Top 10 Email services for Business

February 03, 2024 | Editor: Adam Levine


Email services for business offer a range of features for personal and team email-communications, such as custom domain addresses (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com), robust spam protection and security measures to protect sensitive information, and scalable storage options to accommodate growing volumes of correspondence. Additionally, they often include collaborative tools that allow teams to share calendars, schedule meetings, and collaborate on documents seamlessly.
1
Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft. It can be used as a stand-alone service/application, or can work with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SharePoint Server for multiple users in an organization, such as shared mailboxes and calendars, Exchange public folders, SharePoint lists and meeting schedules.
2
Gmail is an email service provided by Google. Users may access Gmail as secure webmail, as well via POP3 or IMAP protocols. Gmail's spam filtering features a community-driven system: when any user marks an email as spam, this provides information to help the system identify similar future messages for all Gmail users. Google also provides GMail alternative for business - Google Workspace.
3
Our email service safeguards user data with strict privacy protections and our secure datacenter facility hidden inside a Swiss granite mountain. Your emails are automatically end-to-end encrypted inside our email service. Because of this, we cannot decrypt or share your data with third parties.
4
Email you can feel good about. Apps for phone and tablet. Superior spam blocking. Custom @yourchoice.com address (use your own domain). Full featured calendars. Swift, thoughtful interface. Easy-to-use email import tool.
5
Tutanota is the secure email service, built in Germany. Use encrypted emails on all devices with our open source email client, mobile apps & desktop clients.
6
Zoho Mail is an email hosting service built with the needs of a modern business in mind. It provides best-in-class features exceeding even those of desktop emailing software for business users to communicate effectively while catering to the fine-grained customization and mailbox management needs of IT administrators. Additionally the seamless contextual integration with 20+ other Zoho applications provides higher productivity & collaboration.
7
With your iCloud Mail account, you can send, receive, and organize email. When you set up your devices for iCloud Mail, you can also access your iCloud Mail account using the Mail app on your iOS device, iPadOS device, or Mac computer, or using Microsoft Outlook on a Windows computer. No matter which device you use, the changes are updated everywhere.
8
Mailfence is the only secure and private email service that gives you control. A free, interoperable encrypted email service protected by Belgian privacy law.
9
Posteo is an innovative German email provider that is concerned with sustainability and privacy and is completely ad-free.
10
Secure German e-mail for private and business customers. mailbox.org is the e-mail provider that puts data protection, freedom from advertising and independence first.
11
AI-powered email built for high-performing teams.
12
Private, encrypted, secure email. End-to-end encrypted inbox and messages. Skiff Mail protects your inbox with free private email, giving you the power to communicate freely with anyone.
13
Secure hosted email with custom domain. Shared calendars, chat, storage, documents & apps. The only solution integrated and working together in one screen.
14
Email at its best, new from 37signals. HEY’s fresh approach transforms email into something you want to use, not something you’re forced to deal with.
15
Yahoo! Mail is an email service offered by the American company Yahoo, Inc. The service is free for personal use, with an optional monthly fee for additional features.
16
Lavabit is the encrypted email leader. Get the best, by those who invented it.

Latest news about Email services for Business


2023. Encrypted email service Proton Mail gets its own desktop app



ProtonMail has introduced a native desktop application for both Windows and MacOS platforms. Although the encrypted email service has been accessible to desktop users for nearly a decade, initially through the web and later via a "bridge" facilitating access through desktop clients like Outlook and Thunderbird, the new dedicated desktop app eliminates the need for browsers and bridge middleware. By doing so, Proton, the parent company, aims to establish direct end-to-end email encryption through its own clients, offering offline access. The desktop app is conveniently accessible from the Windows Start menu or MacOS dock and includes integration with Proton Calendar, the encrypted calendar application by Proton.


2023. Yahoo Mail introduces new AI-powered capabilities



Yahoo is launching some new innovative AI tools for Yahoo Mail, designed to assist users in conserving both time and finances. This deployment encompasses enhancements to numerous pre-existing AI functions within Yahoo Mail, alongside the introduction of a fresh tool known as the Shopping Saver. This novel Shopping Saver tool brings to light forgotten gift cards, discount codes, and store credits, subsequently aiding users in leveraging these resources. Furthermore, the tool generates recommended messages to send to vendors, streamlining the process of applying these savings subsequent to a purchase. According to Yahoo, a significant portion of U.S. adults possess unused gift cards, vouchers, or store credits, with the new tool aiming to facilitate monetary savings during online transactions. Yahoo competitors Google and Microsoft have also rolled out several generative AI-powered features to Gmail and Outlook over the past year.




