Email remains at the core of digital communication, whether for business, productivity, or personal organization. However, Mac users often face unique challenges when choosing the right email client—some apps lack support for the latest macOS versions, others fail to integrate seamlessly with productivity tools, and many struggle with performance issues like slow sync speeds or limited offline functionality.
The right Mac email client should do more than just send and receive emails. It should streamline workflows, enhance security, and improve efficiency—whether through AI-driven smart inboxes, end-to-end encryption, or deep integrations with cloud storage and calendar apps. But with so many options available, how do you determine which one is best suited for your needs?
This guide takes an in-depth look at the best email clients for Mac, comparing their features, pros, cons, and special capabilities to help you make an informed choice. Whether you need an email client for work, collaboration, or privacy-focused communication, this article will help you find the best solution for your macOS device.
Mac users often default to Apple Mail or web-based email clients; however, these options may not always provide the most comprehensive experience. Exploring third-party email clients can offer significant advantages:
By considering these factors, Mac users can select an email client that not only meets their basic needs but also enhances their overall productivity and security.
Selecting the right Mac email client requires careful evaluation of multiple factors beyond just sending and receiving emails. From compatibility with macOS updates to AI-driven smart features, the right choice can significantly impact productivity, security, and efficiency. Below are the key considerations to keep in mind.
Not all email clients for Mac perform well across different macOS versions. If you use a Mac with M1 or M2 chips, ensure your email app is optimized for Apple Silicon to benefit from better speed and efficiency. Additionally, check for compatibility with macOS Ventura and newer versions to ensure stability, security, and feature support.
A well-designed Mac email client should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing seamless navigation through inboxes and settings. The design should be clean and uncluttered, making it easy to read and respond to emails. Quick access to essential features, such as folders, search, and reply functions, enhances overall usability.
A fast and efficient email client is essential, especially when managing multiple accounts. Key aspects to consider include:
Seamless integration with other apps is essential for a smooth workflow, especially for professionals who rely on multiple platforms. A good Mac email client should connect with calendars to help manage schedules efficiently, support cloud storage services for easy file attachments, and sync with productivity tools to streamline task management. By integrating with apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Slack, an email client can serve as a central hub for communication and organization, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications.
AI-driven Mac email clients can improve efficiency with:
With increasing concerns about data security, a good Mac email client should offer:
While some Mac email clients are free, others require a paid subscription for advanced features. Free options like Apple Mail and Thunderbird offer essential email management, while premium alternatives like Newton Mail and Airmail provide enhanced features such as priority support, AI-based tools, and advanced security measures. Before choosing, consider whether the paid features justify the cost and align with your workflow needs. If you require high security, automation, or integrations, investing in a premium Mac email client may be worthwhile.
Beyond core email functions, certain special features can enhance productivity:
Below is an updated comparison table of various email clients:
Email Client |
User Interface |
Special Features |
Supported Email Services |
Integration Capabilities |
Cost |
macOS Compatibility |
Apple Mail |
Simple and user-friendly |
None |
All primary email services |
Limited |
Free with macOS |
Yes |
Gmail for Mac |
Similar to web-based Gmail |
None |
Google accounts |
High (Google services) |
Free, Google One subscription for additional features starting at $1.99/month |
Yes |
Spike |
Unique, conversation-based |
Conversational format, |
Most email services |
High |
Free for personal use, business plans start at $7.99/user/month |
Yes |
Outlook |
Traditional, user-friendly |
Smart inbox, customizable swipes |
Google and iCloud accounts |
High |
Free with limited features, full access with Microsoft 365 subscription starting at $6.99/month |
Yes |
Spark |
Modern, user-friendly |
Smart inbox, ability to snooze emails, email follow-up reminders |
Most email services |
High |
Free for personal use, team plans start at $7.99/user/month |
Yes |
Hey |
Unique, user-friendly |
Read receipt blocking, email screening, focus “imbox” |
Hey service |
Limited |
$99/year for personal use, $12/user/month for business use |
Yes |
AirMail |
Modern, customizable |
Google Apps/G-Suite Directory lookup |
All major email accounts |
High |
$9.99 for the macOS app, additional features available for a subscription of $2.99/month or $9.99/year |
Yes |
Postbox |
Visually appealing |
Powerful search function |
Most email services |
High |
$40 for a lifetime license |
Yes |
MailMate |
Minimalist |
Extensive keyboard control, Markdown email composition |
Most email services |
Limited |
$49.99 for a single user license |
Yes |
TwoBird |
Streamlined, user-friendly |
Combines email, notes, tasks, and calendar into a single application |
Gmail and Outlook |
High |
Free for personal use, premium features available with a Notability subscription at $14.99/year |
Yes |
Streamlined, user-friendly |
AI-powered features, read receipts, email snooze, pinning important emails, 1-click unsubscribe, secure encryption, impersonation detection, biometric app lock, data loss prevention |
Manage multiple accounts: Yahoo, Gmail, Office365, Proton, Zoho, iCloud, Exchange, Fastmail, Gsuite, Outlook, Yandex, IMAP |
High |
Canary Mail Pricing |
Yes |
Now, let’s go through the email clients and their features in-depth.
