1and1Mail vs. Competitors: Which Email Service Is Best?Choosing the right email service matters for reliability, privacy, cost, and productivity. This article compares 1and1Mail (part of IONOS by 1&1) with major competitors — Gmail (Google Workspace), Outlook (Microsoft 365), and Proton Mail — across features most users care about: ease of use, security & privacy, storage & pricing, integrations, deliverability, and support. At the end you’ll find recommendations for common user types.
What is 1and1Mail?
1and1Mail is the email offering from IONOS (previously branded 1&1). It provides hosted email accounts tied to domains purchased through IONOS, with webmail, IMAP/POP access, mobile sync, and business-focused plans. IONOS targets small businesses and individuals who want domain-based email with simple administration and bundled hosting options.
Competitors overview (quick facts)
- Gmail / Google Workspace: Strong collaboration tools, deep integrations with Google apps, robust spam filtering, large storage tiers.
- Outlook / Microsoft 365: Best for Microsoft Office integration, enterprise features, rich desktop client and Exchange-based services.
- Proton Mail: Privacy-focused, end-to-end encryption, based in Switzerland, limited third-party integrations but strong for sensitive communications.
Ease of use & setup
1and1Mail
- Domain-based setup is straightforward when using IONOS as registrar: DNS records and mailbox creation are often automated.
- Webmail interface is simple but more utilitarian than Gmail or Outlook.
- Mobile configuration via standard IMAP/POP or Exchange ActiveSync (depending on plan).
Gmail (Google Workspace)
- Extremely user-friendly web interface with powerful search and labels.
- Quick setup for non-technical users; domain setup guided with clear instructions.
- Seamless mobile apps and native sync for contacts, calendar, and Drive files.
Outlook (Microsoft 365)
- Familiar desktop and web interfaces for users of Microsoft products.
- Setup can be more involved for advanced Exchange features but well documented.
- Best experience when using Outlook desktop client with full Exchange features.
Proton Mail
- Simplified setup for encrypted accounts; domain-based email requires a paid plan and DNS configuration.
- Web and mobile apps are clean but intentionally minimal.
- UX choices sometimes prioritize privacy over convenience (e.g., limited third-party import/export).
Verdict: For general ease and speed, Gmail leads; for straightforward domain-hosted email with registrar integration, 1and1Mail is competitive; Proton Mail favors privacy-conscious users even if setup is slightly more constrained.
Security & privacy
1and1Mail
- Standard security measures: TLS for transport, spam/virus filtering, two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts.
- Data centers primarily in Europe and the US; privacy protections depend on IONOS policies and jurisdiction.
- Not end-to-end encrypted by default — mail provider can access message content for spam scanning, backups, etc.
Gmail
- Strong security infrastructure, phishing detection, 2FA, security keys support.
- Google scans emails for spam and to provide some product features (advertising-related scanning declined for Workspace customers but operational scanning for services applies).
- Data stored in Google-managed data centers subject to US-based laws and Google policies.
Outlook / Microsoft 365
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance controls, eDiscovery, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), strong 2FA.
- Data residency options available on many plans for businesses.
- No default end-to-end encryption for everyday email without additional configuration (S/MIME or Microsoft Purview solutions available).
Proton Mail
- End-to-end encryption between Proton Mail users and zero-access encryption for stored emails.
- Strong privacy guarantees under Swiss law; company emphasizes minimal metadata retention.
- Best-in-class privacy for sensitive communications.
Verdict: Proton Mail is best for privacy; Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace lead on enterprise security features; 1and1Mail offers standard protections suitable for most small businesses but lacks zero-access E2EE.
Storage, plans & pricing
1and1Mail (IONOS)
- Typically priced per mailbox with tiered storage and features; often sold bundled with domain registration and hosting.
- Good value for domain-based email when you already use IONOS hosting.
Gmail / Google Workspace
- Entry-level plans include robust storage shared across Drive/Gmail; higher tiers increase storage and admin features.
- Per-user pricing scales for teams, often cost-effective for collaboration-heavy organizations.
Outlook / Microsoft 365
- Per-user licensing with tiers that bundle Office apps, Exchange Online mailbox size, and OneDrive storage.
- Attractive for teams that need desktop Office apps and integrated file storage.
Proton Mail
- Free tier with limited storage and features; paid plans add domain support, more storage, and advanced features.