2023. Gmail app gets highly requested native translation feature



Gmail for Android and iOS are getting an inherent translation function, which can automatically identify the language of an email and provide a translation. This function, which has been a consistent feature on the desktop variant, currently supports 100 different languages. Previously, if users wished to translate an email, they needed to either manually copy and paste the text into Google Translate or capture a screenshot and upload it to Google Lens. To translate a message on mobile devices, users can simply select the "Translate" choice found in the three-dot menu at the upper-right corner of the email interface. Users are able to set their preferred output language in the settings, enabling a prompt to appear whenever an email's content doesn't align with the "Gmail display language."


2022. The new Outlook client is a collaboration hub



Microsoft has commenced the rollout of the revamped Outlook for Windows, a project that has been in development for over two years. The primary objective of this update was to achieve a unified interface between the Windows program and the web version, Outlook.com, which has been successfully accomplished. The forthcoming Mac version will also adopt the same interface. The new Outlook enables users to view their emails, tasks, and calendar on a single screen, enhancing productivity. It integrates with the new service called Loop, allowing users to send messages to Teams, access files from SharePoint, and collaborate on projects directly within the email body. Furthermore, the updated version offers the ability to quickly convert emails into tasks or events, attach files using @mentions, pin important emails to the top of the list, and seamlessly manage Gmail accounts alongside other email accounts.


2022. Microsoft launches Outlook Lite for low-powered Android phones



Microsoft has unveiled the lightweight Outlook Lite Android app, designed specifically for low-end Android devices and areas with limited data connectivity. This app has a compact download size of less than 5MB, in contrast to the regular version that can exceed 80MB depending on the device. Currently, the app is only accessible in certain countries, although Microsoft has expressed intentions to expand its availability to additional regions in the future. In June, the company included this app in its Office 365 roadmap, indicating a potential wider release. With Outlook Lite, users can conveniently access their emails, calendars, and contacts for various account types such as Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, MSN, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Exchange Online.


2022. New Gmail redesign focuces on promoting Meet videoconferencing



The Gmail update is being rolled out to all users. Google has kept the interface changes minimal, and you can customize the new design using the Quick Settings button located on the top right. The major enhancements include improved integration of Chat, Spaces, and Meet within Gmail, along with more visually appealing and colorful buttons. Beneath the surface, there are also modifications such as the introduction of "search chips" which refer to enhanced and precise search filters, as well as AI-powered search suggestions from Google. The company plans to introduce an enhanced experience for tablet users, improved emojis, and new accessibility features later this year.


2021. ProtonMail gets a slick new look, as privacy tech eyes the mainstream



Swiss-based end-to-end encrypted email service ProtonMail has recently unveiled an updated design, offering users a cleaner and more customizable interface. Notably, users now have the option to select from a variety of themes, including dark and contrasting versions. ProtonMail places a strong emphasis on security, with its full integration of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) ensuring that the gold standard of end-to-end encryption is seamlessly accessible to mainstream internet users. This integration provides users with the technical guarantee that their data remains private and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. While ProtonMail's new look serves as a visually appealing addition to its already robust encryption features, the company acknowledges the increasing importance of design and user interface as its product gains popularity.


2020. Zoho Mail integrates with Todoist, Wrike, Monday.com, and Insightly CRM



Zoho Mail has introduced new features that streamline communication with colleagues and customers directly from your inbox. The platform now offers support for Wrike, Todoist, and monday.com app extensions, enabling convenient access to tasks and projects within your mailbox. These extensions can be set up directly from Zoho Mail or can be found on the Zoho Marketplace. With Zoho Mail's extension widget (eWidget), you can now access over 25 applications directly from your Zoho Mail account. Additionally, Zoho Mail integrates with various iPaaS platforms such as Zoho Flow, Zapier, Automate.io, Integromat, Blendr.io, and Workato, expanding the range of supported applications even further.


2020. Zoho TeamInbox - new collaboration tool for shared inbox


Zoho has introduced a new tool called Zoho TeamInbox, designed to enhance team collaboration and transparency by providing a shared inbox for managing group emails. This tool enables the entire team to access group emails within a collaborative space. By directing emails from group addresses like treasurer@ or marketing@ to the shared inbox in Zoho TeamInbox, teams can receive, read, and respond to emails collectively, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. With Zoho TeamInbox, emails can be assigned to team members, allowing for comments, replies, and ultimately closing the task once completed—all from a unified platform.


