Free Business Email: 7 Legit Ways to Get Free Addresses
All businesses need branded email addresses, and small businesses and startups often need it to be as cheap as possible. To help, we rounded up the best legitimate ways to get a free business email address. All are secure and credible for professional use. Some are completely free, while others include free email accounts with products like domains, web hosting, and office software.
Best free business email addresses: Zoho Mail Best for Gmail business email: Google Workspace Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase: IONOS Best website builder with multiple free emails: Hostinger Best for work email on your Outlook domain: Microsoft 365 Best for free business emails with advanced security: Proton Mail Best for free temporary business email: Internxt Free business email solutions at a glance ProviderNumber of emailsConditionStorage per userFree domainLearn more Zoho MailUp to 5 usersHave existing domain5GB✘Visit Zoho Mail Google Workspace1Subscribe to Google Workspace starting $6/mo30GB–5TB✘Visit Google Workspace IONOS1Purchase domain and web hosting2GB–50GB✔Visit IONOS HostingerUp to 100Purchase site builder plan1GB per mailbox✔Visit Hostinger Microsoft 365Up to 25Subscribe to Microsoft 365 starting $6/mo15GB✘Visit Microsoft 365 Proton Mail1Use a Proton Mail domain1GB✘Visit Proton Mail Internxt1Expires after 3 hoursN/A✔Visit Internxt
- More storage available in paid plans
Zoho Mail: Best free business email addresses Pros and cons ProsCons Up to 5 free business email addresses on your domainUser-friendly and integrates with Zoho’s marketing, sales, and productivity toolsPassword protection and expiry date with SecurePassPaid plans from $1/mo & Workspace plans with productivity tools from $3/moMust purchase a domain separatelyOver 5 users requires paid planMinimal storage (5GB per user)Fairly small 25MB attachment limitFree version doesn’t support internet messaging access protocol (IMAP)/ post office protocol (POP)/Active Sync (i.e., can’t use in other email apps) Key features of free Zoho Mail Create up to five free business emails on a domain you own. Strong security and privacy capabilities. Clean and modern interface for easy use. 5GB storage for each email account. Easy integration with Zoho One, Zoho CRM (customer relationship management), Books and Zoho’s other cloud-based business, sales and marketing tools. Scalable Workplace plans with business communication, collaboration and productivity tools comparable to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
If you’re looking for free webmail for business, Zoho Mail takes one of the top spots as you can legitimately get up to five free business email accounts — provided you own a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) — no strings attached. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with more than 40 other Zoho apps for sales, marketing, project management, accounting and more, many of which also have free plans.
Zoho Mail is the best option for free email addresses since you do not have to purchase a plan to get free emails. You’ll access your free Zoho Mail accounts through the Zoho Mail app, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoho Mail has intuitive, familiar-feeling interfaces on desktop and mobile. Image: Zoho
However, plans don’t come with a domain name, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to use Zoho Mail for free, costing roughly $15–$20 per year, depending on the domain registrar.
The only other drawback here is that you can only receive and send emails through the Zoho Mail app — meaning that you can’t add your email accounts to other apps, like Gmail or Outlook, without a paid plan. However, the platform’s free forever email hosting plan can be used as long as you have your own domain, and you don’t exceed five email accounts.
How to set up Zoho Mail
Here’s how to set up a business account, free on Zoho Mail, in six easy steps:
Register a domain name if you haven’t already. Visit Zoho Mail and enter your name, input an email address or phone number, and set a password to create your account. Scroll down below the pricing table to find the free plan option and click “Sign Up for Free On the next screen, click “remind me later” to delay the setup of multi-factor authentication (or follow the steps to set it up now). Next, choose either “Use my own domain” or “Get a domain” (you can also purchase a domain through Zoho during sign-up). Verify your domain to prove its validity. You’ll do this by adding Zoho name server records where your domain is hosted. Update your mail records to officially receive emails from your domain. Zoho provides a one-click verification process for IONOS and GoDaddy domains.
Navigate the Zoho Mail landing page to see its pricing plans.
Add a custom domain for free.
Verify your domain easily through the TXT record method.
In the free-forever plan, you can create up to five business email addresses with 5GB of storage for each user. It comes with web email access, free mobile apps, and one of the best security systems for email hosting. Plus, you can scale with more email features and other productivity tools like Zoho Workplace or Zoho Projects as your business grows. Try it for free today.
Google Workspace: Best for Gmail business email Pros and cons ProsCons 14-day free trialComplete business productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Gmail, and more)Strong cloud security featuresClean interface, and easy to useAutomatic translation featuresCommitment-free, month-to-monthRequires a Google Workspace plan and a domainNo end-to-end email encryption (try Proton Mail for the most security)Domain isn’t included Key features of free Gmail business emails Free business email and up to 30 email aliases from a Google Workspace subscription. Tons of ready-made integrations with other business tools. Comes with the full Google Workspace suite (with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Beginner-friendly email interface. Scalable plans with ample email storage (the most of any provider on this list). Add your other accounts to see all your emails in one place. Gmail features offer a ton of added functionality for small businesses — from sending and receiving money to tagging colleagues and clients in documents to streamline workflows.
Gmail is the most-used email app by businesses worldwide and in the US with 1.8 billion users globally. While you can get a personal account for free, the business version that comes free in Google Workspace is feature-packed and well worth the cost of the plan. All apps come in Workspace plans, making it just as easy for a solopreneur with one account or a large team with hundreds to grow and scale their company.
Gmail’s business email plans include the Google Workspace suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Among these are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, video conferencing via Google Meet, calendar and business email via Gmail. If you need office software, getting free email accounts as part of your productivity suite will save you money over separate email hosting.
Google Workspace is Google’s equivalent of the Microsoft 365 suite, and these are the top two contenders in the US and worldwide.
If you don’t yet have a domain name, Google Workspace makes registering for one during the sign-up process easy. You can purchase a domain during the account creation process, which will automatically connect to your new custom email account, eliminating the headache of manually configuring domains and mail exchange (MX) records.
It’s easy to customize your Gmail interface to your preferences for business email. (Source: Google)
How to set up Gmail
Unlike some other options on this list, there is some cost involved in getting your email account through Google Workspace, including the purchase of a domain ($10–$15 per year) and a Google Workspace plan (from $6). Here’s how to set up your free email address using Google Workspace:
Get a domain name from a top business domain registrar (or buy one when signing up for Google Workspace). Go to Google Workspace, sign up for a plan and number of users, and enter your contact info. Set up your administrative console from the Google Workspace homepage. Verify your domain (unless you purchase it during the checkout process). Create your business email address from the admin console by adding a user.
Start a free trial for Google Workspace to set up your free Gmail business email account.
Add a user in the Admin Console to create your free Gmail account in Google Workspace.
Though not strictly a free email solution in the purest sense of the word — unless you opt for an @gmail address — Gmail and Google Workspace combine a powerful email with an industry-leading productivity solution at a very low cost, if you want to add your custom business domain.
IONOS: Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase Pros and cons ProsCons Super-cheap: Domains from $1 the first year come with a free 2GB email accountFree private domain registration to protect your info and prevent phishing and spamIntuitive webmail from any browser, or easily add to Outlook, Gmail, and other appsExtremely responsive 24/7 support2GB included is less than even Zoho Mail’s free version, so heavy users might have to pay to expand storageThough cheap, it still requires purchase of a domain or hostingCosts more vs Zoho to have multiple email addresses in one plan, such as for a small team Key features of free IONOS business email Several products (domain, website builder, hosting, and so on) come with free business email accounts. Free private domain registration to prevent spam and phishing. Create free business email aliases that forward to your inbox. Intuitive webmail browser with custom views, inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks and the ability to create multiple custom email signatures. Use IMAP or POP to add your email to any app (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail and so on). Topnotch customer support 24/7. Scalable storage and multi-user business email plans, or scale your team with Microsoft Exchange.
IONOS is one of the top web hosting and domain registrars in Europe. It’s also one of the cheapest business email providers, making it a very affordable solution for startups and small businesses needing a business email address, web hosting, domains, and more.
IONOS’ email hosting plans start as low as $1 per month and come with a free email domain. However, you can also get a free email account through IONOS by purchasing a business domain name for $1 for the first year.
The IONOS web-based email interface is easy to customize and use.
Getting your email free through IONOS starts with choosing a domain name. If you need help, read our article on how to choose a domain name for your business. You can get a free email account in IONOS’ website builder plans, web hosting plans, or with the purchase of a domain.
How to set up IONOS email
Here are the steps for getting your email when buying a domain on IONOS:
Go to IONOS and search for your desired domain. Follow the steps to purchase the domain and create your IONOS account. In your IONOS dashboard, click on “Email,” select the “Mail Basic” plan on the next screen, then input your info to create your free email address on IONOS. (Optional) Add your new email to Outlook or Gmail (and other business email apps), following the instructions available to you in the IONOS knowledge base.
To create a free email on IONOS, click on “Email”
Select the Mail Basic plan included free with your domain.
Create a username and password.
IONOS has consistently been one of our top picks for domain and web hosting companies, in no small part because of their generous email plan included with hosting and high value. If you are looking for a scalable web hosting solution along with a robust business email presence at a reasonable cost, IONOS is a .
Hostinger: Best website builder with multiple free emails Pros and cons ProsCons Free business emails offered with all website hosting plansUser-friendly webmail interfaceSeamless integration with ecommerce and marketing featuresSite builder plan comes with site and email hosting alreadyOnly 1GB per mailbox, the least storage in free email plans on this listNo free plan or free trialNo shared calendars or collaboration tools, unlike Google and Microsoft Key features of free Hostinger business emails Free business emails and free domain in website builder plan. Host up to 100 domains and get free email accounts for each one in your plan. Intuitive, proprietary webmail interface. Site builder plan comes with website hosting, email hosting, SSL and other features. Artificial intelligence features throughout (one of the best AI website builders on the market). Scale with standalone email plans with 10–50GB storage on Titan Email.
Hostinger delivers a three-in-one punch of an AI website builder, web hosting and cheap email provider. In terms of reliability, speed, and site uptime, along with its free email plans, Hostinger is the uncontested winner — making it a better choice if you only need one account.
One of Hostinger’s most exciting features is its AI integrations, available in its web builder plans. This is a powerful AI model, the same one that powers one of the most famous AI content writers ChatGPT. It helps create logos, website copy, and predict user behavior on Hostinger.
Hostinger has a simple and no-nonsense webmail platform that comes with web hosting. Image: Hostinger
How to set up Hostinger email
Here’s how to set up your free email address on Hostinger:
Subscribe to the website builder plan on Hostinger, create your account and claim your free domain name. After setting up, go to the hPanel and select the Emails section, then select your domain. Click on “Create email account” and enter the email address and password. Visit Hostinger Webmail to use your new business email.
If your business needs a site builder or website hosting service in addition to business email, Hostinger provides free business email addresses with your website at a low cost. If you need a more robust business email plan, it costs only $1/mo for 10GB of storage or $2.99/mo for 50GB of storage. All of the website hosting plans include a free domain, which further enhances Hostinger’s exceptional value.
Microsoft 365: Best for work email on your Outlook domain Pros and cons ProsCons Complete office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher, Outlook—and more)Outlook business email has the most advanced features (though this requires second tier and higher)Higher storage and video conference participant limits in base than Google Workspace or Zoho Mail WorkplaceBusiness-class email securityNo free domain nameMonthly billing option costs moreMust pay for a plan and a domainCluttered desktop interface due to vast number of featuresExpensive for a large number of email accounts Key features of free Microsoft emails Microsoft 365 plans include Microsoft Outlook for business email on a domain you own. Intuitive mobile and desktop apps. 30-day free trial. Add your other emails to Outlook to see everything in one place. Create automated workflows with tasks and deadlines. Inbox, appointments, calendar, contacts, tasks and more, and instantly create new entries for each from the dashboard. Get desktop notifications of incoming emails. Thousands of business app and software integrations. 50GB email storage in all plans, much higher than the standard. Comes with full access to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
Similar to Gmail and Google Workspace, getting Outlook email through Microsoft 365 gives you the full Microsoft productivity suite, including the well-known Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In addition, Microsoft 365’s software (and Outlook business email) is generally more advanced (but therefore also more complex and less intuitive) than Google Workspace. However, this does come at a higher cost, as most advanced features and automations require desktop versions, which come in the second plan.
Another advantage with Outlook is that it’s compatible with many other business integrations. Also, within the email interface, you’ll find many ways to automate the way your email is sorted and how to customize your interface view.
Outlook offers advanced features and tools to power your business email.
How to set up Microsoft 365 email
Like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 doesn’t come with a free domain name, so you’ll want to buy a business domain name before signing up. Here’s how to connect an existing domain to set up your Microsoft 365 (and Outlook business email) account:
Head to Microsoft 365 to select a plan, then add your contact information, username, and payment information. Log in and choose “Go to setup.” Add and verify your business domain name. Follow the rest of the setup wizard’s instructions. Create your Outlook business email address.
From the Microsoft 365 pricing page, click “Start my free trial” to set up your account.
Enter some basic personal information.
Choose a username and domain name for your Microsoft account.
Add your payment details and complete the setup.
To create a professional email address for maximum brand credibility, use a custom domain name for email vs a generic one (e.g., outlook.com or gmail.com). However, there are times when you may want a temporary address or need to get started with a completely free business email. For this, we recommend Proton Mail for its business-class security — learn more below.
The outlook.com domain is certainly a reputable one as a free email for your business, if you’re on a serious budget. But if you wish to have a professional domain — combined with the power of one of the industry’s leading productivity solutions — Microsoft 365 is a good choice, and worth the investment.
Proton Mail: Best for free business emails with advanced security Pros and cons ProsCons Advanced security and privacy including end-to-end encryption, even on the free planFully HIPAA and GDPR compliantEncrypted contacts and calendarSelf-destructing emails (how cool is that)Password-protected emails1-click migration serviceBridge integrates Proton’s security with your third-party mail appsCan’t connect a branded domain without upgrading to a paid planFree plan storage is limited to 500MB150 messages send limit per day in the free version Key features of free Proton Mail emails Most advanced security features for email, including end to end encryption for HIPAAⓘ and GDPRⓘ compliance and self-destructing emails (email expiry). Zero-access encryption so no one (not even Proton) can access your email or hand it over to anyone. Proton Sentinel protection against cyberattacks. Two factor authentication and hardware security keys to prevent unauthorized access. Password protected emails. Advanced tracking protection prohibits tracking pixels and hides your IP. One-click email migration. Free Protonmail.com email with 1GB storage.
