Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read
Where can my mailbox live?
| Option | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| with the host | IONOS, STRATO and others | often included with the domain |
| with the website builder | Wix via Google Workspace | separate subscription, charged extra |
| Google Workspace | directly with Google | per user, with calendar and storage |
| Microsoft 365 | directly with Microsoft | per user, with Outlook and Office depending on the plan |
| forwarding only | Jimdo Start and Grow | address forwards to another mailbox |
Which way is right depends on how many mailboxes you need and whether you want a calendar and office programs.
What do website builders include?
- Wix: According to its pricing page, no mailbox in the package. Wix offers mailboxes through Google Workspace in three plans; Wix shows the prices in your account.
- Jimdo: In the Start and Grow plans, according to the pricing page, connection and forwarding, but no mailbox of its own.
- IONOS: In the homepage builder, according to its plan page, one email address with a 2 to 50 GB mailbox depending on the plan.
- Squarespace: In the Core plan, according to its pricing page, one free email in the first year with a matching domain, then a subscription of its own.
Why does the mailbox matter so much when switching websites?
Because it is often in the same contract as the website and domain. If you cancel the contract, you lose the mailbox too. In our conversations in October 2026, worry about email was the second most common question about switching, right after the question of whether you can still make changes yourself.
The good news: technically, email depends on the domain's MX records, not on the website. If only the record for the website is changed in the switch, email keeps running unchanged. More on this at Keeping domain and email when you switch.
How do I move a mailbox?
- 1
Create a new mailbox with the new provider.
- 2
Copy the old emails, for example through the mail program with both accounts.
- 3
Point the domain's MX records and SPF to the new provider.
- 4
Keep an eye on both mailboxes for a few days.
- 5
Only then cancel the old mailbox.
According to its own page, STRATO offers a migration service that copies emails, contacts and appointments. Many providers have similar tools.
What should I watch for on security?
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC so your emails don't land in spam and nobody can forge mail in your name.
- Strong passwords and, where possible, a second confirmation at login.
- Don't leave mailboxes of former employees running with nobody reading them.
At freeehouse your mailbox stays where it is. When we move you, we change only the record for the website; nothing changes for your emails. On request a mailbox can move to us for €12 a year, but it isn't necessary. What it costs
How many mailboxes do I need?
As many as there are people writing their own emails. For shared addresses like info@ or termine@, a forward or a shared mailbox is often enough. Every unused mailbox costs money and is a security risk if nobody looks inside.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mailbox of my own for my domain?
Not necessarily. A forward to an existing mailbox is enough for many small businesses. But if you want to reply professionally, you should be able to send from your own address too.
Will I lose my emails if I switch websites?
No, as long as the domain's MX records are not changed and the mailbox is not cancelled with it.
Does Wix include an email address?
Not according to its pricing page. Wix sells mailboxes through Google Workspace as a separate subscription.
What is DKIM?
A digital signature for your emails. It shows the recipient that the mail really comes from your domain. More in the glossary.
Sources
- Wix Hilfe: Geschäftliche E-Mail-Adresse über Google Workspace erwerben, accessed 23 October 2026
- Jimdo: Preise und Pakete, accessed 23 October 2026
- IONOS: Homepage-Baukasten, Tarife, accessed 23 October 2026
- Squarespace: Preise, accessed 23 October 2026
- STRATO: E-Mail-Anbieter wechseln, accessed 23 October 2026
Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.
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