Best email hosting services 2025: The latest for startups and businesses

Email is one of our favorite communication methods, which means that reliable, trustworthy business email hosting is in demand more than ever. Free, basic email addresses are useful, but if you want a professional, custom email address or a higher level of control over business-related communication, you’ll want to sign up with a dedicated email hosting provider.

We’ve found the best email hosting services for professionals, small businesses, and large organizations. Whether or not you want a tailored email address, scalable infrastructure, or a security focus, our recommendations will fit the bill.

What is the best email hosting service right now?

My favorite email hosting provider is Google Workspace. If you want a familiar email hosting provider that offers ample storage with a direct and easy-to-understand pricing structure, tailored email addresses, and reliable infrastructure, this is the right host for you. Free email accounts are also available for individuals.

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Alternatively, if you are looking for an email hosting provider for a small to medium-sized business, consider Hostinger or Hosting.com. Hostinger is an affordable option that combines email and web hosting for $3 per month. The service’s business email starter packages cost only $0.59 per month, whereas Hosting.com has a range of plans to suit small businesses starting from only $2 per month.

ZDNET has tested many email hosting providers over the years, and we monitor email trends and predictions, pricing and deals, and market changes that could influence your decision on the right email hosting service. Below, I have compiled my 2025 recommendations for excellent email hosting providers specializing in email and office productivity and solid web hosts offering email packages with a personalized touch.

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Best email hosting services of 2025

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Google Workspace integrates an enterprise-level Gmail management interface with Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Calendar, and other tools. But thankfully, it’s not just for enterprises.

Why we like it: Given Google’s approach to security, tool suite, free service, and the fact that it is used by billions of people worldwide, it’s no surprise that many use this service as the backbone of their custom email addresses and inboxes.

Features available include custom email, pooled storage ranging from 30GB to 5TB, security options, and video meetings for between 100 and 500 participants.

The company is set to roll out new settings and automatic action options soon for Workspace users, giving you more control over your workflow.

In addition, all Workspace plans now include generative artificial intelligence features — without the need for bolt-on purchases, such as AI assistance and the Gemini chatbot. End-to-end encrypted email systems are also in beta.

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Pricing is far easier to understand with Workspace than with Microsoft Office 365, as Microsoft offers various licensing pricing structures. Google gives you three simple choices: $3.50 per month per user, $7 per month per user, or $14.67 per month per user on a yearly contract, depending on your desired management features.

The above pricing is based on Google’s current sale, in which you will receive 50% off for three months. After this period, plans will cost $7, $14, and $22 per seat per month. Enterprise clients can contact Google for tailored solutions.

Who it’s for: Everyone. Google’s email hosting service includes free options and plans for startups, small businesses, and the enterprise.

You can also test out the service for 14 days for free. Customers say Google Workspace is a reliable host, although some customer support issues should be ironed out.

Who should look elsewhere: If you prefer the Microsoft ecosystem or want to avoid Google and Microsoft altogether, consider another email host.

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Microsoft 365 encompasses all the Office desktop apps, Office online apps, Microsoft Teams, Exchange’s benefits, calendaring, mobile apps, and more.

Why we like it: Microsoft 365 is available in Basic, Standard, and Premium packages with prices starting at $6 per month per user. You can opt for features like business-class email, security packages, webinar and large meeting virtual solutions, IAM access control, and custom business email addresses.

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Customer feedback indicates that this option is great for businesses of all sizes, although some users would prefer more control over update cycles. In January, Microsoft announced that Copilot and Designer will be rolled out to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard is available for $12.50 per month per user, and this may be a better option if you want Loop collaborative workspaces. Microsoft 365 Business Premium, priced at $22 per month per user, includes enterprise-grade device protection and advanced identity and access management. You can purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365 as an add-on with any package.

Alternatively, you can purchase digital packages with 12-month subscriptions for individuals or families. Packages at Best Buy start at $100.

