Email Aliasing Comparison

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Email Aliasing Comparison ​

🛡️ Protect your privacy with email aliases

Compare 10+ email alias services by features, pricing, security, privacy, and ease of use.

GitHub StarsLast CommitLicense: MIT

🚀 Quick Links: Interactive Selector | Setup Guide | Free Plans | Paid Plans

Table of Contents ​

👉 Click to expand contents

1. Understanding Email Aliasing ​

2. Quick Start Guide ​

3. Provider Comparisons ​

4. Privacy and Security Analysis ​

5. Legal and Compliance ​

6. Best Practices ​

7. Reference and Support ​

What is Email Aliasing? ​

Email aliasing lets you create alternate email addresses that forward to your real inbox, so you can share unique addresses without exposing your primary email.

Example:

How Email Aliasing Works ​

Think of it like a P.O. Box for your email: you hand out a forwarding address instead of your real one.

Without Aliasing:

With Aliasing:

Types of Email Aliasing ​

  • Built-in Aliases: Many email providers offer basic aliasing features like Gmail's + addressing (yourname+tag@gmail.com) or Outlook's alias system. These are free but have limited management options.

  • Dedicated Services: Third-party providers specializing in alias management with advanced features like custom domains, encryption, detailed dashboards, and comprehensive privacy controls.

Benefits and Use Cases ​

Privacy & Security

  • Hide your real email from websites and data breaches
  • Prevent cross-platform tracking by companies
  • Limit damage if one alias gets compromised

Spam Control

  • Create disposable aliases for one-time signups
  • Block spam by deactivating compromised aliases
  • Keep your main inbox clean

Organization

  • Use different aliases for different purposes (work, shopping, social)
  • Track which services share or sell your email
  • Organize emails by source automatically

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Interactive Provider Selector ​

Answer 3 questions to get personalized recommendations:

1. Experience Level: ​

  • Complete Beginner → DuckDuckGo
  • Some Experience → SimpleLogin
  • Advanced User → Addy.io
  • Developer → ForwardMail

2. Budget: ​

  • Free Only → DuckDuckGo or Erine.email
  • Under $2/month → Addy.io Lite ($1/mo)
  • Under $5/month → SimpleLogin ($4/mo)

3. Primary Goal: ​

  • Basic Privacy → DuckDuckGo
  • Business Use → SimpleLogin Premium
  • Apple Ecosystem → Apple Hide My Email
  • Developer/Technical → ForwardMail

Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Providers ​

Best for BeginnersBest ValueMost Secure
DuckDuckGo Email (🇺🇸)Addy.io Lite (🇳🇱)SimpleLogin (🇨🇭)
Free • Unlimited • Zero Setup$1/month • Unlimited • Feature-Rich$4/month • Unlimited • Enterprise
Pros:Pros:Pros:
• No registration needed• Best price-to-feature ratio• Swiss privacy laws
• Unlimited aliases• Unlimited standard aliases• Enterprise-grade reliability
• Built-in tracker removal• GPG encryption• PGP encryption
• Reply functionality• API access• Excellent support
• 1 custom domain• Proton integration
Cons:Cons:Cons:
• @duck.com domain only• Single developer• Higher cost
• No custom domains• Limited support• Less advanced features than Addy.io
• Basic features only

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Complete Setup Guide ​

👉 Tap to expand

A fast path from zero to fully configured—without skipping essentials.

Step 1: Define your needs (2 minutes) ​

  • Aliases needed: 10–50 covers most people
  • Must-have: Reply support (usually essential)
  • Custom domain: Needed for professionalism/branding
  • Budget: $0–$5/mo covers most needs
  • Technical level: Influences provider choice

Privacy level:

  • Basic: DuckDuckGo or Addy.io Lite
  • Advanced: SimpleLogin
  • Maximum: SimpleLogin + PGP

Step 2: Choose a provider (decision matrix) ​

Your NeedBest ProviderPriceWhy
Just getting startedDuckDuckGo 🇺🇸FreeZero setup, unlimited aliases
Basic privacy on budgetAddy.io Lite 🇳🇱$1/moMost features per dollar
Max privacy & securitySimpleLogin 🇨🇭$4/moSwiss laws, PGP
Apple ecosystemHide My Email 🇺🇸$0.99/moSeamless integration
Developer/TechnicalForwardMail 🇺🇸$3/moOpen-source, self-hostable
Business/TeamsSimpleLogin Premium 🇨🇭$4/moEnterprise-grade

Step 3: Provider setup (condensed, all steps preserved) ​

Option A: DuckDuckGo (best for beginners) ​

  1. Install extension/app: Chrome • Firefox • Mac
  2. Visit any signup form → click the duck icon
  3. Alias auto-generates (e.g., duck_xxx@duck.com)
  4. Emails forward to your real inbox
    Pro tip: Generated aliases are permanent—record them and prefer descriptive names when possible.

