Business email that uses your own domain (e.g., name@business.com) is a must-have. And if you’re like many small businesses and startups, you need it as cheap as possible. So to help, we found five legit ways to get a free business email address (either completely free or free through a provider you’re already using) so that you can appear more professional and make it easier for customers to remember how to contact your business—without any added expenses.
Here are five ways to get a free business email address that uses your own domain name:
- Zoho Mail: Get up to five free business email addresses that use your own domain name.
- Bluehost: If you’re building a site with WordPress, choose a web hosting provider such as Bluehost to get free business email addresses and a free domain with your web hosting plan.
- Gmail: Use the email interface you know and love by manually connecting a domain you already own to Gmail.
- Google Workspace: If you need a productivity and collaboration suite, get a free business email address through your Google Workspace plan.
- Squarespace: Those opting for an easy way to build a professional website will find that a good option is to use the leading site builder, Squarespace, which has plans that come with business email.
Let’s take a closer look at the five best ways to get a free business email address:
1. Zoho Mail
Best for: Getting up to five free business email addresses that use your own domain
Zoho Mail interface
Zoho is a leading CRM software that provides up to five free business email accounts. What’s unique about free business email through Zoho is that it comes with built-in email marketing tools, which enable you to create and send email marketing campaigns to your contact lists. It does not include a domain name, so businesses must first purchase a domain separately.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Up to 5 free business email addresses | Does not include a free domain name |
User-friendly interface | Very limited storage |
Built-in email marketing tools | The free version doesn't support IMAP/POP |
How to Get a Free Business Email Address With Zoho
To get a free business email address through Zoho, you’ll first need to purchase your own domain name (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). You can get one from a domain name registrar such as GoDaddy or Google Domains. After purchasing a domain name, go to Zoho.com/mail/ and create a mail account. To do this, you’ll need to verify your domain name, update MX records with your domain name provider, and finally create your business email address.
Here’s how to get a free business email address through Zoho:
- Register your domain name, if you haven’t already.
- Go to Zoho.com/mail/ and click on “Pricing” from the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the “Free Forever” plan and click “Sign Up Now.”
- Follow the prompts to create your free business email account.
For more information, visit our guide to getting business email with Zoho.
2. Bluehost
Best for: Those building a site with WordPress who need web hosting and domain name
Bluehost web mail interface
Bluehost is a top web hosting provider that includes free business email with its web hosting plans. It’s best for those who plan to build a website with WordPress and need a domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) and web hosting, as web hosting is required in order for a WordPress site to be live on the web. For as little as $2.95 per month, businesses get a free domain name and web hosting plus five free business email addresses.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Free email with all web hosting plans | Requires an annual commitment |
Plans include a domain name | Doesn’t include productivity tools |
Connect to Gmail | Not the easiest option |
Tip: Want all these benefits without the commitment? Choose a month-to-month web hosting plan with DreamHost instead.
How to Get a Free Business Email Address With Bluehost
It’s easy to get a free business email address through Bluehost, which you can connect to Gmail. To do this, go to Bluehost.com and select a web hosting plan. During the checkout process, you will be prompted to choose a domain name. Complete your purchase and navigate to the Email Manager from your Bluehost user dashboard. There you can create your business email address. Lastly, if you’d like, you can connect your Bluehost email to Gmail.
Here’s how to get a free business email address through Bluehost:
- Go to Bluehost and purchase a web hosting plan.
- Choose a domain name.
- Navigate to the Email Manager and create a business email address.
- Connect your Bluehost email address to Gmail.
Tip: Want to learn more about how you can get a business email through a Bluehost plan? Get the detailed step-by-step instructions on how to create a custom email address using Bluehost.
3. Connect Your Domain to Gmail
Best for: Those who have a domain name and a bit of technical aptitude
Free business email through Gmail
Want to access your business email through the Gmail interface you know and love? If so, you can manually connect your domain name to Gmail so that you can use your business email address through the Gmail interface. While this is a completely free business email address option, it’s not the easiest to configure. So it’s best for those who have some technical expertise or the patience to learn.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Completely free business email | The process to manually get your domain can be a pain |
Access your email through Gmail | Not a good option for businesses that need business email for staff |
How to Get Free Business Email Addresses With Gmail
Setting up a free business email address with Gmail isn’t the easiest thing to do. However, with a bit of patience, you can connect your domain name to Gmail. To start, you’ll need a domain name through a web hosting provider that allows email forwarding, as well as a personal Gmail account. Then, set up email forwarding from your web hosting account (cPanel) and navigate to Gmail, where you will connect your domain by adding another email address under Settings.
Here’s how to create a free business email address with your own domain through Gmail:
- Create a Gmail account.
- Get a domain name through a web hosting plan that offers mail forwarding.
- Set up mail forwarding from your web hosting account.
- Update settings in Gmail to “Add another email address” (Gmail > Settings > Accounts > Add another email address > Treat as an alias > Update credentials (e.g., STMP server).
Need help choosing which web hosting provider is right for you? Find the best web hosting companies that include a free domain name and email forwarding.
4. Google Workspace
Best for: Those who have a domain name and who need productivity and collaboration tools like word processing software and spreadsheets in addition to business email
Get free business email through your productivity suite
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) is a complete suite of productivity and collaboration tools, such as a word processor (Google Docs), spreadsheets (Google Sheets), presentations (Google Slides), video conferencing (Google Hangouts), and calendars.
