10 Minute Mail vs a Temp Inbox You Can Reopen

"10 minute mail" is the classic idea of temporary email: an address that self-destructs after ten minutes. It's simple and it works, until it doesn't. Here's how it compares with a temporary inbox you can come back to.

How 10 minute mail works

You open the site, get a random address, and have a few minutes to receive what you need. When the timer runs out, the address and its messages are gone. Some sites let you extend the timer; most don't let you return once you close the tab.

Great for:

• a single verification code you'll use right away;
• a one-time download link;
• situations where you truly never want to see the account again.

Where 10 minute mail falls short

• Slow emails. Some services take several minutes to send a verification email. By the time it arrives, the inbox may be gone.
• Second emails. Many sites send a welcome email, then a separate confirmation, then ask you to confirm again later.
• Password resets. If you ever need to get back into the account, the reset email goes to an address that no longer exists.
• Closing the tab. Lose the tab and you lose the inbox.

How a reusable temporary inbox is different

A reusable temp inbox, like the ones Poofy creates, is still anonymous and free, but it doesn't vanish on a timer:

• Every inbox gets a password, so you can reopen it later, on this device or another.
• Your browser keeps a list of your inboxes, so you can juggle several at once.
• Codes and sign-in links are detected automatically and shown with a copy button.
• You can delete messages or forget the inbox whenever you like.

Which should you use?

Situation	Best choice
One code, right now, never again	Either works
You might need to log back in	Reusable inbox
The site sends several emails over days	Reusable inbox
You're testing an app's sign-up flow	Reusable inbox
Banking, government, work accounts	Neither; use a permanent address

Try it

Create a Poofy inbox and keep it as long as you need. No timer, no sign-up, no ads.