EvilMail vs Maildrop
A fair look at two temp-mail tools: Maildrop's free public API versus EvilMail's private, key-driven inboxes.
Maildrop, from Heluna, is a free, no-signup temporary inbox with a well-earned reputation for solid spam filtering. It's receive-only and works on its own domains, and its standout feature is a free GraphQL API that lets developers read messages programmatically at no cost. The main trade-off is privacy: inboxes are essentially public, so anyone who knows or guesses the alias can read them. For quick, throwaway, zero-cost checks, it does exactly what it promises.
EvilMail vs Maildrop — feature by feature
| Feature | EvilMail | Maildrop |
|---|---|---|
| No signup to start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Native REST APIfree GraphQL API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom domains | ✓ | ✕ |
| Permanent / keepable addresses | ✓ | ✕ |
| Programmatic code extraction | ✓ | ✕ |
| TTL / retention control | ✓ | ◐ |
| Private (non-public) inboxesaliases are public | ✓ | ✕ |
| Send email | ✕ | ✕ |
Which one should you pick?
Pick Maildrop when…
If you want a completely free temp inbox with genuinely good spam filtering and don't need privacy, Maildrop is a great pick. Its free GraphQL API makes it especially handy for quick scripts and throwaway automation where cost matters more than confidentiality, and where reading a public inbox is perfectly acceptable. For no-budget experiments, Maildrop is hard to beat.
Pick EvilMail when…
Choose EvilMail when the inbox needs to be private rather than readable by anyone with the alias, or when you need custom domains, permanent keepable mailboxes and TTL control (paid). Its native key-based REST API and dedicated OTP/regex extraction endpoints are built for reliable automated verification flows, backed by per-service and per-language guides. Both tools are receive-only, so neither sends email.
Verdict
Maildrop is the better choice for a free, no-signup public inbox with strong spam filtering and an open GraphQL API. EvilMail is the better choice when you need private inboxes, custom or permanent mailboxes, and native OTP extraction via a key-based API.
EvilMail vs Maildrop — FAQ
Q1Is EvilMail a good Maildrop alternative?−
Yes, if you need privacy, custom or permanent mailboxes, or native OTP extraction. Maildrop inboxes are public to anyone with the alias, while EvilMail offers private inboxes and a key-based REST API. If you just want a free, no-signup public inbox with good spam filtering, Maildrop remains an excellent choice.
Q2Does Maildrop have an API?+
Yes. Maildrop exposes a free GraphQL API for reading messages, which is one of its real strengths for developers on a zero budget. EvilMail instead offers a native key-based REST API with dedicated OTP and regex extraction endpoints.
Q3Which is better for automated testing?+
It depends on your needs. Maildrop's free GraphQL API is great for low-cost throwaway automation where inbox privacy doesn't matter. EvilMail suits automated verification flows that need private inboxes and native OTP/regex extraction endpoints, with per-service guides to speed integration.
Q4Can either service send email?+
No. Both Maildrop and EvilMail are receive-only and cannot send email. They are built for receiving verification codes and test messages, not for outbound mail.
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.