Top 10 Hosted Email Providers Comparison
By Unknown Author | Published: 2023-10-27 | Category: Hosted Email Providers
About Hosted Email Providers
Hosted email providers offer professional email services using a custom domain name (e.g., [email protected]), managing the server infrastructure, security, and maintenance. These services typically include webmail access, mobile compatibility, spam filtering, and varying levels of storage and collaboration tools.
Scoring Criteria
- → Features & Integration
- → Security & Privacy
- → Reliability & Uptime
- → Ease of Use & Management
- → Customer Support
- → Value for Money
The Best Hosted Email Providers
#10
Intermedia Hosted Exchange
By Intermedia
Managed Microsoft Exchange email service focusing on high reliability, security, compliance, and J.D. Power-certified support.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web (Outlook Web App), iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, IMAP/POP3/Exchange
Best For: Businesses needing managed Exchange, Organizations requiring high security and compliance (HIPAA, GDPR), Companies prioritizing premium support
Key Features
- ✓Hosted Microsoft Exchange: Full-featured Exchange without managing servers.
- ✓Security & Compliance: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, archiving, meets compliance standards.
- ✓99.999% Uptime SLA: Financially backed service level agreement for reliability.
- ✓J.D. Power Certified Support: 24/7 premium technical support.
- ✓Migration Assistance: Full-service onboarding and migration.
- ✓Integrated Services: Optional bundles with SecuriSync backup, archiving, security.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Exchange Email
$7.49 / Per User/Month
- Unlimited Mailbox Storage
- Exchange features
- ActiveSync
- Basic spam/malware protection
- 24/7 Support
Exchange Email + Archiving
$9.49 / Per User/Month
- Everything in Exchange Email
- Integrated Email Archiving
Unite Pro
$27.99 / Per User/Month
- Exchange Email
- SecuriSync Backup
- Intermedia AnyMeeting Pro
- Phone System
Pros
- + Very high reliability (99.999% SLA)
- + Strong focus on security and compliance
- + Excellent, certified customer support
- + Unlimited mailbox storage on base plan
- + Managed service reduces IT burden
Cons
- - Significantly more expensive than basic email or standard suites
- - Complexity might be overkill for simple needs
Verdict
"A premium managed Exchange solution ideal for businesses that demand the highest levels of reliability, security, compliance, and support, and are willing to pay for a fully managed service."
#9
Namecheap Private Email
By Namecheap
Extremely affordable email hosting solution often bundled with domain registration, focusing on basic email needs.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, IMAP/POP3
Best For: Individuals, Micro-businesses, Budget-conscious users, Users primarily needing domain email
Key Features
- ✓Custom Domain Email: Basic email hosting with your domain.
- ✓Webmail Access: Functional interface for sending/receiving mail.
- ✓Anti-Spam Protection: Basic filtering included.
- ✓IMAP/POP Support: Use with third-party email clients.
- ✓Collaboration Tools (Higher Tiers): File sharing and collaborative tools on Pro/Ultimate.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Starter
$0.99 / Per Mailbox/Month (billed annually)
- 1 Mailbox
- 5 GB Email Storage
- 2 GB File Storage
- Anti-spam
Limitations: Limited storage
Pro
$2.41 / Per Mailbox/Month (billed annually)
- 3 Mailboxes
- 30 GB Email Storage
- 15 GB File Storage
- Mobile Sync Support
Ultimate
$3.82 / Per Mailbox/Month (billed annually)
- 5 Mailboxes
- 75 GB Email Storage
- 30 GB File Storage
- Premium features like Docs, Sheets, Presentation
Pros
- + Extremely low cost
- + Easy to set up, especially with Namecheap domains
- + Decent webmail for basic use
Cons
- - Very basic features on lower tiers
- - Limited storage
- - Fewer security features than premium providers
- - Support can be basic
Verdict
"An unbeatable budget option for individuals or very small businesses needing simple custom domain email without advanced features. Excellent value if basic functionality is sufficient."
#8
IceWarp
By IceWarp Ltd.
