Comparison · Email clients
Mail vs Mailspring: which is better in 2026?
Mailspring ranks higher in our list of email clients (#3 against #5, score 86.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Mail if you want
Email on Apple devices with no extra app.
Built into Mac and iPhone at no cost and needs no download on Apple devices. It has no Windows or Android version, so it is limited to Apple users.
Choose Mailspring if you want
Open-source desktop mail with send later.
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.
The main differences
- Only Mailspring runs on Linux.
- Only Mailspring runs on Windows.
- Only Mail runs on iOS.
- Mailspring is open source; Mail is not.
Side by side
 Mail | Mailspring | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 86.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 6 | #3 of 6 |
| Price | FreeIncluded with Mac and iOS at no extra cost | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to download; Pro plan is $8 per month on its site |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSiOSmacOS, iOS | macOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux |
| Made by | Apple | Not stated |
| Phone app | Yes | No |
| Best for | Email on Apple devices with no extra app | Open-source desktop mail with send later |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Mail vs Mailspring
- Is Mailspring better than Mail?
- Mailspring ranks higher in our list of email clients (#3 against #5, score 86.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Mail is best for: email on Apple devices with no extra app. Mailspring is best for: open-source desktop mail with send later.
- Which is cheaper, Mail or Mailspring?
- Mail: Included with Mac and iOS at no extra cost. Mailspring: Free to download; Pro plan is $8 per month on its site.
- Do Mail and Mailspring run on the same platforms?
- Mail supports macOS, iOS. Mailspring supports macOS, Windows, Linux.