If you're still bouncing between tabs in a web browser on your macOS to check messages on different email accounts, you're missing out on what the best email clients for Mac now offer.
The future of email isn’t just about sending and receiving; it’s about smart sorting, faster workflows, and privacy-first tools that help you focus, not scramble.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top email apps built specifically for macOS. We tested them on real machines, tracked what improves daily email management, and narrowed it down to 11 standout options so that you can find the right fit for your workflow.
TL;DR: Top Email Clients for Mac OS Clients
Why You Need an Email Client for Mac
While webmail does the job, it’s not built for macOS performance, privacy, or deep workflow integration. Web-based email interfaces often miss speed, offline access, and advanced tools.
Whether juggling multiple accounts or trying to stay organized, switching tabs in a browser slows you down. A dedicated email client designed for Apple devices can take your inbox from functional to powerful.
The Mac ecosystem brings an edge, and the best email clients for Mac can integrate with your calendar, notifications, and system-wide shortcuts. You can work faster with desktop-level search, local storage, and streamlined access to essential features. Some even let you trigger smart replies, manage threads, and even send from external aliases without leaving your desktop.
And then there’s privacy. Many modern email clients now come with built-in PGP encryption, tracker blocking, and phishing protection, giving you more control than most webmail platforms ever could.
So, if you want a faster, smarter, and more secure way to manage mail on Mac, a dedicated client isn’t just better; it’s necessary.
The 11 Best Email Clients for Mac in 2025
Switching to a dedicated Mac email client can be a game-changer if you're juggling multiple inboxes or just tired of the slow sync and limited features in standard options.
No more relying on patched-together plugins or outdated layouts. Below are the top 11 smarter, faster options to manage your inbox with state-of-the-art technology, including AI-assisted replies and encrypted communication.
1. Canary Mail: Best Overall Mac email client
Rating: 4.7
For professionals overwhelmed by endless emails, security risks, and a cluttered inbox, Canary Mail stands out as one of the best email clients for Mac.
Designed for users who value privacy and productivity, this Mac email client combines cutting-edge AI features with industry-grade end-to-end encryption.
Manage multiple accounts like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo in one sleek, unified, intelligent experience. Whether you're handling client outreach or tracking support tickets, the built-in follow-up reminders, email scheduling, and smart mailboxes streamline your workflow and improve productivity.
Now, cut through the inbox chaos with a smart sorting engine that prioritizes incoming messages and flags urgent conversations. The AI email assistant saves time drafting personalized replies with natural language suggestions.
Lastly, Canary Mail doesn’t just help you stay organized; it also protects your data like no other mail app. With Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption and impersonation detection, this email client protects you from countless cyber threats and phishing attempts.
A verified user G2 reviews Canary Mail as the “Best Email Client Thus Far.” Another user writes, “[i]n the sea of subpar email clients, Canary is the wave you want to be surfing,” claiming that “most clients try and sell you on their innovation but can't get the basics right; [while] Canary is not like the others.”
Pros
- Industry-leading end-to-end encryption with an accessible interface
- AI-powered email organization and priority detection
- Natural language search capabilities that surface important messages fast
- Impersonation detection for phishing prevention and spoofing
- Compatible with Yahoo, Gmail, Office 365, Proton, Zoho, iCloud, Exchange, Fastmail, GSuite, Outlook, Yandex, and any IMAP-based service
Cons
- Some advanced features, like AI compose and summarize, require a subscription.
- There's a learning curve for those unfamiliar with enhanced security features.
Special Features:
- AI-powered email assistance
- Read receipts & email snooze
- End-to-end encryption & biometric security
- Impersonation detection & data loss prevention
Security Insights for Canary Mail
- End-to-end encryption protects emails from unauthorized access.
- No ads, no data mining to ensure a privacy-first experience.
- Advanced security features safeguard against phishing, impersonation, and email fraud.
Pricing
Canary Mail offers a free version with premium plans starting at $3//month.
2. Apple Mail: Best Email App Default Option for Apple Ecosystem Users
Rating: 3.9
You already have one of the best email clients for Mac preinstalled on every Apple device: Apple Mail. As a native mail app, it syncs effortlessly with Calendar, Contacts, and Notes, making it ideal for users who want simplicity without setup hassles.
