When choosing an email service for your small business, it's important to consider factors such as reliability, security, features, ease of use, and scalability. Here are three popular and highly recommended options, along with their key features and references:

1. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):
Google Workspace is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools that includes Gmail for Business, making it a popular choice for small businesses. It offers a range of features like custom email addresses (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com), ample storage space, powerful spam filters, and seamless integration with other Google apps like Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Docs. Google Workspace also provides strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication and advanced encryption.

One notable advantage of Google Workspace is its reliability, as it boasts a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and intuitive management console make it easy to set up and manage email accounts. Pricing starts at $6 per user per month for the Basic plan, which includes 30GB of storage per user.

Reference: Google Workspace - https://workspace.google.com/

2. Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365):
Microsoft 365 is another popular choice for small businesses, offering a suite of productivity tools that includes Microsoft Outlook for email. With Microsoft 365, you can have professional email addresses, ample storage, and integration with other Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also provides advanced security features like encryption, data loss prevention, and anti-malware protection.

One advantage of Microsoft 365 is its familiarity, as many businesses are already accustomed to using Microsoft Office products. It offers a range of plans, starting from $5 per user per month for the Business Basic plan, which includes 50GB of mailbox storage and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Reference: Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business

3. Zoho Mail:
Zoho Mail is a cost-effective email service that caters specifically to small businesses. It offers a clean and ad-free interface, along with features like custom domain email addresses, ample storage, powerful spam filters, and integration with other Zoho productivity apps. Zoho Mail also provides robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication and data encryption.

One notable advantage of Zoho Mail is its pricing, which starts at $1 per user per month for the Mail Lite plan, including 5GB of storage per user. Zoho Mail also offers a forever-free plan for up to 5 users, making it an attractive option for small businesses on a tight budget.

Reference: Zoho Mail - https://www.zoho.com/mail/

It's important to evaluate your specific business needs and compare the features and pricing of different email services before making a decision. Additionally, consider factors like customer support, mobile compatibility, and any additional requirements unique to your business.