Side by side
EmptyInbox vs MailDrop
Both stand on temporary email services. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxWeb
EmptyInbox is oriented toward automated workflows that need temporary incoming email, with both API and web access. Its seven-day retention and lack of sending capability are important constraints to account for.
Visit EmptyInbox
Free plan APIWeb
MailDrop covers temporary inbox use in a browser and through a REST API, with a free API tier and paid quotas. Its automatic message deletion makes it a poor fit for long-term records.
Visit MailDropThe facts
| EmptyInbox | MailDrop | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Starter: $5 a month |
| Plans published | 5 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | emptyinbox.me | maildrop.cx |
| On temporary email services | #7 of 44 | #11 of 44 |
EmptyInbox: what it does well
- A separate inbox can be created for each task.
- REST API and MCP access on the free plan.
- Reading and listing messages are free.
- Paid credits do not expire.
What to know first
- Messages are deleted after seven days.
- The service cannot send email.
- Inbox creation consumes credits.
- Quota purchases are non-refundable.
MailDrop: what it does well
- Inbox access requires no account or personal information.
- Custom prefixes and several domains are available.
- Inbox refreshes every 30 seconds.
- Attachments can be previewed or downloaded in a browser.
What to know first
- Messages are deleted automatically after a temporary period.
- Custom domains are not available.
- The free plan allows 300 requests per day and one mailbox per 24 hours.
Alternatives to EmptyInbox Alternatives to MailDrop The whole list