Thunderbird alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Thunderbird: no web version and no released iOS app yet, and add-ons sometimes break after major updates. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Thunderbird, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Mailspring currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	BlueMail	Free plan + paid	No	Windows, macOS, Linux +2	4 of 4	53.6

1. BlueMailTop pick
Best for: People who want the same free mail app on every device, including Linux
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
53.6
score / 100
Why switch from Thunderbird
A free cross-platform client that also covers iOS, which Thunderbird does not yet.
Pros
Runs on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows and Linux
Free personal plan with unlimited accounts
Built-in PGP encryption
Cons
Busy interface with many options
Some sync goes through the vendor's servers
Upgrade prompts in the free version
Visit BlueMail Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.357
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is BlueMail a good Thunderbird alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
Free plan
Yes, unlimited accounts
Checked Oct 25, 2026bluemail.me(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux
Checked Oct 25, 2026bluemail.me(opens source in a new tab)
Encryption
PGP
Checked Oct 25, 2026bluemail.me(opens source in a new tab)
Plus free trial
7 days
Checked Oct 25, 2026bluemail.me(opens source in a new tab)

The best Thunderbird alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Best Thunderbird alternative for most people

Mailspring

An open-source desktop client with a more modern look and optional Pro features.

Best Thunderbird alternative for a free option

FairEmail

Open-source, privacy-focused Android client with very deep settings.

Best Thunderbird alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

eM Client

A polished Windows and Mac client with strong Exchange and calendar support.

Best Thunderbird alternative for open source

Geary

A lighter, conversation-based open-source client for the GNOME desktop.

Best Thunderbird alternative for Mac

NeoMutt

A terminal mail reader for people who want full keyboard control and scripting.

Best Thunderbird alternative for Windows

BlueMail

A free cross-platform client that also covers iOS, which Thunderbird does not yet.

Best Thunderbird alternative for Linux

Mailspring

An open-source desktop client with a more modern look and optional Pro features.

Best Thunderbird alternative for iPhone and Android

BlueMail

A free cross-platform client that also covers iOS, which Thunderbird does not yet.

Thunderbird alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Thunderbird?

Mailspring ranks first right now. An open-source desktop client with a more modern look and optional Pro features. eM Client and FairEmail follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Thunderbird?

Yes. Mailspring (free plan + paid), eM Client (free plan + paid), FairEmail (open source) and Geary (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Thunderbird?

Yes: Mailspring, FairEmail, Geary and NeoMutt.

Which Thunderbird alternatives work on Linux?

Mailspring, Geary, NeoMutt and BlueMail run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Thunderbird?

The complaints we hear most: no web version and no released iOS app yet; add-ons sometimes break after major updates; exchange setups can need extra configuration.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Thunderbird, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.