Proton Mail takes security very seriously. It is headquartered in Switzerland, so your account is protected by Swiss privacy and neutrality laws. It guarantees end-to-end and zero-access encryption — not just in your mail but in your Proton Contacts and Calendar as well. Proton encrypts mail sent to your recipients (even those not on Proton) with its password-protected email feature.
Aside from encryption, Proton Mail allows self-destructing messages to be sent to any contact, even those not in the Proton system. Proton also automatically blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP, so your mail can’t be used to generate ads.
To get all these features, create a free Proton Mail account. With this account, you’ll also get limited access to Proton’s Calendar, VPN and Drive. To upgrade your features, like access to a custom domain for your emails, purchase a Business account starting at €3.99 a month ($4.30 U.S.). You’ll also get up to 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Proton Mail has a clean and simple interface.
How to set up Proton Mail
Here are the steps to get a free account with Proton Mail:
Go to Proton and click “Create a free account.” Fill out your account information, including your username, then click “Get Proton for free” on the next page. Verify via captcha or email to complete setup of your free business email on Proton Mail.
After creating your free email account on Proton, you can import your existing email to Proton’s servers using Easy Switch, which is a one-step email import solution.
Enter your email username and password to set up a business email on Proton Mail.
Click on “Continue with Free” to get your free business email through Proton.
If security and privacy are of utmost importance to you and your business, there is nothing that touches Proton Mail and their unique and powerful security protocols. If you already own a domain, or are willing to purchase your business domain name and connect it with Proton Mail, it offers a powerful solution for secure business email.
Internxt: Best for free temporary business email Pros and cons ProsCons Disposable temporary email address and inbox effectively masks and protects emailCompletely anonymous (no sign-up required)Can’t choose your username or domain nameMay inadvertently lose access to emails you wanted to retain Key features of free Internxt temporary emails Anonymous, private and free. Temporary email address and inbox automatically get deleted after 3 hours of inactivity. Great way to keep your business email free of spam, cyberattack and phishing emails.
Let’s face it: digital tools like email apps are at constant risk today. From hackers and scammers to your typical unwanted spam, many small business owners are sick and tired of inboxes filled with messages they didn’t sign up for and don’t want. Temporary email accounts (aka disposable email addresses) are one way to cut down on this.
Internxt is a highly-rated cloud storage service that, in addition to secure and private cloud storage and file sharing, offers free temporary email addresses with no sign-up or hassle required. Simply visit Internxt and use the email address and inbox that automatically appear.
How to set up Internxt temporary email
How to use Internxt’s temporary email address generator:
Copy your disposable email address. Use the address on your desired service. Wait a few moments for a response or verification email. All emails received will appear in your inbox above.
Use temporary email addresses for things like account verifications, downloads, accessing a webinar on demand, and other one-time events, like making an online purchase. This helps to keep your business email off of third-party lists and out of the hands of bad actors. In addition to a real business email account, Internxt is a great tool for keeping your business email clean and safe.
How we evaluated the best free business email providers
The providers above can’t be fully compared apples-to-apples, as each platform is distinctly different. To be considered for this guide, providers had to either have a 100% free option or include free email alongside other products small businesses need, such as hosting or site builders. In addition, we used our own firsthand experience to select and rank providers based on customer support, ease of use, popularity and use cases.
SEE: Feature Comparison: Email Marketing Software and Services from TechRepublic Premium
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I get a free business email without a domain?
If you don’t have a custom domain to use for email yet, we recommend using Outlook. You can create a free email address for your business that leverages the credibility of the Microsoft reputation with an Outlook extension, such as businessname@outlook.com. Then, when you’re ready, purchase a domain and set up a Microsoft business email to build your brand’s presence and reputation.
Can I create a professional email for free on my domain?
If you own a domain, you can create up to five free professional email addresses on Zoho Mail. If you don’t have a domain, you can purchase one through IONOS for $1 for the first year and get a free professional email address to use with your domain and additional email aliases for forwarding.
Which is better for business email: Outlook or Gmail?
Whether Outlook or Gmail is better for business email depends on the work email features you want and which productivity software (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) you prefer. Gmail is the better option for collaborative teams (as is Google Workspace). Those looking for advanced features and automations may find that Outlook and Microsoft 365 are best.
Bottom line
Business emails on a custom domain provide the most brand credibility. If you own a domain, get up to five free email accounts in an intuitive app with Zoho Mail. Zoho also offers an excellent set of productivity tools, and as a possible alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is worth consideration.
If you need multiple business email accounts, along with the full gamut of website hosting including WordPress, Hostinger offers it all. Its website hosting plans include 100 email addresses and 1GB storage plus a free domain name and web hosting for your website for as little as $2.99 per month. Hostinger is an all-around great value not only for emails, but for all hosting services, making it our top choice.
Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Impact: How Educational AI is Making the Grade
Adoption of artificial intelligence is on the rise: According to research firm Gartner, 37 percent of organizations have now “implemented AI in some form,” and adoption is up 270 percent over the past four years.
Schools are following suit: Technavio’s “Artificial Intelligence Market in the US Education Sector 2018-2022” report predicts a nearly 48 percent growth rate for AI tools over the next three years.
The challenge? Separating market interest from authentic impact. As noted by MIT Technology Review, the rapid development and uptake of AI solutions has created an environment where companies may “obfuscate and oversell” AI abilities even as organizations race to implement new solutions and keep up with the competition.
The key to AI success is specificity. It is crucial to define key needs AI tools can meet and shortcomings it can address. This is especially true for K–12 institutions faced with limited time and budgets.
MORE FROM EDTECH: Check out how K–12 schools have adopted AI in 2019.
5 Roles AI Solutions Have in K–12 Classrooms
There’s no rulebook for deploying artificial intelligence in schools. While solutions such as IBM’s Watson Education and Google’s recently announced Google Cloud Platform storage and AI initiative offers the potential for schools to deliver personalized learning strategies and offer analytics-based performance insight; how K–12 institutions leverage these tools is entirely up to them.
Some of the most common concerns are around human bias and overall accuracy. As RAND senior policy researcher Robert Murphy notes in a post for Education Week, “maybe 10 percent, 20 percent, 40 percent of the time [the system] will get it wrong,” making AI in schools an excellent supplemental tool, but no replacement for teachers.
As noted by Education Technology, the increasing use of AI in schools also brings ethical questions to the fore. Organizations must now consider what type of data is being collected, how this information is being used and what controls are in place to safeguard student privacy. In addition, administrators are worried about how increasing AI adoption will impact human staffing.
The best bet for schools adopting AI is to define how these solutions can drive positive outcomes before allowing them access to student data. While individual usage may vary, effective AI in education can be grouped into five general roles:
Automation: The simplest application of AI often provides the most immediate benefit: By automating straightforward tasks such as grading, digital asset categorization or timetable scheduling, educators can increase the amount of time they spend actively engaging with students.
Integration: AI solutions can integrate with other IT initiatives such as smart technology and IoT-driven networks to provide personalized learning solutions for students.
Acclimation: Technology is now an integral part of both educational and business environments. Recent Pew Research data shows that 95 percent of teens have access to a smartphone and 45 percent are online “almost constantly.” AI in schools can help acclimate students to the pace of technological change.
Delineation: Students’ needs and curriculum priorities are constantly shifting, making it difficult for educators to ensure the content they deliver remains relevant and actionable. AI-driven analytics in education can help spot critical trends and delineate key markers to help teachers design the most effective classroom experience and drive digital transformation.
Identification: Data analytics informed by adaptative AI solutions can help identify critical areas for student and teacher performance. Combined with robust security and access controls, AI can help spot and remedy potential problems in their formative stages.
How K–12 Schools Are Using AI Tools Now
So, what does this look like in practice?
In Florida’s Putnam County School District, educators are leveraging new content monitoring software to both automate the process of flagging potentially sensitive internet searches and add critical context to flagged requests.
And in New Jersey, Slackwood Elementary School is using an AI-assisted teaching assistant called Happy Numbers to identify where students are struggling with math benchmarks and provide personalized assistance.
Solutions such as the Presentation Translator — a free PowerPoint plug-in — provide real-time integration of multilanguage subtitles to help students better understand instructions in class or provide remote access for those dealing with illness or other family concerns.
Put simply, the current climate of AI in schools one of hopeful hesitation. While technology is rapidly advancing, educators are taking a step-by-step approach to ensure the solutions they adopt deliver specific outcomes to address existing needs.
MORE FROM EDTECH: See how companies are developing AI-powered tools to keep students safe.
What Does the Future Hold for AI in the Classroom?
As artificial intelligence solutions inch ever closer to replicating the basics of authentic human thought patterns, what’s the impact for education? Broadly speaking, next steps for AI in school take three key forms:
Personalizing performance: Increased processing power and sophistication will empower AI solutions to better collect and extrapolate information, in turn helping educators create personalized learning plans for each student. New solutions such as Brightspace Insights are designed to capture, aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources, allowing teachers to gain student insight “based on the entire ecosystem of learning tools” according to Nick Oddson, senior vice president of product development for D2L, the creator of Brightspace.
Breaking bias: Human bias remains a stumbling block in education — and, as noted above, is also an emerging concern for AI tools. The future of AI in schools will leverage solutions capable of grading papers and evaluating exams using established rubrics and benchmarks to both automate completion and eliminate bias.
Aggregating assistance: Educators are typically masters of their craft; many have multiple degrees and often specialize in niche areas of student development and performance. The problem is that necessary administrative work often frustrates teacher efforts to engage with students. Here, the future of classroom intelligence takes the form of AI-driven assistants that deliver essential data to help teachers do what they do best: connect with students.
MORE FROM EDTECH: K–12 experts identify 10 keys to the future of STEAM learning.
Schools Must Balance AI Effectively with Security
AI in education has reached a tipping point. Adoption is on the rise, but concerns around bias, privacy and human-machine partnerships necessitate a methodical and measured approach.
Current applications leverage machine learning and real-time data integration, but the future of AI depends on broader applications capable of adaptively applying practical intelligence to empower the critical emotional connections that drive student performance.
Meet The Entrepreneur Bringing Fashion In Technology
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Thu 1 Aug 2024, 6:12 PM
Last year, as Vu Televisions forayed into the Middle East market, Devita Saraf decided to speak at a press meet which had the crème de la crème of retail sector and media. Working herself to the bone in the anticipation of the launch, Devita fell sick. Her immunity had already been low and she did not even possess the energy to get up from the bed. Over the next 24 hours, a group of doctors, headed by Dr Zainab Al-Hashimy, administered IV drips and nebulisers, ensuring she was in a position to speak at the press meet.
“We had a massive turnout of 150 people. I had cough syrups kept on the back of TV screens just in case I needed them. As soon as the press conference was over, I was rushed to the hospital where I received top notch healthcare. Dubai’s healthcare system is fabulous,” recalls the founder of Vu Televisions.“It not only saved my life, it also saved my Middle Eastern business.”
This small anecdote offers a robust glimpse of what Devita Saraf truly is – a resilient leader. As the daughter of Rajkumar Saraf, who founded Zenith Computers, Devita understands privilege and the power that comes with it. It’s just that she has refused to take either for granted, rather using them as a stepping stone to preside over a high-end television brand with an annual turnover of INR 1000 crore.
“Born and raised in South Bombay family, I always felt that the power and respect was with the men. I wanted to be the star of my own show because I knew I had the drive for it,” says Devita. It only helped that she was born into a family where gender divide wasn’t as steep. She was given the same opportunities as her elder brother, who now works in the artificial intelligence business.“However, as I grew up I felt the world outside was not woke enough to accept a daughter as an heir in the business or a founder of a business.”
This, despite her having an early start, being taken for press conferences, dealer meetings, trade shows and office openings from the time when she was 16. By the time she decided to plunge into business at the age of 22, she had already had a 7-8 years of training. No surprises then by the time she prepared her business plan and presented it to the top leadership, she sounded like anything but a novice. Devita credits it to a combination of self-belief and experience.
AN ENTREPRENEUR IS BORN
Creating her own template of success at an early age, Devita founded Vu Televisions when she was only 24, a time when luxury and electronics weren’t being spoken of in the same breath in India. The challenge, she reiterates, was not as much about understanding the domain, but grasping the complexities that come with leadership. She doesn’t mince her words when she says it is possible to“figure out” the machinations of an industry, but no one really prepares you for leadership.“One thing that impacted me is how much responsibility, constant effort and risk-taking goes into being in that ‘boss’ role. I don’t think people often give enough credit to leaders for how much they willingly take on. I have now run this business for 18 years now and have learnt so much. That learning, to be fair, is not gender-specific. You either like and love leadership or you don’t.”
Even if women like Devita are natural leaders, their journey to the top is no walk in the park. For one, tech, during the time when Devita started out, was still seen as a male bastion, as was entrepreneurship. An outlier, she found herself navigating these challenges by using them to her advantage. How?
“My brother often compares me to Seabiscuit in the eponymous film. It is the story of a tiny horse that runs alongside big horses,” she says. The rationale of this example is to use the perceptions and stereotypes to one’s advantage.“Often, even if women have self-belief, the world tends to perceive us differently,” she says.“If you ask me, it is an advantage to be a young woman in business because people do not have any expectations from you. As a result, you don’t have much competition that’s checking on you all the time. You can go unnoticed before someone realises the scale of operations. When you are considered a dark horse, you can use it to gather information and take time to build your business, and not actually look threatening to your competitors.”
THE MAKING OF A LEADER
There is considerable wisdom in that observation. Breaking the glass ceiling need not always mean standing apart, but also using the stereotypes to your advantage. Once it’s broken, not only will the external entities take not of you, but your own team views you differently. It’s often contended that it’s difficult for women to be leaders inside an outside an organisation. But Devita does not mince her words when she says that the power always lies with the person writing the cheques, and women need not undermine that agency they have in a business.
“When I started the business, if I saw someone being disrespectful towards my team or other women or younger people, I immediately knew this person would not last very long. But if I liked the character of a person, I would personally coach them. As a result, I have had people who were once janitors and are now store managers, engineers who have now become CTOs,” she says.“As a leader, I do not get carried away by fancy resumes. You really have to assess the person and get a hunch from them about whether they’d be able to work with you. That has been my hiring principle, and we have had some people who’ve been with us forever.”
