Cleanbox vs MXroute.
MXroute is a full email hosting service (not just forwarding) that offers unlimited domains and accounts at budget pricing. It includes IMAP, SMTP, webmail, SpamAssassin with custom rules, and an internal real-time blacklist. Popular among developers and power users for self-managed email.
Feature comparison
| Feature |  Cleanbox |
MXroute |
|---|---|---|
| Email aliases | ||
| Spam filtering | ||
| Contact management | ||
| Custom domains | ||
| MX relay (gateway) | ||
| Virus scanning (ClamAV) | ||
| IP blacklist checking | ||
| Shield protection | ||
| Custom filter rules | ||
| Quarantine zone | ||
| Delivery scheduling | ||
| Rate limiting | ||
| One-click unsubscribe | ||
| Contact categories (20) | ||
| Cloud attachment storage | ||
| Team collaboration | ||
| REST API | ||
| Open source | ||
| Browser extension | ||
| Catch-all addresses | ||
| Free tier | 3 aliases, 50/week | No free plan |
| Paid from | $5/month | $59/year |
Where MXroute wins
- Full email hosting (IMAP, SMTP, webmail)
- Unlimited domains and accounts
- SpamAssassin with custom rules and internal RBL
- Budget-friendly yearly pricing
- Multiple webmail options (Roundcube, Crossbox)
Where Cleanbox wins
- Yes: managed contact intelligence
- Yes: Shield (rate limiting, scheduling, gatekeeper)
- Yes: quarantine zone for borderline emails
- Yes: crowd-sourced sender reputation
- More DIY/technical — less polished UI
Who should choose MXroute?
Developers and power users who want full email hosting at budget prices. Best for people comfortable managing their own email setup.
Who should choose Cleanbox?
Cleanbox is the better choice if you need spam filtering before delivery, contact management with 20 automatic categories and 5 contact states, Shield protection (rate limiting, delivery scheduling, gatekeeper), or MX relay for existing business email addresses with virus scanning.
Try Cleanbox free
3 aliases, spam filtering, contact management, and Shield — no credit card required.
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