10 Best Email Clients for Windows: Free & Paid Apps Compared

Quick summary:

Choosing the right email client for Windows matters. You'll benefit from a streamlined and efficient emailing experience, making email management super easy and organized. In this article, we offer a detailed comparison of the top 10 options and we evaluate each email client on key performance indicators to help you make an informed decision that best suits your personal and professional communication needs.

Best Windows email client comparison chart (top 10 highest rated email programs for Windows)

Take a glance at this chart of the best mail clients. These are the top 10 tools for anyone looking for a better email for Windows.

What are the best email clients in 2024? Here's our top 10 list:

Our detailed descriptions of the best email clients for Windows will surely excite many of you fans of all things email applications. We made sure to include all the info you need to decide on the best client for your needs. So let's not tarry!

Note: What is an email client? If you aren't familiar with this topic, we suggest learning the basics first.

1. Microsoft Outlook (Best email client for Windows overall)

Why We Chose It:

Unsurprisingly, a Microsoft email app is our number one email client for this operating system, as both come from the same parent company. For many reasons, we can say that Microsoft Outlook is the best email client for Windows overall.

It's a sophisticated yet user-friendly platform, especially when paired with Microsoft 365—a suite with numerous productivity apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Outlook is the one-stop solution for businesses seeking a reliable email client.

Microsoft's New Outlook for Windows will replace Windows Mail in 2024. This free app maintains the essential features of Outlook while sporting a modern and simplified design. It includes familiar elements like the Focused Inbox, My Day view, Outlook's signature calendar, and contact management features.

However, after further exploration, we concluded the free version has limitations. It lacks support for traditional COM add-ins and doesn't yet have offline support.

During testing, it only supported Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo accounts. While free, you may encounter promoted messages in your inbox. If the free version falls short, consider a paid Microsoft 365 subscription for the full range of Outlook features.

Both versions allow customization with various themes and extensive options for organizing the user interface. Additionally, both versions offer pre-made templates, built-in dictation, read-aloud text, and rules for email management.

Paid Outlook customers can access hundreds of third-party integrations called Add-Ins, enhancing the user experience.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with other Microsoft apps in Microsoft 365.

• End-to-end encryption, phishing scam, virus, and malware scanning.

• Backup and recovery features with Microsoft OneDrive.

• Mobile-friendly interface, including a lite version for low-resource phones.

• Compatibility with other email providers like Gmail.

Cons:

• The free mail account includes ads.

• Lacks end-to-end encryption.

• Doesn't scan attachments.

Pricing:

• Outlook has a free email client and calendar tool

• Microsoft 365 Personal costs $69.99 per year

• Microsoft 365 Family costs $99.99 per year

Visit Microsoft Outlook's official website

2. Thunderbird (Top open source email client)

Why We Chose It:

The Thunderbird email client is brought to us by Mozilla, which also makes the popular web browser known as Firefox. Thunderbird is a top open-source Windows mail client if you want to sync multiple accounts.

Thunderbird offers customizable local email storage, backup scheduling, and server management with added security features like end-to-end encryption. Being open source, it comes with various free add-ons to enhance user experience.

Regarding the user interface, we determined that Thunderbird's design may not be the most modern for Windows 11, resembling Mozilla's Firefox.

However, despite lacking style points, it compensates with customization options, accessible through the top-right hamburger menu. Various themes, such as Suave and Dark Fox, provide different inbox looks.

During testing, Thunderbird showed mixed results in sending and receiving speeds. While outbound Gmail emails were nearly instant, receiving emails in the Thunderbird client varied.

Extensions like Smart Templates and Quicktext, available through Tools > Add-on Options, enhance Thunderbird's capabilities for efficient email management.

Pros:

• Accessible and user-friendly webmail, especially for managing multiple email accounts in a unified inbox.

• Mail setup wizard simplifies IMAP, SMTP, and SSL/TLS configurations.

• Advanced features include tabbed email, content blocking, message archive, do not track, and collaboration tools.

• Add-on manager for further customization, including custom skins and smart folders.

• Excellent security features, including private emails and phishing protection.

• Open-source email client, preferred by many over proprietary software.

Cons:

• While a top email app for Windows, Thunderbird doesn't rank as well for Mac OS or iPhone users.

