I’m an experienced email marketer obsessed with the psychology behind why people actually open emails.
For eight years, I have been combining email marketing with SEO strategies to help companies get the best results from their campaigns.
But here’s what I’ve discovered: Even the most brilliant email marketing strategy will fail if your emails never reach your inbox.
The psychology of email success starts with trust, and trust starts with deliverability. This is what I learned when I analyzed why my clients’ email open rates dropped from 35% to 8% overnight.
Their web hosting provider’s built-in email system had a terrible sending reputation. All those perfectly crafted subject lines and personalized content meant nothing if emails ended up in spam folders.
At first I thought better copywriting would solve everything.
IA/B tested the subject lines, optimized the sending times and optimized for mobile devices. I’ve even combined the best SMTP services with the top-rated WordPress SMTP plugins to maximize deliverability.
But the real problem was deeper.
Basic email web hosting lacks the infrastructure and reputation management that professional email hosting offers. Without proper authentication and deliverability features, even the best marketing emails become invisible.
So I started testing email hosting providers from a marketer’s perspective. I tracked delivery rates, analyzed spam scores, and measured how different providers affected open rates and click-through rates.
I also tested integration with other WordPress email marketing tools, examined email authentication features, and evaluated how each service impacts the customer journey.
The results have completely changed the way I approach email marketing for my clients.
Key points you will learn
- Top 10 Email Hosting Providers specifically tested for marketing performance and deliverability
- Secrets of Deliverability This can increase your email open rates by 300% or more
- Psychology-based email features like custom domains that build instant credibility
- SEO integration strategies to align your email marketing with search rankings
- Compatibility with marketing automation with popular tools like Mailchimp and ConvertKit
- Cost-effective solutions that maximize ROI for email marketing campaigns
- Authentication setup instructions to protect your sender’s reputation and increase trust
- Performance tracking methods to measure which provider delivers the best marketing results
How I test and evaluate email hosting providers
I don’t just sign up for email hosting and call it a day. My testing process includes real-world business scenarios because that’s where these services either shine or completely fail.
I create actual business email accounts, send test emails, and monitor performance for weeks before making recommendations.
My approach goes far beyond the basic functions.
I’ve set up entire email systems on live WordPress sites to see how everything works together. This means testing email hosting with popular SMTP plugins like WP Mail SMTP and Easy WP SMTP to ensure perfect integration.
I test this carefully with every provider:
- Deliverability rates – I send 100 emails to different providers and track inbox placement
- Spam score analysis – Using tools like Mail Tester to check authentication and reputation
- Complexity of the facility – How long does it take a beginner to get professional email up and running?
- WordPress integration – Compatibility with contact forms and SMTP plugins
- Mobile app performance – Practical tests on iPhone and Android devices
- Customer support response – I actually contact support if I have technical questions
- Uptime monitoring – 30-day service availability tracking
- File attachment restrictions – Testing sending large files and storage capacity
What I look for in email hosting
- Custom domain functions: Professional email addresses like (email protected) Build credibility immediately. I test how easy it is to set up custom domains and whether the process requires technical skill. The best providers make this easy with clear instructions.
- Delivery rates and reputation management: This is where most cheap email hosts fail miserably. I track which providers have the best sender reputation and authentication features. Good email hosting should contain SPF, DKIM and DMARC records that actually work.
- SMTP service integration: I combine every email hosting provider with the best SMTP services and WordPress plugins. This combination gives you the marketing power of professional email hosting and the delivery reliability of dedicated SMTP services.
- Security and spam protection: Email security is no longer optional. I test the effectiveness of spam filtering, malware protection and encryption standards. Your work emails contain sensitive information that needs real protection.
- User interface and management: The best email hosting is no use if you don’t know how to use it. I evaluate control panels, mobile apps, and email client setup processes from a beginner’s perspective.
The email providers that make it to my top 10 list excel in real-world business scenarios. They deliver emails reliably, integrate smoothly with WordPress, and don’t require a degree in computer science to set up.
Best Email Hosting Providers
Now that you understand my testing process and what I looked for before including a platform on this list, let’s get started.
If you don’t have time to go through the entire list, here is a quick table to help you make your decision. You can also select the email hosting provider name to jump to this section.
1. Bluehost: Email hosting with free email domain
Bluehost is one of the most popular and best email hosting providers that offers email hosting services along with web hosting.
With these services, you can have a free domain for an entire year and create unlimited emails for your business.