Option B: Addy.io (best value) ​

  1. Sign up: addy.io → verify email
  2. Create first alias in dashboard
  3. Choose format:
  4. Test forwarding (send yourself an email)
  5. Upgrade to Lite ($1/mo) for replies + 1 custom domain
  6. Install extension: Chrome • Firefox
    Pro tip: Free plan already includes GPG + API to test advanced flows.

Option C: SimpleLogin (most secure) ​

  1. Sign up: simplelogin.io → verify
  2. Create alias (e.g., amazon.purchases@simplelogin.io)
  3. Test forwarding & reply
  4. Install extensions: Chrome • Firefox • Safari
  5. Consider Premium for unlimited aliases + custom domains
    Pro tip: Use descriptive aliases for organization.

Option D: Apple Hide My Email (Apple users) ​

  1. Have iCloud+ ($0.99/mo+)
  2. iOS/macOS: Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Hide My Email
  3. Create alias → use in Safari/Mail/apps
  4. Manage via Settings or iCloud.com

Step 4: Initial configuration (don’t skip) ​

  • Secure account: enable 2FA; set notification prefs
  • Verify function: send/receive tests; confirm replies; check spam
  • Organize: pick a naming convention; add aliases to your password manager; set folders/filters; document critical aliases

Step 5: First Week Action Plan ​

Days 1-2: Test & Verify

  • [ ] Create 2-3 test aliases with different names
  • [ ] Send test emails to verify forwarding works
  • [ ] Try replying through aliases to confirm functionality
  • [ ] Check spam folder for forwarded emails

Days 3-4: Start Using for New Signups

  • [ ] Use aliases for all new accounts (shopping, newsletters, trials)
  • [ ] Keep notes of which alias goes with which service
  • [ ] Start with low-risk sites before important accounts
  • [ ] Update password manager entries

Days 5-7: Organize & Optimize

  • [ ] Implement your chosen naming convention
  • [ ] Set up email client folders for organization
  • [ ] Review and clean up any unused test aliases
  • [ ] Plan gradual migration of existing accounts

Step 6: Migration & scaling ​

Phase 1: New Accounts Only (Week 1-2)

  • Use aliases for all new signups
  • Don't change existing accounts yet
  • Build confidence with the system

Phase 2: Low-Risk Updates (Week 3-4)

  • Update newsletter subscriptions
  • Change shopping account emails
  • Modify social media accounts

Phase 3: Critical Services (Month 2+)

  • Banking and financial services
  • Work-related accounts
  • Two-factor authentication accounts
  • Recovery email addresses

Scaling Considerations ​

When to Upgrade Plans:

  • Free plan limits reached
  • Need custom domain for professionalism
  • Require advanced features (rules, analytics)
  • Business/team use requirements

Multiple Provider Strategy:

  • Use different providers for different purposes
  • Maintain backup provider account
  • Distribute risk across services
  • Compare features and reliability

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Provider Comparisons ​

Quick Reference Table ​

ProviderFree TierStarting PriceOpen SourceReply SupportEncryptionBusiness ModelCountry
Addy.ioUnlimited*$1/mo✅Paid onlyGPG/OpenPGPIndependent🇳🇱 Netherlands
SimpleLogin10 aliases$4/mo✅✅ (Free & Paid)PGPProton AG🇨🇭 Switzerland
ForwardMailUnlimited**$3/mo✅✅TLS/“Post-quantum”Open-source🇺🇸 United States
DuckDuckGoUnlimitedFree only➖ Partial✅TLSSearch company🇺🇸 United States
Firefox Relay5 aliasesWaitlist✅➖ Premium onlyTLSMozilla🇺🇸 United States
AdGuard Mail10 aliases$2.99/mo➖ Partial➖ Premium onlyTLSCorporate🇨🇾 Cyprus
33MailUnlimited$1/mo❌➖ Premium onlyTLSFreemium🇬🇧 United Kingdom
IronVestNone$39/yr❌✅TLSPrivacy suite🇺🇸 United States
Erine.emailUnlimitedFree✅✅TLSDonation🇫🇷 France
Apple Hide My EmailUnlimited***$0.99/mo❌✅TLSiCloud+🇺🇸 United States
  • *Standard aliases unlimited; shared domain aliases limited
  • **Requires own domain setup
  • ***Requires iCloud+ subscription

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Free Plans Detailed Comparison ​

