Top 10 Apple Mail Alternatives For Mac Users

What is Apple Mail?

Apple Mail, also known as Mail.app, is the default email client for macOS and iOS devices. It provides seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, supporting iCloud Mail, Gmail, Outlook, and other email services. Key features of Apple Mail include:

• Mail Organization: Smart mailboxes, VIP senders, and threaded conversations.
• Integration: Works with Calendar, Contacts, and Siri.
• Security Features: Native encryption and junk mail filtering.
• Minimalist Interface: A clean, distraction-free email experience.

While Apple Mail is a reliable choice for Mac users, it has limitations that drive users to seek alternatives.

Why Look for an Apple Mail Alternative?

Despite its strengths, Apple Mail has several drawbacks that may hinder productivity:

• Limited Advanced Features: No built-in email tracking, read receipts, or AI-powered assistance.
• Performance Issues: Users report slow search functionality and sync delays.
• Lack of Customization: Limited UI personalization and workflow automation.
• Compatibility Concerns: Works best within Apple’s ecosystem but lacks deep integration with third-party services like Gmail, Outlook, or task managers.
• Security Limitations: Lacks built-in end-to-end encryption for all emails.

If these limitations affect your workflow, considering an alternative email client might be the right choice.

Top 10 Apple Mail Alternatives in 2025

In this article, we’ll explore some top picks for Apple Mail alternatives that can help you become more productive and safer on the web.

1. Canary Mail

 

Canary Mail is a privacy-focused email client designed for Mac users who prioritize security and productivity. It offers robust encryption, phishing detection, and AI-powered features that streamline email management. With its latest AI-based feature, Inbox CoPilot, users can generate emails based on context and retrieve important information from their inbox effortlessly. Canary Mail is particularly beneficial for users who require email tracking, simplified organization, and an ad-free experience.

Key Features:

• Inbox CoPilot (AI Assistance): Allows users to compose emails with contextual AI suggestions and retrieve information through conversational queries.
• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures emails remain private and secure from unauthorized access.
• Read Receipts & Email Tracking: Notifies users when recipients open their emails.
• One-Click Unsubscribe: Simplifies the process of managing unwanted emails.
• Snooze Emails: Enables users to temporarily remove emails from the inbox and receive them later at a scheduled time.
• Phishing & Impersonation Detection: Identifies and flags potential phishing attempts and suspicious emails.
• Minimalist Interface: Provides a clean, distraction-free email experience.

Pros:

• Strong focus on security and encryption.
• AI-powered inbox management.
• Efficient email tracking and scheduling features.
• Intuitive and user-friendly design.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
• Limited third-party integrations compared to other clients.

Use Cases:

• Users who require enhanced security and privacy.
• Professionals managing high email volumes.
• Individuals looking for AI-driven email management.

Pricing:
Canary Mail offers a free version with basic functionality. The premium plan is available for $20 per year, providing access to additional features.

2. Spark

 

Spark is a feature-rich email client developed by Readdle, known for its intelligent email organization and team collaboration tools. It categorizes emails into sections such as newsletters, pinned, and unread, ensuring better inbox management. With productivity-enhancing tools like smart notifications, follow-up reminders, and seamless task integration, Spark is ideal for individuals and teams who need an efficient email workflow.

Key Features:

• Smart Inbox: Automatically sorts emails into categories for better organization.
• Send Later & Email Snooze: Allows users to schedule emails and temporarily remove them from their inbox.
• Email Collaboration: Spark for Teams enables shared inboxes, email discussions, and private comments.
• Customizable Swipe Gestures: Provides quick actions for managing emails efficiently.
• Third-Party App Integrations: Supports apps like Todoist, Trello, and Dropbox.
• Smart Notifications: Reduces email distractions by prioritizing important messages.

Pros:

• Smart categorization for improved inbox management.
• Strong team collaboration features.
• Intuitive interface with extensive customization options.

Cons:

• Requires access to more user data than some competitors.
• Some advanced features are locked behind the premium plan.

Use Cases:

• Teams that need collaborative email tools.
• Professionals who handle a high volume of emails.
• Users looking for a balance between productivity and usability.

Pricing:
Spark is free for Mac and iOS. A premium version with additional features costs $7.99 per month.

3. Outlook

 

 

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client offering seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services. It provides an advanced set of tools for email organization, task management, and scheduling. With features like the Focused Inbox and extensive third-party integrations, Outlook is well-suited for business and enterprise users.

Key Features:

• Focused Inbox: Prioritizes important emails by filtering out less relevant messages.
• Calendar & Task Integration: Syncs with Google, iCloud, and Microsoft calendars.
• Robust Security: Uses enterprise-grade encryption and security protocols.
• Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration: Works efficiently with OneNote, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Email Rules & Automation: Allows users to automate email sorting and replies.

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set for business users.
• Strong integration with Microsoft services.
• Secure and reliable platform.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to extensive features.
• Higher cost compared to other alternatives.

