While I initially switched to Proton Pass as a more secure way to store my passwords than my browser's built-in tool, the password manager turned out to have other benefits.

Besides making it easier to generate new credentials, the alias feature has helped me avoid spam from apps and services that force you to provide an email address. And best of all, I can use it for free without changing my email provider.

Trying new apps and services often means giving up your email address

This results in unending spam from multiple sources

While we've been taught not to trust companies with our personal data, this doesn't stop them from requiring them to use their services. In fact, some platforms that you could previously use without an account now require an email address to try them.

This doesn't only apply to apps. I've come across it on news websites and online tools. Things that were previously free may now have a pop-up that requires an email address to get past. This can be frustrating when you just want to temporarily try out the service to see its features or read a single article.

Even though data privacy laws have tightened in areas like the EU and California, this doesn't stop your email address from ending up on other mailing lists. Unsubscribing from marketing lists sometimes works, but my spam folder is also filled with companies that refuse to stop sending me emails.

Over the years, this means I've just stopped trying out certain new apps or reading websites that require an email address. That's until I realized that Proton Pass gives me access to email aliases.

Email aliases give both functionality and privacy

And you don't have to change mail providers

If you've used Proton Mail, you'll be familiar with email aliases. But you can also access them in Proton Pass, even if you don't use Proton's email platform.

The feature creates a randomly generated email address that forwards messages to your actual email address. This means that you receive important information and 2FA login codes without needing to expose your address.

Email aliases work better than temporary email addresses because they provide functionality if you decide to retain an account or service. But if you no longer want to use a service, or it spams you with tons of marketing emails, your real email address is disguised and cannot be sold.

Once you're done using a service, you can deactivate or completely remove the alias. It's also not complex to set up and doesn't require you to use a specific email provider. I create aliases for my Gmail address.

The fact that you can get up to 10 active email aliases on the free plan for Proton Pass also makes it incredibly accessible to people who don't have the budget to pay for a premium plan.

You can use an alias for accounts, newsletters, and anything else that requires an email address. You can also set up separate aliases for different services. If the service starts spamming you or sells your alias' address to another company, you can disable the alias completely.

I recently used this when trying out some apps from a company I didn't quite trust. Both of its apps required an email address, even without me creating an account. Even though I specifically opted out of promotional emails, it sent me dozens over the next two weeks. Luckily, I could just disable the alias and I no longer had to deal with the annoying promotions. I also don't have to worry that my real email address will be sold to another marketer.

Even if you don't want to go full scorched earth on an alias, you can block individual contacts from emailing your alias address.

How to use email aliases in Proton Pass

Generate it with the Proton Pass dashboard

Getting started with email aliases in Proton Pass is pretty simple. You will use the Create item or + button to bring up the pop-up menu that allows you to create new logins and passwords. However, this time you need to select Alias.

Next, you can name your alias. Proton automatically adds this title to your generated alias address. However, you can edit the address if you don't want it included. I suggest using a title that makes your alias easy to identify. For example, if you want to use a central alias for newsletters, you can name it this. I split mine according to services, though, so that I could easily deactivate an alias without worrying about impacting other platforms.

The email address the alias forwards to is the one that is linked to your Proton Pass account. With a premium plan, you can switch between different email addresses or add multiple ones.

Once you've saved the dummy email address, you can use it for the service you want to sign up for. Proton can also save the credentials you have linked to this alias.

When you want to disable an alias, you can visit it again on your Proton Pass dashboard. To make it easier to find, I recommend changing the filter from All to Aliases. Then select the toggle next to the alias address to disable it.

Since the free plan only allows 10 aliases, you can delete old aliases to free up space. To do this, select the three-dot icon and select Move to Trash. Then go to your Trash tab, select the alias and then the three-dot icon next to its title, and select Delete permanently.

I look forward to more freedom on the web now

One of my email addresses effectively functions as a spam address because of how long I've had to deal with companies taking advantage of user data. But I'm glad that I don't have to expose it to even more companies, especially with the increase in email sign-up requirements around the web.

It's honestly a feature that more email clients should introduce. It will also encourage me to clean up my Gmail inbox if I can prevent it from becoming filled with spam again in the future.