When you purchase Google Workspace, a complete productivity suite, for as little as $6 per user, per month, you get a business email through Gmail. If you don’t yet have a domain name, you can still use Google Workspace for your business email but will be asked to purchase the domain for an additional fee.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Complete productivity suite | Costs $6 per user |
Easy to use | Does not include a free domain |
Advanced admin controls | Expensive for those who need a large volume of email accounts |
How to Get a Free Business Email Address With Google Workspace
It is very easy to set up a business email address through Google Workspace, though before you purchase a Google Workspace plan, you’ll want to get a domain name (if you don’t already have one). To do that, go to a domain name registrar such as GoDaddy or Google Domains. Then, go to Google Workspace and purchase a plan, verify your domain name, and set up your business email address.
Here’s how to get a free business email address using Google Workspace:
- Get a domain name.
- Go to Google Workspace and purchase a plan.
- Set up your admin console from the Google Workspace homepage.
- Verify your domain.
- Create your business email address.
Tip: Interested in using Google Workspace for your business email? Get the full breakdown, including step-by-step instructions on how to set up business email, in our guide to Gmail for business.
5. Squarespace
Best for: Those who need an easy way to build their own business website and want Google Workspace
Get Google Workspace through Squarespace
Squarespace is a top all-in-one site builder, which gives businesses a way to easily build a professional website. Its plans include extras such as a free business email address through Google Workspace. This is the best option for those who need a website and want an easy and affordable way of building a site that includes a free Gmail for business account.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Includes one free Google Workspace account | Doesn’t include productivity tools |
Annual plans include a free domain | Plans start at $18/month |
Easy way to build a website | Free email not included in the entry-level Personal Plan |
How to Access Google Workspace Through Squarespace
To start, go to Squarespace and sign up for an account. You’ll then be prompted to choose a theme, and then you will be brought to the user-friendly site editor where you can build your site. To publish your site, you’ll need to update to a paid plan. After doing so, you will be able to access your free Google Workspace account, which includes business email.
Here’s how to get Google Workspace through Squarespace:
- Go to Squarespace and create an account.
- Choose a template and build your site.
- Purchase a business plan.
- Set up your free Gmail for business email address in the user dashboard.
Tip: To easily build your small business website and to get your free Google Workspace account, visit Squarespace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I find an available domain name?
Ideally, your domain name will be your business name with the .com domain extension, though it can be very difficult to find an available domain name as the vast majority of common names are already taken. To help, try adding keywords, prefixes, or suffixes to your business name to find a suitable domain name that is available. Get more information on how to get a free email domain.
What are the best business email providers?
The right email provider for you depends on your needs and preferences, though the best are reliable, easy to use, include a reasonable amount of storage, are affordable, and are feature-rich. We recommend Bluehost for those who need web hosting and Google Workspace for those who already have a website and just need comprehensive business email. Learn more about these providers and more in our article on the best business email hosting providers.
Which is better: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are both leading productivity suites that include everything from word processors and cloud storage to business email hosting. They are very similar in terms of pricing and tools. However, Google Workspace tends to be better for those who prefer modern, user-friendly platforms, whereas Microsoft 365 is more popular among those who are familiar with it and want to stick with what they know. Get the full breakdown of Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365.
Bottom Line
Business email can quickly add up for those who need multiple email addresses given that there’s no legit way to get a number of free business email addresses. The best way to get a high volume of email addresses is through a web hosting provider, such as Bluehost, which includes unlimited free business email addresses, a free domain name, and web hosting for your WordPress site for as little as $4.95 per month.
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Jennifer Dopierala
Zoho does not offer Email Forwarding with their free account.
Amanda Norman
Hi Jennifer,
You are correct. You can get email forwarding with Zoho on the Lite plan which is $1/user/month.
Thanks for sharing.
Mandy, Moderator
Vik Beall
Hey guys, one thing that’s not mentioned in this post is that even if you get free business email, it’s an absolute must that you be able to have SMTP – so that you can use Outlook, or phone apps with your email.
Most of these won’t let you without significant costs…
At SMBwebhost, they’re providing unlimited SMTP accounts and email storage, as well as unlimited hosting for only $1.25/month for a year. Or you can just get their unlimited business emails (unlimited email addresses, and storage), for just $3 / mo.
Spiridoula Politis
Zoho is no longer free. It’s $3-$6 per month for a business account.
Kiah Treece
Thank you so much for your comment, Spiridoula! It looks like Zoho still offers a free email account through their website. You can create an @zoho.com email that is perfect for personal use or enter your web domain to sign up for a business email account for up to 5 users (5GB/user and a 25MB attachment limit).
In addition, you can purchase a Basic Workplace account for $3/user/month or a Professional Workplace account for $6/user/month. These plans include Zoho mail but also feature other tools like Docs and the Zoho Office Suite. Users interested in trying the service can also get a free 15-day trial of the Professional Workplace service without providing credit card information.
We’ll be sure to include any new pricing information when we update this article!
Thank you again,
Kiah
eugenie
is the bluehost stuff paid by credit cards only?
and once i paid a package, when can everything start?
thanks!
Krista Fabregas
Hi Eugenie,
Bluehost accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders for payment, but credit card and PayPal is instantaneous. Once the registration is set up, you can start using all of the features you signed up for. Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Krista
Caleb
Thanks. Very helpful