Comprehensive collaboration and communication suite offering email, team chat, documents, and conferencing as an alternative to major suites.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, IMAP/POP3/Exchange ActiveSync
Best For: SMBs, Enterprises seeking alternatives, Organizations needing on-premise options
Key Features
- ✓Hosted Email & Calendaring: Business email with custom domains, shared calendars.
- ✓TeamChat: Persistent team messaging and collaboration.
- ✓Documents: Online document editing and storage.
- ✓Conferences: Integrated web/video conferencing.
- ✓Desktop Client: Optional unified desktop application.
- ✓On-Premise Option: Can be self-hosted for full control.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Lite
$2.50 / Per User/Month
- 50 GB Email storage
- 5 GB FileSync storage
- WebClient
- Mobile Sync
Standard
$3.90 / Per User/Month
- 200 GB Email storage
- 1 TB FileSync storage
- TeamChat
- Basic Conferences
Professional
$7.00 / Per User/Month
- 500 GB Email storage
- 5 TB FileSync storage
- Documents
- Full Conferences
- Desktop Client
Pros
- + Full collaboration suite
- + Competitive pricing
- + On-premise deployment available
- + Good alternative to Google/Microsoft
Cons
- - Less widely adopted than major players
- - Interface might feel less polished to some
- - Complexity increases with more features
Verdict
"A capable and feature-rich alternative to the dominant productivity suites, offering a good balance of email, chat, document editing, and conferencing at competitive prices, with the added flexibility of on-premise hosting."
#7
Titan Email
By Titan
Modern business email platform often bundled with web hosting, designed for professionals and small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP
Best For: Small Businesses, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Users buying bundled hosting/email
Key Features
- ✓Custom Domain Email: Professional email addresses.
- ✓Read Receipts: Track when your emails are opened.
- ✓Email Templates: Save and reuse frequently sent emails.
- ✓Follow-up Reminders: Get reminded to follow up on important emails.
- ✓Integrated Calendar: Schedule meetings and manage appointments.
- ✓Modern Interface: Clean and user-friendly webmail and mobile apps.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Business Pro
$2.00 / Per User/Month (Approx. Varies by reseller)
- 50 GB Storage
- Read Receipts
- Email Templates
- Follow-up Reminders
- Calendar
- Multi-account support
Business Premium
$2.45 / Per User/Month (Approx. Varies by reseller)
- 100 GB Storage
- All Pro Features
- Priority Support
Pros
- + Modern and intuitive interface
- + Useful productivity features (read receipts, templates)
- + Often very affordable when bundled
- + Good mobile apps
Cons
- - Support is often through the reseller (e.g., web host)
- - Fewer integrations than larger suites
- - Standalone availability and pricing can be less clear
Verdict
"A strong contender for small businesses and professionals looking for a modern email experience with useful productivity features, especially if bundled affordably with web hosting."
#6
Rackspace Email
By Rackspace Technology
Reliable and affordable business email hosting focused on core email functionality and strong customer support.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP/POP3/Exchange (optional)
Best For: Small Businesses, Users needing reliable basic email, Companies wanting strong support
Key Features
- ✓Professional Email: Custom domain email hosting.
- ✓Large Mailboxes: Starts at 25GB per mailbox.
- ✓Spam & Virus Protection: Multi-layered security scanning.
- ✓Webmail Access: Functional web interface with calendar and contacts.
- ✓Migration Assistance: Help migrating from previous providers.
- ✓Fanatical Support: Well-regarded 24/7/365 customer support.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Rackspace Email
$2.99 / Per Mailbox/Month
- 25 GB Mailboxes
- Custom domain
- Webmail access
- IMAP/POP
- Spam/Virus protection
- Support
Rackspace Email Plus
$3.99 / Per Mailbox/Month
- Everything in Basic
- 30GB Cloud Drive
- ActiveSync compatibility
- Desktop document compatibility
Hosted Exchange
$10.99 / Per Mailbox/Month
- 100 GB Mailbox
- Full Microsoft Exchange features
- ActiveSync
- Outlook license not included
Pros
- + Affordable pricing
- + Reliable service
- + Excellent customer support
- + Simple setup and management
Cons
- - Basic webmail interface
- - Lacks advanced collaboration tools found in suites
- - Hosted Exchange option is pricier
Verdict
"A solid, no-frills hosted email solution for businesses that need reliable email with custom domains and prioritize excellent customer support over extensive collaboration features."
