SMTP Zen Email Forwarding

What SMTP Zen Email Forwarding is

SMTP Zen Email Forwarding routes mail sent to custom-domain addresses into inboxes you already use, so every address does not need its own mailbox. You can create named forwarding addresses, set catch-all rules, and manage forwarding across multiple domains. Forwarding covers inbound delivery only; it does not provide an inbox or authenticated outbound SMTP, so sending as the custom domain requires a hosted mailbox.

To configure it, add a domain, follow the displayed DNS instructions, create forwarding rules, and test receipt. SMTP Zen documents SMTP, IMAP, and POP settings, along with setup guidance for iOS and Android mail apps. Developers receive SMTP examples for Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby, and Go, using port 465 with implicit TLS or port 587 with STARTTLS. Hosted mailbox plans include Crossbox webmail with unified inboxes, search, keyboard shortcuts, calendar, and contacts. Hosting plans state that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are enforced, while the service describes TLS-encrypted connections. Plans start at $1.20 a month, and most plans include a 2-day free trial; custom plans may be excluded.

Who it suits

SMTP Zen fits developers sending application email, small teams, freelancers managing client domains, and domain investors. It is suited to routing several custom-domain addresses into existing inboxes, with hosted mailboxes available when outbound sending is needed.

Limits

The Roll your own plan costs $1.20 a month and includes one mailbox, one forwarder or alias, and a 2GB base disk quota. Most plans include a 2-day free trial, while custom plans may be excluded; most accounts can send about 400 outbound emails per mailbox per hour, including aliases.

Getting started

1. Open the SMTP Zen email-forwarding service
2. Add your custom domain
3. Follow the displayed DNS instructions
4. Create named forwarding addresses or catch-all rules
5. Test that messages arrive in the destination inbox
6. Choose a hosted mailbox plan if you need to send as the custom domain

Verdict

Choose SMTP Zen when you need custom-domain forwarding into existing inboxes, or mailbox hosting with documented mail-client and developer connections. Look elsewhere if you require forwarding to include outbound sending automatically or if your use case involves cold or mass marketing email.