Who it’s for: If you are comfortable with the Outlook email client and Microsoft software, you should consider Microsoft 365 Business as a trusted, well-known solution for your email hosting.

Who should look elsewhere? If you’re outside the Microsoft ecosystem and would prefer other options, such as Gmail and Google Workspace, check out our other recommendations.

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I have reviewed Hostinger positively when evaluating website hosting providers. It’s an excellent option for individuals and businesses of all sizes that want to combine email and web services.

Why we like it: I signed up with Hostinger last year to operate a website and email, and so far, I have been impressed with the service. I’ve experienced one incident with downtime for maintenance, but aside from that, everything has functioned as expected. In regard to email, the inbox interface is clean and easy to understand.

Also: Hostinger web hosting review: Good support and a killer entry-level price

Android and iOS apps are also available as well as read receipts, aliases, email templates, calendars and contacts, forwarding rules, two-factor authentication, anti-spam measures, and more, depending on your plan.

Who it’s for: Individuals and businesses that want a combined web and email hosting solution. The company’s standard web hosting plan includes email accounts and mailboxes, whereas Hostinger’s dedicated hosting service uses the customer and business-centric Titan email hosting service.

Who should look elsewhere: A gripe I have with Hostinger is the steps you need to take to receive support. The live chat bot is irritating, and you need to press your case to receive human assistance. If you’re new to the web hosting and email game or you have complex email hosting needs, you might want to look elsewhere.

Hostinger’s Premium plans, which combine web and email hosting, begin at $3 per month per user, and Business plans start at $4 per month per user. Both plans include three months of free service.

If you opt for business email hosting alone, for a $0.59 per month per user starting subscription, you can enjoy up to 10GB of inbox storage, ten forwarding rules, and 50 email aliases. For $2.99 per month per user, you receive 50GB of storage and a free domain.

Also: Best free web hosting 2025

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Hosting.com, a rebrand from A2 Hosting, is our favorite small business option due to its user-friendly tools and flexible plans.

Why we like it: It offers multi-account access, 24/7 support, a variety of migration tools, anti-spam filters, administrator tools, useful email templates, and between 10GB and 30GB of storage per account.

As a bonus, this email hosting service is cheap. Plans start at only $2 per month per user for 5GB storage and one SSL certificate with a one-year contract. Premium options, from $4 per month, include features such as 10GB+ mailspace, audio and video chat, and file storage.

Who it’s for: Hosting.com is an excellent option for small businesses. This email hosting service could be your best bet for a new business venture and will serve you well until you need to scale up. Small business owners will also appreciate the mailbox migration on offer and 24/7 support.

Who should look elsewhere? Enterprise players should look elsewhere. While customers enjoy this host’s speed and reliability, although some express frustration at the level of emergency support offered, the plans are better suited to SMBs with a small number of seats.

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Great name aside, IceWarp is an excellent browser-based email hosting option that combines cloud and on-premise technologies.

Why we like it: Its offerings include shared contacts and calendars, collaborative document editing, mailing list management, web meetings, ChatGPT integration, audio and video calls, mobile apps, synchronization, and archiving. The dashboard also sports an attractive interface for accessing emails, calendars, meetings, and files.

The company also offers a “hybrid” service for Microsoft 365 users. IceWarp’s email service and collaborative tools run alongside M365, which IceWarp says “optimizes your email and collaboration server, allowing you to keep the same email name and email history” for a low price.

Who it’s for: Startups and small businesses. IceWarp offers various subscriptions — the basic plan for startups and small businesses, which we recommend, provides up to 10 accounts and is $23 per month, including 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. One month of free service is added to the length of the contract.

Business plans start at $3.50 per month per user, but you’ll need to agree to 10 user accounts at a minimum. This plan covers up to 500 users, with 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. There is an optional desktop app suite. Custom plans, starting at 500 user accounts, are also available.

Who should look elsewhere: Customers find this service reliable and easy to use, although some say migration can take a while. So, if you need urgent migration from another service, you might want to consider a different solution.

