SimpleLogin Review: Is Proton’s Email Alias Service Right for You?

Introduction

Your email address is a key to your digital identity—but using it everywhere can expose you to spam, phishing, and data breaches. Email aliasing services like SimpleLogin allow you to create disposable addresses that keep your real inbox private. Originally a standalone startup, SimpleLogin was acquired by Proton to further its mission of open-source privacy. This review covers everything from how SimpleLogin works to its advanced features and why it’s an excellent choice for ProtonMail users and privacy enthusiasts.

What is SimpleLogin and How Does It Work?

SimpleLogin provides you with disposable email aliases—alternative email addresses that forward messages to your real inbox. Instead of exposing your actual email when signing up for websites, you generate a unique alias (e.g. alias@simplelogin.io) that receives your emails. This way, if an alias gets compromised, you can disable it without affecting your primary address.

The service supports both one-way forwarding and two-way communication. When someone sends an email to your alias, SimpleLogin forwards it to your real inbox using a secure reverse-alias method that allows you to reply without revealing your actual email. This technical design ensures that your identity remains hidden while still enabling full conversation.

For more details on the technical aspects of email aliasing, see our discussion on gHacks Tech News and the SimpleLogin Official Website.

Proton’s Acquisition and Open-Source Roots

In April 2022, Proton acquired SimpleLogin to integrate its robust aliasing service into the Proton ecosystem. As reported by TechCrunch, Proton’s backing guarantees enhanced security, transparency, and long-term sustainability. SimpleLogin remains open-source—its code is available on GitHub—allowing you to self-host the service if desired.

This integration means that if you’re already using ProtonMail, you might already have access to advanced aliasing features at no extra cost.

Core Features of SimpleLogin

• Unlimited Email Aliases: Free users start with 10 aliases; Premium users enjoy unlimited alias creation.
• Two-Way Communication: Reply from your alias without exposing your real email using a secure reverse-alias mechanism.
• Custom Domains: Attach your own domain for a professional look (available on the Premium plan).
• Browser Extensions & Mobile Apps: Generate aliases on the fly using extensions available for all major browsers, along with iOS and Android apps.
• Advanced Security: Optional PGP encryption secures forwarded emails, and two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection.
• Self-Hosting Option: Being open-source, SimpleLogin can be self-hosted for complete control over your data.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Privacy & Security: Protects your real email from spam and data breaches.
• Feature-Rich: Enables two-way email communication and supports custom domains.
• Open-Source: Transparent codebase and the option to self-host.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available as web, browser extension, and mobile app.
• Proton Integration: Seamless for existing ProtonMail users.

Cons

• Premium Requirement: Advanced features and unlimited aliases require a paid plan.
• Initial Email Delay: Greylisting may cause a slight delay on first emails from new senders.
• Third-Party Trust: As with any relay service, you must trust SimpleLogin’s handling of your email traffic.

Comparison: SimpleLogin vs. Competitors

Below is a detailed comparison of SimpleLogin with other popular email alias services. Note that ChatOdyssey Relay offers a free trial and is $4.99/month afterward – including unlimited email relay, custom business emails without needing your own domain, plus a free phone number for phone masking.

Who Should Use SimpleLogin?

SimpleLogin is an ideal tool for:

• ProtonMail Users: Seamless integration with Proton services offers a unified privacy solution.
• Privacy Enthusiasts: Open-source code and self-hosting options provide complete transparency and control.
• Power Users & Professionals: Journalists, activists, and freelancers can manage multiple personas with ease.
• Anyone Tired of Spam: Unique aliases let you identify and disable compromised addresses instantly.

Verdict: Is SimpleLogin Right for You?

SimpleLogin stands out as a robust, feature-rich email alias service. With its advanced two-way communication, custom domain support, and commitment to open-source transparency, it’s a top choice for privacy-focused users. Although the free tier is limited and premium features come at a cost, the overall package is compelling—especially for ProtonMail users who benefit from its deep integration.

When compared with alternatives like AnonAddy, Firefox Relay, and ChatOdyssey Relay, SimpleLogin offers a balanced mix of advanced features and user-friendly design. For those who value security, control, and seamless integration with Proton’s ecosystem, SimpleLogin is well worth the investment.

In short, if you’re serious about protecting your email privacy without sacrificing functionality, SimpleLogin is the email alias service for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Proton Blog
• TechCrunch
• SimpleLogin Official Website
• AnonAddy Official Website
• Firefox Relay
• ChatOdyssey Relay
• PCMag Review