Devita’s evolution as an entrepreneur has coincided with a time in India when the country is eyeing a space for itself in manufacturing.“I don’t think India being a China Plus One strategy brand offering reduced labour costs is a good idea because we don’t have a history of electronic manufacturing. What Indians do possess is an ingenuity that leads them to prominent places in Silicon Valley where every CEO or CTO is an Indian. The idea, for me, was to build my own lab. We have to think in terms of building labs for innovation so that we can work with contract manufacturers of the world like Foxconn, who can then get things made for you. My business model is actually very similar to that of Apple. We have a strong team that does its R&D, and then the pieces are manufactured through a global supply chain,” she says.“I didn’t want to do cheap electronics. I was the one who coined the term luxury in technology when I made my business plan all those years ago. I wanted to bring these two worlds together because when it came to electronics, the idea always was to get things cheaper. I want to see electronics being sold at the Fashion Avenue of The Dubai Mall. And having a more Gen-Z approach to the selling of electronics will help because that will influence our design. That’s what helped us as entities like Sharaf DG, Grand Safari began to see us as a good competitor to Samsung, LG and Sony because we were more woke and high-end.”
SPEAKING TO THE WORLD THROUGH FASHION
This ethos is evident in Devita’s personal style that is often carefully observed and scrutinised in the top glossies in India. She enjoys her fashion and celebrates it.“Growing up in schools in India, you are either the smart one, or the pretty one, or the sporty one. I don’t understand why women need to be put in silos. Women, by their very nature, are multitaskers, so why can we not have it all? In India, we often hear a phrase ‘beauty with brains’, why should the two things have to be separate? Why can I not look good and also run a successful business? For people like us, dressing is an extension of our personalities. And even if fashion does become a talking point about me, I know I will always be known as the founder of Vu Televisions first. You have to have a fabulous exterior that is complemented by a sharper interior,” she says.
Her eloquence is adequately matched with an excitement as she talks about the careful curation of her looks by Devita’s Dubai-based stylist. For more than half a decade now, every year she flies too Dubai to meet Aarya Mathai, her stylist, who creates a trend report based on all fashion runway and magazine trends.“She then makes a powerpoint presentation on what she thinks will look good on me, and I select the trends. We then head to a Harvey Nichols or Galeries Lafayette, where we sit in the VIP room and try on the clothes shortlisted for me. I love that Middle Eastern women have so much in common with Indian women, and this whole colour explosion that’s happening in the fashion of this region. We try different looks for 3-4 days, and then she photographs me. We see what looks good in pictures and accessorise accordingly,” says Devita, adding that she makes it a point to buy everything even though as a fashion icon she does get offered to wear outfits for free.
“I love dressing up. I have always been proud of my femininity. I’ve been into design and also learnt dance. So not only am I confident in my skin, I have a good sense of what works for me. If my style has resonated with women, it is also because unlike previous generations, women today do not feel they have to lose their femininity or change their personalities in order to be taken seriously at work. When I built Vu, I was clear that I’d have one foot in luxury and other in technology. Fashion has been a great way for me to bring these worlds together.”
In a world that puts expiry dates on a woman’s dream, Devita’s refusal to be boxed in is indeed refreshing. Starting out at 24, she is now commanding respect as a techpreneur in her 40s, and is ready to thrive.“I did not care about society when I was 10, 20, 30 or 40,” she asserts.“Leadership is not given to you, you have to choose it. As an entrepreneur I think of these societal conventions from a returns on investment (RoI) perspective. What is my RoI in listening to society? Are they going to give me a better life? If not, why should I pay any heed to it? Also, I don’t think 50 is a stopping point,” she says.“Women are told to stop all their lives. We have to choose who we listen to.” How about starting with the heart?
…
ALSO READ:
How a housewife for 20 years came to head a business with a turnover of Dh100 million 22 songs, 15 languages: This AI-created album pays tribute to Abu Dhabi UAE: Meet the teen on a mission to preserve local trees and plants
MENAFN01082024000049011007ID1108508059
Legal Disclaimer:MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Impact: How Educational AI is Making the Grade
Adoption of artificial intelligence is on the rise: According to research firm Gartner, 37 percent of organizations have now “implemented AI in some form,” and adoption is up 270 percent over the past four years.
Schools are following suit: Technavio’s “Artificial Intelligence Market in the US Education Sector 2018-2022” report predicts a nearly 48 percent growth rate for AI tools over the next three years.
The challenge? Separating market interest from authentic impact. As noted by MIT Technology Review, the rapid development and uptake of AI solutions has created an environment where companies may “obfuscate and oversell” AI abilities even as organizations race to implement new solutions and keep up with the competition.
The key to AI success is specificity. It is crucial to define key needs AI tools can meet and shortcomings it can address. This is especially true for K–12 institutions faced with limited time and budgets.
MORE FROM EDTECH: Check out how K–12 schools have adopted AI in 2019.
5 Roles AI Solutions Have in K–12 Classrooms
There’s no rulebook for deploying artificial intelligence in schools. While solutions such as IBM’s Watson Education and Google’s recently announced Google Cloud Platform storage and AI initiative offers the potential for schools to deliver personalized learning strategies and offer analytics-based performance insight; how K–12 institutions leverage these tools is entirely up to them.
Some of the most common concerns are around human bias and overall accuracy. As RAND senior policy researcher Robert Murphy notes in a post for Education Week, “maybe 10 percent, 20 percent, 40 percent of the time [the system] will get it wrong,” making AI in schools an excellent supplemental tool, but no replacement for teachers.
As noted by Education Technology, the increasing use of AI in schools also brings ethical questions to the fore. Organizations must now consider what type of data is being collected, how this information is being used and what controls are in place to safeguard student privacy. In addition, administrators are worried about how increasing AI adoption will impact human staffing.
The best bet for schools adopting AI is to define how these solutions can drive positive outcomes before allowing them access to student data. While individual usage may vary, effective AI in education can be grouped into five general roles:
Automation: The simplest application of AI often provides the most immediate benefit: By automating straightforward tasks such as grading, digital asset categorization or timetable scheduling, educators can increase the amount of time they spend actively engaging with students.
Integration: AI solutions can integrate with other IT initiatives such as smart technology and IoT-driven networks to provide personalized learning solutions for students.
Acclimation: Technology is now an integral part of both educational and business environments. Recent Pew Research data shows that 95 percent of teens have access to a smartphone and 45 percent are online “almost constantly.” AI in schools can help acclimate students to the pace of technological change.
Delineation: Students’ needs and curriculum priorities are constantly shifting, making it difficult for educators to ensure the content they deliver remains relevant and actionable. AI-driven analytics in education can help spot critical trends and delineate key markers to help teachers design the most effective classroom experience and drive digital transformation.
Identification: Data analytics informed by adaptative AI solutions can help identify critical areas for student and teacher performance. Combined with robust security and access controls, AI can help spot and remedy potential problems in their formative stages.
How K–12 Schools Are Using AI Tools Now
So, what does this look like in practice?
In Florida’s Putnam County School District, educators are leveraging new content monitoring software to both automate the process of flagging potentially sensitive internet searches and add critical context to flagged requests.
And in New Jersey, Slackwood Elementary School is using an AI-assisted teaching assistant called Happy Numbers to identify where students are struggling with math benchmarks and provide personalized assistance.
Solutions such as the Presentation Translator — a free PowerPoint plug-in — provide real-time integration of multilanguage subtitles to help students better understand instructions in class or provide remote access for those dealing with illness or other family concerns.
Put simply, the current climate of AI in schools one of hopeful hesitation. While technology is rapidly advancing, educators are taking a step-by-step approach to ensure the solutions they adopt deliver specific outcomes to address existing needs.
MORE FROM EDTECH: See how companies are developing AI-powered tools to keep students safe.
What Does the Future Hold for AI in the Classroom?
As artificial intelligence solutions inch ever closer to replicating the basics of authentic human thought patterns, what’s the impact for education? Broadly speaking, next steps for AI in school take three key forms:
Personalizing performance: Increased processing power and sophistication will empower AI solutions to better collect and extrapolate information, in turn helping educators create personalized learning plans for each student. New solutions such as Brightspace Insights are designed to capture, aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources, allowing teachers to gain student insight “based on the entire ecosystem of learning tools” according to Nick Oddson, senior vice president of product development for D2L, the creator of Brightspace.
Breaking bias: Human bias remains a stumbling block in education — and, as noted above, is also an emerging concern for AI tools. The future of AI in schools will leverage solutions capable of grading papers and evaluating exams using established rubrics and benchmarks to both automate completion and eliminate bias.
Aggregating assistance: Educators are typically masters of their craft; many have multiple degrees and often specialize in niche areas of student development and performance. The problem is that necessary administrative work often frustrates teacher efforts to engage with students. Here, the future of classroom intelligence takes the form of AI-driven assistants that deliver essential data to help teachers do what they do best: connect with students.
MORE FROM EDTECH: K–12 experts identify 10 keys to the future of STEAM learning.
Schools Must Balance AI Effectively with Security
AI in education has reached a tipping point. Adoption is on the rise, but concerns around bias, privacy and human-machine partnerships necessitate a methodical and measured approach.
Current applications leverage machine learning and real-time data integration, but the future of AI depends on broader applications capable of adaptively applying practical intelligence to empower the critical emotional connections that drive student performance.
Free Business Email: 7 Legit Ways to Get Free Addresses
All businesses need branded email addresses, and small businesses and startups often need it to be as cheap as possible. To help, we rounded up the best legitimate ways to get a free business email address. All are secure and credible for professional use. Some are completely free, while others include free email accounts with products like domains, web hosting, and office software.
Best free business email addresses: Zoho Mail Best for Gmail business email: Google Workspace Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase: IONOS Best website builder with multiple free emails: Hostinger Best for work email on your Outlook domain: Microsoft 365 Best for free business emails with advanced security: Proton Mail Best for free temporary business email: Internxt Free business email solutions at a glance ProviderNumber of emailsConditionStorage per userFree domainLearn more Zoho MailUp to 5 usersHave existing domain5GB✘Visit Zoho Mail Google Workspace1Subscribe to Google Workspace starting $6/mo30GB–5TB✘Visit Google Workspace IONOS1Purchase domain and web hosting2GB–50GB✔Visit IONOS HostingerUp to 100Purchase site builder plan1GB per mailbox✔Visit Hostinger Microsoft 365Up to 25Subscribe to Microsoft 365 starting $6/mo15GB✘Visit Microsoft 365 Proton Mail1Use a Proton Mail domain1GB✘Visit Proton Mail Internxt1Expires after 3 hoursN/A✔Visit Internxt
- More storage available in paid plans
Zoho Mail: Best free business email addresses Pros and cons ProsCons Up to 5 free business email addresses on your domainUser-friendly and integrates with Zoho’s marketing, sales, and productivity toolsPassword protection and expiry date with SecurePassPaid plans from $1/mo & Workspace plans with productivity tools from $3/moMust purchase a domain separatelyOver 5 users requires paid planMinimal storage (5GB per user)Fairly small 25MB attachment limitFree version doesn’t support internet messaging access protocol (IMAP)/ post office protocol (POP)/Active Sync (i.e., can’t use in other email apps) Key features of free Zoho Mail Create up to five free business emails on a domain you own. Strong security and privacy capabilities. Clean and modern interface for easy use. 5GB storage for each email account. Easy integration with Zoho One, Zoho CRM (customer relationship management), Books and Zoho’s other cloud-based business, sales and marketing tools. Scalable Workplace plans with business communication, collaboration and productivity tools comparable to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
If you’re looking for free webmail for business, Zoho Mail takes one of the top spots as you can legitimately get up to five free business email accounts — provided you own a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) — no strings attached. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with more than 40 other Zoho apps for sales, marketing, project management, accounting and more, many of which also have free plans.
Zoho Mail is the best option for free email addresses since you do not have to purchase a plan to get free emails. You’ll access your free Zoho Mail accounts through the Zoho Mail app, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoho Mail has intuitive, familiar-feeling interfaces on desktop and mobile. Image: Zoho
However, plans don’t come with a domain name, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to use Zoho Mail for free, costing roughly $15–$20 per year, depending on the domain registrar.
The only other drawback here is that you can only receive and send emails through the Zoho Mail app — meaning that you can’t add your email accounts to other apps, like Gmail or Outlook, without a paid plan. However, the platform’s free forever email hosting plan can be used as long as you have your own domain, and you don’t exceed five email accounts.
How to set up Zoho Mail
Here’s how to set up a business account, free on Zoho Mail, in six easy steps:
Register a domain name if you haven’t already. Visit Zoho Mail and enter your name, input an email address or phone number, and set a password to create your account. Scroll down below the pricing table to find the free plan option and click “Sign Up for Free On the next screen, click “remind me later” to delay the setup of multi-factor authentication (or follow the steps to set it up now). Next, choose either “Use my own domain” or “Get a domain” (you can also purchase a domain through Zoho during sign-up). Verify your domain to prove its validity. You’ll do this by adding Zoho name server records where your domain is hosted. Update your mail records to officially receive emails from your domain. Zoho provides a one-click verification process for IONOS and GoDaddy domains.
Navigate the Zoho Mail landing page to see its pricing plans.
Add a custom domain for free.
Verify your domain easily through the TXT record method.
In the free-forever plan, you can create up to five business email addresses with 5GB of storage for each user. It comes with web email access, free mobile apps, and one of the best security systems for email hosting. Plus, you can scale with more email features and other productivity tools like Zoho Workplace or Zoho Projects as your business grows. Try it for free today.
Google Workspace: Best for Gmail business email Pros and cons ProsCons 14-day free trialComplete business productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Gmail, and more)Strong cloud security featuresClean interface, and easy to useAutomatic translation featuresCommitment-free, month-to-monthRequires a Google Workspace plan and a domainNo end-to-end email encryption (try Proton Mail for the most security)Domain isn’t included Key features of free Gmail business emails Free business email and up to 30 email aliases from a Google Workspace subscription. Tons of ready-made integrations with other business tools. Comes with the full Google Workspace suite (with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Beginner-friendly email interface. Scalable plans with ample email storage (the most of any provider on this list). Add your other accounts to see all your emails in one place. Gmail features offer a ton of added functionality for small businesses — from sending and receiving money to tagging colleagues and clients in documents to streamline workflows.