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Rackspace is one of the original cloud infrastructure providers. The company offers many infrastructure-as-a-service options, including complete Exchange hosting, Microsoft 365 management, and traditional email hosting suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses and beyond.

Why we like it: The company offers migration assistance from other hosts, a large team of MCSA-certified staff, and the ability to support existing Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. Free migration is provided on all plans.

Who it’s for: Small to large companies and enterprises. It’s best suited to organizations focusing on cloud services, exploring the possibilities of generative AI, or intend to keep upscaling.

Who should look elsewhere: Customer feedback indicates that Rackspace’s migration help and uptime are excellent, but customer support can be lackluster. If ongoing support is your top concern, consider another option.

Subscriptions start at $3 per month per user and increase to $4 per month per user for premium service. If you want unlimited archiving, prices begin at $7 per month per user. A trial is available, although you have to make up your mind within 14 days. Mailboxes are sized at 25GB each. Each user is also given 30GB of file storage with premium plans.

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Developed by the same organization behind Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, Proton Mail offers free, business, individual, and family plans with a security focus.

Why we like it: Proton Mail’s free plan provides users with one email address and 1GB of storage, and you don’t need to hand over any payment card details. The company behind this email solution is headquartered in Switzerland, adheres to the country’s strict data protection and privacy laws, and has a long-standing commitment to user privacy. Email is end-to-end encrypted.

According to Proton Mail’s product roadmap, improved calendar and subscription mailing list management features are on the horizon.

Who it’s for: Proton Mail should be considered if you want a security-first email hosting solution, a VPN, or a free email hosting plan.

Who should look elsewhere: Customers say they like the simple interface and security provisions but note that customer support needs improvement. Avoid this option if you think you may need rapid, ongoing customer support.

While we recommend Proton Mail as a free option, if you are happy to pay for a subscription, Mail Plus is $4 per month and comes with 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage, and a custom email domain.

Proton Mail’s business plans start at $7 per month per user and include features such as secure business email, custom email addresses, a calendar, access to a writing assistant, and cloud storage.

Proton Business Suite costs $13 per month and provides 1TB of storage per user, 15 custom email domains, access to Proton VPN, a password manager, and cloud storage. This is a rather good deal because Proton VPN alone usually costs $4.49 per month on a two-year plan.

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When you’re on the hunt for a new email hosting provider, you may end up paying only a few dollars per month unless you have a large team to support, all of whom may need a dedicated email address. To help you decide, I’ve highlighted each email hosting provider’s noteworthy features below.

Email hosting service	Starting price	Storage	Your domain
Google Workspace	$7/user/month ($3.50/month current sale)	30GB, 2TB, or 5TB	Yes
Microsoft 365 Business	$6/user/month	1TB+	Yes
Hostinger	$3/user/month (email alone: $0.59/month)	10GB+	Yes
Hosting.com	$1.99/user/month	5GB+	Yes
IceWarp	$3.50/user/month	200GB	Yes
Rackspace	$3/user/month	25GB+	Yes
Proton Mail	$4/user/month	1GB – 3TB	Yes

You don’t necessarily have to pay for email hosting. There are free options available from reputable companies, including Google and Microsoft, that tick many of the boxes for average users. Some of these free services can also get an extra storage boost for a small monthly fee.

Small and medium-sized businesses should consider email hosting services as an investment. They provide far more customization options than paid plans. This includes custom domains, collaboration and productivity tools, setup assistance, enhanced privacy and security measures, and flexible storage options.

There are countless email hosting providers, and we’ve done our best to highlight the top picks in the market. The best email hosting providers are listed below, depending on your need and use case.