- Pricing higher per mailbox compared with mass-market providers, reflecting privacy-focused architecture.
Comparison table:
| Service | Storage (typical entry) | Start Price (per user/month) | Domain support |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1and1Mail (IONOS) | Varies (small to moderate) | Low–moderate | Yes (bundled) |
| Gmail (Workspace) | 30 GB+ (depends) | Moderate | Yes |
| Outlook (Microsoft 365) | 50 GB+ mailbox | Moderate | Yes |
| Proton Mail | Small (free) → larger paid | Moderate–higher | Yes (paid plans) |
Verdict: For price-to-features with domain hosting, 1and1Mail is competitive; for storage and collaboration value, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 often provide better storage and app bundles; Proton Mail costs more for privacy.
Integrations & productivity
1and1Mail
- Integrates with standard email clients via IMAP/POP/SMTP and with calendars/contacts depending on plan.
- Fewer native productivity app integrations compared to Google/Microsoft ecosystems.
- Works well if you pair with other IONOS services (hosting, website builder).
Gmail
- Native integration with Google Drive, Meet, Docs, Sheets, and hundreds of third-party add-ons.
- Strong automation (Apps Script) and marketplace for business workflows.
Outlook / Microsoft 365
- Deep integration with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and enterprise management tools.
- Powerful offline desktop client advantages for heavy Office users.
Proton Mail
- Few third-party integrations by design; bridges and Proton Drive/Calendar expanding privacy-focused ecosystem.
- Not ideal for organizations that rely on wide integrations.
Verdict: For productivity platforms, Gmail and Microsoft 365 are leaders; 1and1Mail is adequate for basic needs; Proton Mail restricts integrations for privacy reasons.
Deliverability & spam handling
1and1Mail
- Generally reliable deliverability when DNS (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is configured correctly; automated DNS with IONOS helps.
- Built-in spam and virus filters; reputation depends on shared IPs and sending behavior.
Gmail
- Industry-leading spam filtering and deliverability; large provider reputation helps inbox placement.
- Strict sending limits and policies to protect reputation.
Outlook / Microsoft 365
- Strong deliverability for legitimate senders; enterprise reputation tools for large senders.
- Spam filtering and compliance tools robust.
Proton Mail
- Good deliverability for normal usage but encrypted mail to non-Proton users may affect filtering; setting up proper DNS and authentication is still necessary.
Verdict: For bulk deliverability and inbox placement, Gmail and Microsoft 365 typically perform best; 1and1Mail is solid for typical business usage.
Support & admin
1and1Mail
- IONOS provides ⁄7 support on many plans, with simple admin panels for mailbox creation and DNS management.
- Good for small teams needing basic administration without an IT department.
Gmail / Google Workspace
- Admin console is powerful for user management, security controls, and reporting; support tiers vary by plan.
- Extensive documentation and large community.
Outlook / Microsoft 365
- Comprehensive admin tools, advanced compliance and auditing features; Microsoft support available with business subscriptions.
Proton Mail
- Support available but priority/helpful support often on paid tiers; admin features limited compared to enterprise email vendors.
Verdict: For straightforward admin and support, 1and1Mail is user-friendly; for enterprise controls, Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace excel.
When to choose each service
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Choose 1and1Mail (IONOS) if:
- You want domain-based email bundled with domain registration and hosting.
- You prefer a simple, cost-effective setup aimed at small businesses or solo professionals.
- You want straightforward webmail and basic admin without extra collaboration bells and whistles.
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Choose Google Workspace if:
- You need best-in-class collaboration tools, search, and app integrations.
- Your team relies on cloud-native workflows and shared drives.
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Choose Microsoft 365 if:
- Your organization depends on Office desktop apps, Exchange features, and enterprise compliance.
- You need advanced admin, DLP, and integrated Teams/SharePoint workflows.
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Choose Proton Mail if:
- Privacy and end-to-end encryption are your highest priorities.
- You’re willing to trade some convenience and integrations for stronger confidentiality.
Final recommendation
No single provider is best for every use case. If privacy is paramount, Proton Mail stands out. For collaboration and storage value, Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 are stronger. If you want a domain-hosted, budget-friendly email tied to your hosting registrar with simple administration, 1and1Mail (IONOS) is a practical choice.
If you want, I can adapt this into a shorter comparison, a checklist for migration from one service to another, or a table with pricing per current plans — tell me which.
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