Best email clients in 2024: For Windows and Mac

Choosing the right email client is crucial because it affects how you handle your emails every day. Whether you're talking to friends or organizing work projects, the email client you pick can make your life easier or more complicated. There are many options out there, each with different features.

You also need to think about whether you'll use it on a computer or a phone, as some email clients work better on certain devices.

Another important thing to consider is whether you want a free email client or if you're willing to pay for one. Free email clients are good for basic use or if you're trying to save money.

However, they might not have the best security or all the features you want. Paid email clients usually offer more, like better security and extra tools to keep your emails organized. They can be worth the cost, especially if you need to manage a lot of emails or want to keep your messages secure. This guide will help you understand what each email client offers, so you can choose the best email client for your needs.

Factors to consider when choosing an email client

When picking an email client, keep these things in mind to find one that suits you best:

• Ease of Use: Choose an email client that's easy to set up and use. A clean layout where you can quickly find what you need is important.
• Compatibility: Make sure it works on all your devices, whether you use a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Features: Think about what you really need. Do you want good search options, calendars, and task lists? Or is security like encryption more important? Pick an email client that has what you need.
• Cost: Decide if you're okay with a basic, free email client or if you need more features that come with a paid one. Sometimes paying a bit gives you a lot more.
• Support and Updates: Good customer support and regular updates are key. They help keep your email running smoothly and securely.
• Integration: If you use other apps and services, find an email client that works well with them. This can make your life much easier.

Focusing on these points will help you choose an email client that fits your needs, making email management simpler and more effective.

Comparison of the best email clients

Comparing email clients for Windows

Comparing email clients for macOS

Best email client for Windows

Here's a curated list of the best email clients for Windows, blending both popular and rising stars in the email management scene.

1. Microsoft Outlook

Source: Microsoft

Part of the Microsoft Office suite, Outlook is a powerhouse for email management, known for its advanced features that cater to both personal and professional communication.

Key Features:

• integrated calendar
• task management
• Outlook Categories (email tagging)
• contact management
• support for multiple email accounts
• robust search functionality
• adding Outlook add-ins (You can add Mailbutler or any other that you like)

Pros: Seamless integration with other Microsoft products, strong security features, and extensive support resources.

Cons: Can be overwhelming for new users due to its multitude of features; relatively expensive if purchasing the standalone product.

Ideal for: Business users and organizations deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.

2. Mozilla Thunderbird

Source: Mozilla Thunderbird

An open-source email client developed by Mozilla, known for its flexibility and extensibility through add-ons.

Key Features:

• customizable interface
• support for multiple email accounts
• advanced search, and filtering
• built-in chat
• news feed

Pros: Free to use, highly customizable, supports a wide range of plugins for added functionality.

Cons: Interface might feel dated to some users; less intuitive setup for non-technical users.

Ideal for: Tech-savvy individuals and those seeking a customizable, cost-effective email solution.

3. Mailbird

Source: Mailbird

A sleek and modern email client for Windows, focusing on simplicity and integration with numerous third-party apps.

Key Features:

• unified inbox for multiple accounts
• customization options
• integrated task management
• support for apps like WhatsApp, Twitter, Dropbox, and more

Pros: Intuitive interface, great integration capabilities, and customizable appearance.

Cons: The free version is limited; the premium version is required for full features.

Ideal for: Users looking for a simple, modern email client with strong app integration.

4. eM Client

Source: eM Client

A feature-rich email client designed for Windows, offering a balance between usability and powerful features. eM Client is engineered to provide an efficient communication platform that caters to both personal and professional needs.

Key Features:

• support for all major email services
• integrated calendar, tasks, contacts, and chat
• Advanced email rules
• PGP encryption

Pros: Easy to set up, advanced features for email management, and good customization options.

Cons: The free version limits the number of email accounts that can be added; some advanced features require a Pro version.

Ideal for: Business professionals and users needing comprehensive email management tools without the complexity of Outlook.

5. Windows Mail

Source: Microsoft

The default email client that comes with Windows 10 and 11, offers basic email functionalities for casual users.

