Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft's email and calendar app, covering free Outlook.com accounts and Microsoft 365 work mail.
- Verified facts
- 3 of 3
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Microsoft Outlook
Outlook is both Microsoft's free webmail service (Outlook.com, which absorbed Hotmail) and the mail and calendar app bundled with Microsoft 365. In most companies running Exchange it is the default client, because shared calendars, meeting rooms, delegation and retention policies all work best inside it. The new Outlook for Windows is a web-based app that replaces the old Mail and Calendar apps, while the classic desktop Outlook remains for heavier users who rely on add-ins and PST files. There are also Mac, iOS and Android apps, and Outlook can connect Gmail and other IMAP accounts. Free accounts get a mailbox separate from OneDrive storage and show ads; a Microsoft 365 subscription removes ads and raises the mailbox limit. Copilot features are tied to Microsoft 365 plans. The downsides are a crowded interface, two Windows versions that behave differently, and features that work best only with Exchange accounts.
Best for: People and companies already on Microsoft 365 or Exchange.
Pros and cons
What works
- Strongest calendar, scheduling and delegation features for Exchange users
- Free Outlook.com mailbox kept separate from OneDrive storage
- Apps on every major platform plus a solid web version
Why people leave
- Classic and new Outlook for Windows differ, which confuses users
- Busy interface with many features most people never use
- Free accounts show ads and get less storage
Top Microsoft Outlook alternatives
See all 6- 1
Gmail66.5The main free alternative, simpler to use and tightly linked to Google's apps.
- 2
eM Client62.6A desktop client for Windows and Mac with Exchange support and a cleaner interface.
- 3
Thunderbird59.6Free, open-source desktop mail and calendar app with no ads or Microsoft account needed.
- 4
Spark57.2A cross-platform client that keeps Outlook accounts but adds a smarter inbox and team features.
- 5
Superhuman Mail55.3A fast, keyboard-driven client that works on top of Outlook and Microsoft 365 accounts.
Why people left Microsoft Outlook
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Microsoft Outlook, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook: common questions
Is Microsoft Outlook free?
Microsoft Outlook has a free plan and paid plans.
Is Microsoft Outlook open source?
No, Microsoft Outlook is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Thunderbird and Proton Mail.
What platforms does Microsoft Outlook run on?
Microsoft Outlook is available for Web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Outlook?
The highest-ranked Microsoft Outlook alternatives right now are Gmail, eM Client and Thunderbird. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.