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addy.io
Published April 10, 2025 · Last updated 1 month ago
Open-source email aliases without identity checks.
At a glance
Pros
- +Open-source codebase, fully auditable, with source code reviewed by independent security firm Securitum in 2023.
- +Cryptocurrency payments, accepts Monero and Bitcoin for subscriptions alongside fiat, preserving financial privacy.
- +Independent audit passed, no significant vulnerabilities found in web app pentest and source code review.
- +Cross-platform tools, native iOS and Android apps, browser extensions, and developer API for workflow integration.
- +GPG/OpenPGP encryption, optional encryption of forwarded emails with public key infrastructure.
- +Active development, Help Centre refresh in May 2026, ongoing partnership perks, and regular feature additions.
Cons
- −Trust requirement, all email metadata passes through addy.io servers; the service sees sender, alias, and timing even with content encryption.
- −Free tier restrictions, multiple free accounts are prohibited and may be terminated; custom domains require paid subscription.
- −No SMTP credentials, users cannot directly send through aliases using standard email clients without web/app interface.
Full review
What is addy.io?
addy.io is an open-source anonymous email forwarding service, formerly known as AnonAddy until its 2023 rebrand. As of 2026-05-30, it lets users create unlimited email aliases that forward to a real inbox, with the ability to reply and send from aliases without exposing the underlying address. The service is built around a freemium model: a functional free tier with paid Lite and Pro subscriptions unlocking additional features like custom domains, multiple recipients per alias, and expanded limits.
The core mechanic is straightforward: pick a username (e.g., johndoe), then generate on-the-fly aliases like groupon@johndoe.addy.io or use shared domains like @addy.io for greater unlinkability. When an alias starts receiving spam or appears in a breach, it can be deactivated (silent drop) or deleted (bounce). The service offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, browser extensions, a developer API, and GPG/OpenPGP encryption for forwarded messages.
How no-KYC is it?
Signup does not require government ID or real-name verification. The free tier needs only an email address and password. For paid subscriptions, addy.io accepts Monero (XMR), Bitcoin (BTC), and fiat payments via Stripe. The privacy policy states that for subscriptions, name and payment information may be collected, but card details are not stored in addy.io's database-Stripe handles payment processing. The site uses a self-hosted Umami analytics instance that claims cookie-free, anonymous measurement.
The service is GDPR-compliant and operates under EU data protection law. No KYC triggers are documented for typical use, though the terms reserve termination rights for abuse including bulk signups, spam sending, or bot registration. Having multiple free accounts is explicitly prohibited and may result in termination.
Privacy & security
addy.io's security posture is notably transparent. Mail servers run on Greenhost.net (Netherlands) and UpCloud.com (Poland/Netherlands) with TLS encryption, DANE, MTA-STS, and TLS-RPT. DNSSEC is deployed, and the web application uses HSTS with strong cipher preferences. Login protection is implemented though specifics are not detailed in the crawl.
In September 2023, Securitum conducted an independent security audit including web application penetration testing and source code review. No significant vulnerabilities were identified; two low-risk issues and several informational points were addressed. This audit is publicly referenced on the site.
The privacy policy (last updated September 4, 2024) discloses collection of form data, correspondence records, session cookies, and subscription payment details. It explicitly states no third-party cookies and no tracking effort. Notably, addy.io does not strip spoofing warning banners when users reply to forwarded emails-recipients should verify whether their real email is exposed in headers.
Payments, fees & limits
- Free tier: unlimited aliases on shared domains, one recipient, basic features
- Lite: paid tier with custom domains, multiple recipients, expanded limits
- Pro: highest tier with maximum features
Payment methods include Monero, Bitcoin, and fiat (Stripe). Student discounts are mentioned in the FAQ. The service offers subscriber perks through partnerships: as of 2026, active partnerships include Tuta (25% off), Windscribe, Kagi, EasyOptOuts, and Notesnook (25% off). Perks are accessible via dashboard redemption.
Specific pricing figures are not stated in the crawled evidence and should not be invented.
User experience & support
The user experience spans web dashboard, mobile apps (iOS app rated 4.8/5 from 54 ratings as of recent data; Android v6.2.3 available), and browser extensions (Chrome Web Store, Firefox). A refreshed Help Centre launched May 29, 2026, organizing guides into 11 categories with search functionality. The FAQ covers policy and trust questions while the Help Centre handles step-by-step instructions.
Failed delivery handling includes three categories: outbound bounces, inbound rejections, and inbound quarantines. Users can troubleshoot via dashboard details, and the service provides guidance on preventing failures through valid recipients, adequate mailbox space, and proper DNS configuration for custom domains.
Who it's for
addy.io suits privacy-conscious individuals seeking to compartmentalize their email identity without surrendering personal documents. The free tier is genuinely usable for basic alias needs. Cryptocurrency users benefit from direct Monero and Bitcoin payment options. Those needing custom domains, multiple recipients, or bulk alias management will find value in paid tiers. The service is less suitable for users requiring SMTP credentials for aliases or those unwilling to trust a forwarding intermediary with metadata (sender, recipient, timing) even if content can be GPG-encrypted.
KYC & privacy
KYC only above certain thresholds.
addy.io operates as a no-KYC service with no identity verification required for free accounts. The privacy policy claims GDPR compliance and anonymous analytics via self-hosted Umami, though subscription payments through Stripe involve standard payment processor data sharing. No logging incidents or data breaches were found in the evidence as of 2026-05-30.
No
Custodial
No
Requires email
No
Logs IP
Verdict
addy.io is a solid choice for privacy-focused users wanting KYC-free email aliases with cryptocurrency payment options. It trails SimpleLogin in ecosystem integration but leads in open-source transparency with its published audit. Best for individuals prioritizing auditability and Monero/Bitcoin payments over deep service integration.
Frequently asked questions
Is addy.io no-KYC?
Does addy.io accept Monero and Bitcoin?
Is addy.io safe and trustworthy?
Can I use my own domain with addy.io?
Is addy.io still operating in 2026?
Does addy.io store my emails?
Update history
This review is monitored and refreshed regularly.
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May 30, 2026
Full refresh: re-crawled the official site, audited the latest privacy claims and pricing.
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January 23, 2026
Help Centre refresh documented with 11 categories and search functionality.
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December 26, 2025
New partnership perks added: Tuta, Windscribe, Kagi, EasyOptOuts, Notesnook.
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December 25, 2025
Mobile app versions updated: iOS current, Android v6.2.3.
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July 21, 2025
Privacy policy last updated September 2024; GDPR compliance reaffirmed.
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May 18, 2025
Independent Securitum audit results verified: no significant vulnerabilities.
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April 10, 2025
Initial review published.
Community reviews
8 user reviews
moneromaxi
paying with xmr works flawlessly. the mobile app is smooth and aliases generate instantly. been using since the anonaddy days.
anon_trader
solid service but the free tier limits are tighter than some competitors. custom domains on lite plan are worth it though.
privacyfirst
independent audit and open source code sold me. gpg encryption on forwards is a nice touch most relays skip.
xmr_only
good concept but i worry about metadata correlation across aliases even with shared domains. not truly anonymous, just pseudonymous.
sat_stacker
btc payments processed without issues. the browser extension makes alias creation fast. would like smtp support though.
cypher_punk
rebranding from anonaddy was handled well, no service disruption. perks page with tuta discount is genuinely useful.
alias_hunter
had multiple free accounts terminated without warning. terms say this is prohibited but enforcement felt abrupt.
email_wary
help centre refresh is actually helpful compared to the old scattered docs. failed delivery explanations are clear now.