Zoho Mail Forever Free Plan: Is It Worth It? (+ Best Alternatives)

You are a small business owner or freelancer.

You need email hosting that doesn’t break the bank.

Zoho Mail’s Forever Free Plan pops up.

Sounds like a dream, right?

Free email hosting for your domain.

But is it actually worth it?

Or are you signing up for headaches?

And what about alternatives that might fit better?

Let’s cut through the noise.

Here’s everything you need to know about Zoho Mail’s free plan.

Plus, the best alternatives to consider in 2025.

Why Truehost.com Is Your Email Hosting MVP

Before we dive in, let’s talk about a game-changer.

Truehost.com offers email hosting that’s dirt-cheap and reliable.

Think $0.4/month for professional email with your domain.

No hidden fees, no nonsense.

Unlike Zoho’s free plan, Truehost gives you IMAP/POP access.

You can use it with apps like Outlook or Apple Mail.

It’s perfect if you want affordability without Zoho’s limitations.

Check it out at Truehost.com/email-hosting.

Now, let’s get back to Zoho and see if it stacks up.

What Is Zoho Mail’s Forever Free Plan?

Zoho Mail’s Forever Free Plan is a no-cost email hosting service.

It’s aimed at small businesses and solo users.

You get email hosting for a single custom domain.

Up to five users can join.

Each user gets 5GB of storage.

There’s a 25MB attachment limit.

Sounds solid for free, right?

But there’s a catch (or a few).

Let’s break it down.

What You Get With Zoho Mail Forever Free

• 5 users max: Enough for a small team or solo entrepreneur.
• 5GB storage per user: Decent for basic email needs.
• Custom domain: Looks pro with emails like [email protected].
• Web access and mobile apps: Use Zoho’s webmail or their iOS/Android apps.
• Basic security: SSL encryption and two-factor authentication keep things safe.
• Zoho ecosystem: Ties into Zoho’s other tools like CRM or Docs.

The Gotchas That Might Burn You

Here’s where the “free” part starts to sting.

• No IMAP/POP/ActiveSync: You’re stuck with Zoho’s webmail or app.
  • Can’t use Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail to fetch emails.
  • This is a dealbreaker for many.
• 25MB attachment limit: Fine for docs, but forget sending big files.
• Single domain only: If you run multiple brands, tough luck.
• No email forwarding: Want to redirect emails? Not happening.
• Limited spam filtering: Some legit emails might end up in spam.
• Web-only access: No desktop client unless you pay.

I know a freelancer, Sarah, who tried Zoho’s free plan.

She loved the custom domain for her coaching business.

But she hated being tied to Zoho’s webmail.

“It felt like I was stuck in 2005,” she said.

She switched to a paid plan for IMAP access.

Moral? Free sounds great until it cramps your style.

Is Zoho Mail’s Forever Free Plan Worth It?

Let’s be real.

It depends on your needs.

Here’s the breakdown to help you decide.

When It’s Worth It

• You are a solo entrepreneur or tiny team (under 5 people).
• You don’t mind using Zoho’s webmail or mobile app.
• Your email volume is low, and attachments are small.
• You already use Zoho’s other tools (CRM, Docs, etc.).
• You want a professional email address without spending a dime.

When It’s Not Worth It

• You need to use Outlook, Apple Mail, or other email apps.
• You send big attachments (over 25MB).
• You manage multiple domains.
• You want advanced features like email forwarding or better spam filters.
• You’re scaling fast and need room to grow.

Pro tip: If you’re just starting out, Zoho’s free plan can work.

But if you’re serious about email flexibility, you’ll outgrow it fast.

That’s when alternatives (or Truehost) shine.

Best Alternatives to Zoho Mail Forever Free Plan

Zoho’s not the only player in town.

Here are the top alternatives for 2025.

Each offers free or low-cost plans.

Let’s see how they stack up.

1. Truehost Email Hosting

Why it’s awesome: Truehost is stupidly affordable.

Starts at $0.4/month for professional email hosting.

You get IMAP/POP support, so it works with any email app.

Perfect for small businesses who want flexibility without Zoho’s limits.

• Storage: 3GB per mailbox (upgradable).
• Attachment limit: 50MB.
• Domains: 1 mailbox supported.
• Perks: 24/7 support, easy setup, no ads.
• Downside: No free plan, but $0.4/month is basically free.

Why choose it?

Truehost is like Zoho’s free plan but without the handcuffs.