#5
Proton Mail
By Proton AG
Security-focused email service offering end-to-end encryption and anonymous sign-up, based in Switzerland.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP/POP3 (via Bridge)
Best For: Privacy Advocates, Journalists, Users needing high security, Individuals and Businesses concerned with surveillance
Key Features
- ✓End-to-End Encryption: Emails between Proton users are automatically encrypted. PGP support for external communication.
- ✓Zero-Access Encryption: Proton cannot decrypt and read your emails.
- ✓Swiss Privacy Laws: Based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy protection.
- ✓Anonymous Sign-up: No personal information required to create an account.
- ✓Custom Domain Support: Available on paid plans.
- ✓Proton Suite: Includes Proton Calendar, Proton Drive (Beta), and Proton VPN (separate plans/bundle).
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 500 MB storage
- 150 messages/day limit
- Limited support
Limitations: No custom domain, Storage and message limits
Mail Plus
$4.99 / Per User/Month (billed annually: €3.99)
- 15 GB total storage
- 1 custom domain support
- No sending limits
- Priority support
Proton Unlimited
$12.99 / Per User/Month (billed annually: €9.99)
- 500 GB total storage
- 3 custom domains
- 15 addresses
- Includes Proton VPN, Calendar, Drive features
Pros
- + Industry-leading security and privacy
- + End-to-end encryption by default
- + Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- + Clean interface
Cons
- - Limited collaboration features
- - IMAP/POP3 requires a bridge application
- - Storage can be less generous than mainstream providers
Verdict
"The go-to choice for users whose absolute top priority is email security and privacy, offering robust encryption and protection under Swiss law."
#4
Fastmail
By Fastmail Pty Ltd
Independent, privacy-focused email provider known for its speed, clean interface, and robust webmail client.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP/POP3/JMAP
Best For: Individuals, Professionals, Privacy-conscious users, Users wanting an alternative to Big Tech
Key Features
- ✓Custom Domain Support: Use your own domain for email addresses.
- ✓Ad-Free Experience: User privacy is prioritized; no email scanning for ads.
- ✓Powerful Webmail: Fast, feature-rich interface with keyboard shortcuts.
- ✓Masked Email: Generate unique aliases for online services via 1Password integration.
- ✓Calendars & Contacts: Integrated PIM features.
- ✓JMAP Support: Modern email protocol alternative to IMAP.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$3.00 / Per User/Month
- 2 GB storage/user
- Standard support
- Calendar & Contacts sync
Standard
$5.00 / Per User/Month
- 30 GB storage/user
- Custom domain support
- Masked Email
- Push email
Professional
$9.00 / Per User/Month
- 100 GB storage/user
- Email retention archives
- Admin controls
Pros
- + Excellent web interface
- + Fast and reliable
- + Strong privacy stance
- + Good customer support
- + Independent provider
Cons
- - Fewer collaboration features than Google/Microsoft
- - Storage limits lower than competitors at similar price points
Verdict
"A superb choice for individuals and professionals who value speed, a clean interface, and privacy from an independent provider. Excels at core email functionality."
#3
Zoho Mail
By Zoho
Affordable, secure, and ad-free business email provider, part of the larger Zoho ecosystem of business applications.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP/POP3
Best For: Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), Price-conscious users, Users needing integrated CRM/business apps
Key Features
- ✓Custom Domain Email: Professional email hosting.
- ✓Control Panel: Comprehensive admin console for management.
- ✓Collaboration Tools: Includes calendars, tasks, notes, and contacts.
- ✓Zoho Suite Integration: Seamless connection with Zoho CRM, Docs, Projects, etc.
- ✓Security Features: Includes TFA, S/MIME, spam protection.