Gmail is the most-used email app by businesses worldwide and in the US with 1.8 billion users globally. While you can get a personal account for free, the business version that comes free in Google Workspace is feature-packed and well worth the cost of the plan. All apps come in Workspace plans, making it just as easy for a solopreneur with one account or a large team with hundreds to grow and scale their company.
Gmail’s business email plans include the Google Workspace suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Among these are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, video conferencing via Google Meet, calendar and business email via Gmail. If you need office software, getting free email accounts as part of your productivity suite will save you money over separate email hosting.
Google Workspace is Google’s equivalent of the Microsoft 365 suite, and these are the top two contenders in the US and worldwide.
If you don’t yet have a domain name, Google Workspace makes registering for one during the sign-up process easy. You can purchase a domain during the account creation process, which will automatically connect to your new custom email account, eliminating the headache of manually configuring domains and mail exchange (MX) records.
It’s easy to customize your Gmail interface to your preferences for business email. (Source: Google)
How to set up Gmail
Unlike some other options on this list, there is some cost involved in getting your email account through Google Workspace, including the purchase of a domain ($10–$15 per year) and a Google Workspace plan (from $6). Here’s how to set up your free email address using Google Workspace:
Get a domain name from a top business domain registrar (or buy one when signing up for Google Workspace). Go to Google Workspace, sign up for a plan and number of users, and enter your contact info. Set up your administrative console from the Google Workspace homepage. Verify your domain (unless you purchase it during the checkout process). Create your business email address from the admin console by adding a user.
Start a free trial for Google Workspace to set up your free Gmail business email account.
Add a user in the Admin Console to create your free Gmail account in Google Workspace.
Though not strictly a free email solution in the purest sense of the word — unless you opt for an @gmail address — Gmail and Google Workspace combine a powerful email with an industry-leading productivity solution at a very low cost, if you want to add your custom business domain.
IONOS: Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase Pros and cons ProsCons Super-cheap: Domains from $1 the first year come with a free 2GB email accountFree private domain registration to protect your info and prevent phishing and spamIntuitive webmail from any browser, or easily add to Outlook, Gmail, and other appsExtremely responsive 24/7 support2GB included is less than even Zoho Mail’s free version, so heavy users might have to pay to expand storageThough cheap, it still requires purchase of a domain or hostingCosts more vs Zoho to have multiple email addresses in one plan, such as for a small team Key features of free IONOS business email Several products (domain, website builder, hosting, and so on) come with free business email accounts. Free private domain registration to prevent spam and phishing. Create free business email aliases that forward to your inbox. Intuitive webmail browser with custom views, inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks and the ability to create multiple custom email signatures. Use IMAP or POP to add your email to any app (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail and so on). Topnotch customer support 24/7. Scalable storage and multi-user business email plans, or scale your team with Microsoft Exchange.
IONOS is one of the top web hosting and domain registrars in Europe. It’s also one of the cheapest business email providers, making it a very affordable solution for startups and small businesses needing a business email address, web hosting, domains, and more.
IONOS’ email hosting plans start as low as $1 per month and come with a free email domain. However, you can also get a free email account through IONOS by purchasing a business domain name for $1 for the first year.
The IONOS web-based email interface is easy to customize and use.
Getting your email free through IONOS starts with choosing a domain name. If you need help, read our article on how to choose a domain name for your business. You can get a free email account in IONOS’ website builder plans, web hosting plans, or with the purchase of a domain.
How to set up IONOS email
Here are the steps for getting your email when buying a domain on IONOS:
Go to IONOS and search for your desired domain. Follow the steps to purchase the domain and create your IONOS account. In your IONOS dashboard, click on “Email,” select the “Mail Basic” plan on the next screen, then input your info to create your free email address on IONOS. (Optional) Add your new email to Outlook or Gmail (and other business email apps), following the instructions available to you in the IONOS knowledge base.
To create a free email on IONOS, click on “Email”
Select the Mail Basic plan included free with your domain.
Create a username and password.
IONOS has consistently been one of our top picks for domain and web hosting companies, in no small part because of their generous email plan included with hosting and high value. If you are looking for a scalable web hosting solution along with a robust business email presence at a reasonable cost, IONOS is a .
Hostinger: Best website builder with multiple free emails Pros and cons ProsCons Free business emails offered with all website hosting plansUser-friendly webmail interfaceSeamless integration with ecommerce and marketing featuresSite builder plan comes with site and email hosting alreadyOnly 1GB per mailbox, the least storage in free email plans on this listNo free plan or free trialNo shared calendars or collaboration tools, unlike Google and Microsoft Key features of free Hostinger business emails Free business emails and free domain in website builder plan. Host up to 100 domains and get free email accounts for each one in your plan. Intuitive, proprietary webmail interface. Site builder plan comes with website hosting, email hosting, SSL and other features. Artificial intelligence features throughout (one of the best AI website builders on the market). Scale with standalone email plans with 10–50GB storage on Titan Email.
Hostinger delivers a three-in-one punch of an AI website builder, web hosting and cheap email provider. In terms of reliability, speed, and site uptime, along with its free email plans, Hostinger is the uncontested winner — making it a better choice if you only need one account.
One of Hostinger’s most exciting features is its AI integrations, available in its web builder plans. This is a powerful AI model, the same one that powers one of the most famous AI content writers ChatGPT. It helps create logos, website copy, and predict user behavior on Hostinger.
Hostinger has a simple and no-nonsense webmail platform that comes with web hosting. Image: Hostinger
How to set up Hostinger email
Here’s how to set up your free email address on Hostinger:
Subscribe to the website builder plan on Hostinger, create your account and claim your free domain name. After setting up, go to the hPanel and select the Emails section, then select your domain. Click on “Create email account” and enter the email address and password. Visit Hostinger Webmail to use your new business email.
If your business needs a site builder or website hosting service in addition to business email, Hostinger provides free business email addresses with your website at a low cost. If you need a more robust business email plan, it costs only $1/mo for 10GB of storage or $2.99/mo for 50GB of storage. All of the website hosting plans include a free domain, which further enhances Hostinger’s exceptional value.
Microsoft 365: Best for work email on your Outlook domain Pros and cons ProsCons Complete office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher, Outlook—and more)Outlook business email has the most advanced features (though this requires second tier and higher)Higher storage and video conference participant limits in base than Google Workspace or Zoho Mail WorkplaceBusiness-class email securityNo free domain nameMonthly billing option costs moreMust pay for a plan and a domainCluttered desktop interface due to vast number of featuresExpensive for a large number of email accounts Key features of free Microsoft emails Microsoft 365 plans include Microsoft Outlook for business email on a domain you own. Intuitive mobile and desktop apps. 30-day free trial. Add your other emails to Outlook to see everything in one place. Create automated workflows with tasks and deadlines. Inbox, appointments, calendar, contacts, tasks and more, and instantly create new entries for each from the dashboard. Get desktop notifications of incoming emails. Thousands of business app and software integrations. 50GB email storage in all plans, much higher than the standard. Comes with full access to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
Similar to Gmail and Google Workspace, getting Outlook email through Microsoft 365 gives you the full Microsoft productivity suite, including the well-known Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In addition, Microsoft 365’s software (and Outlook business email) is generally more advanced (but therefore also more complex and less intuitive) than Google Workspace. However, this does come at a higher cost, as most advanced features and automations require desktop versions, which come in the second plan.
Another advantage with Outlook is that it’s compatible with many other business integrations. Also, within the email interface, you’ll find many ways to automate the way your email is sorted and how to customize your interface view.
Outlook offers advanced features and tools to power your business email.
How to set up Microsoft 365 email
Like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 doesn’t come with a free domain name, so you’ll want to buy a business domain name before signing up. Here’s how to connect an existing domain to set up your Microsoft 365 (and Outlook business email) account:
Head to Microsoft 365 to select a plan, then add your contact information, username, and payment information. Log in and choose “Go to setup.” Add and verify your business domain name. Follow the rest of the setup wizard’s instructions. Create your Outlook business email address.
From the Microsoft 365 pricing page, click “Start my free trial” to set up your account.
Enter some basic personal information.
Choose a username and domain name for your Microsoft account.
Add your payment details and complete the setup.
To create a professional email address for maximum brand credibility, use a custom domain name for email vs a generic one (e.g., outlook.com or gmail.com). However, there are times when you may want a temporary address or need to get started with a completely free business email. For this, we recommend Proton Mail for its business-class security — learn more below.
The outlook.com domain is certainly a reputable one as a free email for your business, if you’re on a serious budget. But if you wish to have a professional domain — combined with the power of one of the industry’s leading productivity solutions — Microsoft 365 is a good choice, and worth the investment.
Proton Mail: Best for free business emails with advanced security Pros and cons ProsCons Advanced security and privacy including end-to-end encryption, even on the free planFully HIPAA and GDPR compliantEncrypted contacts and calendarSelf-destructing emails (how cool is that)Password-protected emails1-click migration serviceBridge integrates Proton’s security with your third-party mail appsCan’t connect a branded domain without upgrading to a paid planFree plan storage is limited to 500MB150 messages send limit per day in the free version Key features of free Proton Mail emails Most advanced security features for email, including end to end encryption for HIPAAⓘ and GDPRⓘ compliance and self-destructing emails (email expiry). Zero-access encryption so no one (not even Proton) can access your email or hand it over to anyone. Proton Sentinel protection against cyberattacks. Two factor authentication and hardware security keys to prevent unauthorized access. Password protected emails. Advanced tracking protection prohibits tracking pixels and hides your IP. One-click email migration. Free Protonmail.com email with 1GB storage.
Proton Mail takes security very seriously. It is headquartered in Switzerland, so your account is protected by Swiss privacy and neutrality laws. It guarantees end-to-end and zero-access encryption — not just in your mail but in your Proton Contacts and Calendar as well. Proton encrypts mail sent to your recipients (even those not on Proton) with its password-protected email feature.
Aside from encryption, Proton Mail allows self-destructing messages to be sent to any contact, even those not in the Proton system. Proton also automatically blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP, so your mail can’t be used to generate ads.
To get all these features, create a free Proton Mail account. With this account, you’ll also get limited access to Proton’s Calendar, VPN and Drive. To upgrade your features, like access to a custom domain for your emails, purchase a Business account starting at €3.99 a month ($4.30 U.S.). You’ll also get up to 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Proton Mail has a clean and simple interface.
How to set up Proton Mail
Here are the steps to get a free account with Proton Mail:
Go to Proton and click “Create a free account.” Fill out your account information, including your username, then click “Get Proton for free” on the next page. Verify via captcha or email to complete setup of your free business email on Proton Mail.
After creating your free email account on Proton, you can import your existing email to Proton’s servers using Easy Switch, which is a one-step email import solution.
Enter your email username and password to set up a business email on Proton Mail.
Click on “Continue with Free” to get your free business email through Proton.
If security and privacy are of utmost importance to you and your business, there is nothing that touches Proton Mail and their unique and powerful security protocols. If you already own a domain, or are willing to purchase your business domain name and connect it with Proton Mail, it offers a powerful solution for secure business email.
Internxt: Best for free temporary business email Pros and cons ProsCons Disposable temporary email address and inbox effectively masks and protects emailCompletely anonymous (no sign-up required)Can’t choose your username or domain nameMay inadvertently lose access to emails you wanted to retain Key features of free Internxt temporary emails Anonymous, private and free. Temporary email address and inbox automatically get deleted after 3 hours of inactivity. Great way to keep your business email free of spam, cyberattack and phishing emails.
Let’s face it: digital tools like email apps are at constant risk today. From hackers and scammers to your typical unwanted spam, many small business owners are sick and tired of inboxes filled with messages they didn’t sign up for and don’t want. Temporary email accounts (aka disposable email addresses) are one way to cut down on this.
Internxt is a highly-rated cloud storage service that, in addition to secure and private cloud storage and file sharing, offers free temporary email addresses with no sign-up or hassle required. Simply visit Internxt and use the email address and inbox that automatically appear.
How to set up Internxt temporary email
How to use Internxt’s temporary email address generator:
Copy your disposable email address. Use the address on your desired service. Wait a few moments for a response or verification email. All emails received will appear in your inbox above.
Use temporary email addresses for things like account verifications, downloads, accessing a webinar on demand, and other one-time events, like making an online purchase. This helps to keep your business email off of third-party lists and out of the hands of bad actors. In addition to a real business email account, Internxt is a great tool for keeping your business email clean and safe.
How we evaluated the best free business email providers
The providers above can’t be fully compared apples-to-apples, as each platform is distinctly different. To be considered for this guide, providers had to either have a 100% free option or include free email alongside other products small businesses need, such as hosting or site builders. In addition, we used our own firsthand experience to select and rank providers based on customer support, ease of use, popularity and use cases.
SEE: Feature Comparison: Email Marketing Software and Services from TechRepublic Premium
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I get a free business email without a domain?
If you don’t have a custom domain to use for email yet, we recommend using Outlook. You can create a free email address for your business that leverages the credibility of the Microsoft reputation with an Outlook extension, such as businessname@outlook.com. Then, when you’re ready, purchase a domain and set up a Microsoft business email to build your brand’s presence and reputation.
Can I create a professional email for free on my domain?
If you own a domain, you can create up to five free professional email addresses on Zoho Mail. If you don’t have a domain, you can purchase one through IONOS for $1 for the first year and get a free professional email address to use with your domain and additional email aliases for forwarding.
Which is better for business email: Outlook or Gmail?
Whether Outlook or Gmail is better for business email depends on the work email features you want and which productivity software (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) you prefer. Gmail is the better option for collaborative teams (as is Google Workspace). Those looking for advanced features and automations may find that Outlook and Microsoft 365 are best.
Bottom line
Business emails on a custom domain provide the most brand credibility. If you own a domain, get up to five free email accounts in an intuitive app with Zoho Mail. Zoho also offers an excellent set of productivity tools, and as a possible alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is worth consideration.
If you need multiple business email accounts, along with the full gamut of website hosting including WordPress, Hostinger offers it all. Its website hosting plans include 100 email addresses and 1GB storage plus a free domain name and web hosting for your website for as little as $2.99 per month. Hostinger is an all-around great value not only for emails, but for all hosting services, making it our top choice.
Free Business Email: 7 Legit Ways to Get Free Addresses
All businesses need branded email addresses, and small businesses and startups often need it to be as cheap as possible. To help, we rounded up the best legitimate ways to get a free business email address. All are secure and credible for professional use. Some are completely free, while others include free email accounts with products like domains, web hosting, and office software.
