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Alternatives

Best Mail alternatives in 2026

Mail is apple's built-in email app for Mac and iPhone. These 5 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

5 alternatives From best email clients How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Thunderbird

    Is open source; also runs on Windows, Linux. Free, open source and includes calendar and contacts on Windows, Linux and macOS. It has no phone app of its own, and Thunderbird for Android is a separate project.

    Best for Free desktop email with calendar and contacts

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFreeOpen source

    91.0of 100
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  2. 2

    Spark

    Also runs on Android, Windows. One app on iOS, Mac, Android and Windows, with a smart inbox that sorts mail by importance. Its code is closed, and its Premium plan adds the paid features.

    Best for One inbox across phone and desktop

    iOSmacOSAndroidWindowsFree plan, paid upgrades

    88.0of 100
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  3. 3

    Mailspring

    Is open source; also runs on Windows, Linux. Open-source GPL-3.0 desktop client for Mac, Windows and Linux, with send later and grammar checking. Its read receipts and link tracking may not suit privacy-minded users, and the Pro plan is $8 per month.

    Best for Open-source desktop mail with send later

    macOSWindowsLinuxFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source

    86.5of 100
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  4. 4

    eM Client

    Also runs on Windows, Android. Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS with sync for Gmail and Hotmail, and a free version for home users. It is closed source, and its AI features are sold as add-ons.

    Best for Desktop and phone email for home users

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    85.0of 100
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  5. 5

    Mailbird

    Also runs on Windows. Combines Gmail, Outlook, Exchange and IMAP accounts in one Windows or Mac workspace, free to download. It has no phone app on its site and is closed source.

    Best for Several work and personal accounts on a desktop

    WindowsmacOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    79.5of 100
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Narrow the alternatives

Open-source alternatives to Mail

Mail alternatives for Linux

Mail alternatives for Windows

Mail alternatives for Android

About Mail alternatives

What is the best alternative to Mail?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Thunderbird, followed by Spark. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Mail?
Yes. Free options include Thunderbird, Spark, Mailspring.