- ✓Email Retention & eDiscovery: Available on higher plans for compliance.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Mail Lite
$1.00 / Per User/Month (billed annually)
- 5GB or 10GB/user
- Email hosting
- Calendar, Contacts
- Web access & mobile apps
- IMAP/POP
Mail Premium
$4.00 / Per User/Month (billed annually)
- 50GB/user
- Attachment size limit 1GB
- Archival & eDiscovery
- White labeling
Workplace Standard
$3.00 / Per User/Month (billed annually)
- Includes Mail Lite features
- Zoho Office Suite
- Zoho Cliq (Chat)
- Zoho Meeting
Pros
- + Excellent value for money
- + Strong privacy focus (no ads)
- + Good feature set even on low tiers
- + Integrates well with other Zoho apps
Cons
- - Support quality can vary
- - Interface might feel less modern than competitors to some
Verdict
"An outstanding value proposition, particularly for SMBs already using or considering the Zoho ecosystem. Offers robust email features and strong privacy at a very competitive price."
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#1
Google Workspace
By Google
Comprehensive productivity and collaboration suite centered around Gmail, offering custom domain email, cloud storage, video conferencing, and shared calendars.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, IMAP/POP3
Best For: Small Businesses, Enterprises, Collaboration Focused Teams, Education
Key Features
- ✓Custom Business Email: Professional email addresses using your domain (@yourcompany.com).
- ✓Gmail Interface: Leverages the familiar and powerful Gmail web interface.
- ✓Google Drive: Cloud storage integrated across the suite.
- ✓Google Meet & Chat: Integrated video conferencing and team messaging.
- ✓Shared Calendars: Easy scheduling and resource booking.
- ✓Admin Console: Centralized management for users, security, and services.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Business Starter
$6.00 / Per User/Month
- Custom email
- 100 participant video meetings
- 30 GB storage/user
- Standard support
Business Standard
$12.00 / Per User/Month
- Everything in Starter
- 150 participant video meetings + recording
- 2 TB storage/user
- Standard support
Business Plus
$18.00 / Per User/Month
- Everything in Standard
- 500 participant video meetings + recording, attendance tracking
- 5 TB storage/user
- Enhanced security and management controls
Pros
- + Excellent collaboration tools
- + Familiar interface
- + Strong integration
- + High reliability
Cons
- - Support can be slow for lower tiers
- - Privacy concerns for some users due to Google ecosystem
Verdict
"A top choice for businesses of all sizes prioritizing collaboration and seamless integration with a wide range of productivity tools."
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#1
Microsoft 365 Business
By Microsoft
Industry-standard suite offering hosted Exchange email, Office applications (web and desktop), cloud storage (OneDrive), and collaboration tools like Teams.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, IMAP/POP3/Exchange
Best For: Businesses of all sizes, Organizations standardized on Microsoft products, Enterprises needing advanced security
Key Features
- ✓Exchange Online: Robust business-class email with custom domains and large mailboxes.
- ✓Outlook: Powerful email client (web, desktop, mobile).
- ✓Microsoft Teams: Hub for chat, meetings, calling, and collaboration.
- ✓OneDrive for Business: Significant cloud storage per user.
- ✓Office Apps: Access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint (web or desktop depending on plan).
- ✓Advanced Security: Features like multi-factor authentication, data loss prevention (higher tiers).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Business Basic
$6.00 / Per User/Month
- Web/mobile versions of Office apps
- Teams
- Exchange email (50GB mailbox)
- 1 TB OneDrive storage
- Standard security
Business Standard
$12.50 / Per User/Month
- Everything in Basic
- Desktop versions of Office apps
- Webinar hosting
- Attendee registration & reporting
Business Premium
$22.00 / Per User/Month
- Everything in Standard
- Advanced security (Intune, Azure Information Protection)
- Cyberthreat protection
Pros
- + Deep integration with Office suite
- + Robust security features
- + Scalable for large organizations
- + Generous storage
Cons
- - Admin interface can be complex
- - Can be overkill for very small teams needing only email
Verdict
"An essential platform for organizations heavily reliant on the Microsoft ecosystem, offering powerful email and unparalleled productivity tools, especially strong on security."
Author information could not be loaded for this review.
Final Thoughts
The hosted email market offers diverse solutions, from comprehensive productivity suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to privacy-focused options like Proton Mail and Fastmail, and budget-friendly choices like Zoho Mail and Namecheap. Key differentiators include the breadth of collaboration tools, security features, storage limits, quality of support, and pricing models. Selecting the right provider depends heavily on specific business needs, budget, and technical requirements.