Use Cases:

• Business professionals and enterprises.
• Users who rely on Microsoft 365 services.
• Individuals needing a powerful email and calendar management tool.

Pricing:
Outlook is included in a Microsoft 365 subscription starting at $69.99 per year or available as a standalone purchase for $139.99.

4. Airmail

 

Airmail is a highly customizable email client known for its sleek design and integration with various third-party applications. It supports multiple email services and provides advanced features like snoozing, automation, and workflow customization.

Key Features:

• Third-Party Integrations: Connects with apps like Evernote, Trello, and Google Drive.
• Snooze & Send Later: Delays emails and schedules outgoing messages.
• Customizable UI & Workflow Automation: Offers personalization for an optimized experience.
• Lightweight Built-in To-Do List: Allows basic task management within the app.

Pros:

• Extensive customization options.
• Supports a wide range of email providers.
• Smooth user interface with automation features.

Cons:

• Interface may feel complex for beginners.
• Some features require a paid subscription.

Use Cases:

• Users who prefer UI customization and workflow automation.
• Professionals who integrate emails with task management tools.

Pricing:
Airmail’s core features are free. The Pro subscription costs $29.99 per year.

5. Post Box

 

Postbox is a power-user-oriented email client designed for professionals who need advanced email management. It offers a familiar Apple Mail-like interface but enhances functionality with better search, email templates, and organization tools.

Key Features:

• Advanced Search Tools: Quickly find emails, attachments, and contacts.
• Unified Inbox: Combines multiple email accounts into a single view.
• Email Templates & Responses: Saves time by reusing common email replies.
• Robust Organizational Tools: Uses tags, folders, and automation rules. 

Pros:

• Efficient search and email organization.
• Supports multiple email accounts.
• Clean and professional interface.

Cons:

• Lacks essential features like snooze and send later.
• Fewer integrations compared to competitors.

Use Cases:

• Users who need powerful email search and categorization.
• Professionals managing multiple email accounts.

Pricing:
Postbox is available for a one-time purchase of $49 per user.

6. Thunderbird

 

 

Thunderbird is an open-source, free email client developed by Mozilla. It offers a traditional email experience with strong organizational tools, customizable add-ons, and built-in security features. While its interface may appear outdated, it remains a highly functional alternative to Apple Mail, particularly for users who prefer a non-proprietary solution with extensive customization options.

Key Features:

• Robust Email Organization: Supports folders, tags, and automation rules.
• Add-On Support: Extensible functionality with third-party plugins.
• Built-in Spam & Phishing Protection: Blocks suspicious emails and remote images.
• Smart Folders: Combines multiple inboxes for a unified view.
• Encryption & Security Features: Supports OpenPGP encryption for secure communications.
  

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source.
• Highly customizable with extensions.
• Strong privacy and security features.

Cons:

• Interface looks outdated compared to modern clients.
• Lacks real-time syncing capabilities.
• Limited integration with external productivity tools.

Use Cases:

• Users looking for a free, privacy-focused email client.
• Individuals who prefer an open-source alternative to proprietary software.
• Those who need extensive customization through add-ons.

Pricing:
Thunderbird is free to use on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

7. eM Client

 

eM Client is a feature-rich email client available for both Mac and Windows users. It offers an intuitive interface, powerful email organization tools, and integrated productivity features such as a calendar, task manager, and contacts app. Designed for both personal and business use, eM Client provides a seamless experience for managing multiple email accounts efficiently.

Key Features:

• Advanced Email Organization: Includes folders, tags, and rules for automation.
• Integrated Calendar & Task Manager: Helps users manage schedules and to-do lists.
• Built-in Email Encryption: Ensures secure communication.
• Snooze & Email Scheduling: Provides better control over incoming and outgoing emails.
• Powerful Search Tools: Quickly finds emails, attachments, and contacts.

Pros:

• Modern and intuitive interface.
• Strong email organization and productivity features.
• Encryption and security features built-in.

Cons:

• Does not support third-party plugins.
• The full feature set requires a paid license.

Use Cases:

• Professionals managing multiple email accounts.
• Business users who require calendar and task management integration.
• Individuals looking for a balance between functionality and ease of use.

Pricing:
A single license costs $49.95, or $119.95 with lifetime upgrades.

8. HEY

 

HEY is an innovative email client that takes a different approach to email management. Rather than allowing any sender to reach your inbox, HEY introduces “The Screener,” which lets users approve or deny senders before receiving emails. The app is designed to reduce email overload and improve organization by automatically categorizing messages into different sections.

Key Features:

• The Screener: Allows users to approve or block senders before receiving emails.
• Three-Category Inbox: Separates emails into “The Inbox,” “The Feed,” and “The Paper Trail” for better organization.
• Reply Later Feature: Helps users manage responses efficiently.
• Customizable Reminders & Subject Renaming: Enhances organization and follow-up capabilities.
• Privacy-Focused: Blocks email tracking attempts and prioritizes user privacy.

