Setting up free email using your own domain name (like [email protected]) is possible—even for solopreneurs or small teams. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting professional, branded email without paying for Google Workspace or Outlook 365.

📬 How to Set Up Free Email Using Your Own Domain Name
🔧 Option 1: Use Zoho Mail (Free Plan)
✅ Why Zoho?
Free for up to 5 users

No ads, reliable uptime

Webmail & mobile apps included

🚀 Setup Steps:
Register Your Domain (if you haven't already)

Use Namecheap, Google Domains, GoDaddy, etc.

Sign up for Zoho Mail Free Plan

Go to: zoho.com/mail/zohomail-pricing.html

Choose the Forever Free Plan

Verify Your Domain

Zoho gives you a TXT or CNAME record to add to your domain DNS settings

Log in to your domain registrar and paste the record under DNS → TXT/CNAME

Create Your Email Address

Example: [email protected]

Set Up MX Records

Replace your domain's MX records with Zoho's:

Copy
Edit
mx.zoho.com     Priority 10
mx2.zoho.com    Priority 20
mx3.zoho.com    Priority 50
Start Sending & Receiving

Use Zoho's webmail, or set it up on Gmail, Outlook, or mobile apps via IMAP/SMTP.

🆓 Bonus: Use Zoho with Gmail Interface (Forward + Send as)
Forward Zoho Mail to Gmail

In Zoho: Settings → Email Forwarding

Add Zoho as a "Send Mail As" in Gmail

Gmail → Settings → Accounts → Add another email

Use Zoho's SMTP settings:

SMTP Server: smtp.zoho.com

Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)

🛠� Option 2: Use Cloudflare Email Routing (if you're already using Cloudflare DNS)
Go to Cloudflare → Email → Enable Email Routing

Set up email address (e.g., [email protected]) and forward it to your Gmail or personal inbox

Pair with Gmail's "Send mail as" to reply from your domain

⚠️ Note: Cloudflare only receives/forwards email. You need an SMTP provider to send.

🚫 What About Gmail with Custom Domains (Free)?
Google no longer offers free custom domain email through Gmail (legacy G Suite ended in 2022)

Paid plan starts at $6/user/month via Google Workspace

✅ Summary of Free Options
Method   Free?   Sends Email   Receives Email   Ideal For
Zoho Mail Free   ✅   ✅   ✅   Small business use
Cloudflare Routing + Gmail   ✅   ❌* (Gmail SMTP needed)   ✅   Forward-only setup
Improvised SMTP + Hosting Email (cPanel)   ✅   ✅   ✅   Tech-savvy users