Bottled vs Google Workspace and Zoho Mail
Google Workspace and Zoho Mail give you a whole new mailbox to migrate to and check. Bottled gives you a professional address on your own domain that forwards straight into the Gmail you already use, so there is nothing new to learn. Free to start, no credit card.
| Feature | Bottled | Google Workspace | Zoho Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, no credit card | No | Yes, up to 5 users, web access only |
| Entry paid price | $9/mo flat (Essentials) | From $7 per user/mo (Business Starter, annual) | From $1 per user/mo (Mail Lite, annual) |
| Forwards into your existing Gmail | Yes | No, new work mailbox | No, separate mailbox |
| Email on your custom domain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New mailbox to migrate to | No | Yes | Yes |
| Per-seat pricing | No, flat price, unlimited team members | Yes, billed per user | Yes, billed per user |
| REST API for sending | Yes, on every plan | Gmail API, separate OAuth app setup | Zoho Mail API, separate setup |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, 13 tools | No | No |
Competitor pricing checked July 2026. Plans change, so check each vendor's site for current rates.
When Google Workspace makes sense
You want the full office suite. Docs, Drive, Meet, and a separate work mailbox for every person on the team. You are happy paying per user, per month, and migrating your mail into a new account.
When Zoho Mail makes sense
You want the cheapest per-seat mailbox on the market and you are already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. You accept a new inbox to check and web-only access on the free tier.
When Bottled makes sense
You already live in Gmail and just want hello@yourdomain.com to land there. Replies and sends go out from your branded address with SPF and DKIM authentication, so they reach the inbox. Free to start, flat pricing when you grow, plus a REST API and an MCP server so your AI agents can work your inbox too.
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