Gmail vs Fasthosts
On privacy it's Fasthosts. On price it's a tie. On features it's Gmail. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.
Should you pick Gmail or Fasthosts?
- Choose Gmail if you want email without paying for it; a free plan before you pay anything; and more space for your mail: 15 GB.
- Fasthosts is the better pick if you want your mailbox stored in the United Kingdom; email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts; and an address on your own domain.
| Feature | Gmail | Fasthosts |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 0.0 | 2.5 |
| Price | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Features | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Cheapest plan | Free (Google One 100 GB for more space) Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month | Email From £1 a month for the first year |
| Free plan | Yes, 15 GB shared with Drive | No |
| Storage | 15 GB | 2 GB |
| Your own domain | No | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | United States | United Kingdom (IONOS) |
| Your data is kept in | United States and worldwide | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2004 | 1998 |
| Free trial | Free | Unknown |
| Funded by advertising | Yes, or its parent company is | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | No |
| Aliases | Plus addressing only | Yes |
| Open-source apps | No | No |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | Unknown |
| Reader offer | None | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
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The key differences
- On price: Gmail Free (Google One 100 GB for more space) at Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month, against Fasthosts Email at From £1 a month for the first year.
- Gmail has a free plan (15 GB shared with Drive); Fasthosts has no free plan.
- Space: Gmail gives 15 GB of storage, Fasthosts 2 GB of storage.
- Gmail keeps your mail in the United States and worldwide, while Fasthosts keeps it in the United Kingdom.
- The companies sit under different laws: Gmail in United States, Fasthosts in United Kingdom (IONOS).
- You can use your own domain with Fasthosts, but not with Gmail.
- Gmail (or its parent company) makes money from advertising; Fasthosts doesn't.
- Aliases: Gmail offers plus addressing only, Fasthosts yes.
Common questions
Is Gmail more private than Fasthosts?
Fasthosts scores 2.5 out of 5 for privacy and Gmail 0. Fasthosts gives you your mailbox stored in the United Kingdom and email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts.
Is Gmail cheaper than Fasthosts?
Gmail costs nothing to start (Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month). Fasthosts's cheapest plan, Email, is From £1 a month for the first year.
Can I use my own domain with Gmail or Fasthosts?
Only Fasthosts does (Yes). With Gmail your address stays on its own domain.
Where is my email stored with Gmail and Fasthosts?
Gmail keeps it in the United States and worldwide. Fasthosts keeps it in the United Kingdom.
Prices and the latest news
No price changes for either since 22 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.
The latest headlines: Gmail news · Fasthosts news.
Not sold on either? Try these
Gmail vs mailbox.org · Fasthosts vs mailbox.org · Gmail vs Posteo · Fasthosts vs Posteo · Gmail vs Proton Mail · Fasthosts vs Proton Mail
How to switch
Moving to Gmail · Moving from Gmail. Or see all my switching guides.