Best free business email addresses: Zoho Mail Best for Gmail business email: Google Workspace Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase: IONOS Best website builder with multiple free emails: Hostinger Best for work email on your Outlook domain: Microsoft 365 Best for free business emails with advanced security: Proton Mail Best for free temporary business email: Internxt Free business email solutions at a glance ProviderNumber of emailsConditionStorage per userFree domainLearn more Zoho MailUp to 5 usersHave existing domain5GB✘Visit Zoho Mail Google Workspace1Subscribe to Google Workspace starting $6/mo30GB–5TB✘Visit Google Workspace IONOS1Purchase domain and web hosting2GB–50GB✔Visit IONOS HostingerUp to 100Purchase site builder plan1GB per mailbox✔Visit Hostinger Microsoft 365Up to 25Subscribe to Microsoft 365 starting $6/mo15GB✘Visit Microsoft 365 Proton Mail1Use a Proton Mail domain1GB✘Visit Proton Mail Internxt1Expires after 3 hoursN/A✔Visit Internxt
- More storage available in paid plans
Zoho Mail: Best free business email addresses Pros and cons ProsCons Up to 5 free business email addresses on your domainUser-friendly and integrates with Zoho’s marketing, sales, and productivity toolsPassword protection and expiry date with SecurePassPaid plans from $1/mo & Workspace plans with productivity tools from $3/moMust purchase a domain separatelyOver 5 users requires paid planMinimal storage (5GB per user)Fairly small 25MB attachment limitFree version doesn’t support internet messaging access protocol (IMAP)/ post office protocol (POP)/Active Sync (i.e., can’t use in other email apps) Key features of free Zoho Mail Create up to five free business emails on a domain you own. Strong security and privacy capabilities. Clean and modern interface for easy use. 5GB storage for each email account. Easy integration with Zoho One, Zoho CRM (customer relationship management), Books and Zoho’s other cloud-based business, sales and marketing tools. Scalable Workplace plans with business communication, collaboration and productivity tools comparable to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
If you’re looking for free webmail for business, Zoho Mail takes one of the top spots as you can legitimately get up to five free business email accounts — provided you own a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) — no strings attached. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with more than 40 other Zoho apps for sales, marketing, project management, accounting and more, many of which also have free plans.
Zoho Mail is the best option for free email addresses since you do not have to purchase a plan to get free emails. You’ll access your free Zoho Mail accounts through the Zoho Mail app, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoho Mail has intuitive, familiar-feeling interfaces on desktop and mobile. Image: Zoho
However, plans don’t come with a domain name, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to use Zoho Mail for free, costing roughly $15–$20 per year, depending on the domain registrar.
The only other drawback here is that you can only receive and send emails through the Zoho Mail app — meaning that you can’t add your email accounts to other apps, like Gmail or Outlook, without a paid plan. However, the platform’s free forever email hosting plan can be used as long as you have your own domain, and you don’t exceed five email accounts.
How to set up Zoho Mail
Here’s how to set up a business account, free on Zoho Mail, in six easy steps:
Register a domain name if you haven’t already. Visit Zoho Mail and enter your name, input an email address or phone number, and set a password to create your account. Scroll down below the pricing table to find the free plan option and click “Sign Up for Free On the next screen, click “remind me later” to delay the setup of multi-factor authentication (or follow the steps to set it up now). Next, choose either “Use my own domain” or “Get a domain” (you can also purchase a domain through Zoho during sign-up). Verify your domain to prove its validity. You’ll do this by adding Zoho name server records where your domain is hosted. Update your mail records to officially receive emails from your domain. Zoho provides a one-click verification process for IONOS and GoDaddy domains.
Navigate the Zoho Mail landing page to see its pricing plans.
Add a custom domain for free.
Verify your domain easily through the TXT record method.
In the free-forever plan, you can create up to five business email addresses with 5GB of storage for each user. It comes with web email access, free mobile apps, and one of the best security systems for email hosting. Plus, you can scale with more email features and other productivity tools like Zoho Workplace or Zoho Projects as your business grows. Try it for free today.
Google Workspace: Best for Gmail business email Pros and cons ProsCons 14-day free trialComplete business productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Gmail, and more)Strong cloud security featuresClean interface, and easy to useAutomatic translation featuresCommitment-free, month-to-monthRequires a Google Workspace plan and a domainNo end-to-end email encryption (try Proton Mail for the most security)Domain isn’t included Key features of free Gmail business emails Free business email and up to 30 email aliases from a Google Workspace subscription. Tons of ready-made integrations with other business tools. Comes with the full Google Workspace suite (with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Beginner-friendly email interface. Scalable plans with ample email storage (the most of any provider on this list). Add your other accounts to see all your emails in one place. Gmail features offer a ton of added functionality for small businesses — from sending and receiving money to tagging colleagues and clients in documents to streamline workflows.
Gmail is the most-used email app by businesses worldwide and in the US with 1.8 billion users globally. While you can get a personal account for free, the business version that comes free in Google Workspace is feature-packed and well worth the cost of the plan. All apps come in Workspace plans, making it just as easy for a solopreneur with one account or a large team with hundreds to grow and scale their company.
Gmail’s business email plans include the Google Workspace suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Among these are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, video conferencing via Google Meet, calendar and business email via Gmail. If you need office software, getting free email accounts as part of your productivity suite will save you money over separate email hosting.
Google Workspace is Google’s equivalent of the Microsoft 365 suite, and these are the top two contenders in the US and worldwide.
If you don’t yet have a domain name, Google Workspace makes registering for one during the sign-up process easy. You can purchase a domain during the account creation process, which will automatically connect to your new custom email account, eliminating the headache of manually configuring domains and mail exchange (MX) records.
It’s easy to customize your Gmail interface to your preferences for business email. (Source: Google)
How to set up Gmail
Unlike some other options on this list, there is some cost involved in getting your email account through Google Workspace, including the purchase of a domain ($10–$15 per year) and a Google Workspace plan (from $6). Here’s how to set up your free email address using Google Workspace:
Get a domain name from a top business domain registrar (or buy one when signing up for Google Workspace). Go to Google Workspace, sign up for a plan and number of users, and enter your contact info. Set up your administrative console from the Google Workspace homepage. Verify your domain (unless you purchase it during the checkout process). Create your business email address from the admin console by adding a user.
Start a free trial for Google Workspace to set up your free Gmail business email account.
Add a user in the Admin Console to create your free Gmail account in Google Workspace.
Though not strictly a free email solution in the purest sense of the word — unless you opt for an @gmail address — Gmail and Google Workspace combine a powerful email with an industry-leading productivity solution at a very low cost, if you want to add your custom business domain.
IONOS: Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase Pros and cons ProsCons Super-cheap: Domains from $1 the first year come with a free 2GB email accountFree private domain registration to protect your info and prevent phishing and spamIntuitive webmail from any browser, or easily add to Outlook, Gmail, and other appsExtremely responsive 24/7 support2GB included is less than even Zoho Mail’s free version, so heavy users might have to pay to expand storageThough cheap, it still requires purchase of a domain or hostingCosts more vs Zoho to have multiple email addresses in one plan, such as for a small team Key features of free IONOS business email Several products (domain, website builder, hosting, and so on) come with free business email accounts. Free private domain registration to prevent spam and phishing. Create free business email aliases that forward to your inbox. Intuitive webmail browser with custom views, inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks and the ability to create multiple custom email signatures. Use IMAP or POP to add your email to any app (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail and so on). Topnotch customer support 24/7. Scalable storage and multi-user business email plans, or scale your team with Microsoft Exchange.
IONOS is one of the top web hosting and domain registrars in Europe. It’s also one of the cheapest business email providers, making it a very affordable solution for startups and small businesses needing a business email address, web hosting, domains, and more.
IONOS’ email hosting plans start as low as $1 per month and come with a free email domain. However, you can also get a free email account through IONOS by purchasing a business domain name for $1 for the first year.
The IONOS web-based email interface is easy to customize and use.
Getting your email free through IONOS starts with choosing a domain name. If you need help, read our article on how to choose a domain name for your business. You can get a free email account in IONOS’ website builder plans, web hosting plans, or with the purchase of a domain.
How to set up IONOS email
Here are the steps for getting your email when buying a domain on IONOS:
Go to IONOS and search for your desired domain. Follow the steps to purchase the domain and create your IONOS account. In your IONOS dashboard, click on “Email,” select the “Mail Basic” plan on the next screen, then input your info to create your free email address on IONOS. (Optional) Add your new email to Outlook or Gmail (and other business email apps), following the instructions available to you in the IONOS knowledge base.
To create a free email on IONOS, click on “Email”
Select the Mail Basic plan included free with your domain.
Create a username and password.
IONOS has consistently been one of our top picks for domain and web hosting companies, in no small part because of their generous email plan included with hosting and high value. If you are looking for a scalable web hosting solution along with a robust business email presence at a reasonable cost, IONOS is a .
Hostinger: Best website builder with multiple free emails Pros and cons ProsCons Free business emails offered with all website hosting plansUser-friendly webmail interfaceSeamless integration with ecommerce and marketing featuresSite builder plan comes with site and email hosting alreadyOnly 1GB per mailbox, the least storage in free email plans on this listNo free plan or free trialNo shared calendars or collaboration tools, unlike Google and Microsoft Key features of free Hostinger business emails Free business emails and free domain in website builder plan. Host up to 100 domains and get free email accounts for each one in your plan. Intuitive, proprietary webmail interface. Site builder plan comes with website hosting, email hosting, SSL and other features. Artificial intelligence features throughout (one of the best AI website builders on the market). Scale with standalone email plans with 10–50GB storage on Titan Email.
Hostinger delivers a three-in-one punch of an AI website builder, web hosting and cheap email provider. In terms of reliability, speed, and site uptime, along with its free email plans, Hostinger is the uncontested winner — making it a better choice if you only need one account.
One of Hostinger’s most exciting features is its AI integrations, available in its web builder plans. This is a powerful AI model, the same one that powers one of the most famous AI content writers ChatGPT. It helps create logos, website copy, and predict user behavior on Hostinger.
Hostinger has a simple and no-nonsense webmail platform that comes with web hosting. Image: Hostinger
How to set up Hostinger email
Here’s how to set up your free email address on Hostinger:
Subscribe to the website builder plan on Hostinger, create your account and claim your free domain name. After setting up, go to the hPanel and select the Emails section, then select your domain. Click on “Create email account” and enter the email address and password. Visit Hostinger Webmail to use your new business email.
If your business needs a site builder or website hosting service in addition to business email, Hostinger provides free business email addresses with your website at a low cost. If you need a more robust business email plan, it costs only $1/mo for 10GB of storage or $2.99/mo for 50GB of storage. All of the website hosting plans include a free domain, which further enhances Hostinger’s exceptional value.
Microsoft 365: Best for work email on your Outlook domain Pros and cons ProsCons Complete office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher, Outlook—and more)Outlook business email has the most advanced features (though this requires second tier and higher)Higher storage and video conference participant limits in base than Google Workspace or Zoho Mail WorkplaceBusiness-class email securityNo free domain nameMonthly billing option costs moreMust pay for a plan and a domainCluttered desktop interface due to vast number of featuresExpensive for a large number of email accounts Key features of free Microsoft emails Microsoft 365 plans include Microsoft Outlook for business email on a domain you own. Intuitive mobile and desktop apps. 30-day free trial. Add your other emails to Outlook to see everything in one place. Create automated workflows with tasks and deadlines. Inbox, appointments, calendar, contacts, tasks and more, and instantly create new entries for each from the dashboard. Get desktop notifications of incoming emails. Thousands of business app and software integrations. 50GB email storage in all plans, much higher than the standard. Comes with full access to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
Similar to Gmail and Google Workspace, getting Outlook email through Microsoft 365 gives you the full Microsoft productivity suite, including the well-known Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In addition, Microsoft 365’s software (and Outlook business email) is generally more advanced (but therefore also more complex and less intuitive) than Google Workspace. However, this does come at a higher cost, as most advanced features and automations require desktop versions, which come in the second plan.
Another advantage with Outlook is that it’s compatible with many other business integrations. Also, within the email interface, you’ll find many ways to automate the way your email is sorted and how to customize your interface view.
Outlook offers advanced features and tools to power your business email.
How to set up Microsoft 365 email
Like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 doesn’t come with a free domain name, so you’ll want to buy a business domain name before signing up. Here’s how to connect an existing domain to set up your Microsoft 365 (and Outlook business email) account:
Head to Microsoft 365 to select a plan, then add your contact information, username, and payment information. Log in and choose “Go to setup.” Add and verify your business domain name. Follow the rest of the setup wizard’s instructions. Create your Outlook business email address.
From the Microsoft 365 pricing page, click “Start my free trial” to set up your account.
Enter some basic personal information.
Choose a username and domain name for your Microsoft account.
Add your payment details and complete the setup.
To create a professional email address for maximum brand credibility, use a custom domain name for email vs a generic one (e.g., outlook.com or gmail.com). However, there are times when you may want a temporary address or need to get started with a completely free business email. For this, we recommend Proton Mail for its business-class security — learn more below.
The outlook.com domain is certainly a reputable one as a free email for your business, if you’re on a serious budget. But if you wish to have a professional domain — combined with the power of one of the industry’s leading productivity solutions — Microsoft 365 is a good choice, and worth the investment.
Proton Mail: Best for free business emails with advanced security Pros and cons ProsCons Advanced security and privacy including end-to-end encryption, even on the free planFully HIPAA and GDPR compliantEncrypted contacts and calendarSelf-destructing emails (how cool is that)Password-protected emails1-click migration serviceBridge integrates Proton’s security with your third-party mail appsCan’t connect a branded domain without upgrading to a paid planFree plan storage is limited to 500MB150 messages send limit per day in the free version Key features of free Proton Mail emails Most advanced security features for email, including end to end encryption for HIPAAⓘ and GDPRⓘ compliance and self-destructing emails (email expiry). Zero-access encryption so no one (not even Proton) can access your email or hand it over to anyone. Proton Sentinel protection against cyberattacks. Two factor authentication and hardware security keys to prevent unauthorized access. Password protected emails. Advanced tracking protection prohibits tracking pixels and hides your IP. One-click email migration. Free Protonmail.com email with 1GB storage.
