Addy.io vs HEY: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Addy.io and HEY comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Addy.io
Protect your real email address with anonymous email forwarding and aliases.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need security features specifically
- • Protects real email addresses using anonymous forwarding aliases.
- • Allows on-the-fly alias creation and anonymous replies/sends.
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Best for you if:
- • You need email clients features specifically
- • Email reimagined by Basecamp
- • Screener for incoming mail
| At a Glance |  Addy.io |  HEY |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $12/moHEY for Domains |
Best For | Security | Email Clients |
Rating | - | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Addy.io or HEY?
Choose Addy.io if
Protect your real email address with anonymous email forwarding and aliases.
- Enhances online privacy and reduces spam.
- Open-source for transparency and community contributions.
- Easy to use with browser extensions and mobile apps.
- Your work is security-shaped, not email clients-shaped
Choose HEY if
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
- Innovative approach
- No tracking pixels
- Clean design
- Your work is email clients-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Addy.io | HEY |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.0/5 18 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityEmail | Email ClientsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Addy.io
Protect your real email address with anonymous email forwarding and aliases.
Strengths
- +Enhances online privacy and reduces spam.
- +Open-source for transparency and community contributions.
- +Easy to use with browser extensions and mobile apps.
- +Supports advanced features like GPG encryption and custom domains.
- +Allows anonymous replies and sending from aliases.
Weaknesses
- -Requires trust in the forwarding service for email handling.
- -Initial setup of usernames and aliases might require some understanding.
- -Free tier limitations are not explicitly detailed on the provided pages, but implied by 'premium features'.
Key features
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Strengths
- +Innovative approach
- +No tracking pixels
- +Clean design
Weaknesses
- -Requires new email address
- -Expensive
Key features
Pricing: Addy.io vs HEY
| Plan | Addy.io | HEY |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 /month Free | $99 HEY for You |
| Tier 2 | $1 /month Billed Yearly Lite | $12 HEY for Domains |
| Tier 3 | $3 /month Billed Yearly, $4 Billed Monthly Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Addy.io pricing and HEY pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Addy.io has a free tier. HEY is paid only.
Go with: Addy.io
Want the highest-rated option?
HEY is rated 4.0/5. Addy.io has no ratings yet.
Go with: HEY
Value user reviews?
Addy.io: no ratings yet. HEY: 18 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: HEY
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Addy.io is freemium. HEY is paid. Addy.io lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Addy.io is a security tool. HEY is in email clients. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
HEY is rated 4.0/5; Addy.io has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
HEY
- Our pick for this comparison
Addy.io
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
HEY is our pick. Addy.io has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Addy.io or HEY better?
HEY is rated in our evaluation. Addy.io is freemium and HEY is paid.
What are Addy.io and HEY used for?
Addy.io: Protect your real email address with anonymous email forwarding and aliases.. HEY: Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies.
What does Addy.io cost vs HEY?
Addy.io is freemium (free tier + paid plans). HEY is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.