This tool combines everything the format validator checks with a live MX record lookup, producing a single deliverability score and a plain checklist of what passed and what didn't for one address.
This tester runs four checks in sequence: whether the address matches valid email syntax, whether the domain is on a known disposable-provider list, whether the local part looks like a shared role inbox rather than a person, and — the check that sets it apart from the plain validator — a live DNS lookup to confirm the domain actually has MX records configured, meaning it's technically capable of receiving mail at all.
Each check contributes to a percentage score, and you get a full breakdown showing exactly which checks passed. This is the most complete picture this site's client-side tools can offer without actually attempting delivery — it stops short of an SMTP handshake, which is the only way to get closer to confirming a specific mailbox (not just the domain) will accept a message.
It's common to assume that if an email address is formatted correctly, it will work — but a surprising number of addresses fail simply because the domain itself has no mail server configured (a typo'd domain, an expired domain, or a website-only domain that was never set up to handle email). Catching that with a live MX check before sending saves a wasted send attempt and, on a larger scale, protects your sending reputation from unnecessary bounces.
For anything beyond a single ad-hoc check — say, validating an entire list before an important campaign — run the Bulk Email List Checker first to catch obvious format issues at scale, then spot-check a handful of individual addresses here for the added confidence of a live MX confirmation.
No. Even with valid format, a real domain and active MX records, an individual mailbox could still be full, deleted, or set to reject specific senders — none of which can be detected without an actual send attempt.
The Email Validator checks format and known-domain patterns only. This tool adds a live MX record lookup on top, confirming the domain is actually configured to receive mail — a stronger, more complete signal.
If the DNS lookup request fails — due to a network issue on your end or the resolver being temporarily unreachable — the tool reports that check as unknown rather than guessing at a pass or fail.
Checking whether a domain has MX records is equivalent to what any mail server does before attempting delivery — it's public DNS information, not private data about the individual.
This tool is built for testing one address at a time with full detail. For checking many addresses quickly on format alone, use the Bulk Email List Checker instead.