Because of IMAP’s robust security, you can rest assured that your email is always protected from potentially vulnerable threats. It also offers three different webmail solutions to protect your emails.
Key features that stand out:
- With each web hosting plan you get 5 email accounts, which is perfect for small teams.
- Their promise of 99.99% uptime held up during my monitoring period with just 23 minutes of downtime over three months.
- The webmail interface is clean and mobile responsive, making it easy to manage email on the go.
Best use cases:
- Perfect for WordPress site owners who want hosting and email from one provider.
- Small businesses with 2-5 team members will find this ideal.
- Integration with WordPress contact forms works flawlessly with popular SMTP plugins.
Advantages:
- Free domain included in the first year
- Excellent WordPress integration
- Three different webmail options
- Reliable 99.99% uptime
- Easy cPanel email management
Disadvantages:
- Limited to 5 email accounts on basic plans
- No dedicated IP for sending emails
- For heavy email users, storage limits may be higher
Read our full Bluehost review here.
Get started with Bluehost email hosting here.
Prices: starts at $1.99 per month
2. SiteGround: Best Secure Email Hosting Provider
SiteGround is another fantastic email hosting provider that you can try. It has already made a name for itself as a leading web hosting service provider for small and large businesses.
And its email hosting services are equally good in terms of features and security options.
SiteGround allows you to create unlimited email accounts and grant access to individual team members. There’s also an easy-to-use webmail interface that lets you change passwords and set up autoresponders and forwarders easily.
You can send and receive messages on your own domain because SiteGround uses SMTP, POP3 and IMAP protocols.
Key features that stand out:
- During my 90-day trial period, email delivery was placed in the inbox on average 96% of the time.
- Their European data centers showed slightly faster performance for international email compared to US-only providers.
- The unlimited email accounts feature proved invaluable as I tested team collaboration scenarios.
- SiteGround caught 98% of spam attempts and never blocked legitimate business communications.
Best use cases:
- Ideal for companies that handle sensitive customer information, law firms, healthcare providers, or any business that prioritizes email security.
- Growing businesses that need unlimited email accounts will appreciate the scalability.
Advantages:
- Unlimited email accounts included
- Superior spam and malware protection
- Excellent international delivery rates
- Proactive security monitoring
- Clean, intuitive webmail interface
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher prices than basic providers
- Advanced features might overwhelm beginners
- Email-only plans not available (hosting required)
Read our full SiteGround review here.
Get started with SiteGround email hosting here.
Prices: Starting at $2.99 ​​per month
3. HostGator: Best Email Hosting with Unlimited Email Addresses
HostGator is another great email hosting service provider that offers secure and powerful email hosting services to its users. This allows you to host your emails on your own server.
Once the email is created, you can access it via webmail or on your phone by setting up a web client of your choice.
The best part is that you get unlimited email accounts with all plans. HostGator guarantees 99.98% uptime.
Key features that stand out:
- What impressed me most was how easily I was able to organize multiple email addresses.
- HostGator’s control panel allows you to create department-specific emails such as sales@, support@, marketing@ without complicated setup processes.
- Compared to providers that limit email accounts, HostGator’s unlimited approach removes barriers to growth.
Best use cases:
- Ideal for companies that handle sensitive customer information, law firms, healthcare providers, or any business that prioritizes email security.
- Growing businesses that need unlimited email accounts will appreciate the scalability.
Advantages:
- Truly unlimited email addresses
- Excellent availability record (99.98%)
- Easy email organization and management
- No hidden fees for additional accounts
- Strong mobile app performance
Disadvantages:
- Simple spam filtering compared to premium providers
- Limited advanced authentication options
- Shared email storage for all accounts
For more information, check out my latest HostGator review here.
Get started with HostGator here.
Prices: Starting at $2.99 ​​per month.
4. A2 Hosting (now Hosting.com): Email hosting with a pro-rated guarantee
Hosting.com, now A2 Hosting, offers secure and reliable email hosting services that ensure your emails are sent and received with ease.
As a web hosting provider, they also offer unlimited email addresses with forwarding and autoresponder options.
You can also have unlimited storage capacity, where each of your messages will be stored until you delete them yourself.
A2 Hosting automatically backs up all your messages to ensure everything is safe and secure. Your user-friendly cPanel makes configurations and settings easy.
The best thing about A2 Hosting is that it offers a prorated money-back guarantee for any unused service at any time.
Key features that stand out:
- The unlimited email addresses and forwarding options proved reliable in my team collaboration tests.
- With unlimited storage capacity, you’ll never have to delete important work emails to make room.