Key Features:

• simple and clean interface
• supports multiple email accounts
• focused inbox
• basic calendar integration

Pros: Free and pre-installed, easy to use for basic email needs, integrates well with Windows.

Cons: Lacks advanced features and customization options available in other email clients.

Ideal for: Casual users who need a straightforward email client for daily use without the need for advanced features.

6. Mailspring for Windows

Source: Mailspring

A newer entry in the email client space, known for its beautiful design and powerful search capabilities. Mailspring for Windows is built on the modern web with efficiency in mind.

Key Features:

• unified inbox for multiple accounts
• advanced search
• translation support
• read receipts and link tracking
• along with customizable themes

Pros: Sleek and modern interface, fast search, and useful productivity features like email read receipts.

Cons: Some features, including unlimited accounts, require a subscription to the Pro version.

Ideal for: Individuals and professionals looking for an email client that combines aesthetics with functionality, particularly those who value advanced search and productivity tracking.

7. Postbox for Windows

Source: Postbox

A powerful email client designed for heavy email users, offering extensive organization, search, and customization options. It's also available for macOS users.

Key Features:

• intuitive interface with a focus on email organization through topics
• advanced search filters
• integration with file sharing and social media services
• customizable templates for quick replies

Pros: Strong focus on email organization and management, supports multiple accounts, and offers a wide range of integrations and customization options.

Cons: Not free, with a one-time purchase required to unlock all features.

Ideal for: Power users and professionals who manage large volumes of email across multiple accounts and need sophisticated organization and search capabilities.

Best email client for Mac

Mac users have a variety of email clients to choose from, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are some of the best Mac email clients, ensuring a mix of native solutions and third-party applications to suit different preferences and needs.

1. Apple Mail

Source: Apple

As the built-in email client for macOS, Apple Mail offers seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem. It's designed to work effortlessly with iCloud, as well as other popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.

Key Features:

• advanced search
• email flagging
• organizational tools
• user-friendly interface
• Apple Mail extensions

Pros: Deep integration with macOS and other Apple apps, reliable performance, and no additional cost for Mac users.

Cons: While it covers the basics well, it might lack some of the advanced features found in specialized third-party email clients.

Ideal for: Anyone looking for a straightforward, integrated email experience on their Mac, especially those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

Bonus tip:

Adding Mailbutler to Apple Mail makes it much better for handling emails. With Mailbutler, you get an email AI assistant that helps you write emails faster, email tags to keep your inbox organized, and email tracking to see when someone opens your emails. These features and many more make managing your emails with Apple Mail easier and smarter.

2. Microsoft Outlook for Mac

Source: Microsoft

Bringing the advanced email management and calendar functionality of its Windows counterpart, Outlook for Mac is tailored for users who need robust features and Exchange support.

Key Features:

• advanced email organization
• seamless calendar integration
• compatibility with the Microsoft Office suite

Pros: Familiar interface for those used to Outlook on Windows, strong organizational tools, and excellent integration with Microsoft's ecosystem. You can add the Mailbutler add-in and improve your email productivity in a few days.

Cons: Can be more resource-intensive than other clients and may require a subscription for full functionality.

Ideal for: Professional users and businesses that rely on Microsoft's ecosystem for email, scheduling, and task management in Outlook.

3. Spark Mail

Source: Spark Mail

Spark stands out with its modern and customizable interface, designed to handle emails from all major email providers with efficiency and style.

Key Features:

• smart inbox to prioritize important emails
• snooze functionality
• send later
• email signatures
• built-in calendar to keep your schedule in check

Pros: Intuitive and attractive interface, powerful organizational tools, and innovative features like smart notifications.

Cons: Some advanced features are behind a subscription model, and the list of options might be overwhelming for users seeking simplicity.

Ideal for: Users looking for a flexible and feature-rich email client that can cater to both personal and professional needs.

Recommended reading: Best AI Emal Assistant

4. Airmail

Source: Airmail

Known for its fast performance and beautiful design, Airmail is a favorite among Mac users who appreciate efficiency and aesthetics in their email client.

