addy.io

addy.io creates email aliases that forward messages to a real inbox, so you can use an alias instead of sharing your main address. You can deactivate an alias to discard incoming mail without notice or delete it so senders receive a bounce. Custom domains are supported, with catch-all controls for each domain. Paid features let you reply to forwarded mail or start messages from an alias without exposing your real address. You can also add GPG/OpenPGP recipient keys to encrypt forwarded messages and optionally hide and encrypt the subject. The service lists open-source apps for Android and iOS, browser extensions for several browsers, an API for managing account resources, and instructions for self-hosting. Two-factor authentication is supported. The free plan includes unlimited standard aliases, subject to limits on shared-domain aliases, recipients, alias domains, and monthly bandwidth. Paid plans start at $1/mo (annual).

addy.io offers alias forwarding with controls for handling unwanted mail, plus custom-domain support and optional encryption. Check the free plan’s recipient and bandwidth limits, and note that sending or replying from an alias is paid.

It suits people who want to share aliases rather than their main email address, including those using custom domains or browser and mobile apps. Developers can automate account resources through the API, and self-hosting instructions are available.

Overview

addy.io is an email alias service for people who want to route mail to a real inbox without sharing its address. It suits privacy-conscious individuals and domain owners who want granular alias controls, with paid tiers for replies and heavier use.

Its strongest case is the combination of forwarding, custom domains, and the ability to retire aliases selectively; the free plan’s 10MB monthly bandwidth and one-recipient cap can make it restrictive beyond light use. See our Email Alias Services guide for more options.

Key features

Forwarding and alias controls

Aliases forward incoming messages to a real inbox, letting users give different services or contacts different addresses. Deactivating an alias silently discards new mail, while deleting it causes senders to receive a bounce. That distinction is useful when an address attracts unwanted mail: users can either stop receiving it quietly or make its retirement visible.

Custom domains let users create aliases on a domain they control, with catch-all controls for each domain. This is a meaningful advantage for people who want a consistent address namespace of their own, though the number of active shared-domain aliases and custom domains depends on the plan.

Replies, encryption, and integrations

Paid plans support replying to forwarded messages and initiating messages from aliases without disclosing the real address. That makes addy.io more useful for ongoing correspondence than a forwarding-only setup, but the free tier does not include this capability.

Users can add GPG/OpenPGP public keys for recipients to encrypt forwarded messages, and can optionally hide and encrypt the subject. The API can automate aliases, recipients, domains, additional usernames, and other account resources. Bitwarden can create addy.io aliases from its generator in the desktop app, browser extensions, and web vault.

The maker says email transport protections include opportunistic DANE TLS, MTA-STS on shared domains, TLS reporting, DNSSEC, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. It also says sensitive database data such as recipient addresses is encrypted with OpenSSL and AES-256-CBC, with a message authentication code to detect modification. Accounts support two-factor authentication, including authenticator apps and hardware keys such as YubiKey. Securitum performed an independent audit in September 2023 and identified no significant vulnerabilities, according to the maker. These are substantial security measures, though they do not change the practical limits of the free plan.

Pricing

addy.io is freemium. The Free plan costs nothing and includes unlimited standard aliases, 10 active shared-domain aliases, one recipient, two available alias domains, and a 10MB monthly bandwidth limit. It is suited to a low-volume individual testing alias forwarding; the single recipient and small bandwidth allowance are the main constraints for regular or multi-recipient use.

Lite costs $1 a month billed yearly. It includes unlimited standard aliases, 50 active shared-domain aliases, five recipients, six available alias domains, one custom domain, five additional usernames, five rules, 50 anonymous replies or sends per day, and 100MB monthly bandwidth. It is the least expensive paid option for an individual who needs a custom domain or occasional alias-based correspondence, but its daily sending allowance and bandwidth remain bounded.

Pro costs $3 a month billed yearly or $4 billed monthly. It includes unlimited standard and active shared-domain aliases, 30 recipients, seven available alias domains, 20 custom domains, 20 additional usernames, 20 rules, 200 anonymous replies or sends per day, and unlimited monthly bandwidth. It is the better fit for users with many recipients, domains, or sustained traffic; choosing monthly billing costs more than the annual rate.

Duo costs $4.50 a month billed yearly or $6 billed monthly, for two members total. Family costs $7.50 a month billed yearly or $10 billed monthly, for five members total. Both give each member Pro, keep accounts independent, allow optional custom-domain sharing, and use one subscription. They suit households or pairs who want separate accounts under a shared subscription rather than a single account with a larger quota.

Platforms

addy.io supports Android, iOS, web, API, browser extensions, and self-hosting. The maker offers free open-source mobile apps and extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers such as Brave and Vivaldi. This breadth supports use across devices and browser workflows; self-hosting also gives technically capable users an alternative to the hosted service.

Who it's for

Choose addy.io if you want to protect a primary address while keeping control of aliases, use your own domain, or reply from aliases on a paid plan. It is less compelling if you need substantial free bandwidth, several recipients, or alias-based sending without paying. Teams and households can consider Duo or Family for separate Pro accounts under one subscription.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Custom domains and catch-all controls give domain owners flexibility over their alias namespace.
• Pros: Deactivation and deletion behave differently, making it possible to discard unwanted mail silently or bounce senders.
• Pros: Paid plans add anonymous replies and sends, while encryption keys, API automation, and Bitwarden integration broaden the service’s uses.
• Cons: The free plan is limited to one recipient and 10MB monthly bandwidth, which can constrain routine use.
• Cons: Replies and sending require a paid plan; Lite also caps anonymous replies or sends at 50 per day.
• Cons: Lite and the annual Pro, Duo, and Family rates require yearly billing; monthly Pro, Duo, and Family cost more.

Alternatives

Firefox Relay is another freemium option with a free plan and Android, iOS, web, and browser-extension support.

iCloud Backup is an iOS alternative with a free 5 GB tier and a $0.99 a month iCloud+ 50GB plan.

SimpleLogin may suit readers looking for a freemium alias service with a free trial, broad platform support, open-source components, and self-hosting.

DuckDuckGo Email Protection is a free option that combines email forwarding with tracker removal and personal, private Duck Addresses.

AliasVault is a free alternative whose listed features include password management, email aliases, a built-in two-factor authenticator, and full offline mode.

OPC Mail is a free alternative for web and iOS.

33Mail offers a free Lite tier with 10MB monthly bandwidth and aliases limited to five per 30-minute period; its $1 a month Premium plan adds 50MB monthly bandwidth and 20 anonymous replies.

Alias Email is another freemium option for web and browser extensions.

Verdict

addy.io is a strong choice for individuals who want controllable forwarding aliases, custom-domain support, and the option to reply or send without exposing their real address. Its security features, integrations, and self-hosting option add flexibility. Look elsewhere if you need generous free bandwidth or paid alias replies are not worth the recurring cost; the Free plan’s single recipient and 10MB monthly cap are material limits.