ProviderFree AliasesReply SupportCustom DomainsMonthly LimitsStandout FeaturesBest For
Addy.ioUnlimited Standard + 10 Shared❌❌10 MBGPG, APIPower users testing
SimpleLogin10 aliases✅❌UnlimitedPGP, Mobile appsBeginners
DuckDuckGoUnlimited @duck.com✅❌UnlimitedTracker removal, zero setupQuick start
Firefox Relay5 aliases❌❌UnlimitedTracker removal, Mozilla integrationMozilla users
AdGuard Mail10 aliases❌❌2,000 emailsMulti-platform apps, temporary aliasesLight usage
33MailUnlimited❌❌10 MB15+ years, simple interfaceBasic forwarding
Erine.emailUnlimited✅❌UnlimitedFrench privacy laws, open-sourcePrivacy advocates
ForwardMailUnlimited*✅✅50 MBSelf-host option, enterprise-gradeDevelopers
Apple Hide My EmailUnlimited**✅✅ (iCloud+)UnlimitedApple ecosystem, seamlessApple users
  • *Requires own domain
  • **Requires iCloud+ ($0.99/mo minimum)

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Provider & PlanPriceAliasesReplyDomainsKey FeaturesTarget
Addy.io Lite$1/moUnlimited + 50 Shared✅1GPG, API, WebhooksIndividual
Addy.io Pro$4/moUnlimited + Unlimited✅20Analytics, rules, bulk opsPower users
SimpleLogin Premium$4/moUnlimited✅UnlimitedPGP, Proton integration, directoryEnterprise
AdGuard Mail Premium$2.99/mo1000✅1Anonymous replies, premium domainsCorporate
33Mail Premium$1/moUnlimited✅ (20/day)5Simple interface, longevitySmall business
33Mail Pro$5/moUnlimited✅ (1000/day)UnlimitedPro features, high volumeBusiness
IronVest Premium$39/yr ($3.25/mo)50✅❌Virtual cards, phone maskingPrivacy suite
ForwardMail Enhanced$3/moUnlimited✅Unlimited100% open-source, “PQ” claims, webhooksDevelopers
Apple iCloud+ 50GB$0.99/moUnlimited✅✅Seamless Apple integrationApple users
Apple iCloud+ 200GB$2.99/moUnlimited✅✅More storage, family sharingFamilies

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Privacy and Security Analysis ​

Privacy and Data Collection Comparison ​

Understanding what data each provider collects is core to aliasing.

Data Collection Summary ​

ProviderEmail ContentIP LoggingAnalyticsLog RetentionAccount Data
Addy.ioNever stored3 daysSelf-hosted Umami3 daysEmail, encrypted recipients
SimpleLogin7 days (undelivered)7 daysPlausible30 days maxEmail, billing via processors
ForwardMailIMAP only (encrypted)Never loggedNoneNeverMinimal (domain configs)
DuckDuckGoNever storedNever loggedAnonymous onlyNeverEmail address only
Firefox RelayNever storedMozilla standardMozilla telemetryMozilla policyMozilla account data
AdGuard MailNever storedStandard logsInternal analyticsStandard rotationEmail, encrypted data
33MailNever storedStandard logsUnknownUnknownEmail, basic account
Apple Hide My EmailNever storedApple policyApple analyticsApple policyiCloud account data

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Privacy Rights and Data Access ​

ProviderGDPR CompliantData ExportAccount DeletionData Portability
Addy.io 🇳🇱✅ Full✅✅ Immediate✅
SimpleLogin 🇨🇭✅ Full✅✅ Immediate✅
ForwardMail 🇺🇸✅ Compliant✅✅ Immediate✅
DuckDuckGo 🇺🇸✅ CompliantN/A (no data)✅N/A
Firefox Relay 🇺🇸✅ Compliant✅ (Mozilla account)✅✅
AdGuard Mail 🇨🇾✅ Full✅✅✅
Apple Hide My Email 🇺🇸✅ Compliant✅ Limited✅✅ Limited

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Advanced Features and Security Comparison ​