Apple Mail is the default email client for macOS, offering seamless integration with iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and Exchange. Its biggest strength lies in how effortlessly it connects with Apple’s ecosystem, including Calendar, Contacts, and Notes, making it a convenient choice for Mac users.
With a clean, minimalist interface, Apple Mail is ideal for those who prefer a simple, no-frills experience. It includes essential features like smart folders and powerful search, but lacks advanced functionalities such as email scheduling, snooze, or deep customization—which may disappoint power users.
For those who prioritize simplicity, system-wide integration, and a free email client, Apple Mail remains a solid option. However, users needing more flexibility and productivity-enhancing features may find third-party alternatives better suited to their workflow.
Pros:
Cons:
Price: Apple Mail comes pre-installed with macOS, making it a free, cost-effective solution for users in the Apple ecosystem. Unlike third-party email clients that require subscriptions, Apple Mail provides core email functionality without additional costs.
Supported Platforms: Apple Mail is exclusive to Apple devices, including macOS and iOS. Users on Windows or Android will need alternative email solutions.
Integration with Other Tools: Apple Mail seamlessly integrates with iCloud Drive, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes, making it a great choice for those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem. However, third-party tool integration (e.g., Google Drive, Slack) is more limited, which may be a drawback for users relying on cross-platform workflows.
Special Features: Apple Mail offers smart folder organization, powerful search capabilities, and compatibility with major email providers such as iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and Exchange. While it lacks advanced automation and customization, it remains a reliable and functional choice for everyday email management.
User Interface: Apple Mail maintains a clean, familiar interface that aligns with macOS design principles. It prioritizes ease of use, quick navigation, and a clutter-free inbox, making it suitable for both casual users and professionals handling sensitive information.
Security Insights: Apple mail comes with end-to-end encryption for iCloud emails, robust spam filtering, and adherence to strict privacy policies. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your email account remains secure even if login credentials are compromised.
For users deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, Gmail for Mac provides a familiar and efficient way to manage multiple Google accounts, including Gmail and Google Workspace. Its web-based nature ensures seamless access across devices but may not appeal to those who prefer a traditional desktop email client.
Gmail’s strongest advantage lies in its tight integration with Google services, such as Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Docs. Features like offline access, smart replies, and powerful spam filtering further enhance usability. However, while it maintains the recognizable Gmail interface, it lacks advanced customization and desktop-specific.
Pros:
Cons:
Price: Gmail is free and comes with generous storage and essential features. Users needing additional storage or advanced business tools can upgrade to Google Workspace (with a trial period) or Google One, starting at $1.99/month.
Supported Platforms: Gmail is web-based and accessible on any device with a browser, including macOS.
Integration with Other Tools: As part of the Google ecosystem, Gmail seamlessly integrates with Google Drive, Calendar, and Meet. Its extension support also enables easy connectivity with Slack, Trello, and other productivity tools.
Special Features: Key features include offline access, intelligent spam filtering, and seamless multi-account management for Google users.