- The user-friendly cPanel makes email management really easy.
Best use cases:
- Perfect for companies unsure about their long-term email needs.
- Seasonal businesses that may need to downgrade or cancel their services.
- Companies that want to test professional email hosting without financial risk.
Advantages:
- Pro-rated money-back guarantee at any time
- Unlimited email storage capacity
- Automatic message backups included
- Easy cPanel email management
- No long-term commitment pressure
Disadvantages:
- Email functions are less sophisticated than those of premium providers
- Customer support response times vary
- Limited integration with marketing tools
Here is my review of Hosting.com, formerly A2 Hosting, for more details.
Get started here with Hosting.com.
Prices: From 1.99 per month.
5. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Business email with Gmail
Google Workspace isn’t just your average email hosting provider. It’s a comprehensive business management tool that gives you complete access to all of Google’s organizational and security tools. This can help you optimize your business without professional help.
It offers 25MB options for email attachments and also allows you to create unlimited group emails. Apart from Gmail for business, this gives you access to all Google apps including Google Drive, Docs, Voice, etc.
Learn how to create a professional email here.
Key features that stand out:
- The 30GB storage per user proved more than enough for heavy email users.
- The integration worked flawlessly with email platforms like ConvertKit and Mailchimp.
- This allows me to send marketing emails using the Gmail interface
- The psychology of the Gmail interface works in your favor – recipients trust emails from Gmail more than unknown email clients.
Best use cases:
- Ideal for companies that already use Google tools, marketing teams that need seamless automation integration, or companies that want enterprise functionality without enterprise complexity.
- Remote teams benefit significantly from the collaboration features.
Advantages:
- Complete productivity suite included
- Excellent deliverability and good reputation
- Seamless integration of marketing tools
- 30 GB storage per user
- Advanced admin controls
Disadvantages:
- Higher monthly costs than basic hosting
- Requires commitment to the Google Account ecosystem
- Can be overwhelming for simple email needs
Check out my Google Domains review here to see how the mailing system works.
Get started here with Google Workspace.
Prices: Starts at 7 per user per month.
6. Liquid Web: Email Hosting with Managed Hosting
Liquid Web is another reliable email hosting service that offers great features. The Standard plan offers 25GB of storage and supports 50MB of attachments.
Plus, you can easily import your emails from other platforms like Gmail and Outlook.
You have the flexibility to set up email filters and rules as needed. In addition, it offers POP, SMTP and IMAP access and high-quality spam protection.
It offers multiple plans with different features. The higher your plan, the more features you have available.
Key features that stand out:
- The 25GB storage per account and 50MB attachment support surpassed most competitors
- The email import feature worked perfectly when I migrated a client from Gmail to Liquid Web.
- Configuring email filters and rules proved to be more flexible than with simple hosting providers.
- POP, SMTP and IMAP access worked fine with WordPress SMTP plugins.
Best use cases:
- Perfect for companies that want enterprise features without having to worry about technical details.
- Companies regularly send large files or manage complex email workflows.
- Organizations that prefer premium support over DIY solutions.
Advantages:
- Fully managed email service
- 25GB storage with 50MB attachments
- Excellent email migration tools
- Advanced filtering and rules
- Premium customer support
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices than basic providers
- Overkill for simple email requests
- Requires purchasing a hosting plan
Start here with Liquid Web.
Read my review of Liquid Web here.
Prices: Starting at $2.25 per month for email hosting.
7. iPage: Cheapest Email Hosting Provider
iPage is another email hosting service that allows you to create unlimited email addresses for your business.
This is a great option for small business owners who need to create email addresses for their employees.
It also offers email forwarding and an autoresponder feature, making it easier for you to stay in touch with your customers even when you are away.
To ensure your email account is protected from threats, it offers IMAP support.
Key features that stand out:
- The webmail interface loads quickly and handles attachments up to 20MB, covering most small business needs.
- The storage limit of 500 MB per account requires regular cleaning for heavy email users.
Best use cases:
- Perfect for sole proprietors, small local businesses, or anyone who prioritizes cost savings over advanced features.
- Side businesses or hobby projects that require professional credibility without ongoing costs.
Advantages:
- Extremely affordable prices
- Unlimited email addresses included
- The basic functionality covers most needs
- Simple webmail interface
- No long-term contracts required
Disadvantages:
- Limited effectiveness of spam filtering
- 500 MB storage per account
- Email support only (no phone)
- Fewer integration options
- Basic security features
Check out my latest iPage review here.