2020. Gmail for G Suite gets deep integrations with Chat, Meet, Rooms and Docs


Google is rolling out a significant update to its G Suite productivity tools today, introducing a seamless integration of Gmail, Chat, Meet, and Rooms across web and mobile platforms. Additionally, popular tools like Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides will also be deeply integrated. Google refers to this initiative as a "better home for work," offering enhanced product integration. Users can expect features like integrated calendaring and file management within Gmail, as well as the ability to simultaneously engage in real-time document collaboration while conducting a video chat in a split-screen view. Currently, these updates are specific to G Suite, but Google has plans to extend this integrated workspace experience to consumers, similar to its efforts with bringing Meet to a broader audience. The exact details of this consumer offering, however, are yet to be revealed.


2020. Basecamp launches Hey, a hosted email service for neat freaks


Project management software maker Basecamp has introduced an innovative hosted email service named Hey. With Hey, the company aims to tackle the chaos and clutter typically associated with traditional email inboxes. One of its notable features is a built-in screener that prompts users to confirm whether they wish to receive emails from new senders. Upon consent, inbound emails are sorted into different trays. The central "imbox" (short for important box) exclusively contains communications designated as important by the user. Newsletters are organized in a News Feed-style tray called The Feed, where they are conveniently displayed in a partially opened format for casual reading. Additionally, email receipts are neatly arranged in a dedicated inbox view called the Paper Trail, serving as a reference for users.


2020. Spike raises $8 million to make your email look like a chat app



Asynchronous chat applications such as Slack have made significant efforts to replace email, but perhaps the key to accomplishing this is by transforming email to resemble chat. This concept is embraced by Spike, a productivity startup that has developed an email application that organizes emails into chat-like bubbles, fostering a culture of brevity and simplicity. Initially focused on redesigning the email experience, Spike has now expanded its offerings by introducing collaborative notes and tasks within their interface, aiming to provide a comprehensive productivity solution. Despite integrating multiple functionalities into a single window, the company envisions that consolidating these applications will minimize the need for switching between different windows, allowing users to devote more time to accomplishing tasks efficiently.


2020. Microsoft Outlook is getting text predictions, 2 years after Gmail



Microsoft's Outlook is introducing a new functionality that offers word and phrase suggestions while composing messages, making email autocompletion effortless for users. This feature will be available on both Outlook.com and Outlook on the web. As you compose an email, Outlook may present text suggestions, which can be accepted by pressing the Tab key or the right arrow key. If you prefer to disregard the suggestion, simply continue typing. Users will also have the option to disable text predictions by navigating to Settings – View all Outlook settings – Mail – Compose and reply. Under Text predictions, you can uncheck the "Suggest words or phrases as I type" box.


2020. New email service, OnMail, will let recipients control who can send them mail



Edison Software, the developer behind the popular email app Edison Mail, is launching its own email service called OnMail, which empowers users to have control over who can access their inbox. This is made possible through a new blocking feature called Permission Control. OnMail introduces several other enhancements, including automatic read receipts and tracker blocking, support for large attachments, fast delivery, and more. While Edison Mail is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft, and iCloud, OnMail will be a brand new email service that provides users with their own email account at @onmail.com when it becomes available later this summer.


2019. You can now attach emails to other emails in Gmail



The latest feature in Gmail allows users to attach an email or an entire email thread to another email. This functionality proves to be more convenient in certain scenarios compared to forwarding multiple individual emails. To utilize this feature, users can initiate a new email and simply drag the subject line from the list of emails. The software will automatically recognize it as a potential attachment. The attached emails will be converted into ".eml" files, and there is no restriction on the number of emails that can be attached.


2019. Zoho Mail adds Offline mode



Zoho Mail now offers a convenient solution for users to access and manage their emails even when facing Internet connectivity issues. The introduction of Offline mode ensures that all recent email conversations are accessible offline. Zoho Mail synchronizes your selected emails while you are online, allowing you to read them without an internet connection. Furthermore, any replies you compose during Offline mode are saved in your Outbox and will be automatically sent once you regain internet access. You can also draft replies and create email templates while offline, and they will be instantly synced once your internet connection is restored. If you are already using our Desktop Lite client, you can easily take advantage of the Offline mode feature directly from your desktop. Simply enable Offline mode in the client settings, and you're all set to go, ensuring uninterrupted email management even in offline scenarios.


2019. Gmail now allows to schedule emails



Google has introduced a new feature in Gmail that allows users to schedule their drafted emails to be sent at specific times in the future. While one might assume that Gmail already had this functionality, its addition is still likely to be well-received. Furthermore, Google has announced expansions to the popular Smart Compose feature in the email client. Smart Compose now has the capability to better emulate the user's writing style, particularly when it comes to informal greetings in emails. Additionally, Google states that Smart Compose can now suggest subject lines. Moreover, Smart Compose has been extended to support Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, in addition to English, and is compatible with Gmail for Android.