User Interface: Gmail for Mac retains the same clean, familiar interface as its web version, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices.
Security Insights: Gmail employs TLS encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and proactive phishing protection to safeguard user data. Regular security audits reinforce its strong privacy policies and threat detection capabilities.
Spike reinvents email by transforming it into a chat-like conversation, making communication more intuitive and engaging. Instead of the traditional inbox layout, emails appear as dynamic dialogues, similar to instant messaging.
Beyond email, Spike functions as a productivity hub, integrating built-in notes and tasks directly within the inbox. This makes it a versatile tool for organization, project management, and collaboration, all from one platform.
However, Spike’s Mac app is Electron-based, which may impact performance compared to native Mac software. While this allows cross-platform compatibility, users who prioritize speed and system efficiency may notice differences.
Spike is ideal for those seeking a more fluid, informal email experience, breaking away from traditional email’s rigid structure.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Spike offers a free version for personal use, while business plans start at $7.99 per user/month, catering to different team needs.
Supported Platforms: Available on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and web.
Integration with Other Tools: Spike integrates natively with calendars and cloud storage, while its open ecosystem allows third-party app connections for enhanced flexibility.
Special Features: Includes real-time collaboration, a priority inbox, advanced search, and AI-powered tools.
User Interface: Spike’s conversational email layout offers a refreshing and modern approach to inbox management.
Security Insights: Spike encrypts emails to ensure privacy while also providing protection against phishing and cyber threats. Despite its innovative format, security remains a top priority, offering users peace of mind while communicating.
Microsoft Outlook for Mac has evolved into a feature-rich, versatile email client that seamlessly integrates with Google, iCloud, and Microsoft services. Designed for both individuals and businesses, Outlook offers intelligent email management, customizable workflows, and robust security.
With its focused inbox and customizable swipe gestures, Outlook enhances efficiency, ensuring important emails stay prioritized. However, non-Microsoft 365 subscribers may encounter advertisements, which could be a drawback for those preferring an ad-free experience.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Outlook for Mac is free with limited features. A Microsoft 365 subscription ($6.99/month) unlocks premium features, including advanced security, full integration with Office apps, and an ad-free experience.
Supported Platforms: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web.
Integration with Other Tools: Outlook connects seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Office 365. It also supports third-party services like Dropbox and Zoom, making it adaptable for various workflows.
Special Features: Includes focused inbox, advanced search, calendar integration, task management, and AI-powered insights.
User Interface: Outlook for Mac features Microsoft’s signature clean, professional design, offering a streamlined and intuitive user experience.
Security Insights: Outlook for Mac is backed by enterprise-grade security, offering:
Developed by Readdle, Spark is designed to help users manage email effortlessly with AI-driven organization, productivity-enhancing tools, and seamless third-party integrations. Its smart inbox categorizes emails into sections like Personal, Notifications, and Newsletters, making it easy to prioritize important messages.
Spark also includes snooze functionality and follow-up reminders, ensuring that important emails don’t get lost in the shuffle. For teams, collaborative tools like shared drafts and real-time discussions provide an efficient workflow. However, individual users may find the team-focused features unnecessary.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Spark is free for personal use. For teams, premium plans start at $7.99 per user per month, unlocking additional collaborative features.
Supported Platforms: Available on Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows.
Integration with Other Tools: Spark seamlessly integrates with Mac’s Reminders and Calendar while supporting third-party apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Asana, making email management more efficient.
Special Features: Includes real-time collaboration, personalized notifications, advanced search filters, and AI-powered email prioritization.
User Interface: Designed for efficiency and ease of use, Spark’s interface enables quick actions, smart categorization, and streamlined navigation.
Security Insights: Spark prioritizes user privacy and security with:
Developed by the team behind Basecamp, Hey is an email service that rethinks traditional email management, prioritizing user privacy, control, and organization. Its standout features include read receipt blocking, email screening, and the unique “Imbox,” which ensures only important emails reach your inbox.
Unlike most email clients, Hey requires users to adopt its email service, making it less ideal for those who need integration with multiple existing accounts. However, for users seeking an ad-free, privacy-first email experience, Hey offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Hey offers a straightforward pricing model:
Supported Platforms: Hey is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Web.