Proton Mail takes security very seriously. It is headquartered in Switzerland, so your account is protected by Swiss privacy and neutrality laws. It guarantees end-to-end and zero-access encryption — not just in your mail but in your Proton Contacts and Calendar as well. Proton encrypts mail sent to your recipients (even those not on Proton) with its password-protected email feature.
Aside from encryption, Proton Mail allows self-destructing messages to be sent to any contact, even those not in the Proton system. Proton also automatically blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP, so your mail can’t be used to generate ads.
To get all these features, create a free Proton Mail account. With this account, you’ll also get limited access to Proton’s Calendar, VPN and Drive. To upgrade your features, like access to a custom domain for your emails, purchase a Business account starting at €3.99 a month ($4.30 U.S.). You’ll also get up to 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Proton Mail has a clean and simple interface.
How to set up Proton Mail
Here are the steps to get a free account with Proton Mail:
Go to Proton and click “Create a free account.” Fill out your account information, including your username, then click “Get Proton for free” on the next page. Verify via captcha or email to complete setup of your free business email on Proton Mail.
After creating your free email account on Proton, you can import your existing email to Proton’s servers using Easy Switch, which is a one-step email import solution.
Enter your email username and password to set up a business email on Proton Mail.
Click on “Continue with Free” to get your free business email through Proton.
If security and privacy are of utmost importance to you and your business, there is nothing that touches Proton Mail and their unique and powerful security protocols. If you already own a domain, or are willing to purchase your business domain name and connect it with Proton Mail, it offers a powerful solution for secure business email.
Internxt: Best for free temporary business email Pros and cons ProsCons Disposable temporary email address and inbox effectively masks and protects emailCompletely anonymous (no sign-up required)Can’t choose your username or domain nameMay inadvertently lose access to emails you wanted to retain Key features of free Internxt temporary emails Anonymous, private and free. Temporary email address and inbox automatically get deleted after 3 hours of inactivity. Great way to keep your business email free of spam, cyberattack and phishing emails.
Let’s face it: digital tools like email apps are at constant risk today. From hackers and scammers to your typical unwanted spam, many small business owners are sick and tired of inboxes filled with messages they didn’t sign up for and don’t want. Temporary email accounts (aka disposable email addresses) are one way to cut down on this.
Internxt is a highly-rated cloud storage service that, in addition to secure and private cloud storage and file sharing, offers free temporary email addresses with no sign-up or hassle required. Simply visit Internxt and use the email address and inbox that automatically appear.
How to set up Internxt temporary email
How to use Internxt’s temporary email address generator:
Copy your disposable email address. Use the address on your desired service. Wait a few moments for a response or verification email. All emails received will appear in your inbox above.
Use temporary email addresses for things like account verifications, downloads, accessing a webinar on demand, and other one-time events, like making an online purchase. This helps to keep your business email off of third-party lists and out of the hands of bad actors. In addition to a real business email account, Internxt is a great tool for keeping your business email clean and safe.
How we evaluated the best free business email providers
The providers above can’t be fully compared apples-to-apples, as each platform is distinctly different. To be considered for this guide, providers had to either have a 100% free option or include free email alongside other products small businesses need, such as hosting or site builders. In addition, we used our own firsthand experience to select and rank providers based on customer support, ease of use, popularity and use cases.
SEE: Feature Comparison: Email Marketing Software and Services from TechRepublic Premium
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I get a free business email without a domain?
If you don’t have a custom domain to use for email yet, we recommend using Outlook. You can create a free email address for your business that leverages the credibility of the Microsoft reputation with an Outlook extension, such as businessname@outlook.com. Then, when you’re ready, purchase a domain and set up a Microsoft business email to build your brand’s presence and reputation.
Can I create a professional email for free on my domain?
If you own a domain, you can create up to five free professional email addresses on Zoho Mail. If you don’t have a domain, you can purchase one through IONOS for $1 for the first year and get a free professional email address to use with your domain and additional email aliases for forwarding.
Which is better for business email: Outlook or Gmail?
Whether Outlook or Gmail is better for business email depends on the work email features you want and which productivity software (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) you prefer. Gmail is the better option for collaborative teams (as is Google Workspace). Those looking for advanced features and automations may find that Outlook and Microsoft 365 are best.
Bottom line
Business emails on a custom domain provide the most brand credibility. If you own a domain, get up to five free email accounts in an intuitive app with Zoho Mail. Zoho also offers an excellent set of productivity tools, and as a possible alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is worth consideration.
If you need multiple business email accounts, along with the full gamut of website hosting including WordPress, Hostinger offers it all. Its website hosting plans include 100 email addresses and 1GB storage plus a free domain name and web hosting for your website for as little as $2.99 per month. Hostinger is an all-around great value not only for emails, but for all hosting services, making it our top choice.
Free Business Email: 7 Legit Ways to Get Free Addresses
All businesses need branded email addresses, and small businesses and startups often need it to be as cheap as possible. To help, we rounded up the best legitimate ways to get a free business email address. All are secure and credible for professional use. Some are completely free, while others include free email accounts with products like domains, web hosting, and office software.
Best free business email addresses: Zoho Mail Best for Gmail business email: Google Workspace Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase: IONOS Best website builder with multiple free emails: Hostinger Best for work email on your Outlook domain: Microsoft 365 Best for free business emails with advanced security: Proton Mail Best for free temporary business email: Internxt Free business email solutions at a glance ProviderNumber of emailsConditionStorage per userFree domainLearn more Zoho MailUp to 5 usersHave existing domain5GB✘Visit Zoho Mail Google Workspace1Subscribe to Google Workspace starting $6/mo30GB–5TB✘Visit Google Workspace IONOS1Purchase domain and web hosting2GB–50GB✔Visit IONOS HostingerUp to 100Purchase site builder plan1GB per mailbox✔Visit Hostinger Microsoft 365Up to 25Subscribe to Microsoft 365 starting $6/mo15GB✘Visit Microsoft 365 Proton Mail1Use a Proton Mail domain1GB✘Visit Proton Mail Internxt1Expires after 3 hoursN/A✔Visit Internxt
- More storage available in paid plans
Zoho Mail: Best free business email addresses Pros and cons ProsCons Up to 5 free business email addresses on your domainUser-friendly and integrates with Zoho’s marketing, sales, and productivity toolsPassword protection and expiry date with SecurePassPaid plans from $1/mo & Workspace plans with productivity tools from $3/moMust purchase a domain separatelyOver 5 users requires paid planMinimal storage (5GB per user)Fairly small 25MB attachment limitFree version doesn’t support internet messaging access protocol (IMAP)/ post office protocol (POP)/Active Sync (i.e., can’t use in other email apps) Key features of free Zoho Mail Create up to five free business emails on a domain you own. Strong security and privacy capabilities. Clean and modern interface for easy use. 5GB storage for each email account. Easy integration with Zoho One, Zoho CRM (customer relationship management), Books and Zoho’s other cloud-based business, sales and marketing tools. Scalable Workplace plans with business communication, collaboration and productivity tools comparable to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
If you’re looking for free webmail for business, Zoho Mail takes one of the top spots as you can legitimately get up to five free business email accounts — provided you own a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) — no strings attached. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with more than 40 other Zoho apps for sales, marketing, project management, accounting and more, many of which also have free plans.
Zoho Mail is the best option for free email addresses since you do not have to purchase a plan to get free emails. You’ll access your free Zoho Mail accounts through the Zoho Mail app, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoho Mail has intuitive, familiar-feeling interfaces on desktop and mobile. Image: Zoho
However, plans don’t come with a domain name, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to use Zoho Mail for free, costing roughly $15–$20 per year, depending on the domain registrar.
The only other drawback here is that you can only receive and send emails through the Zoho Mail app — meaning that you can’t add your email accounts to other apps, like Gmail or Outlook, without a paid plan. However, the platform’s free forever email hosting plan can be used as long as you have your own domain, and you don’t exceed five email accounts.
How to set up Zoho Mail
Here’s how to set up a business account, free on Zoho Mail, in six easy steps:
Register a domain name if you haven’t already. Visit Zoho Mail and enter your name, input an email address or phone number, and set a password to create your account. Scroll down below the pricing table to find the free plan option and click “Sign Up for Free On the next screen, click “remind me later” to delay the setup of multi-factor authentication (or follow the steps to set it up now). Next, choose either “Use my own domain” or “Get a domain” (you can also purchase a domain through Zoho during sign-up). Verify your domain to prove its validity. You’ll do this by adding Zoho name server records where your domain is hosted. Update your mail records to officially receive emails from your domain. Zoho provides a one-click verification process for IONOS and GoDaddy domains.
Navigate the Zoho Mail landing page to see its pricing plans.
Add a custom domain for free.
Verify your domain easily through the TXT record method.
In the free-forever plan, you can create up to five business email addresses with 5GB of storage for each user. It comes with web email access, free mobile apps, and one of the best security systems for email hosting. Plus, you can scale with more email features and other productivity tools like Zoho Workplace or Zoho Projects as your business grows. Try it for free today.
Google Workspace: Best for Gmail business email Pros and cons ProsCons 14-day free trialComplete business productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Gmail, and more)Strong cloud security featuresClean interface, and easy to useAutomatic translation featuresCommitment-free, month-to-monthRequires a Google Workspace plan and a domainNo end-to-end email encryption (try Proton Mail for the most security)Domain isn’t included Key features of free Gmail business emails Free business email and up to 30 email aliases from a Google Workspace subscription. Tons of ready-made integrations with other business tools. Comes with the full Google Workspace suite (with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Beginner-friendly email interface. Scalable plans with ample email storage (the most of any provider on this list). Add your other accounts to see all your emails in one place. Gmail features offer a ton of added functionality for small businesses — from sending and receiving money to tagging colleagues and clients in documents to streamline workflows.
Gmail is the most-used email app by businesses worldwide and in the US with 1.8 billion users globally. While you can get a personal account for free, the business version that comes free in Google Workspace is feature-packed and well worth the cost of the plan. All apps come in Workspace plans, making it just as easy for a solopreneur with one account or a large team with hundreds to grow and scale their company.
Gmail’s business email plans include the Google Workspace suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Among these are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, video conferencing via Google Meet, calendar and business email via Gmail. If you need office software, getting free email accounts as part of your productivity suite will save you money over separate email hosting.
Google Workspace is Google’s equivalent of the Microsoft 365 suite, and these are the top two contenders in the US and worldwide.
If you don’t yet have a domain name, Google Workspace makes registering for one during the sign-up process easy. You can purchase a domain during the account creation process, which will automatically connect to your new custom email account, eliminating the headache of manually configuring domains and mail exchange (MX) records.
It’s easy to customize your Gmail interface to your preferences for business email. (Source: Google)
How to set up Gmail
Unlike some other options on this list, there is some cost involved in getting your email account through Google Workspace, including the purchase of a domain ($10–$15 per year) and a Google Workspace plan (from $6). Here’s how to set up your free email address using Google Workspace:
Get a domain name from a top business domain registrar (or buy one when signing up for Google Workspace). Go to Google Workspace, sign up for a plan and number of users, and enter your contact info. Set up your administrative console from the Google Workspace homepage. Verify your domain (unless you purchase it during the checkout process). Create your business email address from the admin console by adding a user.
Start a free trial for Google Workspace to set up your free Gmail business email account.
Add a user in the Admin Console to create your free Gmail account in Google Workspace.
Though not strictly a free email solution in the purest sense of the word — unless you opt for an @gmail address — Gmail and Google Workspace combine a powerful email with an industry-leading productivity solution at a very low cost, if you want to add your custom business domain.
IONOS: Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase Pros and cons ProsCons Super-cheap: Domains from $1 the first year come with a free 2GB email accountFree private domain registration to protect your info and prevent phishing and spamIntuitive webmail from any browser, or easily add to Outlook, Gmail, and other appsExtremely responsive 24/7 support2GB included is less than even Zoho Mail’s free version, so heavy users might have to pay to expand storageThough cheap, it still requires purchase of a domain or hostingCosts more vs Zoho to have multiple email addresses in one plan, such as for a small team Key features of free IONOS business email Several products (domain, website builder, hosting, and so on) come with free business email accounts. Free private domain registration to prevent spam and phishing. Create free business email aliases that forward to your inbox. Intuitive webmail browser with custom views, inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks and the ability to create multiple custom email signatures. Use IMAP or POP to add your email to any app (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail and so on). Topnotch customer support 24/7. Scalable storage and multi-user business email plans, or scale your team with Microsoft Exchange.
IONOS is one of the top web hosting and domain registrars in Europe. It’s also one of the cheapest business email providers, making it a very affordable solution for startups and small businesses needing a business email address, web hosting, domains, and more.
IONOS’ email hosting plans start as low as $1 per month and come with a free email domain. However, you can also get a free email account through IONOS by purchasing a business domain name for $1 for the first year.
The IONOS web-based email interface is easy to customize and use.
Getting your email free through IONOS starts with choosing a domain name. If you need help, read our article on how to choose a domain name for your business. You can get a free email account in IONOS’ website builder plans, web hosting plans, or with the purchase of a domain.
How to set up IONOS email
Here are the steps for getting your email when buying a domain on IONOS:
Go to IONOS and search for your desired domain. Follow the steps to purchase the domain and create your IONOS account. In your IONOS dashboard, click on “Email,” select the “Mail Basic” plan on the next screen, then input your info to create your free email address on IONOS. (Optional) Add your new email to Outlook or Gmail (and other business email apps), following the instructions available to you in the IONOS knowledge base.
To create a free email on IONOS, click on “Email”
Select the Mail Basic plan included free with your domain.
Create a username and password.
IONOS has consistently been one of our top picks for domain and web hosting companies, in no small part because of their generous email plan included with hosting and high value. If you are looking for a scalable web hosting solution along with a robust business email presence at a reasonable cost, IONOS is a .
Hostinger: Best website builder with multiple free emails Pros and cons ProsCons Free business emails offered with all website hosting plansUser-friendly webmail interfaceSeamless integration with ecommerce and marketing featuresSite builder plan comes with site and email hosting alreadyOnly 1GB per mailbox, the least storage in free email plans on this listNo free plan or free trialNo shared calendars or collaboration tools, unlike Google and Microsoft Key features of free Hostinger business emails Free business emails and free domain in website builder plan. Host up to 100 domains and get free email accounts for each one in your plan. Intuitive, proprietary webmail interface. Site builder plan comes with website hosting, email hosting, SSL and other features. Artificial intelligence features throughout (one of the best AI website builders on the market). Scale with standalone email plans with 10–50GB storage on Titan Email.
