Apple Mail alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Apple Mail: only runs on Apple devices, and rules and search are basic compared with power-user clients. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Apple Mail, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Spark currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Apple Mail alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Apple Mail alternative for most people
SparkA more capable inbox with smart sorting and team features that also runs on Windows and Android.
Best Apple Mail alternative for a free option
ThunderbirdFree and open source, with stronger filters and add-ons, and it runs on any desktop.
Best Apple Mail alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
AirmailAn Apple-only client with far more customisation, rules and app integrations.
Best Apple Mail alternative for open source
ThunderbirdFree and open source, with stronger filters and add-ons, and it runs on any desktop.
Best Apple Mail alternative for Mac
MimestreamA native Mac app built for Gmail that handles labels and filters properly.
Best Apple Mail alternative for Windows
Canary MailAdds PGP encryption, read receipts and AI help while keeping a native Apple feel.
Best Apple Mail alternative for Linux
ThunderbirdFree and open source, with stronger filters and add-ons, and it runs on any desktop.
Best Apple Mail alternative for iPhone and Android
SparkA more capable inbox with smart sorting and team features that also runs on Windows and Android.
Apple Mail alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Apple Mail?
Spark ranks first right now. A more capable inbox with smart sorting and team features that also runs on Windows and Android. Airmail and Mimestream follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Apple Mail?
Yes. Spark (free plan + paid), Airmail (free plan + paid), MailMate (free plan + paid) and Canary Mail (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Apple Mail?
Yes: Thunderbird.
Which Apple Mail alternatives work on Linux?
Thunderbird runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Apple Mail?
The complaints we hear most: only runs on Apple devices; rules and search are basic compared with power-user clients; gmail labels and categories behave awkwardly.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Apple Mail, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.