I know there was a workaround that was working a few months ago to get a free Google Apps account for one user, however, when I tried the workaround this morning it didn't seem to be working. Does anyone know if it still works? Do I need to be using English (US)? And if it doesn't work, what provider would you recommend (I only need email and IMAP is important)? An example set of instructions for the workaround: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/google-app-mail-for-free/
Can one still get a free Google Apps Standard account?
google;email;google apps
Only a couple of days ago the Google App Engine team announced the free single user accounts were being discontinued, negating that workaround.Outlook.com is the most prominent competitor that still lets user use a custom domain for free. Zoho is another one I've seen mentioned, although I've not personally used either.