It supports all your Gmail accounts, Outlook, Yahoo, and more, and includes essentials like smart mailboxes, fast search, and Mail Privacy Protection. The clean user interface makes it especially appealing to personal and Gmail users who prefer a no-frills inbox.
Pros
- Native integration with macOS apps and services
- Reliable support for major email providers
- Clean, beginner-friendly design
- Completely free
Cons
- Limited customization for power users
Pricing
Apple Mail is free and comes pre-installed on devices using macOS.
3. Gmail: Best Email App for Google-Centric Users on Mac
Rating: 4.8
Gmail remains one of the best email clients for Mac users already living inside Google’s ecosystem. Accessible via any browser or lightweight Mac app wrapper, it offers a clean user interface, intelligent categorization, and powerful search powered by the same engine that runs Google itself.
From handling multiple accounts to scheduling emails, enabling smart replies, auto-labeling, etc. Gmail helps users stay organized with minimal effort. Its native integration with Calendar, Contacts, Drive, and Meet makes it more than just an email app; it’s a complete email service ecosystem.
Pros
- Smoothly manages multiple Google accounts with a unified experience
- Familiar interface for Gmail users, reducing the learning curve
- Deep integration with Google services like Drive, Meet, and Calendar
- Completely free version, with upgrade options via Google One
Cons
- Primarily browser-based, which may not suit users preferring a desktop mail app.
- Limited customization and lacks some advanced features that power users seek
Pricing
Gmail itself is free for personal use. For business use, you'll need a Google Workspace subscription, which starts at $6/user/month.
4. Spike: Best Mac Email Client for Conversational Communication
Rating: 4.7
Spike turns your inbox into a chat-style experience, replacing cluttered threads with clean, real-time conversations. It supports major email services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, with a unified inbox to manage all your accounts in one place.
You also get a built-in calendar, task management, collaborative notes, etc. AI assistant helps businesses drive customer service excellence by summarizing emails, writing quick replies, and organizing important messages in one streamlined mail app.
Pros
- Transforms your email app into a real-time, chat-like interface
- Includes built-in calendar, notes, and task tools for seamless workflow management
- AI features help summarize, organize, and even write emails
- Supports major email services and works across devices
Cons
- The chat-style format may not appeal to users who prefer traditional folders and layouts.
- Limited advanced privacy controls (e.g., no native PGP encryption) compared to other clients.
Pricing
Spike offers a free version with premium plans starting at $5/user/month.
5. Microsoft Outlook: Best Mac Email Client for Microsoft 365 Power Users
Rating: 4.5
The Mac’s Outlook version has evolved significantly over the past decade, with a faster user interface, focused inbox, and support for Gmail, iCloud, and IMAP accounts. However, built to sync with Microsoft 365, this email client is ideal for users who want to manage complex workflows, schedule emails, and stay organized without switching apps.
Outlook also supports scheduling emails, smart filters, and notifications to keep high-priority messages front and center. And with Microsoft Copilot, users can now summarize long emails, generate replies, and draft messages directly from the Mac app.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365 services like Calendar, To Do, and OneDrive
- Handles large mailboxes, complex rules, and server-side filters
- Seamlessly syncs with major providers, including Gmail and iCloud
- Offers robust organizational tools
- Built-in Copilot AI helps draft and summarize emails
Cons
- Heavier interface compared to minimalist email apps
- Some features and AI tools are locked behind paid Microsoft 365 plans
Pricing
Outlook is free to use; however, some premium features are available with a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, starting at $19.99 per year.
6. Spark: Best Mac Email App for Focused Productivity and Team Work
Rating: 4.7
Spark is one of the best email clients for Mac for users who want to stay focused, move fast, and collaborate without sacrificing design or usability. With a minimalist inbox, intelligent sorting, and real-time team tools, Spark helps you stay on top of important messages and manage your day efficiently.
You can connect all your major email accounts, quickly search across emails, and even write emails as a team. Spark also provides email scheduling, follow-up reminders, and templates, making it a favorite for personal use and light team workflows alike.