Pros:

• Unique approach to email filtering and organization.
• Strong privacy features with tracking prevention.
• No advertisements or distractions.

Cons:

• Requires a new @hey.com email address.
• Lacks customization and shortcut options.
• No free version available.

Use Cases:

• Users who receive a high volume of emails and want better control.
• Individuals who value privacy and email filtering.
• Those looking for a distraction-free email experience.

Pricing:
HEY requires an annual subscription fee of $99.

9. Boxy

 

Boxy Suite 2 is a dedicated macOS email application designed for users who rely on Google services. Unlike traditional email clients, Boxy Suite 2 is a refined wrapper for Gmail, offering a clean, native macOS experience with additional features like dark mode, email tracking detection, and improved navigation.

Key Features:

• Optimized Gmail Interface: Maintains Google’s UI with macOS enhancements.
• Dark Mode & Reader Mode: Improves readability and reduces eye strain.
• Email Tracking Detection: Alerts users about tracking attempts in emails.
• Seamless Google Services Integration: Works with Google Calendar, Keep, and Contacts.
• Easy Account Switching: Simplifies managing multiple Gmail accounts.\

Pros:

• Familiar Gmail experience with added macOS optimizations.
• Supports dark mode and enhanced reading options.
• Simple and lightweight compared to full-featured email clients.

Cons:

• Limited customization beyond Google’s default features.
• Requires a subscription for continued use.

Use Cases:

• Gmail users looking for a better Mac-native experience.
• Individuals who rely on Google’s ecosystem.
• Those who prefer a minimalistic and distraction-free email client.

Pricing:
Boxy Suite 2 offers a two-week free trial. The full version costs $39 per year.

10. TwoBird

 

 

Twobird is a streamlined email client developed by the team behind Notability. It provides a chat-like email experience, integrating notes, tasks, and calendars into one interface. This lightweight email application is designed to reduce distractions and improve productivity, particularly for Gmail and Outlook users.

Key Features:

• Integrated Calendar & Task Management: Combines emails, tasks, and scheduling in a single app.
• Chat-Like Email Interface: Makes reading and replying to emails feel more conversational.
• Minimalist Design: Reduces distractions for focused communication.
• Smart Notifications: Alerts users only for important messages.
• Unified Search: Quickly finds emails, notes, and tasks.

Pros:

• Simple and efficient email organization.
• Built-in notes and task management features.
• Lightweight and easy to use.

Cons:

• Limited customization and integrations.
• Not suitable for users who need advanced email features.
• Lacks support for iCloud email accounts.

Use Cases:

• Users who want a lightweight, distraction-free email client.
• Professionals who prefer integrating email and task management.
• Gmail and Outlook users seeking an alternative to traditional email apps.

Pricing:
Twobird is free to use.

Comparison Table

Email Client	Security & Privacy	Productivity Features	Customization	Pricing
Canary Mail	Encrypted emails, phishing detection	AI-powered inbox, snooze, read receipts	Minimalist UI	Free & $20/year
Spark	Standard encryption	Smart inbox, team collaboration, scheduling	Custom swipe gestures	Free & $7.99/month
Outlook	Microsoft security protocols	Focused inbox, calendar integration	Extensive integrations	Part of Microsoft 365
Airmail	Standard encryption	Snooze, send later, workflow automation	Customizable UI	Free & premium plan
Postbox	Standard encryption	Advanced search, templates	Flexible organization	One-time purchase
Mailspring	Standard encryption	Read receipts, link tracking	Custom themes	Free & premium plan
MailMate	PGP encryption	Markdown support, extensive keyboard shortcuts	Minimalist UI	One-time purchase
eM Client	PGP encryption	Calendar, tasks, contacts	Custom themes	Free & pro version
Thunderbird	Open-source encryption	Extensions, RSS feeds	Highly customizable	Free
Polymail	Standard encryption	Email tracking, scheduling	Workflow automation	Free & premium plan

Conclusion

While Apple Mail is a popular email client for Mac users, there are a variety of alternatives available that offer unique features and improved functionality.

It’s worth exploring these options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a more efficient way to manage your inbox, better organization tools, or advanced security features, the alternatives to Apple Mail provide a range of options to enhance your email experience on your Mac.

Check out: AI email writer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Mail Alternatives

What is the best alternative to Apple Mail for Mac users?

Canary Mail and Spark are top alternatives, offering AI-powered features, smart inbox organization, and enhanced security.

Is there a free alternative to Apple Mail?

Yes, Thunderbird, eM Client (free version), and Mailspring provide robust email management without a subscription.

Which Apple Mail alternative has the best security features?

Canary Mail offers end-to-end encryption, phishing detection, and a zero-access encryption model for maximum privacy.

Can I use Outlook as an Apple Mail replacement?

Yes, Microsoft Outlook is a powerful alternative with advanced email organization, calendar integration, and cross-platform support.

What’s the best Apple Mail alternative for business users?

Spark for Teams and Polymail are ideal for businesses, featuring collaboration tools, email tracking, and workflow automation.