Guides · Free Temp Tools

Temp Mail vs Email Alias vs Burner Email

Temp mail, email aliases and burner emails all help you avoid handing out your real address, but they work very differently. Here is what each one is and when to use it.

Temporary email (disposable)

A temporary email is a throwaway inbox that appears instantly, needs no sign-up, and deletes itself after a short time. You cannot log back in and you do not keep the address. Best for one-off signups you will never revisit.

Email alias (forwarding)

An email alias is a fake-looking address that quietly forwards to your real inbox, like Gmail's "+" trick or Apple's Hide My Email. Mail still reaches you, and you can usually turn an alias off if it starts getting spam. Best when you want to receive ongoing mail but hide your real address.

Burner email (spare account)

A burner email is a second, semi-permanent free account (say a spare Gmail) you keep for signups and newsletters. It lasts as long as you want but takes effort to set up and check. Best as a long-term "junk drawer" inbox.

Which should you use?

• One-time signup, never coming back to it: use a temp mail.
• Ongoing mail you still want, address hidden: use an alias.
• A permanent junk inbox for newsletters and deals: use a burner.

For the quickest option with zero setup, What Is a Temporary Email?. Also see Is Temporary Email Safe?.