You get more freedom for pennies.

Check Truehost’s plans.

2. Gmail (Free Plan)

Gmail’s free plan is a household name. 15GB of shared storage (across Gmail, Drive, Photos). Works with any email app via IMAP/POP.

• Storage: 15GB total (not per user).
• Attachment limit: 25MB.
• Domains: No custom domain unless you pay for Google Workspace.
• Perks: Great spam filtering, Google app integration.
• Downside: No custom domain for free.

Mike runs a side hustle selling T-shirts.

He used Gmail’s free plan with a generic @gmail.com address.

Clients didn’t take him seriously.

He switched to Truehost for a custom domain.

“Night and day,” he said.

Gmail’s great, but it’s not professional without a custom domain.

3. ProtonMail (Free Plan)

Privacy is ProtonMail’s middle name. End-to-end encryption keeps your emails locked tight. Free plan is solid for security nerds.

• Storage: 1GB total.
• Attachment limit: 25MB.
• Domains: No custom domain on free plan.
• Perks: Super secure, no ads, easy to use.
• Downside: Tiny storage, no IMAP/POP on free plan.

Why choose it?

If privacy’s your top concern, ProtonMail’s free plan is a no-brainer. But for business use, you’ll need a paid plan for custom domains.

4. Outlook.com (Free Plan)

Microsoft’s free email service is clean and simple. Integrates with Microsoft 365 tools. Works with any email app via IMAP/POP.

• Storage: 15GB total.
• Attachment limit: 20MB.
• Domains: No custom domain for free.
• Perks: Good spam filters, calendar integration.
• Downside: Feels clunky compared to Gmail.

Why choose it?

Outlook’s free plan is fine for personal use. But like Gmail, it is not ideal for businesses without a custom domain.

5. Yahoo Mail (Free Plan)

Yahoo Mail gives you a massive 1TB of storage.

Great for heavy email users. Supports IMAP/POP for third-party apps.

• Storage: 1TB total.
• Attachment limit: 25MB.
• Domains: No custom domain.
• Perks: Disposable email aliases, huge storage.
• Downside: Dated interface, less professional vibe.

Why choose it?

Yahoo’s free plan is a storage beast. But it is not a serious contender for business email.

Zoho Mail vs. Alternatives: Head-to-Head

Here’s a quick comparison to make your choice easier.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Still on the fence?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need a custom domain? If yes, Zoho or Truehost are your best bets.
• Do I use third-party email apps? Skip Zoho’s free plan and go for Truehost or Gmail.
• Is privacy my top priority? ProtonMail’s free plan is your friend.
• Do I need tons of storage? Yahoo Mail’s 1TB is unmatched.
• Am I okay with a generic email address? Gmail or Outlook work fine.

Pro tip: Start with a free plan to test the waters.

But if you’re building a brand, invest in a custom domain.

Truehost’s $0.4/month plan is a steal for that.

Tips to Maximize Zoho Mail’s Free Plan

If you stick with Zoho, here’s how to make it work.

• Use Zoho’s mobile app: It’s slicker than the webmail interface.
• Compress attachments: Stay under the 25MB limit with tools like WinZip.
• Clean your inbox regularly: 5GB fills up fast if you’re sloppy.
• Integrate with Zoho CRM: Great for managing leads if you’re a Zoho fan.
• Set up filters: Keep spam and clutter under control.

Jake, a startup founder, used Zoho’s free plan for his team of three.

He set up filters to sort client emails automatically.

Saved him an hour a day.

But when they needed Outlook integration, they switched to Truehost.

Zoho’s great, but only if it fits your workflow.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Zoho Mail’s Forever Free Plan?

Zoho’s Forever Free Plan is a solid starting point.

It is perfect for tiny teams who want a pro email address.

But the lack of IMAP/POP and other limits can feel like a straitjacket.

If you need flexibility, Truehost’s $0.4/month plan blows it out of the water.

Or, if you’re okay with a generic address, Gmail or ProtonMail are strong free options.

Bottom line: Zoho’s free plan is worth a shot if you’re on a $0 budget.

But don’t be afraid to spend a buck or two for something that grows with you.

Your email is your business’s handshake.

Make it count.

Read also:

• How to Start an Email Service Business (Latest)
• 9 Best Email Hosting Providers for Startups
• Squarespace Email Hosting: Worth It or Waste of Cash? (+ Best Alternatives)