Temporary email services: types and differences (inbox, forwarding, alias)

Model 1: Disposable inbox. You get temporary address with web interface to read messages. No forwarding. Maximum privacy.

Model 2: Forwarding alias. Creates alias that forwards to your real email. Convenient but links identities. Moderate privacy.

Model 3: Catch-all alias. Your domain accepts [email protected]. You create addresses on fly. Requires own domain.

Disposable inbox advantages: no link to real identity, auto-expiration, no storage in personal inbox.

Disposable inbox limitations: must check separate interface, messages expire, no long-term storage.

Forwarding alias advantages: messages arrive to your inbox, centralized management, permanent if desired.

Forwarding alias limitations: creates link between alias and real email, provider sees both addresses.

Catch-all advantages: unlimited addresses, full control, professional appearance with own domain.

Catch-all limitations: requires domain and technical setup, you manage spam filtering.

Ideal scenarios: disposable inbox for maximum privacy, forwarding for convenience, catch-all for professionals and businesses.

Hybrid approach: use disposable for tests and sensitive registrations, forwarding for newsletters and shopping, catch-all for work.

Security consideration: disposable inbox isolates risks; forwarding concentrates them in single inbox.

Cost: disposable usually free, forwarding often free or cheap, catch-all requires domain ($10-15/year minimum).

In short: choose model based on your priorities: privacy (disposable), convenience (forwarding), or control (catch-all).