Is Zoho Mail still free?

Yes, with conditions. At the time of writing, Zoho Mail's Forever Free plan covers up to 5 users on one custom domain with 5 GB per user, but only in select data centres. It has no IMAP, POP or ActiveSync, so you use Zoho's webmail and apps. Free personal addresses are also offered.

Zoho Mail still lists a Forever Free plan on its pricing page at the time of writing. It covers up to 5 users, 5 GB of mail storage per user, and custom email for one domain. Zoho says that from the 6th user, all users move to a paid plan. The page also says the plan is available only in select data centres, so some people signing up in some regions will not see it.

The biggest limit is access. The free plan does not include IMAP, POP or ActiveSync. That means you cannot add the mailbox to Outlook, Apple Mail or the Gmail app as a normal account. You read and send mail through Zoho's webmail and the Zoho Mail mobile app. For many small teams that is fine. For anyone who lives in Outlook, it is a deal breaker.

For personal use, Zoho also offers free personal accounts that do not need your own domain. Zoho's how-to page says you can sign up for a personal account without a domain and get an address such as username@zohomail.com, depending on your data centre. It is a reasonable, ad-free alternative to the big consumer providers, though fewer apps and services treat it as a standard sign-in option.

Zoho has tightened the free plan over the years, and users regularly report changes to who can downgrade to it. Treat it as a good starting point, not a guarantee. If email is critical to your business, a paid plan gives you IMAP and ActiveSync, more storage and support. Whichever you choose, set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC so your mail reaches inboxes.

Written by Flowpeak, a Zoho implementation partner. Zoho pricing and features change, so confirm current details on the official Zoho site. Free checklists | Ask us a question