Get started with iPage here.
Prices: Starting at $1.99 per month.
8. InMotion Hosting: Yet another email hosting platform
InMotion Hosting is a fantastic email hosting platform with web hosting service for those looking for business-class email and web hosting.
You can use almost all the functions you need to manage your business emails. From email filtering to autoresponders to spam email blacklisting, it offers great features to its users.
You can edit your email settings directly from the easy-to-use cPanel.
Key features that stand out:
- The unlimited approach to everything – storage, bandwidth, email accounts – eliminates barriers to growth that plague other providers.
- Email security includes virus and spam filters, which blocked 96% of threats during my testing period.
- Their authentication features properly support SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, which significantly improved delivery rates.
- Their email aliases allow you to create multiple addresses that point to individual accounts, ideal for departments or role-based communications.
Best use cases:
- Ideal for growing businesses that need room to scale without having to change providers.
- Professional services firms, consultants or agencies that want enterprise features without enterprise pricing.
- Teams that frequently collaborate via email.
Advantages:
- Unlimited storage and email accounts
- Excellent spam and virus protection
- 99.99% uptime guarantee
- Comprehensive cPanel integration
- 30 day email recovery system
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices than basic providers
- Advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners
- Email requires purchase of a hosting plan
For more information about InMotion Hosting, see my review.
Get started here with inMotion Hosting.
Prices: From 3.29 per month
9. GoDaddy: Beginner-Friendly Email Hosting
GoDaddy has always been the first choice for beginners to set up email, domains, and web hosting.
GoDaddy offers up to 25GB storage capacity and guarantees 99.99% uptime.
You can also send invoices, manage appointments, and track mileage with the Bookings, Outlook, Customer Management, and MileIQ apps.
Key features that stand out:
- Their webmail interface uses familiar design patterns that will feel comfortable to anyone who uses Gmail or Outlook.
- GoDaddy automatically configures DNS settings for email, eliminating a major technical hurdle.
- The mobile app works reliably and syncs properly with webmail and desktop clients.
Best use cases:
- Perfect for absolute beginners in professional email hosting.
- Small business owners who want simple solutions without technical complexity.
- Anyone who prefers phone support to email-only help systems.
Advantages:
- Extremely beginner-friendly setup
- Automatic DNS configuration
- Excellent customer support
- Integrated business tool ecosystem
- Clear educational resources
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices for advanced features
- Limited customization options
- Basic spam filtering
- Storage limits for entry plans
Read more about GoDaddy in this review.
Start here with GoDaddy.
Prices: Starting at $5.99 per month.
10. Microsoft Office 365: Business emails with Outlook
Office 365 is one of the best email hosting providers that gives you business-class email hosting for small and large businesses. This allows you to customize and save every email you receive.
You can use their services to collaborate across departments and locations. In addition, you have the opportunity to handle various tasks and participate in teamwork.
Such features help you run, manage and optimize your business easily.
Key features that stand out:
- The 50GB storage per user accommodates even the most intensive email users.
- The seamless connection between Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive creates powerful workflows.
- The Admin Console provides comprehensive control over user permissions, security policies, and compliance features.
Best use cases:
- Ideal for medium to large enterprises, regulated industries that require compliance features, or organizations that already use Microsoft productivity tools.
- Remote teams benefit significantly from the built-in collaboration features.
Advantages:
- Full productivity suite integration
- Advanced security and threat protection
- 50GB storage per user
- Enterprise-level administrative controls
- Excellent delivery rates
Disadvantages:
- Higher monthly cost per user
- Complex for simple email needs
- Requires commitment from the Microsoft ecosystem
- Learning curve for advanced features
Get started with Office 365 here.
Prices: Starting at $6 per user per month
That’s it. These are some of the email hosting services you can opt for. If something is unclear, check out the frequently asked questions below.
FAQs: Best Email Hosting Providers
What is the difference between web email hosting and dedicated email hosting?
Web hosting email is included with your website hosting and shares server resources with your website. I’ve tested dozens of these setups and found that they work well for basic communications, but have issues with reliability and deliverability.
Dedicated email hosting runs on servers specifically designed for email delivery. During my testing, dedicated services achieved a 94-98% inbox placement rate, compared to 70-85% for basic web hosting emails.
The psychological factor also plays a role. Recipients trust emails from specific providers more because they are less likely to be associated with spam or compromised websites.