Pros
- Smart Inbox that auto-prioritizes important emails
- Built-in collaboration tools like shared drafts, comments, and send-as-a-team
- Sleek, intuitive app interface optimized for productivity
- Syncs across devices and works with all major email clients and providers
Cons
- Most advanced features, including AI tools, require a paid subscription, which pushes users to look for Spark alternatives.
- Limited server-level customization for enterprise teams
Pricing
Spark offers a free version with premium plans starting at $7.99/month.
7. Hey: Best App for Total Inbox Control and Privacy-First Email
Rating: 4.3
Hey revamp from the ground up makes it a powerful candidate for the best email clients for Mac. Instead of accepting every email, Hey screens senders before they land in your inbox and sorts them into smart views like:
- Imbox (important)
- Feed (newsletters)
- Paper Trail (receipts)
- Collections (for grouped threads).
The redesigned composer lets you write offline, schedule sends via SMTP (for [email protected] addresses), and auto-suggest contacts.
You can now use multiple accounts, toggle between personal and work inboxes, and even use the built-in calendar to plan, reflect, and manage events.
Hey still blocks trackers, skips spam, and never relies on the Gmail API. It’s a clean, self-contained app that keeps your data safe without plug-ins or extensions.
Pros
- Screens every sender before they reach your inbox
- Built-in calendar with journaling and event linking
- Shared Threads and Collections for collaborative workflows
- Send from external addresses without using @hey.com
- Fast search, clean design, no trackers or ads
Cons
- Requires using Hey’s system, even for external addresses
- No integrations or developer-facing API
Pricing
Hey offers a free trial with plans starting at $99/year.
8. AirMail: Best Mac App for Customizable, Fast Mail Management
Rating: 4.5
AirMail stands out among Mac's top email clients because of its unmatched customization. In addition to receiving emails from all major providers into one unified inbox, the smart folders, custom actions, and color-coded views allow you to tailor the app to your workflow.
You can choose from light or dark themes, create custom swipe gestures, and integrate with external apps like Fantastical, OmniFocus, Dropbox, etc. Airmail also offers privacy features, including local data processing, tracking protection, and interactive notifications, which allow you to archive, reply to, or mark items without opening the app.
Pros
- Deep customization: swipe gestures, themes, smart folders
- Quick access via interactive notifications
- Integrates seamlessly with services like Fantastical and OmniFocus
- Local-only privacy mode blocks trackers and keeps data on your device
Cons
- The complete feature set requires a Pro subscription
- It can feel overwhelming to set up compared to simpler apps
Pricing
The Airmail Pro subscription has two options:
- $9.99/month with a 3-day free trial
- $29.99/year
9. eM Client: Best Full-Featured Email Management
Rating: 4.2
eM Client brings a lot to the table with its all-in-one software suite that combines mail, calendar, contacts, notes, and chat in a clean interface. Fast setup for Gmail, Exchange, iCloud, and IMAP makes it easy to manage everything from one place.
You can use its built-in AI to reply, translate text, and summarize threads. It also includes PGP encryption, read receipts, anti-tracking, and local data storage, making it a serious productivity tool.
Pros
- Combines mail, calendar, notes, and chat into one streamlined app
- AI helps draft responses and summarize threads
- Local data storage with full access to legacy email archives
- Built-in PGP encryption and privacy features
- Free plan available with full core functionality
Cons
- Free version limited to two mail accounts
- Importing old accounts or data can take some setup time
Pricing
eM Client offers a free version with two purchase options:
- Yearly subscription starting at $19.95/year
- One-time purchase starting at $29.95
10. Mailspring: Best Open‑ Email App for Fast, Cross‑Platform Workflow
Rating: 3.8
Mailspring delivers a polished software experience for anyone managing multiple accounts. You get a fast unified inbox, advanced search, signature templates, and gesture support. The built-in Gmail API access via IMAP/SMTP ensures reliable access, high sync speed, and seamless handling of email reception without requiring a browser.
Free users benefit from unlimited accounts, while the Pro tier unlocks analytics like read receipts, link tracking, send later, reminders to follow up, and rich contact card views.