Hostinger delivers a three-in-one punch of an AI website builder, web hosting and cheap email provider. In terms of reliability, speed, and site uptime, along with its free email plans, Hostinger is the uncontested winner — making it a better choice if you only need one account.
One of Hostinger’s most exciting features is its AI integrations, available in its web builder plans. This is a powerful AI model, the same one that powers one of the most famous AI content writers ChatGPT. It helps create logos, website copy, and predict user behavior on Hostinger.
Hostinger has a simple and no-nonsense webmail platform that comes with web hosting. Image: Hostinger
How to set up Hostinger email
Here’s how to set up your free email address on Hostinger:
Subscribe to the website builder plan on Hostinger, create your account and claim your free domain name. After setting up, go to the hPanel and select the Emails section, then select your domain. Click on “Create email account” and enter the email address and password. Visit Hostinger Webmail to use your new business email.
If your business needs a site builder or website hosting service in addition to business email, Hostinger provides free business email addresses with your website at a low cost. If you need a more robust business email plan, it costs only $1/mo for 10GB of storage or $2.99/mo for 50GB of storage. All of the website hosting plans include a free domain, which further enhances Hostinger’s exceptional value.
Microsoft 365: Best for work email on your Outlook domain Pros and cons ProsCons Complete office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher, Outlook—and more)Outlook business email has the most advanced features (though this requires second tier and higher)Higher storage and video conference participant limits in base than Google Workspace or Zoho Mail WorkplaceBusiness-class email securityNo free domain nameMonthly billing option costs moreMust pay for a plan and a domainCluttered desktop interface due to vast number of featuresExpensive for a large number of email accounts Key features of free Microsoft emails Microsoft 365 plans include Microsoft Outlook for business email on a domain you own. Intuitive mobile and desktop apps. 30-day free trial. Add your other emails to Outlook to see everything in one place. Create automated workflows with tasks and deadlines. Inbox, appointments, calendar, contacts, tasks and more, and instantly create new entries for each from the dashboard. Get desktop notifications of incoming emails. Thousands of business app and software integrations. 50GB email storage in all plans, much higher than the standard. Comes with full access to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
Similar to Gmail and Google Workspace, getting Outlook email through Microsoft 365 gives you the full Microsoft productivity suite, including the well-known Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In addition, Microsoft 365’s software (and Outlook business email) is generally more advanced (but therefore also more complex and less intuitive) than Google Workspace. However, this does come at a higher cost, as most advanced features and automations require desktop versions, which come in the second plan.
Another advantage with Outlook is that it’s compatible with many other business integrations. Also, within the email interface, you’ll find many ways to automate the way your email is sorted and how to customize your interface view.
Outlook offers advanced features and tools to power your business email.
How to set up Microsoft 365 email
Like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 doesn’t come with a free domain name, so you’ll want to buy a business domain name before signing up. Here’s how to connect an existing domain to set up your Microsoft 365 (and Outlook business email) account:
Head to Microsoft 365 to select a plan, then add your contact information, username, and payment information. Log in and choose “Go to setup.” Add and verify your business domain name. Follow the rest of the setup wizard’s instructions. Create your Outlook business email address.
From the Microsoft 365 pricing page, click “Start my free trial” to set up your account.
Enter some basic personal information.
Choose a username and domain name for your Microsoft account.
Add your payment details and complete the setup.
To create a professional email address for maximum brand credibility, use a custom domain name for email vs a generic one (e.g., outlook.com or gmail.com). However, there are times when you may want a temporary address or need to get started with a completely free business email. For this, we recommend Proton Mail for its business-class security — learn more below.
The outlook.com domain is certainly a reputable one as a free email for your business, if you’re on a serious budget. But if you wish to have a professional domain — combined with the power of one of the industry’s leading productivity solutions — Microsoft 365 is a good choice, and worth the investment.
Proton Mail: Best for free business emails with advanced security Pros and cons ProsCons Advanced security and privacy including end-to-end encryption, even on the free planFully HIPAA and GDPR compliantEncrypted contacts and calendarSelf-destructing emails (how cool is that)Password-protected emails1-click migration serviceBridge integrates Proton’s security with your third-party mail appsCan’t connect a branded domain without upgrading to a paid planFree plan storage is limited to 500MB150 messages send limit per day in the free version Key features of free Proton Mail emails Most advanced security features for email, including end to end encryption for HIPAAⓘ and GDPRⓘ compliance and self-destructing emails (email expiry). Zero-access encryption so no one (not even Proton) can access your email or hand it over to anyone. Proton Sentinel protection against cyberattacks. Two factor authentication and hardware security keys to prevent unauthorized access. Password protected emails. Advanced tracking protection prohibits tracking pixels and hides your IP. One-click email migration. Free Protonmail.com email with 1GB storage.
Proton Mail takes security very seriously. It is headquartered in Switzerland, so your account is protected by Swiss privacy and neutrality laws. It guarantees end-to-end and zero-access encryption — not just in your mail but in your Proton Contacts and Calendar as well. Proton encrypts mail sent to your recipients (even those not on Proton) with its password-protected email feature.
Aside from encryption, Proton Mail allows self-destructing messages to be sent to any contact, even those not in the Proton system. Proton also automatically blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP, so your mail can’t be used to generate ads.
To get all these features, create a free Proton Mail account. With this account, you’ll also get limited access to Proton’s Calendar, VPN and Drive. To upgrade your features, like access to a custom domain for your emails, purchase a Business account starting at €3.99 a month ($4.30 U.S.). You’ll also get up to 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Proton Mail has a clean and simple interface.
How to set up Proton Mail
Here are the steps to get a free account with Proton Mail:
Go to Proton and click “Create a free account.” Fill out your account information, including your username, then click “Get Proton for free” on the next page. Verify via captcha or email to complete setup of your free business email on Proton Mail.
After creating your free email account on Proton, you can import your existing email to Proton’s servers using Easy Switch, which is a one-step email import solution.
Enter your email username and password to set up a business email on Proton Mail.
Click on “Continue with Free” to get your free business email through Proton.
If security and privacy are of utmost importance to you and your business, there is nothing that touches Proton Mail and their unique and powerful security protocols. If you already own a domain, or are willing to purchase your business domain name and connect it with Proton Mail, it offers a powerful solution for secure business email.
Internxt: Best for free temporary business email Pros and cons ProsCons Disposable temporary email address and inbox effectively masks and protects emailCompletely anonymous (no sign-up required)Can’t choose your username or domain nameMay inadvertently lose access to emails you wanted to retain Key features of free Internxt temporary emails Anonymous, private and free. Temporary email address and inbox automatically get deleted after 3 hours of inactivity. Great way to keep your business email free of spam, cyberattack and phishing emails.
Let’s face it: digital tools like email apps are at constant risk today. From hackers and scammers to your typical unwanted spam, many small business owners are sick and tired of inboxes filled with messages they didn’t sign up for and don’t want. Temporary email accounts (aka disposable email addresses) are one way to cut down on this.
Internxt is a highly-rated cloud storage service that, in addition to secure and private cloud storage and file sharing, offers free temporary email addresses with no sign-up or hassle required. Simply visit Internxt and use the email address and inbox that automatically appear.
How to set up Internxt temporary email
How to use Internxt’s temporary email address generator:
Copy your disposable email address. Use the address on your desired service. Wait a few moments for a response or verification email. All emails received will appear in your inbox above.
Use temporary email addresses for things like account verifications, downloads, accessing a webinar on demand, and other one-time events, like making an online purchase. This helps to keep your business email off of third-party lists and out of the hands of bad actors. In addition to a real business email account, Internxt is a great tool for keeping your business email clean and safe.
How we evaluated the best free business email providers
The providers above can’t be fully compared apples-to-apples, as each platform is distinctly different. To be considered for this guide, providers had to either have a 100% free option or include free email alongside other products small businesses need, such as hosting or site builders. In addition, we used our own firsthand experience to select and rank providers based on customer support, ease of use, popularity and use cases.
SEE: Feature Comparison: Email Marketing Software and Services from TechRepublic Premium
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I get a free business email without a domain?
If you don’t have a custom domain to use for email yet, we recommend using Outlook. You can create a free email address for your business that leverages the credibility of the Microsoft reputation with an Outlook extension, such as businessname@outlook.com. Then, when you’re ready, purchase a domain and set up a Microsoft business email to build your brand’s presence and reputation.
Can I create a professional email for free on my domain?
If you own a domain, you can create up to five free professional email addresses on Zoho Mail. If you don’t have a domain, you can purchase one through IONOS for $1 for the first year and get a free professional email address to use with your domain and additional email aliases for forwarding.
Which is better for business email: Outlook or Gmail?
Whether Outlook or Gmail is better for business email depends on the work email features you want and which productivity software (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) you prefer. Gmail is the better option for collaborative teams (as is Google Workspace). Those looking for advanced features and automations may find that Outlook and Microsoft 365 are best.
Bottom line
Business emails on a custom domain provide the most brand credibility. If you own a domain, get up to five free email accounts in an intuitive app with Zoho Mail. Zoho also offers an excellent set of productivity tools, and as a possible alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is worth consideration.
If you need multiple business email accounts, along with the full gamut of website hosting including WordPress, Hostinger offers it all. Its website hosting plans include 100 email addresses and 1GB storage plus a free domain name and web hosting for your website for as little as $2.99 per month. Hostinger is an all-around great value not only for emails, but for all hosting services, making it our top choice.
Free Business Email: 7 Legit Ways to Get Free Addresses
All businesses need branded email addresses, and small businesses and startups often need it to be as cheap as possible. To help, we rounded up the best legitimate ways to get a free business email address. All are secure and credible for professional use. Some are completely free, while others include free email accounts with products like domains, web hosting, and office software.
Best free business email addresses: Zoho Mail Best for Gmail business email: Google Workspace Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase: IONOS Best website builder with multiple free emails: Hostinger Best for work email on your Outlook domain: Microsoft 365 Best for free business emails with advanced security: Proton Mail Best for free temporary business email: Internxt Free business email solutions at a glance ProviderNumber of emailsConditionStorage per userFree domainLearn more Zoho MailUp to 5 usersHave existing domain5GB✘Visit Zoho Mail Google Workspace1Subscribe to Google Workspace starting $6/mo30GB–5TB✘Visit Google Workspace IONOS1Purchase domain and web hosting2GB–50GB✔Visit IONOS HostingerUp to 100Purchase site builder plan1GB per mailbox✔Visit Hostinger Microsoft 365Up to 25Subscribe to Microsoft 365 starting $6/mo15GB✘Visit Microsoft 365 Proton Mail1Use a Proton Mail domain1GB✘Visit Proton Mail Internxt1Expires after 3 hoursN/A✔Visit Internxt
- More storage available in paid plans
Zoho Mail: Best free business email addresses Pros and cons ProsCons Up to 5 free business email addresses on your domainUser-friendly and integrates with Zoho’s marketing, sales, and productivity toolsPassword protection and expiry date with SecurePassPaid plans from $1/mo & Workspace plans with productivity tools from $3/moMust purchase a domain separatelyOver 5 users requires paid planMinimal storage (5GB per user)Fairly small 25MB attachment limitFree version doesn’t support internet messaging access protocol (IMAP)/ post office protocol (POP)/Active Sync (i.e., can’t use in other email apps) Key features of free Zoho Mail Create up to five free business emails on a domain you own. Strong security and privacy capabilities. Clean and modern interface for easy use. 5GB storage for each email account. Easy integration with Zoho One, Zoho CRM (customer relationship management), Books and Zoho’s other cloud-based business, sales and marketing tools. Scalable Workplace plans with business communication, collaboration and productivity tools comparable to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
If you’re looking for free webmail for business, Zoho Mail takes one of the top spots as you can legitimately get up to five free business email accounts — provided you own a business domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) — no strings attached. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with more than 40 other Zoho apps for sales, marketing, project management, accounting and more, many of which also have free plans.
Zoho Mail is the best option for free email addresses since you do not have to purchase a plan to get free emails. You’ll access your free Zoho Mail accounts through the Zoho Mail app, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Zoho Mail has intuitive, familiar-feeling interfaces on desktop and mobile. Image: Zoho
However, plans don’t come with a domain name, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to use Zoho Mail for free, costing roughly $15–$20 per year, depending on the domain registrar.
The only other drawback here is that you can only receive and send emails through the Zoho Mail app — meaning that you can’t add your email accounts to other apps, like Gmail or Outlook, without a paid plan. However, the platform’s free forever email hosting plan can be used as long as you have your own domain, and you don’t exceed five email accounts.
How to set up Zoho Mail
Here’s how to set up a business account, free on Zoho Mail, in six easy steps:
Register a domain name if you haven’t already. Visit Zoho Mail and enter your name, input an email address or phone number, and set a password to create your account. Scroll down below the pricing table to find the free plan option and click “Sign Up for Free On the next screen, click “remind me later” to delay the setup of multi-factor authentication (or follow the steps to set it up now). Next, choose either “Use my own domain” or “Get a domain” (you can also purchase a domain through Zoho during sign-up). Verify your domain to prove its validity. You’ll do this by adding Zoho name server records where your domain is hosted. Update your mail records to officially receive emails from your domain. Zoho provides a one-click verification process for IONOS and GoDaddy domains.
Navigate the Zoho Mail landing page to see its pricing plans.
Add a custom domain for free.
Verify your domain easily through the TXT record method.
In the free-forever plan, you can create up to five business email addresses with 5GB of storage for each user. It comes with web email access, free mobile apps, and one of the best security systems for email hosting. Plus, you can scale with more email features and other productivity tools like Zoho Workplace or Zoho Projects as your business grows. Try it for free today.
Google Workspace: Best for Gmail business email Pros and cons ProsCons 14-day free trialComplete business productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Gmail, and more)Strong cloud security featuresClean interface, and easy to useAutomatic translation featuresCommitment-free, month-to-monthRequires a Google Workspace plan and a domainNo end-to-end email encryption (try Proton Mail for the most security)Domain isn’t included Key features of free Gmail business emails Free business email and up to 30 email aliases from a Google Workspace subscription. Tons of ready-made integrations with other business tools. Comes with the full Google Workspace suite (with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Beginner-friendly email interface. Scalable plans with ample email storage (the most of any provider on this list). Add your other accounts to see all your emails in one place. Gmail features offer a ton of added functionality for small businesses — from sending and receiving money to tagging colleagues and clients in documents to streamline workflows.