ProviderMobile AppsBrowser ExtAnalyticsEncryptionJurisdictionTeam Size
Addy.ioiOS/AndroidAll browsersAdvanced chartsGPG/OpenPGP🇳🇱 Netherlands (EU privacy laws)Solo dev
SimpleLoginiOS/AndroidAll browsersBasic countsPGP🇨🇭 Switzerland (strong privacy)Team (Proton)
ForwardMailNo native appsNo extensionBasicTLS + “Post-quantum”🇺🇸 United StatesSmall team
DuckDuckGoNo dedicated appAll browsersNoneTLS🇺🇸 United StatesLarge team
Firefox RelayNo dedicated appFirefox primaryNoneTLS🇺🇸 United StatesMozilla team
AdGuard MailiOS/AndroidAll browsersBasicTLS🇨🇾 Cyprus (EU member)Corporate
33MailNo appsNo extensionNoneTLS🇬🇧 United KingdomSmall team
IronVestiOS/AndroidAll browsersBasicTLS🇺🇸 United StatesCorporate
Erine.emailNo appsNo extensionNoneTLS🇫🇷 France (EU privacy)Solo dev
Apple Hide My EmailNative iOS/macOSSafari onlyNoneTLS🇺🇸 United StatesMassive team

Note: “Post-quantum” indicates claimed preparation for future PQC; verify vendor specifics.

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Cancellation Policies Comparison ​

Why it matters: Know what breaks if you downgrade or stop paying.

ProviderWhat Continues WorkingWhat Gets DisabledWhat Gets DeletedRisk Level
SimpleLoginExisting aliases/domains, directory, mailboxesCreating new aliases (>10), premium supportNothing permanentMinimal
ForwardMailBasic forwarding, existing aliasesPremium features, advanced analytics, priority supportPremium-only configsLow
AdGuard MailBasic service, free-tier features, up to 10 aliasesPremium domains, advanced features, higher limitsPremium domain aliasesLow
33MailBasic forwarding, standard aliasesCustom domains, premium features, advanced rulesCustom domain configsModerate
Firefox RelayFirst 5 aliases, basic forwardingExtra aliases, premium features, custom domainsAliases beyond free limitModerate
Addy.ioStandard aliases (limited), 1 recipient, basic forwardingCustom domains, more usernames, shared domains, multiple recipients, repliesExtra recipients, paid domain aliases, advanced featuresHigh

Tip: Always export aliases and read downgrade terms before upgrading.

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Legal and Compliance ​

Privacy Law Comparison ​

ProviderJurisdictionGDPR ComplianceData RetentionGovt Requests
SimpleLogin🇨🇭 Switzerland✅ FullDeletion: immediate; Logs: 30 days maxCourt order, limited scope
Addy.io🇳🇱 Netherlands✅ FullDeletion: immediate; Logs: minimalEU legal process; limited data
Erine.email🇫🇷 France✅ FullMinimal collection; no email storageEU legal process
AdGuard Mail🇨🇾 Cyprus✅ FullStandard EU retentionEU legal process
33Mail🇬🇧 United Kingdom✅ GDPR compliantStandard retentionUK legal process
ForwardMail🇺🇸 United States✅ GDPR compliantConfigurable; open-source loggingUS law; self-host option
DuckDuckGo🇺🇸 United States✅ GDPR compliantMinimal collectionUS law; FISA possible
Firefox Relay🇺🇸 United States✅ GDPR compliantMozilla policiesUS law; transparency reports
Apple Hide My Email🇺🇸 United States✅ GDPR compliantApple retention policiesUS law; strong resistance record

Practical picks:

  • Maximum privacy: 🇨🇭 Switzerland (SimpleLogin)
  • Strong privacy + features: 🇪🇺 EU (Addy.io 🇳🇱, Erine.email 🇫🇷)
  • Acceptable with trade-offs: 🇺🇸 US (DuckDuckGo, ForwardMail self-host)

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Addy.io vs SimpleLogin ​

CriteriaAddy.ioSimpleLoginWinner
Best for BeginnersModerate setup complexitySimple setup and interfaceSimpleLogin
Best for Power UsersAdvanced features, better valueCore features focusAddy.io
Best Value$1/mo for most features$4/mo for all featuresAddy.io
Most ReliableSingle developer dependencyEnterprise infrastructureSimpleLogin
Best PrivacyNetherlands jurisdiction, GPGSwitzerland jurisdiction, PGPTie

Company Structure Analysis ​

Addy.io: The Independent Pioneer

  • Strengths: Quick updates, direct communication, lower costs, innovation
  • Concerns: Single point of failure, limited capacity, no succession plan

SimpleLogin: The Enterprise Solution

  • Strengths: Team redundancy, 24/7 support, financial stability, professional operations
  • Concerns: Corporate bureaucracy, higher costs, less experimental

Feature Comparison Details ​

Core Features

FeatureAddy.ioSimpleLogin
Bulk OperationsCSV import/exportBasic bulk
Search & FilterAdvancedBasic
Bounce HandlingDetailed logsBasic
Spam DetectionSpamAssassinBasic

