What Is Hey Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
Opinionated email service focused on workflow.
Editorially updated Oct 25, 2025
The overview
What Hey is for
1Core Capabilitie
- The Imbox: Primary inbox for direct, important communication
- The Screener: First-time sender approval and routing control
- Reply Later Stack: Dedicated queue for batching email response
- Set Aside: Temporary holding area for emails needing later attention
2Specialized Workflow
- The Feed: Dedicated stream for newsletters and marketing email
- Paper Trail: Organized repository for receipts, confirmations, and transactional email
- Files View: Centralized access to all attachments from email
- Email Notes: Private annotations directly on email thread
Who it helps
Useful ways to use Hey
A practical path
Screening a New Sender
Upon receiving an email from a new sender, navigate to 'The Screener' in your web interface. The sender's email will be presented for your review, awaiting a decision
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Hey offers a polarizing but effective approach to email, praised for its innovative screening and categorization features that significantly reduce inbox overwhelm. Users appreciate the intentional design and focus on personal productivity. Some find the opinionated workflow restrictive or the lack of traditional features (like direct migration or shared inboxes) a barrier, but for those who align with its philosophy, it's a transformative tool.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1Can I use Hey with my existing custom domain for email?⌄
Yes, Hey supports custom domains. You can configure your domain's DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM) to point to Hey, allowing you to send and receive emails using your professional address (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com) directly within the Hey web interface. There's a clear setup guide provided in the settings.
2How does Hey handle spam and unsolicited mail, given its screening approach?⌄
Hey's primary defense against unsolicited mail is 'The Screener.' Any email from a sender you haven't previously approved will land in 'The Screener' first, allowing you to explicitly 'Screen Out' unwanted senders before their messages ever reach your main inbox. This proactive, user-controlled filtering largely negates the need for traditional spam folders, as you decide who gets through.
3What happens to my emails if I decide to cancel my Hey subscription?⌄
If you cancel your Hey subscription, your account will be deactivated. Hey provides options to export your emails before cancellation, ensuring you retain a copy of your data. You'll also be given instructions on how to update your domain's MX records if you were using a custom domain, allowing you to transition your email service elsewhere.
4Is there a way to migrate my old emails from another service into Hey?⌄
Currently, Hey does not offer a direct, automated migration tool for importing historical emails from other providers (like Gmail or Outlook). The service is designed to be a fresh start, focusing on managing new incoming mail with its unique workflow. Users typically forward essential old emails manually or keep their old account active for archival purposes.
5Does Hey offer any team or shared inbox features for collaborative work?⌄
Hey is primarily designed as a personal email service, focusing on individual productivity and inbox control. It does not currently offer traditional shared inbox functionalities, team accounts, or collaborative features like assigning emails to teammates. Its strength lies in optimizing the personal email experience rather than facilitating group email management.
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