Key Features:

• customizable shortcuts
• smart folders for better email organization
• quick reply options to enhance productivity

Pros: Sleek interface, extensive customization options, and compatibility with a wide range of email services.

Cons: Some users may find the customization options require a learning curve, and certain features are available only in the premium version.

Ideal for: Those who value a highly customizable email experience and are willing to spend time setting up their perfect email environment.

5. Postbox for macOS

Source: Postbox Inc.

Postbox offers powerful email management tools in a user-friendly package, making it a solid choice for professionals and power users alike.

Key Features:

• deep customization options
• powerful search
• pre-built templates for quick responses

Pros: Robust organizational tools, intuitive interface, and flexibility in managing multiple email accounts.

Cons: It comes at a cost, as the full range of features is unlocked with a one-lifetime license.

Ideal for: Users seeking an email client that combines professional-level functionality with ease of use.

6. Mailspring for Mac

Source: Mailspring

Mailspring for macOS stands out with its visually appealing interface and efficient search features. Crafted specifically for the Mac ecosystem, it brings a blend of performance and elegance to your email routine.

Key Features:

• consolidated inbox
• powerful search
• language translation
• engagement tracking
• theme customization

Pros: Mailspring for Mac excels in providing a clean and attractive interface, alongside quick search functionality. Its unique features like email translation and email engagement tracking make it stand out.

Cons: Access to all features, including unlimited account additions, requires upgrading to the Pro version.

Ideal for: Mac users seeking an email client that is both stylish and functional, especially those who value quick search capabilities and detailed email insights.

What are the benefits of an email client?

Using an email client can make your life a lot easier when it comes to handling emails. Imagine having all your email accounts—work, personal, or any other—in one spot. You don't have to jump from one website to another; everything is right there in front of you. It's like having a command center for all your communication.

Other important benefits:

• Offline Access: Many email clients allow you to access your emails even when you're not connected to the internet. This means you can read, draft, and organize your emails anytime, anywhere. Once you're back online, your actions are synced across your devices.
• Email Encryption: Some email clients offer built-in encryption features, making your email communication more secure. This means only the sender and the recipient can read the emails, protecting your information from unauthorized access.
• Customizable Interfaces: The ability to customize the layout and settings of your email client can make your email management more efficient and tailored to your preferences. From themes to toolbar arrangements, you can set up your email environment exactly how you like it.
• Automated Backups: With some email clients, you can set up automatic backups of your emails. This ensures that even if you accidentally delete an important email or face a technical issue, you have a backup saved securely elsewhere.

Email clients FAQs

Which email clients are most used?

According to Mailbutler's email statistics, as of February 2024, the leaders in the email client usage race are Apple with 58.08%, followed by Gmail at 29.68%, and Microsoft Outlook trailing at 4.04%.

Which email provider is best?

The best email provider really depends on what you need. If you're looking for lots of storage and great integrations with other services, Gmail is a solid choice. If privacy is your top priority, you might lean towards providers like ProtonMail. And for seamless integration with Windows and Office products, Outlook.com is a great pick.

What is the fastest email client?

Speed can mean different things – how quick it is to navigate, send, or sync emails. Based on user feedback, Superhuman, Thunderbird and Mailspring are often praised for their quick syncing capabilities and overall speed, especially on desktops.

How do I choose an email client?

Consider what's important to you. Do you need something that integrates well with your calendar and other apps? Are you looking for the best security features? Or maybe ease of use is your top priority. Identify your must-haves, and then find an email client that ticks those boxes.

Are email clients safe?

Generally, yes, email clients are safe. However, the level of security depends on the specific client and how you use it. Choosing an email client with strong encryption and regularly updating it, along with using secure passwords and being cautious about phishing attempts, are key steps to keeping your email secure.

Summary

Selecting the right email client matters a lot for managing your emails effectively, whether it's for work or personal use. With many options available, offering a range of features from simple email management to advanced tools like email tracking and task lists, it’s important to find one that meets your specific needs.

Key factors to consider include whether the email client works on your device, if you're looking for a free solution or are willing to pay for more features, the level of security it provides, and its ability to integrate with other applications you use.