How Email Relays Keep You Safer Online (and Which Ones to Try)
By now, you’ve probably handed your email address to dozens (or maybe hundreds) of websites. Some you trust. Some you don’t remember. That’s where email relays come in.
Email relays—or “aliases”—are a simple way to keep your real inbox private. They forward messages to you without exposing your actual address, which helps stop spam and keeps your identity under wraps.
Let’s break down how they work, why they matter, and which ones are worth using in 2025.
What’s an Email Relay, Exactly?
Think of an email relay as a middleman. Instead of giving websites or apps your real address, you give them a fake one (the alias). Messages sent there get forwarded to your actual inbox—but the sender never sees your real address.
If a relay starts getting spam? Just delete it. Your main inbox stays clean and untouched.
Why Email Relays Are Worth Using
🛡 Keep Your Identity Private
Your real email can link to your name, your social accounts—even your phone or address. Relays hide that making it harder for data brokers to package you up and sell.
🚫 Cut Spam at the Source
When you use a different alias for each service, it’s easy to spot who sold (or leaked) your info.
🔐 Add a Layer of Security
Some relay services scan for malware or phishing attempts before the message even reaches you.
💡 Total Inbox Control
You can turn aliases on or off anytime. You don’t need to change your main email just because one site got sketchy.
Best Email Relay Services to Try
Here are a few solid picks in 2025—each one tested, reliable, and beginner-friendly.
1. Firefox Relay
- Up to 5 free aliases
- Super easy if you use the Firefox browser
- Great for casual use or one-off signups
- Paid tier unlocks more features
2. SimpleLogin
- Unlimited aliases (even on the free plan)
- Create addresses on the fly or ahead of time
- Owned by Proton, known for privacy tools
- Works well with custom domains
3. AnonAddy
- Fully open-source
- Strong focus on privacy and encryption
- Free and paid plans
- A bit more technical, but great for power users
4. 33mail
- Lightweight and fast
- Great for quick disposable aliases
- Less modern interface, but solid functionality
Quick Tips for Using Relays
- Create a new alias for each site – Makes it easy to track leaks.
- Don’t use aliases for password resets – Unless you’re sure the relay will be around long-term.
- Pair with a password manager – It keeps things organized and secure.
- Check reply support – Some services let you reply through the alias, others don’t.
Are Relays a Replacement for a VPN?
Not really—they do different jobs. A VPN protects your browsing and masks your IP. An email relay hides your address and filters what reaches your inbox. Together, though? They make a great team for staying private online.
Final Thoughts
Your inbox doesn’t have to be a free-for-all. Email relays are one of those privacy tools that’s simple to use, easy to understand, and incredibly effective.
Try one. Set it up once. And stop handing out your real email to every site that asks for it.
