Here's a detailed comparison of using cPanel versus Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook (via Microsoft 365), and Apple iCloud+ for company email with a dedicated domain name:
Email Hosting with a Dedicated Domain: Feature Comparison
|
Feature / Platform |
cPanel |
Google Workspace (Gmail) |
Microsoft 365 (Outlook) |
Apple iCloud+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Domain Integration |
Full control via DNS zone editor |
Seamless with domain verification & MX setup |
Integrated via Microsoft Admin Center |
Requires iCloud+ subscription and DNS setup |
|
Email Protocols |
POP3, IMAP, SMTP (fully configurable) |
IMAP/SMTP supported; Gmail interface |
IMAP/SMTP supported; Outlook interface |
IMAP/SMTP supported; Mail app interface |
|
Webmail Interface |
Roundcube (customizable, feature-rich) |
Gmail (modern, feature-rich) |
Outlook Web Access (OWA) |
iCloud Mail (basic but clean) |
|
Storage & Quotas |
Depends on hosting account |
30GB–5TB/user depending on plan |
50GB–100GB mailbox + 1TB OneDrive |
Shared iCloud+ storage (50GB–2TB) |
|
Spam Filtering & Security |
SpamAssassin, RBLs, custom filters, LinkLock URL protection, gateway filters |
Advanced spam/phishing protection |
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 |
Basic filtering; less granular control |
|
Admin Control & User Management |
Full admin control including Manage Team; manual setup |
Admin console with user/group management |
Microsoft Admin Center; granular policies |
Limited; mostly personal/family use |
|
Calendars, Contacts, Collaboration |
Shared calendars, contacts, Web Disk cloud storage |
Google Calendar, Meet, Docs, Drive |
Outlook Calendar, Teams, OneDrive, Office apps |
Calendar, Contacts, limited collaboration |
|
Mobile & App Integration |
Works with any email client, webmail supports all devices |
Native Gmail apps + third-party support |
Outlook apps + full Office suite |
Mail app on iOS/macOS; limited Android support |
|
Custom Branding & Aliases |
Fully customizable |
Yes, with aliases and groups |
Yes, with aliases, shared mailboxes |
Up to 3 addresses per domain; 5 domains max |
|
Setup Complexity |
Easy, RISP does it all |
Easy with guided setup |
Moderate; admin portal guided |
Moderate; DNS record setup required |
|
Cost |
Depends on hosting account |
$6–$18/user/month (Google Workspace) |
$6–$22/user/month (Microsoft 365) |
$0.99–$9.99/month (iCloud+ for storage & domain) |
Technical Notes on cPanel
- mail Features:
- Create unlimited email accounts per domain, depending on hosting account.
- Configure spam filters, DKIM, SPF, DMARC.
- Use Exim for mail transport with full logging and customization.
- Best Use Case: Ideal for hosting accounts who want full control, custom scripting, and integration with other services (e.g., WordPress, WHMCS).
