Additional features like advanced spam filtering, virus protection, archiving, and collaboration tools can increase the overall cost of email hosting. Providers may bundle these features into higher-tier plans or offer them as add-ons.
Support and Service Level
The level of customer support and service can influence email hosting costs. Providers offering 24/7 support, priority support channels, or dedicated account managers typically charge more for these premium services. Basic support options, such as email or knowledge base access, are often included in lower-priced plans.
Commitment Duration
Many email hosting providers offer discounted rates for longer-term commitments, such as annual or multi-year subscriptions. Monthly or pay-as-you-go plans may be more expensive per month than annual or multi-year plans.
Business or Personal Use
Email hosting for business purposes generally costs more than personal or individual email hosting. Business plans often include additional features, larger storage capacities, and advanced security measures to cater to organizations' needs.
Essential Email Hosting Features
Generous Storage Space
Ample storage space is a must-have, especially if you frequently send and receive large attachments or need to archive emails for extended periods. Look for providers that offer generous storage quotas, often measured in gigabytes (GB) or even terabytes (TB). Some providers offer unlimited storage, which can be a great option for businesses with growing storage needs.
Robust Security Measures
Email security is paramount to protect your data and communications from unauthorized access, spam, and malware. Reputable email hosting providers should offer advanced security features like encryption, spam filtering, and virus scanning.
Look for providers that comply with industry-standard security protocols, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).
User-Friendly Webmail Interface
A user-friendly webmail interface can greatly enhance your email experience, making it easier to manage your inbox, compose messages, and access other features.
Look for providers offering intuitive and customizable webmail interfaces with features like message filtering, conversation threading, and calendar integration. Mobile-friendly options are also essential for accessing your emails on the go.
Robust Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools can significantly improve productivity and communication for businesses and teams. Look for email hosting providers that offer shared calendars, task management, and document sharing and editing capabilities.
Some providers also integrate with popular productivity suites like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, further enhancing collaboration capabilities.
Excellent Customer Support
Reliable customer support can be invaluable when encountering issues or having questions about your email hosting service. Evaluate providers based on their customer support channels (e.g., phone, email, chat) and the availability of knowledgeable support staff.
Look for providers that offer 24/7 support, especially if your business operates around the clock or across multiple time zones.
Make Your Email Host Count
Remember that the right email hosting solution can transform your business communications. Top providers like BlueHost, IONOS, and DreamHost each offer unique advantages. Consider how their features align with your storage, security, collaboration, and support needs.
By investing time in this decision, you're setting the stage for improved productivity and a stronger online presence. Choose wisely, and let your email service become a cornerstone of your business success.
» Need some guidance? find out how to choose a website host.
FAQs
What is the difference between free and paid email hosting services?
Free services like Gmail or Yahoo Mail offer basic features but have limited storage, customization, and advanced tools. Paid services provide custom email addresses using your domain, more storage, enhanced security, robust spam filtering, and collaboration tools. You'll also get better customer support and guarantees.
Can I use my existing domain name with an email hosting service?
Yes, most email hosts support custom domains. You can create professional addresses like yourname@yourdomain.com. The provider will help you configure your domain's DNS settings to work with its email servers.
How do I migrate my existing emails to a new email hosting service?
Most email hosts offer tools and guidance for migrating your existing emails and contacts. Common methods include importing from backups, using specialized migration tools, or forwarding from your old account. The process varies by provider, but support teams are typically available for a smooth transition.
What happens to my emails if I decide to switch to a different provider?
Most email hosts allow you to export your data when switching services. You can usually transfer emails and contacts through the webmail interface or by using backup files. However, export policies may vary, so check your current provider's terms and migration guidelines before switching to ensure a smooth transition.
