Comparison · Email clients
Mailbird vs Thunderbird: which is better in 2026?
Thunderbird ranks higher in our list of email clients (#1 against #6, score 91.0 against 79.5).
- 79.5Editorial score91.0
- 2Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Mailbird if you want
Several work and personal accounts on a desktop.
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.
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.
- Thunderbird is open source; Mailbird is not.
Side by side
 Mailbird |  Thunderbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 79.5 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to download for Windows and Mac; pricing page lists paid plans | FreeFree to download and use; supported by donations |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Phone app | No | No |
| Best for | Several work and personal accounts on a desktop | Free desktop email with calendar and contacts |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Mailbird vs Thunderbird
- Is Thunderbird better than Mailbird?
- Thunderbird ranks higher in our list of email clients (#1 against #6, score 91.0 against 79.5). Mailbird is best for: several work and personal accounts on a desktop. Thunderbird is best for: free desktop email with calendar and contacts.
- Which is cheaper, Mailbird or Thunderbird?
- Mailbird: Free to download for Windows and Mac; pricing page lists paid plans. Thunderbird: Free to download and use; supported by donations.
- Do Mailbird and Thunderbird run on the same platforms?
- Mailbird supports Windows, macOS. Thunderbird supports Windows, macOS, Linux.