AnonAddy was an open-source email aliasing service that competed with SimpleLogin for the open-source-aliasing audience. The service rebranded to addy.io in 2024. The product remains open source, self-hostable, and the right choice for users who specifically want open-source aliasing infrastructure.
What addy.io is
addy.io is operated by Will Browning, an independent UK-based developer. The product has been running since 2018 (originally as AnonAddy). The full source code is available on GitHub.
The hosted service offers free and paid tiers. The free tier supports 10 aliases. Paid tiers (Lite at $1/month, Pro at $3/month or $36/year) add unlimited aliases, custom domains, and additional features.
The self-hosted option is real and well-documented. You can run addy.io on your own infrastructure if you prefer to control the entire stack.
What addy.io does well
The open-source story is genuine. Code on GitHub. Self-hostable. No dependency on a specific commercial entity for the long-term.
The feature set is competitive with SimpleLogin. Custom domains, unlimited aliases on Pro tier, reply through aliases, multiple destination mailboxes, PGP support.
The pricing is fair. $36/year Pro is comparable to SimpleLogin Premium ($30/year) and Firefox Relay Premium ($12/year).
The single-developer operation has been consistent for years. Will Browning has maintained the project actively without burnout signs.
The browser extensions are functional and well-maintained.
What addy.io does less well
The single-developer dependency creates real continuity risk. If Will Browning steps back from the project, the future is uncertain. The open-source nature mitigates this somewhat (the community could fork), but operational continuity is genuinely concerned.
The brand recognition is below SimpleLogin. The rename from AnonAddy to addy.io may help but is still ongoing.
The mobile apps do not exist. Web interface only for management. Aliases work in any email client; management requires the web.
The customer support is responsive but limited (single developer).
How addy.io compares
Versus SimpleLogin: similar feature set, similar pricing. SimpleLogin is owned by Proton (consolidation concerns or convenience depending on your view); addy.io is independent. SimpleLogin has slightly more polish; addy.io has the open-source backstop.
Versus Firefox Relay: Firefox Relay is cheaper ($12/year vs $36/year) and backed by Mozilla, but has fewer features (no PGP, no multiple mailboxes).
Versus Apple Hide My Email: Apple’s option is integrated with Apple ecosystem and free with iCloud+. addy.io is cross-platform and more configurable.
Use cases where addy.io wins
You specifically value open-source aliasing infrastructure.
You want the option to self-host if the hosted service eventually fails.
You are uncomfortable with SimpleLogin’s Proton ownership for any reason.
You want comprehensive features (PGP, multiple mailboxes, custom domains) at fair pricing.
Use cases where addy.io loses
You want maximum brand stability and corporate backing. SimpleLogin (Proton) wins.
You want the lowest-cost paid option. Firefox Relay Premium at $12/year.
You are entirely in the Apple ecosystem with iCloud+. Apple Hide My Email is sufficient.
Self-hosting addy.io
For users who specifically want self-hosted aliasing, addy.io provides documented setup instructions. Requirements include a small VPS (1 GB RAM is sufficient), a domain you control, and basic Linux administration skills.
The self-hosted setup is more involved than the hosted service:
- Configure your DNS for alias domains
- Set up the addy.io application stack (Laravel-based, requires PHP, MySQL, Redis)
- Configure SMTP for outgoing forwards
- Configure DKIM/SPF/DMARC for deliverability
Total setup time: 4 to 8 hours for someone experienced with similar self-hosting; more for first-time setups.
For users who are not specifically motivated by self-hosting: the hosted service is dramatically less work for the same end result.
A specific recommendation
For users wanting comprehensive open-source aliasing: addy.io Pro at $36/year, hosted.
For users wanting the option to self-host: addy.io self-hosted on a small VPS.
For users wanting maximum value at lower features: Firefox Relay Premium at $12/year.
For users in the Proton ecosystem: SimpleLogin (bundled with Proton subscription, free if you have Proton Plus or Unlimited).
For most readers: SimpleLogin is the practical default; addy.io is the principled choice if open source matters to you.
addy.io | SimpleLogin | Firefox Relay
Related: SimpleLogin is the email aliasing service worth paying for, Firefox Relay versus SimpleLogin versus AnonAddy