In this post, we’ll discuss some essential factors to consider before securing a free business email with domain. Then, we’ll explore five of the top hosting companies 💼 that offer this solution. Let’s get started!
What to know before getting a free business email with domain
If you’re wanting to create a new website, you’ll usually require a web host and a domain. While the host stores your website files on a server, the domain is what visitors use to find your content on the internet. Essentially, a domain name is the web address that visitors enter into the search bar in their browsers.
However, the price of domains can be very expensive (depending on various factors like the domain extension). Traditionally, .com domains tend to cost more since they are the most popular top level domain for global websites [1].
Most people get their domains from domain registrars (like Namecheap) where you can search, register, and pay for your preferred option. But if you’re looking to keep costs low, it’s a good idea to opt for a web host that includes a free domain with the hosting services.
Although there are usually limitations to how long you can use the domain for free, domains often need to be renewed every year, so naturally, this will be done at a cost. Plus, free domain registrations may be restricted to certain types of hosting, or you may need to sign up for a longer contract.
But for business websites, you may also like to find a solution that offers a free business email with domain. This way, you can send, receive, and store emails from an email account linked to your website. And you can even find options that support multiple accounts (which is great if you have more than one employee or department).
Web hosts that offer a free business email with domain
Now, you know a bit more about securing a web host with a free business email and domain. So, let’s take a look at five of the best options for your website.
1. IONOS
One of the best parts about IONOS is that every single plan offers a free business email with domain. What’s more, IONOS makes it easy to establish credibility and build your brand with a free professional email account. This includes 2 GB of email storage and an advanced spam filter to protect your inbox. IONOS specifies that the domain is only included in the hosting package for just a year, but you’ll have access to the email service past this point.
On top of this, each plan comes with a free SSL certificate which is great news for ecommerce stores. Plus, IONOS plans include Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection and daily backups to keep your site secure. And, if anything goes wrong, the team are available 24/7.
💵 Price
The cheapest IONOS plan costs $6 a month (but you’ll only pay $4 for the first six months). Other plans range between $8 and $16 per month, with higher-priced plans supporting more websites, databases, and storage.
2. Hostinger
Hostinger is another great option if you’re looking for a web host that supplies a free business email with domain. What’s more, it’s great for larger companies since you can create up to 100 custom email addresses and forwarders. But there is a strict 1 GB storage limit for each email address.
In terms of the domain, you can register one for free for the first year when you purchase an annual (or longer) plan. However, not all top level domains (TLDs) are eligible for the promotion. Plus, you’re limited to domains that cost $9.99 or less.
Besides that, Hostinger supports up to 100 websites with each web hosting account. This includes unlimited bandwidth and unlimited free SSL. Additionally, Hostinger is a great all-in-one solution since you’ll find a bunch of neat features like website builders, AI tools, and security scanners.
💵 Price
Hostinger offers very low prices, with plans starting at $1.99 a month (with three months free).
3. InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting offers a free business email with domain on most hosting solutions (including shared hosting plans and WordPress-specific packages). Plus, you’ll get free domain registration or free domain transfers for the first year.
If you opt for a shared web hosting plan, you’re limited to ten email addresses. However, all other plans are unlimited. Plus, even though the domain is only free for a year, you can use the email service past this point.
Additionally, InMotion is a great option for beginners since you’ll find one-click installs for popular apps and frameworks. Better yet, with multiple data centers and UltraStack technology, you can deliver super fast loading times.
💵 Price
InMotion Hosting’s shared plans start at $3.29 a month (with an annual plan). Meanwhile, dedicated WordPress hosting ranges between $4.49 and $12.75 per month when you sign up for a yearly contract.
4. GoDaddy
Since GoDaddy provides domains and hosting, it’s no surprise that all annual web hosting plans come with a free domain. As usual, this is only valid for a year, and the domain will renew at the current renewal price. Domains are also limited to those available for $12.75 or less. Plus, the offer is only applicable to certain TLDs like .world, .shop, and .online.
The cheapest GoDaddy plan also provides two free Microsoft 365 mailboxes with 10 GB storage for emails, contacts, and calendars. As is the case for domains, you’ll only get free email services for the first year, but you can cancel the automatic renewal at any point.
To add to this, GoDaddy offers a super reliable hosting service with an uptime guarantee of 99.99%. You’ll also find free SSL certificates and security-focused features like malware scans, backups, and a web application firewall (WAF).
💵 Price
With an annual contract, you’ll pay between $2.99 and $21.99 a month. WordPress-specific solutions start at $11.99 a month.
5. HostGator
One of the reasons to choose HostGator is that even the cheapest plan provides a free business email with domain. The free domain is only valid for a year and will renew at the regular rate. Plus, you’ll need to opt for at least a one-year contract in order to qualify.
But you’ll get access to unlimited emails with any plan (and this continues even past the first year). Meanwhile, HostGator offers free SSL certificates and unmetered bandwidth. Plus, with the more expensive plans, you’ll find SEO tools, a content delivery network (CDN), and website migration services.
💵 Price
Shared hosting plans range between $3.75 and $5.75 a month. But if you want a dedicated WordPress plan, prices go up to $9.95 per month.
Conclusion 🧐
If you’re looking to keep costs low and get your website set up quickly, it can be a good idea to find a web host that offers a free business email and domain. This way, you’ll pay nothing for the first year when it comes to domains and emails. Plus, some options even include unlimited emails, which is ideal if you want to set up accounts for all of your employees.
👔 To recap, here are five web hosts that offer a business email with domain:
- IONOS: Best for security with an email spam filter, DDoS protection, and daily backups.
- Hostinger: Best for large companies with lots of employees or departments.
- InMotion Hosting: Best for beginners and WordPress users.
- GoDaddy: Best out-the-box solution (with templates, ecommerce features, and a website builder).
- HostGator: Best for high-traffic websites thanks to features like unmetered bandwidth and a CDN.
Do you have any questions about how to choose a web host that offers a free business email with domain? Let us know in the comments below!