2019. Email client Spark lands on Android


Spark, a popular email client developed by Readdle, has successfully amassed one million users on iOS and macOS over the years. Now, the app has expanded its availability to Android users. Spark sets itself apart by offering power-user features, extensive customization options, and collaboration tools. The app can be downloaded for free, with the option to unlock additional collaborative features through in-app purchases. Although some features are not yet available on the Android version, the company is actively working on implementing quick replies, email templates, email delegation for teams, calendar view, and third-party app integrations. The app begins by introducing smart notifications, allowing users to filter out non-relevant emails and receive notifications for important threads. Additionally, the Smart Inbox feature categorizes newsletters and less important emails separately, enabling users to focus on crucial messages. This release comes at an opportune time as Google Inbox is shutting down. If you prefer smart email clients that automatically organize your inbox based on various criteria, Spark could be the perfect fit for you.


2019. Gmail makes emails more dynamic with AMP for Email



Google has introduced AMP for Email, a revolutionary initiative aimed at transforming static emails into dynamic, web page-like experiences. While initially available in Gmail, other prominent email providers such as Yahoo Mail, Outlook, and Mail.ru will also support AMP emails. AMP for Email holds the promise of elevating ordinary messages into interactive platforms that enable users to accomplish tasks directly within their web-based email client. With AMP for Email, users can engage with messages in a whole new way. For instance, you can RSVP to an event, complete a questionnaire, browse a store's inventory, or respond to a comment without leaving your email interface. This groundbreaking format has gained support from several notable companies including Booking.com, Despegar, Doodle, Ecwid, Freshworks, Nexxt, OYO Rooms, Pinterest, and redBus. The format incorporates various popular AMP markup features like carousels, forms, and lists. It's worth mentioning that these AMP messages also include standard HTML markup as a fallback for email clients that do not support AMP.


2019. Mobile Gmail gets Material Design UI



Gmail for mobile (available on iOS and Android) is receiving an updated appearance that aligns with the recent Material Design enhancements made to Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, and Sites by the company. Users will notice a familiar UI reminiscent of the Gmail web app, including the option to select from three different density styles. Additionally, there will be new fonts and visual refinements. In terms of functionality, the mobile app is gaining several new features that bring it on par with the web version. Similar to the desktop experience, users can now choose between the default view, as well as comfortable and compact styles. Google has also improved the account-switching process, making it more convenient. Another noteworthy addition is the inclusion of the large red phishing and scam warning box, which was previously available only in the web version, now appearing in the mobile app as well.


2018. Gmail’s iOS app gets a unified inbox



In today's digital landscape, individuals often manage multiple email accounts, dividing them between work and personal use. While Android users of Gmail have long enjoyed the convenience of viewing multiple inboxes in a single interface, iOS users have been limited to switching between accounts within the app's navigation. However, with the latest iOS update, Gmail introduces a new "All Inboxes" view accessible from the left-hand side drawer. This feature is compatible with both G Suite and non-G Suite accounts, including third-party IMAP accounts. Although a unified inbox may seem like a small addition, it addresses a significant pain point that has led many Gmail users on iOS to seek alternative third-party email applications.


2018. Microsoft released Exchange 2019, but no way to deploy it



Microsoft has recently launched a fresh iteration of its email and collaboration server, Exchange 2019. Although the update is available for download, there is a hindrance—installation is currently impossible. The reason being that it exclusively operates on the server operating system Windows Server 2019, which is yet to be released. In terms of Exchange 2019's innovations, they primarily revolve around enhancing system performance. The latest version has the capacity to utilize up to 48 processor cores and 256GB of RAM, with optimizations specifically tailored for SSD drives. It is evident (and Microsoft openly acknowledges this fact) that Exchange is being developed with a primary focus on large and exceedingly large enterprises. Consequently, Microsoft aims to transition small and medium-sized businesses to their cloud-based offering, Microsoft Office 365, which delivers email server functionality as a service.


2018. Google discontinues Inbox by GMail



Google has officially announced the discontinuation of Inbox by Gmail, its experimental email client for Gmail, by the end of March 2019. The decision to close Inbox is aimed at redirecting Google's focus "exclusively on Gmail." Although this shift in strategy is understandable, it is disheartening to witness the departure of Inbox, which played a pioneering role in introducing many features that are now integral to the new Gmail experience. While the new Gmail incorporates most of Inbox's features, one notable omission is the absence of trip bundles. This highly valuable functionality automatically consolidates all flight, hotel, event, and car reservations into a unified bundle, representing one of Inbox's standout features. Google intends to introduce trip bundles to Gmail early next year, ideally prior to Inbox's shutdown.


