Concepts

What is the difference between a mailbox and an email address?

An email address is the name that mail is sent to; a mailbox is the storage space where that mail actually ends up. That's the essence of mailbox vs email address: one is the label, the other is the letterbox behind it.

By the Mailflux team Published on

Mailbox vs email address: the difference

You can have several email addresses point to a single mailbox. The address determines how people reach you; the mailbox is the place with your messages, folders and storage space. So one mailbox can serve several addresses through aliases.

Explanation

That difference matters for both your choice and your invoice. At Mailflux you pay per mailbox, and every mailbox has its own storage: 8 GB with Basic, 25 GB with Pro and 50 GB (expandable to 100 GB) with Premium. You add extra addresses for free with the 20 aliases included in every plan. That way you don't have to pay for a separate mailbox for every address.

Example

You have one mailbox with the address you@yourbusiness.be. To it you attach the aliases info@yourbusiness.be and quotes@yourbusiness.be. Three addresses, one letterbox: all mail arrives in the same place and counts towards the same storage.

Why this difference matters

The distinction helps you choose more wisely. If you mainly need extra addresses for organisation (such as a separate address for invoices or info) then aliases are enough and you don't pay for extra mailboxes. If a colleague needs their own inbox with their own password and their own storage, then a separate mailbox is the right choice. That way you tailor your setup to what you actually use, without unnecessary costs.

Related concepts

Want to handle addresses smartly? What is an email alias? shows how to give one mailbox several addresses.

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