Comparison · Email clients
eM Client vs Thunderbird: which is better in 2026?
Thunderbird ranks higher in our list of email clients (#1 against #5, score 91.0 against 85.0).
- 85.0Editorial score91.0
- 4Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
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 Thunderbird if you want
Free desktop email with calendar and contacts.
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.
The main differences
- Only Thunderbird runs on Linux.
- Only eM Client runs on iOS.
- Only eM Client runs on Android.
- Thunderbird is open source; eM Client is not.
Side by side
 eM Client |  Thunderbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.0 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree version for home users; paid editions and AI add-ons | FreeFree to download and use; supported by donations |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Phone app | Yes | No |
| Best for | Desktop and phone email for home users | Free desktop email with calendar and contacts |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about eM Client vs Thunderbird
- Is Thunderbird better than eM Client?
- Thunderbird ranks higher in our list of email clients (#1 against #5, score 91.0 against 85.0). eM Client is best for: desktop and phone email for home users. Thunderbird is best for: free desktop email with calendar and contacts.
- Which is cheaper, eM Client or Thunderbird?
- eM Client: Free version for home users; paid editions and AI add-ons. Thunderbird: Free to download and use; supported by donations.
- Do eM Client and Thunderbird run on the same platforms?
- eM Client supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Thunderbird supports Windows, macOS, Linux.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
