comparison · Privacy email
addy.io vs Mailfence
Both are listed in Privacy email. The table below pulls directly from each service’s data sheet; see each entry for sourcing.
| Field | addy.io | Mailfence |
|---|---|---|
| KYC | optional KYC | optional KYC |
| Category | Privacy email | Privacy email |
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom (operator-disclosed) | Belgium (operator-disclosed) |
| Payment methods | card, paypal | crypto, card, paypal, bank-transfer |
| Fiat on-ramp | no | no |
| Custodial | yes | yes |
| Open source | yes | no |
| Founded | 2018 | 2013 |
| Last verified | Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2026 |
addy.io — summary
addy.
- + Independent open-source operator (renamed from AnonAddy in 2023).
- + Generous free tier with unlimited standard aliases.
- + PGP-encrypts forwarded mail when configured.
- − UK jurisdiction.
- − Like all alias services, the destination inbox is still the destination; alias-only does not anonymize the recipient.
- − Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
Mailfence — summary
Mailfence is the PGP-native alternative to Proton Mail for users who want IMAP/SMTP and openness over default encryption.
- + PGP-native; integrates with OpenPGP keys directly.
- + IMAP/SMTP supported.
- + Belgian privacy law has historically protected smaller mail providers.
- − Belgian jurisdiction is subject to EU cooperation.
- − PGP-only encryption — outside-mail metadata is visible.
- − Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
When to choose which
Treat this section as heuristic. Privacy properties depend on how you use the service, not just which one you pick.
- Choose addy.io if independent open-source operator (renamed from anonaddy in 2023)..
- Choose Mailfence if pgp-native; integrates with openpgp keys directly..
- Either way, re-check the entry’s last verified date — the Privacy email category churns.
Mentioned in (combined)
Pages on the site that reference addy.io, Mailfence, or both.
Ranked picks
Guides
Quick answers
Country pages
Compared as of .