Choose this email hosting service…	If you want…
Google Workspace	A comprehensive office suite and you prefer the Google ecosystem. Google is familiar and trusted as an email hosting service and offers straightforward pricing with different storage options. AI tools are a bonus, too.
Microsoft 365 Business	A comprehensive office suite and prefer the Microsoft ecosystem. If you want an email host focused on Outlook, stick with Microsoft. This option is helpful if you are expected or want to use Teams frequently.
Hostinger	Email hosting, and you’re also buying web hosting. As a combination, Hostinger is a solid choice to manage both, especially if you are working on a budget.
Hosting.com	An affordable email hosting plan over the long term. Hosting.com — previously A2 hosting — is popular in the market for its offerings to smaller businesses, and rightly so. There’s plenty of storage and there are options to scale.
IceWarp	Comprehensive email services, but prefer to avoid Microsoft and Google. This is an excellent option for startup companies that need up to 10 inboxes.
Rackspace	Microsoft features, but want to work with a non-Microsoft provider. Rackspace should be considered if you want assistance with migration.
Proton Mail	A security-first email solution, a free plan, or a VPN and email bundle. Proton Mail is an end-to-end encrypted service with extremely high security standards. Specialist security support is available.

Choosing the right email hosting provider can be tricky, especially as you will likely be tied to a contract for at least a year. When you are on the hunt for a new email hosting provider, consider the factors below.

Features: Different features can help you choose the right email hosting service. Software bundles, AI tools, custom domains, and billing options could sway your choice, so think about what features are the most important to you.
Affordability: Most email hosting providers require customers to sign up for at least a year or more. You must consider the rolling fees over time and match your budget with the right host. Keep in mind that promotional prices may not last.
Reliability: Ensure you pick an email hosting provider with minimal downtime. There’s no point in paying for an unreliable host that could impact your access to the services you signed up for.
Scalability: If you own a small or midsize business, you may need to expand your operation in the future. Consider choosing a provider that can quickly scale to match your evolving needs.
Security: As email services are often the gateway to our other online services, choosing an email provider with a strong security record is worthwhile. Unfortunately, even the largest and best companies may eventually experience a breach, but you want to at least find a company that constantly works to improve its security posture.
Contracts: Before you sign up, consider how long you will likely use the service. You may choose a month-to-month service or a rolling contract over years, and you may want flexibility in the contract’s terms. Read them carefully before you commit to a new email service.

Many of us at ZDNET have decades of experience with email hosting providers. In making recommendations, I have taken this experience and combine it with crucial factors, including:

Familiarity: I have included vendors that ZDNET authors are personally familiar with and feel comfortable recommending. After all, if we wouldn’t use the service, it’s probably not worth consideration.
Pricing: I have included a range of email hosting providers that offer services and price points suitable for different clients. There’s no point in paying for multiple inboxes or advanced features if you are unlikely to use them.
Email-only: Many email hosting providers now package their email solutions with other services. I want to outline a variety, including cheaper email-only options.
Reliability: I only pick vendors with a track record of high uptime and stable service. Reliability is crucial to managing workflows, and email communication is crucial for today’s businesses.
Backups: I like to see email hosting providers that provide a range of backup options, including scheduling.
Security: In today’s world, filled with data breaches and cyberattacks, security must be at the forefront of your online communication channels. We selected providers known for their robust security practices and frequent upgrades, improvements, and audits. Encryption options are a must.
Scalability: I like to see various email and hosting plans, including family and business options and contracts with different time frames. It’s important that customers have the option to scale over time.
New technologies: As AI chatbots have entered the scene, we wanted to include several options that offered AI bolt-ons and features.
Customer support: Signing up for a new email hosting service or switching providers can be stressful. I prefer to showcase companies that provide solid customer support over email, phone, and chat.

Over the years, I’ve helped several small businesses launch, from website designers to miniaturists and artist e-commerce shops. When you start a new venture, every cent counts, but I always advise that new business owners consider email a priority and as something worth investing in.

It’s one of the main ways your customers communicate with you, and a branded email address tends to instill more trust in you than a generic free one. Dedicated email addresses also add a layer of professionalism to a new brand, and for what might only be a few dollars a month, it’s worth it.

