EvilMail vs Mail.tm
A fair look at two temp-mail tools: Mail.tm's excellent free developer API versus EvilMail's custom domains, permanent inboxes, and native OTP extraction.
Mail.tm is a free, clean, developer-friendly disposable-email service built around one of the best free REST APIs for temp mail. Its API uses simple bearer-token auth: you register a random account with a password, then read incoming messages programmatically. It is receive-only, ad-free, and well-documented, but it works only on Mail.tm's own domains (no custom domains) and has no built-in OTP or code-extraction endpoints, so you parse raw messages yourself.
EvilMail vs Mail.tm — feature by feature
| Feature | EvilMail | Mail.tm |
|---|---|---|
| No signup to startMail.tm creates an instant random account with a password | ✓ | ◐ |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Native REST APIMail.tm ships a genuinely good free API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom domains | ✓ | ✕ |
| Permanent / keepable addressesaccounts persist, but only on Mail.tm domains | ✓ | ◐ |
| Programmatic code extraction | ✓ | ✕ |
| TTL / retention control | ✓ | ◐ |
| Private (non-public) inboxes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Send email | ✕ | ✕ |
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mail.tm when…
If you want a genuinely good free developer API for simple temp-mail use, Mail.tm is a strong pick. Its documentation is clear, the bearer-token flow is easy to script, and there is zero cost for basic automated testing and throwaway inboxes. For a quick, no-budget project where its own domains are fine, Mail.tm is often the better choice.
Pick EvilMail when…
EvilMail is the better fit when you need more than a free throwaway inbox: custom domains, permanent keepable mailboxes, and TTL control (all paid), plus private inboxes for team or production use. Its native REST API includes OTP and regex extraction endpoints, so you get parsed verification codes back instead of raw messages you have to decode yourself. Per-service and per-language guides also make integration faster if you are automating logins across many providers.
Verdict
For a free, well-documented API on shared domains, Mail.tm is an excellent and honest choice. Choose EvilMail when you need custom domains, permanent inboxes, or native OTP extraction that saves you from parsing messages by hand — both are receive-only.
EvilMail vs Mail.tm — FAQ
Q1Is EvilMail a good Mail.tm alternative?−
Yes, especially if you need custom domains, permanent keepable mailboxes, TTL control, or native OTP extraction. For a free API on shared domains, Mail.tm remains a strong option, so the right pick depends on whether you need those paid, higher-scale features.
Q2Does Mail.tm have an API?+
Yes, and it is one of its biggest strengths. Mail.tm offers a free, well-documented REST API with bearer-token auth: you register a random account with a password, then read incoming messages. It is receive-only and uses Mail.tm's own domains.
Q3Which is better for automated testing?+
For simple, no-budget testing on shared domains, Mail.tm's free API is excellent. If your tests need custom domains, permanent inboxes, or parsed OTP codes returned directly by the API rather than raw messages you decode yourself, EvilMail's native extraction endpoints fit better.
Q4Does either service support OTP or verification-code extraction?+
Mail.tm does not have built-in OTP extraction; you parse the raw message contents yourself. EvilMail provides native OTP and regex extraction endpoints that return the code directly. Both services are receive-only and cannot send email.
More comparisons
A disposable inbox — with an API behind it.
Instant no-signup inboxes for a quick verification, plus a real REST API, custom domains and permanent mailboxes when you need them. Free to start.