Paul O'Brieneverything email Subscribe

Forward Email vs Firefox Relay

On privacy it's Forward Email. On price it's Firefox Relay. On features it's Forward Email. Here's everything side by side, last checked 25 October 2026.

Should you pick Forward Email or Firefox Relay?

  • Forward Email is the better pick if you want email at your own domain name; 10 GB of storage; and to read your mail in any app, such as Apple Mail, Outlook or Thunderbird.
  • Go for Firefox Relay if you'd like the lower price ($0.99 a month).
FeatureForward EmailFirefox Relay
Overall3.02.5
Privacy2.01.0
Price4.05.0
Features4.5Not rated
Cheapest planEnhanced Protection
$3 a month
Premium
$0.99 a month
Free planYes, forwarding onlyYes, 5 aliases
Storage10 GBForwards only
Your own domain✓ UnlimitedOwn subdomain only
End-to-end encryptionOptional (PGP or encrypted storage)No
Company based in United States United States (Mozilla)
Your data is kept in United States United States
Founded20172020
Free trialFree planFree plan
Funded by advertisingNoNo
Works in any mail app✓ IMAP and SMTPNo, its own apps only
Calendar and contacts✓ YesNo
AliasesYesUnlimited aliases
Open-source apps✓ Yes✓ Yes
Sign up without IDNoNo
White labelNoNo
Reader offerNoneNone
Last checked25 October 202625 October 2026

Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.

Where they differ

  • Cheapest plans: Forward Email Enhanced Protection, $3 a month. Firefox Relay Premium, $0.99 a month.
  • Forward Email has a free plan (forwarding only); Firefox Relay has a free plan (5 aliases).
  • Space: Forward Email gives 10 GB of storage, Firefox Relay no storage, as it forwards mail on.
  • The companies sit under different laws: Forward Email in United States, Firefox Relay in United States (Mozilla).
  • On encryption, Forward Email offers optional encryption (PGP or encrypted storage), whereas Firefox Relay doesn't encrypt mail end to end.
  • You can use your own domain with Forward Email, but not with Firefox Relay.
  • Mail apps: Forward Email works in any mail app over IMAP; Firefox Relay only works in its own apps.
  • Aliases: Forward Email offers yes, Firefox Relay unlimited aliases.

Forward Email and Firefox Relay: your questions

Is Forward Email more private than Firefox Relay?

Forward Email scores 2 out of 5 for privacy and Firefox Relay 1.

Is Forward Email cheaper than Firefox Relay?

Firefox Relay is cheaper. Its Premium plan is $0.99 a month, against $3 a month for Forward Email's Enhanced Protection. Firefox Relay and Forward Email also have a free plan. Check the renewal price before you pay, as some first-year prices go up.

Can I use my own domain with Forward Email or Firefox Relay?

Only Forward Email does (Unlimited). With Firefox Relay your address stays on its own domain.

Where is my email stored with Forward Email and Firefox Relay?

Both keep it in the United States.

Can I use Forward Email and Firefox Relay in Apple Mail or Outlook?

Forward Email works in any mail app over IMAP. Firefox Relay only works in its own apps.

Price changes and news

No price changes for either since 25 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.

The latest headlines: Forward Email news · Firefox Relay news.

Alternatives to Forward Email and Firefox Relay

Forward Email vs mailbox.org · Firefox Relay vs mailbox.org · Forward Email vs Posteo · Firefox Relay vs Posteo · Forward Email vs Proton Mail · Firefox Relay vs Proton Mail

Switching between them

Moving between any two providers works the same way. Pick your two providers for the steps.

Get new posts and become a member

You're subscribing to Paul O'Brien - Insights, my newsletter. When I publish a new review, guide or explainer, it comes straight to your inbox. It's free, and you also become a member.

See everything members get

I'll send one email first so you can confirm it's you. Already subscribed? Sign in to manage your details