Latest information on email hosting services in 2025

Here are some of the headlines that recently grabbed our attention in the email and data protection space:

A new scam making the rounds is convincing — and worse, it impacts the popular Gmail service. Here’s what to look for.
A new Barracuda report suggests that one in five companies faces monthly email attacks.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has notified the U.S. Congress of a “major” cybersecurity breach impacting its email systems.
Sophos is currently tracking two cybercriminal groups, linked to Black Basta ransomware, that are using email bombing to target organizations.

Imposing tariffs on software, subscriptions, or outsourcing is difficult. This doesn’t mean the email hosting service will not be indirectly impacted. As email hosting services require a vast infrastructure, including data centers, servers, and physical equipment, it may be that this industry will feel the sting. As a result, potentially, higher equipment costs could be passed to customers.

There is an active, albeit temporary, tariff exemption for consumer electronics, including tablets and laptops. However, this could change at any time.

Email hosting is a service that allows customers to use their own custom domain names in their email addresses rather than being stuck with the email provider’s domain. For example, I could set up [email protected] rather than [email protected]. Email hosting often provides a wide range of useful add-ons, including email management suites and collaboration tools.

While it is possible to self-host your email, and local backup options seem attractive, you will need some technological acumen and be willing to undergo the setup process, whether at home or by renting a server. For most users, signing up for an email hosting service is easier, quicker, and requires less management.

However, if you are absolutely sure you want to self-host, I recommend that you check out Mailcow or Roundcube.

When you sign up for an email hosting service, you pay for email addresses, the space required to store your emails, as well as the platform to send, receive, and organize your email. An email forwarder does none of these things. All a forwarder does is redirect emails received by one email address — such as [email protected] — to another email address, like [email protected].

Email hosting and web hosting are both online services, but each serves a different purpose. Email hosting focuses on providing customers with custom email addresses and associated services, like email storage and archiving. In comparison, web hosting services provide storage for files and content used by websites, rather than email platforms. They may also give subscribers a free domain name.

There are also differences in terms of cost. Email hosting services are typically priced per account or in groups for business use. Web hosting pricing structures can be based on time periods, storage requirements, and services, including e-commerce or CMS support.

Once you select your new email hosting provider, you will be asked to input some information, including an existing email address. Typically, once you have set up an account with the organization, you will be given credentials to access your dashboard. This is where you’ll be able to create new email addresses, add custom domains, and more. If you become stuck, search “email setup” with the name of your email hosting provider, as many companies provide how-to guides.

Domain purchases alone will not net you free email services. Instead, you will need to sign up for hosting, of which some plans will grant you free, professional email hosting for a year.

GoDaddy provides a range of services, including web and email hosting. You can buy standalone email hosting services with plans starting at $2. The company’s email services center around the Microsoft 365 suite, including additional tools such as web apps and improved security.

In most cases, you get what you pay for. Some robust and functional free email services are available, but keep in mind that they likely have limitations. These could include a cap on the number of emails you can send daily, your email addresses, or the amount of storage available.

My best recommendation for a free email service is Proton Mail, which offers 1GB of storage, one user account, and one email address.

There are free email services available, but be careful. Free services often come with other costs, including privacy. Since it’s costly to maintain an email hosting service, using free services may not get you much support or bombard you with ads every time you access your inbox.

Also, beware of free services that are essentially phishing sites, capturing all the emails you get, including personal identifying information. That said, mail.com is a reasonably safe service that offers email addresses with the linuxmail.org and musician.org domains. Other free services, like Yahoo and Google, allow you to set up email aliases, so if you have another mailer that supports .org, you can get that email at your Yahoo or Gmail account.

Email hosting is usually very cheap. It will normally cost you a few dollars plus tax per month. Be aware that depending on the plan you choose, you may have to cover a year or so upfront. You may also be given one or two free email addresses when you sign up for website hosting plans.

Alternative email hosting services worth considering

In our April update, we overhauled our recommended services and completed substantial copy changes, including a new news section and notes on tariffs.

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