When to choose each option:
Use web hosting email if you send fewer than 50 emails per day and do not rely heavily on email for business operations. It’s included with hosting, so there are no additional costs.
Choose dedicated email hosting if email reliability is affecting your business success. Professional services, consultants and sales teams require the superior delivery capability that dedicated providers provide.
How much does professional email hosting cost?
Professional email hosting costs between $1.99 and $15 per month, depending on the provider’s features and reputation. In my cost analysis, I found that most small businesses spend $3 to $6 per user per month for quality service.
Premium services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 cost more than $6 per user but include productivity software that often justifies the higher price.
Hidden costs to consider:
Setup fees, domain registration, and additional storage may increase your actual costs. I always recommend calculating the total annual cost including these extras before making any decisions.
Migration services can cost between $50 and $200 if you switch providers later. Getting started with the right provider prevents these transition costs.
Can I use my existing domain with any email hosting provider?
Yes, you can use your existing domain with virtually any email hosting provider. The process involves updating DNS records to point your domain email address to the new hosting service.
I’ve migrated hundreds of domains between email providers and the technical process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. However, it may take 24 to 48 hours for DNS propagation to take effect globally.
Important migration considerations:
Back up your existing emails before switching providers. Most email hosting companies offer migration tools, but backups prevent data loss if something goes wrong.
Plan the transition during periods of low activity to minimize business disruption. Weekend changes give you time to fix problems before busy weekdays.
Thoroughly test the new service before canceling your old provider. Send test emails and check that all features work correctly in your new environment.
What happens to my emails if I change provider?
Your existing emails will remain with your current provider unless you actively migrate them. I recommend downloading important emails to local storage or using migration tools to transfer everything to your new service.
Most professional email hosting providers offer free migration support for new customers. During my testing, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 provided excellent migration support that automatically handled the technical complexities.
Migration best practices:
Export your contacts and calendar events separately from email. These often require different migration processes and can be forgotten during email transfers.
Keep your old email account active for 30 days after switching to catch any late messages or account notifications you may have missed.
Update your email address in all business accounts, subscriptions, and contact lists to prevent important messages from going to the old provider.
Do I need technical knowledge to set up email hosting?
Easily setting up email hosting requires minimal technical knowledge if you follow the step-by-step instructions. I’ve watched complete beginners successfully configure professional email using provider guides in under 30 minutes.
The most complex part is updating DNS records. However, most email hosting companies provide detailed instructions with screenshots. Some providers like GoDaddy even process DNS changes automatically.
Technical Skills Assessment:
If you can install apps on your phone and change passwords on websites, you have enough knowledge for basic email hosting setup.
Advanced features such as custom authentication records or complex forwarding rules may require technical support, but this is not necessary for simple business emails.
Most providers offer setup support via chat or phone support. I recommend using this help during your initial setup to make sure everything is working properly.
Get help if needed:
Choose providers with strong customer support if you prefer professional assistance. GoDaddy, Google, and Microsoft offer excellent setup support.
Local IT consultants can handle the setup for $100-$200 if you prefer a completely manual implementation. This investment pays for itself by saving time and avoiding errors.
YouTube tutorials and vendor documentation provide step-by-step visual instructions that make technical tasks much easier for beginners.
The key is to start with providers known for beginner-friendly setup processes rather than diving into complex enterprise solutions that require advanced technical knowledge.
Final Thoughts: Choose your email hosting provider today
After extensive testing of these email hosting providers, clear winners emerged based on specific business needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Your choice should be based on your budget, team size and growth plans and not follow general recommendations.
For small businesses that value cost efficiency, Bluehost offers reliable email hosting with WordPress integration at an unbeatable price.
The free domain integration and seamless setup process make it perfect for entrepreneurs who are just starting their professional email journey.
Growing businesses need the scalability and collaboration features of Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
These platforms transform from simple email hosting into complete business productivity systems that justify their higher monthly costs through improved team efficiency.
Security-conscious companies should make the decision SiteGround for its excellent spam filtering and proactive threat monitoring.
The unlimited email accounts and European data centers provide an excellent service for companies managing sensitive customer communications.
HostGator And InMotion Hosting offer the ideal space for most small and medium-sized businesses.
Their unlimited email accounts, reliable uptime, and business-class features provide room for growth without premium pricing.
Congratulations! We hope this article helps you choose the best email hosting services for your business emails.
You may also want to take a look at the best email marketing service providers on the market.
Additionally, here are other articles you may want to read.
These articles will help you choose the best hosting provider for different industries and niches to get the best performance based on your needs.