Pros
- Sleek interface with touch and gesture controls
- Unified view for all email accounts, synced across platforms
- Intelligent features like signature templates and read/list tracking
- Open‑ core with optional Pro tools
Cons
- Advanced features require a subscription
- Doesn’t work with Gmail-specific category tabs
Pricing
Subscribe to Mailspring Pro at a flat rate of $8/month.
11. Mozilla Thunderbird: Best Free, Open‑ Mac Email Powerhouse
Rating: 4.4
Mozilla Thunderbird offers a rich, desktop‑grade experience that's hard to beat at no cost. It arrives as a full mail client with built‑in calendar, chat, and RSS feed support without ever using a browser.
Thunderbird manages IMAP, POP3, Exchange, Gmail API, and multiple accounts in one place and delivers flexible searching, tagging, and folder management. Its security is a standout with native OpenPGP encryption, which simplifies signing and encrypting messages, and AutoCrypt support makes encryption more accessible.
Recent updates include improved UI, tweakable notifications, and lightweight enterprise policy capabilities. Thunderbird’s open‑ nature means developers can add functionality easily via extensions.
Pros
- Free, open‑ client with a full calendar, chat, and feed reader
- Built‑in OpenPGP encryption and AutoCrypt for secure communications
- Handles all major server types, including Gmail API, IMAP, POP3, and Exchange, with ease
- Extensible by developers through a rich ecosystem of add‑ons
Cons
- The interface can feel dated compared to modern mail apps
- Advanced encryption setup (keys, signing) may require some technical steps
Pricing
It’s free to use for all.
How We Evaluated These Email Clients
To build this list, we didn’t just compare landing pages; we tested each email app on real Mac machines, including Apple Silicon (M1/M2) and Intel-based devices. We checked how well each client handled real inboxes, from Gmail and iCloud to IMAP and Exchange.
Our evaluation criteria included:
- Performance
- Design
- AI & smart tools availability
- Security & privacy control features
- Customization options
- Integrations
- Access & compatibility with macOS
- Pricing
We also factored in public feedback, pulling reviews from G2 and Capterra, Reddit threads, and forum discussions, to understand what people like and what gets in the way.
Smart Email Management with the Right Mac Client
Your inbox deserves better than laggy webmail tabs or a one-size-fits-all default. Whether running a lean solo practice, managing multiple accounts, or looking to improve your customer service tools for small businesses, the right Mac email client can make every message count.
Want speed? Go for Spark. Craving privacy? Try Hey or Thunderbird. Need AI-powered organization and security in one place? Canary Mail checks all the boxes, and it’s built for professionals who take communication seriously.
Remember, the best email client for you is the one that fits your needs and preferences.
Level up your email game by giving Canary Mail a shot for free and see how much easier customer conversations (and everything else) can be.
FAQs
What is the best email provider for Mac?
If you're looking purely at providers, Gmail and iCloud are excellent for Mac thanks to deep integration and reliable performance. But for the best overall experience, it’s less about the provider and more about the email client you choose to manage your inbox. For professionals seeking speed, security, and smart AI features, Canary Mail delivers a better all-in-one experience than standard webmail.
What email client does Mac use?
macOS comes preloaded with Apple Mail, a basic email client built to integrate with Calendar, Contacts, and Notes. It’s functional, clean, and free, but may lack advanced features and deep customization options.
What email works best with Apple?
If you stay within the Apple ecosystem, iCloud and Apple Mail are the most straightforward combination. But if you're using Gmail or Outlook and want better features, clients like Canary Mail, Spark, or Airmail offer smoother performance and more flexibility on Mac.
What is the best Gmail client for Mac?
Canary Mail is one of the best email clients for Gmail on Mac, given its Gmail API integration, advanced AI features, and unified inbox. Other great picks include Spark for collaboration or Mailspring for lightweight speed.
Is Apple Mail better than Gmail?
It depends. Apple Mail is a solid email client for macOS because it’s free, integrates well with other Mac apps, and keeps things simple. However, Gmail (the provider), paired with a third-party mail client like Canary Mail or Spark, can offer more features like AI assistance, advanced filtering, and smart sorting.