Integration with Other Tools: While Hey is primarily self-contained, it integrates natively with Basecamp, enhancing collaboration for teams using both platforms. Future integrations may expand its adaptability.
Special Features: Includes attachment libraries, reply-later reminders, and built-in privacy tools to enhance email management.
Privacy and Security Insights: Hey places a strong emphasis on privacy and security, offering:
AirMail is a highly adaptable email client designed for users who value flexibility and integration. Supporting all major email providers, AirMail offers a customizable interface and seamless connectivity with numerous third-party apps, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional email management.
One of its standout features is the Google Apps/G-Suite Directory lookup, a useful tool for businesses and individuals deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem. Combined with advanced search tools, email snooze options, and a unified inbox, AirMail is designed for efficiency.
However, while it excels in customization and functionality, it may lack the refinement and intuitive design found in some competitors. Users who prioritize a polished, user-friendly experience might find other options more appealing.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing:
Supported Platforms: Available on Mac, iOS, and Android.
Integration with Other Tools: AirMail integrates seamlessly with a variety of productivity and security applications, from cloud storage services to task management tools, making it highly adaptable to different workflows.
Special Features: Includes advanced search capabilities, email snooze, unified inbox, and customizable actions.
Security Insights for AirMail: AirMail places a strong emphasis on security, offering:
Postbox is a visually appealing and feature-rich email client that seamlessly integrates with third-party applications. Designed for users who value aesthetics and efficiency, it offers a clean, immersive interface that enhances the email experience.
A standout feature of Postbox is its powerful search functionality, allowing users to quickly locate emails, attachments, and specific details with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who rely on efficient inbox navigation.
However, despite its strong design and search capabilities, Postbox lacks key features such as Snooze and Send Later, which are commonly found in other email clients. This omission may limit its appeal for users who depend on advanced email management tools. Still, for those who prioritize visual elegance and robust search features, Postbox remains an attractive option.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: One-time purchase: $40 for a lifetime license.
Supported Platforms: Available on Windows and macOS.
Integration with Other Tools: Postbox integrates well with cloud storage services and third-party plugins, ensuring a blend of functionality and design.
Special Features: Includes advanced search filters, quick reply templates, and a customizable interface.
Security Insights for Postbox:Postbox prioritizes security alongside its visual appeal and efficiency, offering:
MailMate is a functionality-driven email client designed for power users who prioritize keyboard shortcuts, Markdown email composition, and advanced search capabilities. Unlike visually polished email clients, MailMate focuses on efficiency and control, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer text-based workflows over graphical interfaces.
One of MailMate’s standout features is its extensive keyboard control, allowing users to navigate, compose, and manage emails with minimal reliance on a mouse. Additionally, Markdown support provides a structured and efficient way to compose emails in plain text, particularly beneficial for those who favor standardized formatting.
However, MailMate’s spartan interface and lack of mainstream features may not appeal to users seeking a visually engaging or feature-rich email client. Instead, it caters to a niche audience that values raw efficiency and customization over aesthetics.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Single-user license: $49.99 (one-time purchase).
Supported Platforms: MacOS only.
Integration with Other Tools: Despite its minimalist approach, MailMate integrates well with third-party productivity apps and automation tools, ensuring a smooth workflow for power users.
Special Features: Includes smart folders, tagging, customizable rules, and extensive IMAP support.
Security Insights for MailMate: MailMate maintains a strong commitment to security with:
Developed by the creators of Notability, TwoBird is a streamlined email client tailored for Gmail and Outlook users. Unlike traditional email apps, TwoBird integrates email, notes, tasks, and calendars into a single cohesive platform, reducing the need for multiple applications and enhancing workflow efficiency.
This all-in-one approach allows users to manage emails, take notes, set reminders, and organize tasks seamlessly, minimizing distractions and boosting productivity. However, its exclusive support for Gmail and Outlook may limit its appeal to users who rely on other email services.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Free for personal use. Premium features available with a Notability subscription ($14.99/year).
Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
Integration with Other Tools: TwoBird’s Notability heritage ensures tight integration with note-taking and task management tools, allowing users to consolidate their digital workspace efficiently.
Special Features: Includes real-time collaboration on notes, reminders, and a minimalist interface for a distraction-free experience.
Security Insights for TwoBird:
Canary Mail redefines email management with its AI-powered capabilities, offering personalized assistance in email composition, inbox organization, and spam filtering. Unlike conventional email clients, Canary Mail learns and adapts to user habits, providing an intelligent and streamlined communication experience.
Beyond AI-driven productivity, Canary Mail is strongly committed to security and privacy. With end-to-end encryption, impersonation detection, and biometric authentication, it ensures confidential and secure communication—all without ads or data mining.
However, while its AI capabilities enhance efficiency, they may require an adjustment period to align with user preferences. Some may find the AI suggestions overly proactive or unnecessary, depending on individual needs.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing: Canary Mail offers various pricing tiers based on features and usage. For more details check the Canary Mail pricing page.
Supported Email Services: Compatible with Yahoo, Gmail, Office 365, Proton, Zoho, iCloud, Exchange, Fastmail, GSuite, Outlook, Yandex, and any IMAP-based service.
Integration with Other Tools: Canary Mail integrates seamlessly with major email services and is designed to adapt to emerging digital tools, ensuring users stay ahead of evolving email trends.
Special Features:
User Interface: Modern, intuitive, and AI-driven, Canary Mail enhances usability with intelligent automation and minimalist design.
Security Insights for Canary Mail
With us, you never have to worry about who has access to your information ever again.
Email security is crucial to protect sensitive information from phishing, hacking, and unauthorized access. Follow these best practices to keep your email safe:
Create complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts. Utilizing a password manager can help manage and generate secure passwords.
Adding a second layer of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, enhances account security by making unauthorized access more difficult.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts. Always verify the legitimacy of the sender before interacting with email content.
Regularly updating your email client and macOS ensures that you have the latest security patches, protecting against known vulnerabilities.
Utilize encryption methods, such as S/MIME certificates, to protect the content of your emails from unauthorized access. Apple’s Mail app supports sending digitally signed and encrypted emails, enhancing communication security.
Implementing these practices can significantly enhance the security of your email communications on macOS.
Choosing the best email client for Mac OS depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. If you value simplicity and seamless integration with your Mac, Apple Mail might be the best choice. If you’re a power user who needs advanced features and integrations, Spark or AirMail could be more suitable.
For those who prefer a conversational approach to email and advanced features, Canary Mail offers a unique and effective solution. If you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, Gmail for Mac or TwoBird could be the best fit.
Ultimately, the best email client for you is the one that enhances your productivity, streamlines your workflow, and makes email management a less daunting task. It’s worth taking the time to explore different options and try out different email clients to see which one works best for you.
Remember, the best email client for you is the one that fits your needs and preferences. Happy emailing!
Find us in Mac App Store or in our Downloads page.
This article was informed by the following sources:
The best free option depends on your needs. Thunderbird is great for customization and privacy, Canary Mail focuses on security with encryption, and Spark offers smart organization features. If you prefer a built-in option, Apple Mail is simple but lacks advanced functionality.
Enable end-to-end encryption (e.g., Canary Mail, ProtonMail), use strong passwords with a manager, and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). Avoid phishing scams by verifying senders before clicking links or opening attachments. Keeping your email client updated also helps prevent security vulnerabilities.
For managing multiple accounts, Outlook is best for business users, Spark offers a unified inbox with smart sorting, and Airmail provides deep customization. Thunderbird supports multiple accounts with advanced filtering, while Apple Mail works well for basic use.
Apple Mail is good for basic email management, especially within the Apple ecosystem. However, third-party clients like Spark, Canary Mail, and Outlook offer better organization, security, and productivity features, making them more suitable for power users.
Some Windows email clients, like Outlook, have macOS versions. Others, such as The Bat! or Windows Mail, require virtualization tools like Parallels or Crossover to run on macOS.