Comparison · Email clients

eM Client vs Outlook: which is better in 2026?

Outlook ranks higher in our list of email clients (#3 against #5, score 87.0 against 85.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 85.0
    Editorial score
    87.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    5
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose eM Client if you want

Desktop and phone email for home users.

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.

Choose Outlook if you want

Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com users.

Microsoft's mail client for Windows and Mac, with calendar, contacts and To Do in one app and a free web version at Outlook.com. Calendar and mail are tied to the mailbox, and desktop features depend on the account and plan.

The main differences

  • Only Outlook runs on Web.

Side by side

eM ClientOutlook
Score85.087.0
Rank in list#5 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree version for home users; paid editions and AI add-onsFree plan, paid upgradesFree web version at Outlook.com; desktop apps and extras depend on plan
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOSWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Made byNot statedMicrosoft
Phone appYesYes
Best forDesktop and phone email for home usersMicrosoft 365 and Outlook.com users
Strengths
  • Syncs with Gmail, Hotmail and other services
  • Apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
  • Free version for home users
  • Mail, calendar and To Do in one app
  • Shared calendars and delegate access
Limits
  • Closed source, so the code cannot be checked
  • AI features and extra credits are sold as add-ons
  • Calendar is tied to the mailbox
  • Desktop and extra features depend on the account and plan
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about eM Client vs Outlook

Is Outlook better than eM Client?
Outlook ranks higher in our list of email clients (#3 against #5, score 87.0 against 85.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. eM Client is best for: desktop and phone email for home users. Outlook is best for: Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com users.
Which is cheaper, eM Client or Outlook?
eM Client: Free version for home users; paid editions and AI add-ons. Outlook: Free web version at Outlook.com; desktop apps and extras depend on plan.
Do eM Client and Outlook run on the same platforms?
eM Client supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Outlook supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web.