Advanced Features

FeatureAddy.ioSimpleLogin
Conditional RulesAdvanced regexBasic patterns
Auto-Enable/DisableSmart rulesManual only
Usage AnalyticsDetailed chartsBasic counts
Bandwidth TrackingPer-aliasNot available
Alert SystemConfigurableBasic notifications

Security Comparison

FeatureAddy.ioSimpleLogin
2FA SupportTOTP onlyTOTP + WebAuthn
Password SecuritybcryptArgon2
Session ManagementStandardAdvanced
Security Audits2023 (Securitum)Regular audits

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Best Practices ​

Alias Naming Conventions ​

Recommended Formats:

  • service-purpose@provider.com → amazon-shopping@provider.com
  • category-date@provider.com → newsletter-2025@provider.com
  • trustlevel-service@provider.com → trusted-banking@provider.com

Avoid:

  • Random strings: abc123xyz@provider.com ❌
  • Generic names: general@provider.com ❌
  • Same alias everywhere ❌

Organization Strategies ​

By Category:

  • shopping@provider.com - All e-commerce
  • social@provider.com - Social media platforms
  • work@provider.com - Professional accounts
  • newsletter@provider.com - Subscriptions

By Trust Level:

  • trusted@provider.com - Banking, important services
  • testing@provider.com - New services you're trying
  • disposable@provider.com - One-time signups

By Time Period:

  • monthly-2025-01@provider.com - Rotate monthly
  • yearly-2025@provider.com - Annual rotation

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Mistakes to Avoid ​

  1. Using random or reused aliases
  1. Not testing replies
  • Always send a test from your alias before important use
  1. Skipping password manager updates
  • Store alias + service mapping to avoid lockouts
  1. No backup plan
  • Keep original email active during transition
  • Export aliases and document where used
  1. Rushing critical accounts
  • Migrate low-risk accounts first; then banking/work/2FA

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Reference and Support ​

Feature Glossary ​

Core Concepts:

  • Alias: An email address that forwards to your real inbox
  • Catch-All: Automatically forwards ALL emails to a domain
  • Reply Support: Ability to send emails FROM your alias
  • Custom Domain: Using your own domain for aliases

Advanced Features:

  • Directory/Subdomain: Create aliases on-the-fly using patterns
  • Rules Engine: Automatic actions based on email content
  • Bandwidth Limiting: Restrict data transfer per alias
  • Webhook Support: Real-time notifications to your applications

Security Terms:

  • GPG/PGP: End-to-end encryption standards
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Extra login security
  • Zero-Knowledge: Provider can't read your data

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Troubleshooting Guide ​

Emails not forwarding 1) Check spam/junk first 2) Send a direct test to the alias 3) If custom domain: allow 24–48h for DNS propagation 4) Review client filters/rules that may re-route mail
Can't reply from alias 1) Confirm plan supports replies 2) Configure SMTP/app settings from provider docs 3) Verify Reply-To in provider dashboard
Slow delivery - Normal: 5–30s; peak: up to 2–5m; international: up to 10m - Check provider status page for incidents

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Frequently Asked Questions ​

Will recipients know it's an alias? No. They see the alias as the sender unless you disclose it.
Can I reply from my alias? Most paid services support replies. Free support varies (DuckDuckGo and SimpleLogin free support replies).
What if the provider shuts down? Keep your main email active, document alias mappings, and maintain a migration plan (and optional backup provider).
Are aliases safe for banking? Yes, but migrate critical accounts last and choose a reliable provider with support and strong security.
How many aliases do I need? Typically 10–50. Start with categories (shopping, social, newsletters, work, disposable).

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Additional Resources ​

Official Documentation ​

Privacy and Security Guides ​

Video Tutorials: ​

Community Forums: ​

Tools and Utilities ​

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Contributing ​

Found an error, outdated information, or want to add a provider? Your contributions make this guide better for everyone!

Quick Contributions:

  • Found a mistake? Open an Issue with details
  • Price/Feature Update? Check the provider's official website first and include proof
  • Want to suggest a new provider? Include basic feature comparison data

Content Standards:

  • Accuracy First: Verify all information from official sources
  • Neutral Tone: Avoid promotional language, maintain objectivity
  • Current Information: Include dates for pricing/feature claims
  • Consistent Formatting: Follow existing table and section structures

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License ​

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

What this means:

  • Use freely for personal or commercial purposes
  • Modify and distribute with attribution
  • Fork and create derivatives
  • No warranty - information provided as-is

Attribution Requirements: ​

When using substantial portions of this guide:

Source: Email Aliasing Comparison Guide
Author: github.com/fynks/email-aliasing-comparison  
License: MIT

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Always verify current pricing and features from official provider websites before making decisions. The authors are not affiliated with any email aliasing providers.

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