In this article, we will discuss several paid business email options, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Mail, Rackspace Email, and Fastmail. We will explore their features, current pricing plans, and other important aspects businesses should consider when choosing an email service.
Google Workspace
Features
- Custom domain for email addresses
- Access to Google productivity and collaboration tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)
- Google Drive storage
- Google Meet for video conferencing
- Robust spam filtering and security features
- Mobile device management
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing (as of 2021)
- Business Starter: $6/user/month with 30 GB storage per user
- Business Standard: $12/user/month with 2 TB storage per user
- Business Plus: $18/user/month with 5 TB storage per user
Microsoft 365
Features
- Custom domain for email addresses
- Access to Microsoft productivity tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- OneDrive storage
- Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration
- Advanced security features
- Compliance and archiving tools
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing (as of 2021)
- Business Basic: $5/user/month (billed annually) with 1 TB storage per user
- Business Standard: $12.50/user/month (billed annually) with 1 TB storage per user
- Business Premium: $20/user/month (billed annually) with 1 TB storage per user
Zoho Mail
Features
- Custom domain for email addresses
- Zoho Docs for document management
- Zoho Office Suite for collaboration
- Zoho Cliq for instant messaging
- Email retention and eDiscovery
- Advanced security features
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing (as of 2021)
- Mail Lite: $1/user/month with 5 GB storage per user
- Mail Premium: $4/user/month with 50 GB storage per user
- Workplace Standard: $3/user/month with 30 GB storage per user
- Workplace Professional: $6/user/month with 100 GB storage per user
Rackspace Email
Features
- Custom domain for email addresses
- 25 GB storage per mailbox
- Email, calendar, and contacts synchronization
- Spam and virus protection
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing (as of 2021)
- Rackspace Email: $2.99/user/month with 25 GB storage per user
- Rackspace Email Plus: $3.99/user/month with 30 GB storage per user
Fastmail
Features
- Custom domain for email addresses
- Calendar and contacts synchronization
- Email file storage
- Spam and virus protection
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing (as of 2021)
- Basic: $3/user/month with 2 GB storage per user
- Standard: $5/user/month with 30 GB storage per user
- Professional: $9/user/month with 100 GB storage per user
When choosing a business email provider, it is essential to consider factors such as the size of your organization, required storage, and preferred collaboration tools. Additionally, compare the security features, reliability, and customer support provided by each service to find the best fit for your business. It's also important to consider the potential for integration with other tools and services your business might be using. Here are a few additional points to help you make the right decision when choosing an email service provider:
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Scalability: As your business grows, you may need more storage, additional features, or increased user capacity. Choose a provider that can scale with your business needs and offers flexible plans to accommodate future growth.
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Ease of migration: If you're considering switching from one email provider to another, the migration process should be smooth and hassle-free. Look for providers that offer migration tools or assistance to minimize disruption to your business operations.
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Customization: Each business has unique requirements. Ensure the provider allows customization, such as creating custom email signatures, setting up email aliases, or defining mailbox rules, to tailor the service to your organization's needs.
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Data privacy and security: Data privacy and security should be top priorities when choosing a business email provider. Research the security measures taken by the provider, including encryption methods, spam filtering, and protection against phishing and malware attacks.
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Uptime guarantee: Email is a critical communication tool for most businesses. Ensure the provider offers a service level agreement (SLA) with a high uptime guarantee to minimize disruptions to your business operations.
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Pricing: While it's important to choose a provider that offers competitive pricing, don't sacrifice quality for a lower price. Consider the features, storage, and support included in each plan to determine the best value for your investment.
By carefully evaluating each email service provider based on the factors mentioned above, you can find the one that best suits your business's unique needs and requirements. Keep in mind that while some providers may excel in certain areas, it's crucial to choose a well-rounded solution that addresses all aspects of your business email needs.