SimpleLogin is the best overall email alias service for most privacy-minded users, while Addy.io is the strongest choice for people who want more control and open-source flexibility. Email aliases matter because spam and phishing are still relentless; Google says Gmail blocks more than 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware before it reaches users [source: Google]. Aliases do not replace good security habits, but they limit how often your real email address is exposed.
TLDR: Use SimpleLogin if you want a clean, reliable alias tool with strong privacy features. Use Addy.io if you like rules, custom domains, and open-source tools. For a simple example, create one alias for shopping, one for newsletters, and one for job boards; if the shopping alias starts getting 30 spam emails a week, turn it off without touching your real inbox. DuckDuckGo Email Protection is best if you want something free and simple, with tracker removal built in.
Contents
1. SimpleLogin
Best for: Most users who want serious privacy without much setup.
SimpleLogin lets you create email aliases that forward messages to your real inbox. You can reply from the alias, use custom domains, and create aliases on the fly. It is now part of Proton, which gives it extra trust for users who already like Proton Mail or Proton Pass.
The interface is clean. The browser extensions are useful. Mobile support is solid. Honestly, it feels like one of the few alias services that does not make a normal task feel like admin work.
- Pros: Easy to use, strong privacy focus, custom domains, good Proton integration.
- Cons: Best features need a paid plan.
- Pick it if: You want the safest default recommendation.
2. Addy.io
Best for: Power users, developers, and people who want more control.
Addy.io, formerly AnonAddy, is open source and built for flexible alias management. You can create aliases, set rules, use recipients, manage domains, and control forwarding in fine detail. It is not hard, but it does expect you to care about settings.
The catch is that setup takes longer than SimpleLogin. Expect to spend an extra 10 to 20 minutes if you want custom domains and rules done properly. For some users, that is worth it.
- Pros: Open source, flexible permissions, custom domains, strong alias controls.
- Cons: Less polished for beginners.
- Pick it if: You want fine control over every alias.
3. DuckDuckGo Email Protection
Best for: Free tracker removal and simple aliases.
DuckDuckGo Email Protection gives you a free @duck.com address. It forwards mail to your real inbox and removes many hidden trackers from emails. You can also create private Duck addresses for signups.
This is a great option for casual users. It is fast, free, and easy to explain to a family member. It is not as advanced as SimpleLogin or Addy.io, but that may be the point.
- Pros: Free, simple, tracker removal, quick setup.
- Cons: Fewer advanced controls.
- Pick it if: You want privacy without a monthly bill.
4. Firefox Relay
Best for: Firefox users and people who want basic email masking.
Firefox Relay creates masked email addresses that forward to your real inbox. It works well with Firefox and is simple enough for daily use. Paid plans add more masks and extra controls.
Relay is not the deepest tool here, but it is trusted and practical. If you already use Firefox, it fits nicely into your browser routine.
- Pros: Easy browser integration, simple masking, backed by Mozilla.
- Cons: Less powerful than SimpleLogin or Addy.io.
- Pick it if: You live in Firefox and want quick aliases.
5. iCloud Hide My Email
Best for: Apple users who want aliases baked into the system.
Hide My Email is included with iCloud+. It creates random email addresses that forward to your Apple ID email. It works smoothly in Safari, Mail, and apps that support Sign in with Apple.
It drives me crazy that managing aliases can feel buried in Apple settings. Still, for iPhone and Mac users, the convenience is hard to ignore.
- Pros: Great Apple integration, easy in Safari, no separate app needed.
- Cons: Best only inside Apple’s world.
- Pick it if: You use iPhone, Mac, and iCloud every day.
6. Fastmail Masked Email
Best for: Users who want aliases inside a full paid email service.
Fastmail’s Masked Email feature lets you create unique addresses for websites and services. It works especially well if you already use Fastmail as your main email provider. It also pairs nicely with 1Password for quick alias creation during signups.
This is not the cheapest route if you only need aliases. But if you want a paid email account with alias tools built in, Fastmail is a mature and reliable option.
- Pros: Strong email service, masked addresses, 1Password support.
- Cons: Not ideal if you only want free aliases.
- Pick it if: You want your main mailbox and aliases in one place.
Quick comparison
- Best overall: SimpleLogin
- Best open-source option: Addy.io
- Best free simple option: DuckDuckGo Email Protection
- Best for Firefox users: Firefox Relay
- Best for Apple users: iCloud Hide My Email
- Best full email service with aliases: Fastmail
How to choose the right one
If you only want fewer spam emails, start with DuckDuckGo Email Protection or Firefox Relay. If you want serious privacy and room to grow, choose SimpleLogin. If you want custom domains, rules, and open-source control, Addy.io is the better fit.
For work, finance, health, and account recovery, use aliases with care. Keep records of which alias belongs to which service. A password manager helps. Pair aliases with unique passwords and two-factor authentication, or you are only solving half the problem.
The safest setup is simple: one real inbox, many aliases, unique passwords, and fast deletion when an alias leaks. That way, the next spam wave hits a disposable address, not your main identity.
