Gmail is free and works great. So why would anyone pay for custom email addresses?

Because hello@yourname.dev for coding projects and hello@yourname.fit for race registrations is oddly satisfying. Is it necessary? No. Did I do it anyway? Absolutely.

Here’s why it makes sense (sort of): When you email hackathon organizers with a .dev address, you instantly signal you’re a developer. When race directors see .fit, they know you’re serious about athletics. Plus, automatic inbox organization beats Gmail filters any day.

If this sounds appealing, here’s how to set it up in 20 minutes for ~$30-40/year.

Prerequisites

  • iCloud+ subscription ($2.99/month for 200GB)
  • 20 minutes
  • Credit card

Step 1: Buy Domains on Namecheap

Head to Namecheap and purchase:

  • yourname.dev (~$12-15/year)
  • yourname.fit (~$20-30/year)

Skip the upsells (privacy protection, hosting). You only need the domains. Total cost: ~$30-40/year.

Step 2: Add Domain to iCloud

Since you have iCloud+, custom email domains are included.

On Mac: System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Custom Email Domain → Add (+)

On iPhone/iPad: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Custom Email Domain → Add

Step 3: Configure DNS Records

For each domain:

  1. Enter yourname.dev (or .fit) in iCloud
  2. iCloud shows DNS records to add (TXT, MX, CNAME)
  3. Go to Namecheap → Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS
  4. Add each record exactly as iCloud specifies
  5. Save and wait 10-15 minutes for DNS propagation
  6. Return to iCloud and click “Verify”

Repeat for your second domain.

Step 4: Create Email Addresses

Once verified:

  • Create hello@yourname.dev, projects@yourname.dev
  • Create hello@yourname.fit, races@yourname.fit

iCloud+ allows 3 custom addresses per domain, plus unlimited aliases.

Practical Uses

For .dev:

  • GitHub profile email
  • Hackathon registrations
  • LinkedIn contact
  • Open-source contributions
  • Developer networking

For .fit:

  • Marathon/triathlon registrations
  • Training group signups
  • Race newsletters
  • Strava clubs
  • Race day communication

Why Bother?

Beyond the novelty, there are legitimate benefits:

  • Instant Organization: See yourname.dev → coding. See yourname.fit → fitness. No mental sorting required.
  • Professional Signaling: A .dev email tells people you’re serious about development. A .fit email shows athletic commitment.
  • Personal Branding: Your email address is part of your brand. yourname.dev tells a story before you hit send.
  • It’s Fun: Sometimes we do things because they make us smile.

Quick FAQ

Can I forward to Gmail? Yes, set up forwarding in iCloud Mail settings.

Can I send from iPhone? Yes, they appear as sending options in Mail.app on all Apple devices.

Is this overkill? Absolutely. That’s the point.

Other domain options? Try .run, .bike, .tech, .ai – each costs $10-30/year.

Should You Do This?

Do it if:

  • You want to segment your digital identity
  • You attend hackathons or contribute to open-source
  • You’re active in endurance sports
  • You already have iCloud+ and want to use it fully

Skip it if:

  • Gmail folders work fine for you
  • You’re trying to minimize expenses
  • You think this is ridiculous (it is)

Will this change your life? No. Will it make you smile when you see yourname.dev in your inbox? Absolutely. And sometimes, that’s enough.