Comparative analysis of Apple Mail and Outlook: features, user experience, and integration capabilities to determine the best email client.
Alex Simmons | Jan 1, 2024 | 6 mins read
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If you’re reading this article, you’re likely trying to decide whether to choose Apple Mail or Outlook as your primary email client. You may already be using one of these two email providers and wondering whether switching to the other is the right move for you.
💡 Currently, Apple Mail, Gmail, and Outlook are the three most popular email clients on the market. Apple Mail’s market share is the biggest at 55.64%, followed by Gmail (31.16%) and Outlook (4.45%).
Although there’s a huge drop in the user base between Apple Mail and Outlook, Outlook is still one of the most popular and widely used email clients on the market. In this article, we make a quick yet detailed comparison between these two email clients to help you make an informed decision.
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Instead of going through a lengthy comparison, let’s get straight to the point. Which is better, Outlook or Apple Mail? Which one should you choose?
Although the main difference between Gmail and Apple Mail is clear (one integrates with the Microsoft Office 365 suite while the other seamlessly synchronizes with the Apple ecosystem), there are many other aspects you can compare when choosing between Outlook vs. Apple Mail.
Here are the main differences between Apple Mail and Outlook in various categories.
Introduced by Apple as part of its macOS and iOS operating systems, Apple Mail has been a favorite among Apple device users. Apple Mail integrates seamlessly across all Apple devices and apps. If you’re using the Apple ecosystem, from iCloud to Calendars and Notes on various macOS and iOS devices, Apple Mail is a great choice.
Outlook, on the other hand, is a free email provider by Microsoft that seamlessly integrates with other apps from the Microsoft Office 365 suite. Microsoft Outlook combines email, calendar, contacts, attachments, and more useful apps required in an office tool suite.
Here are Apple Mail’s main features:
Here are some of Outlook’s main features for a quick comparison:
Overall, Microsoft Outlook offers more features and integrations than Apple Mail and is also more versatile and easily accessible from any device.
🏆 Verdict: Microsoft Outlook takes the crown in terms of features.
Apple Mail offers a sleek, modern design that can sometimes sacrifice the user experience for the sake of aesthetics. It also provides a unified inbox for users with multiple accounts, which is great for email organization, although it falls short in terms of interface customization options.
On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook is known for its functionality over form. It offers a lot of different features, which may make the layout feel a bit cluttered to some users. However, it compensates for this with greater customization options, allowing users to choose different themes, colors, and fonts.
The main difference between Apple Mail and Outlook is that Apple Mail works only on Apple devices, while Outlook works on any device and operating system. It’s available as a web app accessible from any web browser, a desktop app for your Mac or Windows computer, and a mobile app for iOS and Android.
🏆 Verdict: Microsoft Outlook takes the crown in terms of user experience thanks to its customization options and versatility.
While none of the two email clients offer ChatGPT-powered email writing capabilities or have launched an official AI email assistant, they do have some AI-driven features for faster email management.
For instance, Outlook’s Focused Inbox, driven by AI, sorts emails by importance, helping you to prioritize your inbox effectively. Additionally, its Calendar Insights feature uses AI algorithms to optimize your schedule, suggesting meeting times and providing insights about your contacts.
On the other hand, Apple Mail integrates with Siri, which allows users to use voice commands for actions like email dictation and searches within the mailbox. It also offers Smart Search, which is an AI-driven search functionality that predicts user needs and speeds up the email search process.
🏆 Verdict: Apple Mail takes the crown in terms of AI capabilities thanks to its voice search capabilities.
Both Apple Mail and Outlook offer strong email privacy and security features but in slightly different ways.
For instance, Apple Mail offers standard security features like end-to-end encryption, as well as spam and phishing protection. What’s more, it allows users to hide their email so they can send and receive emails without sharing their real address.
On the other hand, Outlook incorporates several security features to enhance email safety, including the TLS protocol for email transit and restrictions on scripting to prevent malicious use. It also offers protection against dangerous attachments, phishing, and spam through blocking and filtering mechanisms.
For Microsoft 365 subscribers, Outlook.com offers advanced security features like additional screening of attachments and links in messages, which use advanced detection techniques to protect against viruses, malware, and phishing scams.
🏆 Verdict: Outlook takes the crown in terms of email privacy.
Both Outlook and Apple Mail are free to use. You can download Apple Mail to use on your Mac or iPhone. On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook is easily accessible via any browser or downloadable as an app on your Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android device.
Since Outlook is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, you can update to a premium version that gives you access to other tools within the Microsoft 365 suite. Microsoft 365 offers different plans tailored to individuals, families, and businesses. The personal plan starts at $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
🏆Verdict: It’s a tie. Both Outlook and Apple Mail are free to use.
Greater customization options, allowing users to choose different themes, colors, and fonts
In summary, both Apple Mail and Outlook offer a great user experience and some handy features. Your choice between the two will likely depend on your specific needs.
Apple Mail will be a better choice if you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want an email client that seamlessly syncs across all your devices. However, if you’re looking for a tool suite rather than solely an email client, or if you’re already using the Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook will be a better option.
Both email clients are popular among users. The main difference between them is that Apple Mail is solely an email client, while Outlook integrates with a much bigger office tool suite.
In the end, the choice between Apple Mail and Outlook boils down to individual needs and preferences.
❓ Is it better to use Apple Mail or Outlook?
Whether it’s better to use Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook will depend on your specific needs and conditions.
For instance, if you’re a dedicated Apple user and you’re looking for an email app that can seamlessly synchronize across all your Apple devices, Apple Mail will be a great choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a tool suite rather than solely an email client, or if you’re already using the Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook will be a better option.
❓ Does Apple Mail support Outlook?
Yes, Apple Mail supports Outlook by allowing users to set up their Outlook accounts within the app. These accounts include addresses that end with @outlook.com, @live.com, and @hotmail.com.
❓ Can I use Microsoft 365 with Apple Mail?
The answer is yes and no. Since Apple Mail offers a unified inbox and allows users to connect multiple email accounts from various providers, you can use your Microsoft Outlook account on your Apple Mail app. However, you won’t be able to use the rest of the tools from the Microsoft 365 suite with Apple Mail, as they only work with an Outlook account.
I have always been fascinated by the world of SaaS and technology. From a young age, I found myself drawn to the endless possibilities that email technology offers. The ability to connect with people across the globe and streamline communication processes is something that truly excites me. As a passionate individual, I am constantly seeking new ways to leverage SaaS and email technology to enhance productivity and drive innovation.
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