2018. Yahoo Mail launches version for mobile web



Yahoo has announced the release of two new versions of Yahoo Mail: one optimized for mobile web and another designed specifically for Android Go, an Android variant tailored for more affordable smartphones. The primary objective of these updates is to enhance the mobile web and Android One experiences, with the intention of expanding the user base of Yahoo Mail among different segments of users. The focus is on attracting individuals who utilize lower-end devices, whether in emerging markets or as more casual mobile users in more developed markets. Currently, Yahoo Mail boasts 227.8 million monthly active email users, a relatively modest figure when compared to Gmail's 1.4 billion users reported in April of this year.


2018. Zoho Mail gets major UI update



Shortly after a significant interface update to GMail, Zoho has launched the new Zoho Mail 2018 featuring a refreshing design. In this update, the developers have focused on enhancing the visibility of icons in the App bar and Quick Actions buttons by giving them a redesigned and vibrant appearance. For users who prefer the Compact view for its ability to display more emails at once, Zoho has gone a step further and introduced the Super Compact view. The introduction of the Advanced Search feature empowers users to locate elusive content within their inbox, even when they only remember minute details. Furthermore, the top bar has been replaced with tabs and a search bar, resulting in the relocation of other icons to the right side of the mailbox, thereby improving their visibility.


2018. Zoho Mail gets desktop client



Zoho has introduced the Desktop Lite client for Zoho Mail, providing users with a familiar interface that closely resembles the webmail version. Unlike a redesigned desktop interface, this client serves as an exact replica of the webmail interface, ensuring users feel comfortable and at ease. However, the desktop lite client offers the technical advantage of being locally hosted, resulting in improved speed compared to webmail. Users can expect reduced loading times, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, the client offers dedicated badge notifications and desktop notifications, enabling users to stay constantly updated on their emails.


2018. Yahoo Mail launches new wave of updates



While eagerly anticipating the upcoming major revamp of Gmail, its competitor Yahoo Mail has introduced a series of updates, focusing on enhanced personalization options and improved performance. These updates bring significant improvements, including a notable 50 percent reduction in JavaScript exceptions and a 20 percent decrease in overall API failures. In terms of new features, Yahoo Mail now offers photo themes, allowing users to customize their backgrounds, thus adding visual flair to the otherwise straightforward email service. Additionally, the integration with the calendar has been refined, and the out-of-office responders have become smarter and more efficient.


2018. Google launches a lightweight Gmail Go app for Android



Gmail Go is the latest addition to the Android Go lineup, designed to provide users with a more efficient Gmail experience on their smartphones. This app occupies less storage space and optimizes mobile data usage compared to the regular version of Gmail. Despite its streamlined design, Gmail Go retains essential features, including support for multiple accounts, conversation view, attachments, and push notifications for new messages. Additionally, it incorporates Gmail's familiar functionality of prioritizing emails from friends and family, while organizing promotional and social emails into separate tabs.


2018. Zoho Mail gets Sticky notes, Email snippets



In Zoho Mail, email snippets have been enhanced to emphasize e-commerce-related emails that adhere to the appropriate schema format. When you receive an email that contains the embedded schema, the displayed email will feature dedicated icons within the mail listing, along with key details from the email succinctly highlighted. Moreover, the developers have introduced sticky notes functionality, enabling users to conveniently attach notes directly to their mailbox. Additionally, user profile enhancements for administrators have been implemented. Notably, a noteworthy addition for Zoho CRM users is the ability to select a default calendar for saving event invites within Zoho Mail.


2017. Outlook.com gets LinkedIn integration



The integration of LinkedIn within Outlook.com is now being rolled out, enabling users of the email platform to access valuable insights, profile pictures, work history, and more directly within their inbox. This isn't the first instance of LinkedIn data being incorporated into email services. Prior to its acquisition by Microsoft, LinkedIn itself acquired a smaller company called Rapportive, which had developed a popular Gmail add-in that integrated social profile information into Gmail's web application. The add-in was later reimagined to focus primarily on LinkedIn integration, rather than connections to other platforms like Facebook and Twitter. With the new integration in Outlook, customers can simply click on the name of an email contact within their inbox to instantly access a comprehensive contact card, complete with a link to their LinkedIn profile.

Editor: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com