MailMask vs Shroud.email

MailMask creates unique email aliases that forward incoming messages to an existing mailbox. Aliases can be created, disabled, or removed; disabling one immediately stops new mail from being accepted. MailMask is not a mailbox or email-provider replacement, and it cannot send messages from alias addresses. The service says it processes email only for forwarding and does not retain message content longer than technically necessary for delivery. Its infrastructure and data handling remain within Europe, under European law including the GDPR. MailMask says it uses no advertising, analytics, or third-party tracking, and does not sell or share user data. The Free plan costs nothing for aliases and forwarding, with no price or usage limits stated. The operator describes it as a personal risk-reduction layer, not for critical, account-recovery, or mission-critical communication. Availability is best-effort, and uninterrupted service is not guaranteed.

Shroud.email creates email aliases that forward incoming messages to your real inbox, keeping the real address private. It removes tracking pixels from forwarded mail and proxies email images through its servers. You can delete or disable aliases and block individual senders, and the service says it works with all email providers, including Gmail and Proton Mail. Paid users can attach custom domains, configure catch-all aliases, and recreate those addresses elsewhere if they leave. The API manages aliases and discovers custom domains with bearer-token authorization. The project is open source under AGPL v3 and includes a Docker Compose deployment for self-hosting. Self-hosting requires a public server with ports 25, 80, and 443 open, plus keys for S3-compatible storage. Detected spam remains viewable in the web portal for seven days. The hosted service is EU-hosted on renewable energy. The Free plan costs nothing and includes five aliases and tracker blocking; the paid plan has no listed price and renews annually.