Gmail is the most-used email app by businesses worldwide and in the US with 1.8 billion users globally. While you can get a personal account for free, the business version that comes free in Google Workspace is feature-packed and well worth the cost of the plan. All apps come in Workspace plans, making it just as easy for a solopreneur with one account or a large team with hundreds to grow and scale their company.
Gmail’s business email plans include the Google Workspace suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Among these are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, video conferencing via Google Meet, calendar and business email via Gmail. If you need office software, getting free email accounts as part of your productivity suite will save you money over separate email hosting.
Google Workspace is Google’s equivalent of the Microsoft 365 suite, and these are the top two contenders in the US and worldwide.
If you don’t yet have a domain name, Google Workspace makes registering for one during the sign-up process easy. You can purchase a domain during the account creation process, which will automatically connect to your new custom email account, eliminating the headache of manually configuring domains and mail exchange (MX) records.
It’s easy to customize your Gmail interface to your preferences for business email. (Source: Google)
How to set up Gmail
Unlike some other options on this list, there is some cost involved in getting your email account through Google Workspace, including the purchase of a domain ($10–$15 per year) and a Google Workspace plan (from $6). Here’s how to set up your free email address using Google Workspace:
Get a domain name from a top business domain registrar (or buy one when signing up for Google Workspace). Go to Google Workspace, sign up for a plan and number of users, and enter your contact info. Set up your administrative console from the Google Workspace homepage. Verify your domain (unless you purchase it during the checkout process). Create your business email address from the admin console by adding a user.
Start a free trial for Google Workspace to set up your free Gmail business email account.
Add a user in the Admin Console to create your free Gmail account in Google Workspace.
Though not strictly a free email solution in the purest sense of the word — unless you opt for an @gmail address — Gmail and Google Workspace combine a powerful email with an industry-leading productivity solution at a very low cost, if you want to add your custom business domain.
IONOS: Best for a free email address with cheap domain purchase Pros and cons ProsCons Super-cheap: Domains from $1 the first year come with a free 2GB email accountFree private domain registration to protect your info and prevent phishing and spamIntuitive webmail from any browser, or easily add to Outlook, Gmail, and other appsExtremely responsive 24/7 support2GB included is less than even Zoho Mail’s free version, so heavy users might have to pay to expand storageThough cheap, it still requires purchase of a domain or hostingCosts more vs Zoho to have multiple email addresses in one plan, such as for a small team Key features of free IONOS business email Several products (domain, website builder, hosting, and so on) come with free business email accounts. Free private domain registration to prevent spam and phishing. Create free business email aliases that forward to your inbox. Intuitive webmail browser with custom views, inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks and the ability to create multiple custom email signatures. Use IMAP or POP to add your email to any app (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail and so on). Topnotch customer support 24/7. Scalable storage and multi-user business email plans, or scale your team with Microsoft Exchange.
IONOS is one of the top web hosting and domain registrars in Europe. It’s also one of the cheapest business email providers, making it a very affordable solution for startups and small businesses needing a business email address, web hosting, domains, and more.
IONOS’ email hosting plans start as low as $1 per month and come with a free email domain. However, you can also get a free email account through IONOS by purchasing a business domain name for $1 for the first year.
The IONOS web-based email interface is easy to customize and use.
Getting your email free through IONOS starts with choosing a domain name. If you need help, read our article on how to choose a domain name for your business. You can get a free email account in IONOS’ website builder plans, web hosting plans, or with the purchase of a domain.
How to set up IONOS email
Here are the steps for getting your email when buying a domain on IONOS:
Go to IONOS and search for your desired domain. Follow the steps to purchase the domain and create your IONOS account. In your IONOS dashboard, click on “Email,” select the “Mail Basic” plan on the next screen, then input your info to create your free email address on IONOS. (Optional) Add your new email to Outlook or Gmail (and other business email apps), following the instructions available to you in the IONOS knowledge base.
To create a free email on IONOS, click on “Email”
Select the Mail Basic plan included free with your domain.
Create a username and password.
IONOS has consistently been one of our top picks for domain and web hosting companies, in no small part because of their generous email plan included with hosting and high value. If you are looking for a scalable web hosting solution along with a robust business email presence at a reasonable cost, IONOS is a .
Hostinger: Best website builder with multiple free emails Pros and cons ProsCons Free business emails offered with all website hosting plansUser-friendly webmail interfaceSeamless integration with ecommerce and marketing featuresSite builder plan comes with site and email hosting alreadyOnly 1GB per mailbox, the least storage in free email plans on this listNo free plan or free trialNo shared calendars or collaboration tools, unlike Google and Microsoft Key features of free Hostinger business emails Free business emails and free domain in website builder plan. Host up to 100 domains and get free email accounts for each one in your plan. Intuitive, proprietary webmail interface. Site builder plan comes with website hosting, email hosting, SSL and other features. Artificial intelligence features throughout (one of the best AI website builders on the market). Scale with standalone email plans with 10–50GB storage on Titan Email.
Hostinger delivers a three-in-one punch of an AI website builder, web hosting and cheap email provider. In terms of reliability, speed, and site uptime, along with its free email plans, Hostinger is the uncontested winner — making it a better choice if you only need one account.
One of Hostinger’s most exciting features is its AI integrations, available in its web builder plans. This is a powerful AI model, the same one that powers one of the most famous AI content writers ChatGPT. It helps create logos, website copy, and predict user behavior on Hostinger.
Hostinger has a simple and no-nonsense webmail platform that comes with web hosting. Image: Hostinger
How to set up Hostinger email
Here’s how to set up your free email address on Hostinger:
Subscribe to the website builder plan on Hostinger, create your account and claim your free domain name. After setting up, go to the hPanel and select the Emails section, then select your domain. Click on “Create email account” and enter the email address and password. Visit Hostinger Webmail to use your new business email.
If your business needs a site builder or website hosting service in addition to business email, Hostinger provides free business email addresses with your website at a low cost. If you need a more robust business email plan, it costs only $1/mo for 10GB of storage or $2.99/mo for 50GB of storage. All of the website hosting plans include a free domain, which further enhances Hostinger’s exceptional value.
Microsoft 365: Best for work email on your Outlook domain Pros and cons ProsCons Complete office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Publisher, Outlook—and more)Outlook business email has the most advanced features (though this requires second tier and higher)Higher storage and video conference participant limits in base than Google Workspace or Zoho Mail WorkplaceBusiness-class email securityNo free domain nameMonthly billing option costs moreMust pay for a plan and a domainCluttered desktop interface due to vast number of featuresExpensive for a large number of email accounts Key features of free Microsoft emails Microsoft 365 plans include Microsoft Outlook for business email on a domain you own. Intuitive mobile and desktop apps. 30-day free trial. Add your other emails to Outlook to see everything in one place. Create automated workflows with tasks and deadlines. Inbox, appointments, calendar, contacts, tasks and more, and instantly create new entries for each from the dashboard. Get desktop notifications of incoming emails. Thousands of business app and software integrations. 50GB email storage in all plans, much higher than the standard. Comes with full access to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
Similar to Gmail and Google Workspace, getting Outlook email through Microsoft 365 gives you the full Microsoft productivity suite, including the well-known Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
In addition, Microsoft 365’s software (and Outlook business email) is generally more advanced (but therefore also more complex and less intuitive) than Google Workspace. However, this does come at a higher cost, as most advanced features and automations require desktop versions, which come in the second plan.
Another advantage with Outlook is that it’s compatible with many other business integrations. Also, within the email interface, you’ll find many ways to automate the way your email is sorted and how to customize your interface view.
Outlook offers advanced features and tools to power your business email.
How to set up Microsoft 365 email
Like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 doesn’t come with a free domain name, so you’ll want to buy a business domain name before signing up. Here’s how to connect an existing domain to set up your Microsoft 365 (and Outlook business email) account:
Head to Microsoft 365 to select a plan, then add your contact information, username, and payment information. Log in and choose “Go to setup.” Add and verify your business domain name. Follow the rest of the setup wizard’s instructions. Create your Outlook business email address.
From the Microsoft 365 pricing page, click “Start my free trial” to set up your account.
Enter some basic personal information.
Choose a username and domain name for your Microsoft account.
Add your payment details and complete the setup.
To create a professional email address for maximum brand credibility, use a custom domain name for email vs a generic one (e.g., outlook.com or gmail.com). However, there are times when you may want a temporary address or need to get started with a completely free business email. For this, we recommend Proton Mail for its business-class security — learn more below.
The outlook.com domain is certainly a reputable one as a free email for your business, if you’re on a serious budget. But if you wish to have a professional domain — combined with the power of one of the industry’s leading productivity solutions — Microsoft 365 is a good choice, and worth the investment.
Proton Mail: Best for free business emails with advanced security Pros and cons ProsCons Advanced security and privacy including end-to-end encryption, even on the free planFully HIPAA and GDPR compliantEncrypted contacts and calendarSelf-destructing emails (how cool is that)Password-protected emails1-click migration serviceBridge integrates Proton’s security with your third-party mail appsCan’t connect a branded domain without upgrading to a paid planFree plan storage is limited to 500MB150 messages send limit per day in the free version Key features of free Proton Mail emails Most advanced security features for email, including end to end encryption for HIPAAⓘ and GDPRⓘ compliance and self-destructing emails (email expiry). Zero-access encryption so no one (not even Proton) can access your email or hand it over to anyone. Proton Sentinel protection against cyberattacks. Two factor authentication and hardware security keys to prevent unauthorized access. Password protected emails. Advanced tracking protection prohibits tracking pixels and hides your IP. One-click email migration. Free Protonmail.com email with 1GB storage.
Proton Mail takes security very seriously. It is headquartered in Switzerland, so your account is protected by Swiss privacy and neutrality laws. It guarantees end-to-end and zero-access encryption — not just in your mail but in your Proton Contacts and Calendar as well. Proton encrypts mail sent to your recipients (even those not on Proton) with its password-protected email feature.
Aside from encryption, Proton Mail allows self-destructing messages to be sent to any contact, even those not in the Proton system. Proton also automatically blocks tracking pixels and hides your IP, so your mail can’t be used to generate ads.
To get all these features, create a free Proton Mail account. With this account, you’ll also get limited access to Proton’s Calendar, VPN and Drive. To upgrade your features, like access to a custom domain for your emails, purchase a Business account starting at €3.99 a month ($4.30 U.S.). You’ll also get up to 10 email addresses, 15GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Proton Mail has a clean and simple interface.
How to set up Proton Mail
Here are the steps to get a free account with Proton Mail:
Go to Proton and click “Create a free account.” Fill out your account information, including your username, then click “Get Proton for free” on the next page. Verify via captcha or email to complete setup of your free business email on Proton Mail.
After creating your free email account on Proton, you can import your existing email to Proton’s servers using Easy Switch, which is a one-step email import solution.
Enter your email username and password to set up a business email on Proton Mail.
Click on “Continue with Free” to get your free business email through Proton.
If security and privacy are of utmost importance to you and your business, there is nothing that touches Proton Mail and their unique and powerful security protocols. If you already own a domain, or are willing to purchase your business domain name and connect it with Proton Mail, it offers a powerful solution for secure business email.
Internxt: Best for free temporary business email Pros and cons ProsCons Disposable temporary email address and inbox effectively masks and protects emailCompletely anonymous (no sign-up required)Can’t choose your username or domain nameMay inadvertently lose access to emails you wanted to retain Key features of free Internxt temporary emails Anonymous, private and free. Temporary email address and inbox automatically get deleted after 3 hours of inactivity. Great way to keep your business email free of spam, cyberattack and phishing emails.
Let’s face it: digital tools like email apps are at constant risk today. From hackers and scammers to your typical unwanted spam, many small business owners are sick and tired of inboxes filled with messages they didn’t sign up for and don’t want. Temporary email accounts (aka disposable email addresses) are one way to cut down on this.
Internxt is a highly-rated cloud storage service that, in addition to secure and private cloud storage and file sharing, offers free temporary email addresses with no sign-up or hassle required. Simply visit Internxt and use the email address and inbox that automatically appear.
How to set up Internxt temporary email
How to use Internxt’s temporary email address generator:
Copy your disposable email address. Use the address on your desired service. Wait a few moments for a response or verification email. All emails received will appear in your inbox above.
Use temporary email addresses for things like account verifications, downloads, accessing a webinar on demand, and other one-time events, like making an online purchase. This helps to keep your business email off of third-party lists and out of the hands of bad actors. In addition to a real business email account, Internxt is a great tool for keeping your business email clean and safe.
How we evaluated the best free business email providers
The providers above can’t be fully compared apples-to-apples, as each platform is distinctly different. To be considered for this guide, providers had to either have a 100% free option or include free email alongside other products small businesses need, such as hosting or site builders. In addition, we used our own firsthand experience to select and rank providers based on customer support, ease of use, popularity and use cases.
SEE: Feature Comparison: Email Marketing Software and Services from TechRepublic Premium
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I get a free business email without a domain?
If you don’t have a custom domain to use for email yet, we recommend using Outlook. You can create a free email address for your business that leverages the credibility of the Microsoft reputation with an Outlook extension, such as businessname@outlook.com. Then, when you’re ready, purchase a domain and set up a Microsoft business email to build your brand’s presence and reputation.
Can I create a professional email for free on my domain?
If you own a domain, you can create up to five free professional email addresses on Zoho Mail. If you don’t have a domain, you can purchase one through IONOS for $1 for the first year and get a free professional email address to use with your domain and additional email aliases for forwarding.
Which is better for business email: Outlook or Gmail?
Whether Outlook or Gmail is better for business email depends on the work email features you want and which productivity software (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) you prefer. Gmail is the better option for collaborative teams (as is Google Workspace). Those looking for advanced features and automations may find that Outlook and Microsoft 365 are best.
Bottom line
Business emails on a custom domain provide the most brand credibility. If you own a domain, get up to five free email accounts in an intuitive app with Zoho Mail. Zoho also offers an excellent set of productivity tools, and as a possible alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is worth consideration.
If you need multiple business email accounts, along with the full gamut of website hosting including WordPress, Hostinger offers it all. Its website hosting plans include 100 email addresses and 1GB storage plus a free domain name and web hosting for your website for as little as $2.99 per month. Hostinger is an all-around great value not only for emails, but for all hosting services, making it our top choice.