Pricing:

• Mozilla Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client

Visit Mozilla Thunderbird's official website 

3. eM Client (Best email client for Windows 11 and MacOS)

Why We Chose It:

eM Client is our number three email client app, and it's one of the top choices for Windows 11, though it's also popular with MacOS users.

We found the UI user-friendly and modern, although it may not suit everyone's taste. Fortunately, it's highly customizable, with several dozen themes to personalize the user experience.

You can choose your preferred layout, customize common actions, and easily manage previous emails with a convenient right-click feature. Fine-tuning the UI is simple through Settings > Appearance > Themes, allowing changes to buttons, progress bars, links, and more.

The sidebar provides quick access to contact details, past conversations, agenda, and calendar, all customizable. eM Client supports video meeting integrations with various providers, chat integration with XMPP/Jabber, and cloud hosting for attachments using Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others.

Although lacking a mobile app, eM Client can sync seamlessly with other mobile apps. Despite this limitation, it remains a versatile option, available not only for Windows but also for macOS.

Pros:

• Advanced email features in eM Client, including a snooze option, message encryption, notes, delayed sending, reply monitor, translation, and quick texts.

• Team collaboration integration with email, calendar, task management, undo send, notes, and chats.

• Compatibility with popular email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and MacOS server mail, as well as other protocols like POP3, SMTP, and IMAP.

• Cloud storage options with Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive (not perfect with iCloud).

• Variety of email templates and signature transfers from Gmail CRM or Exchange.

Cons:

• The free version is limited to two email accounts and lacks advanced email features.

• Better performance on Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, reasons unclear.

Pricing:

• eM Client has a free option

• Pro plan is $49.95

• Pro plan for Companies is $188.95

Visit eM Client's official website 

4. Mailbird (Best email app for Windows 10)

Why We Chose It:

Mailbird is a modern and user-friendly email client that integrates with third-party apps like Slack, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, and ChatGPT. The native integrations share the UI with your inbox, enhancing user convenience.

To get started, download the client as we did, add your email, and connect third-party apps, all within the inbox interface. Each added app appears as an icon in the sidebar for quick access.

Features like speed reading and Snooze increase email productivity, allowing quick message absorption and convenient event reminders.

Mailbird's unified mailbox feature lets you manage multiple email accounts in one inbox, while customization options under the Settings menu offer a personalized experience.

You can choose from various background images, colors, and themes, adapting to your preferences and system settings.

Additionally, Mailbird provides flexibility with custom schedules for Snooze, filters for incoming mail, and personalized identities and signatures per account.

Pros:

• Robust app integration library, allowing synchronization with SaaS like WhatsApp, Dropbox, Twitter, Slack, Facebook, Google Calendar, and Docs

• Decent unified inbox for streamlined email management.

• Advanced email tools, including real-time email tracking, snooze option, speed reader, custom sounds for notifications, multi-language support, and LinkedIn lookup feature.

• User-friendly with easy-to-use shortcuts for writing, replying, archiving, and forwarding emails.

Cons:

• There is no free Mailbird version, and even the most affordable option lacks some advanced features.

• Limited to using Mailbird on three devices, including desktops, iOS, or Android devices, despite supporting unlimited email accounts.

Pricing:

• The personal use plan is $3.25 per year or a one-time payment of $49.50

• The business use plan is $5.75 per year or a one-time payment of $99.75

Visit Mailbird’s official website 

5. Mailspring (Best free email client for Windows 10)

Why We Chose It:

Mainspring is one of the best free email clients for Windows. There is also a premium version of Mailspring for only $8 per month.

This modern and consistent email client works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It supports all IMAP/SMTP email accounts, and adding a new account is simple.

The unified inbox, various themes, and customizable view options provide a user-friendly experience.

One standout feature is the advanced search, allowing you to find specific messages with Gmail-style queries. Mailspring also offers translation in 7 languages, mailbox insights, and localization options.

It includes a spell check to catch mistakes and maintain professional communication. It's free and open-source, so updates might not be as frequent, but it's a solid choice.

Pros:

• Clean and intuitive user interface for a quick learning curve with Mailspring.

• Easy sync of multiple Microsoft Office 365 accounts using IMAP, with cross-platform support for Linux, Mac, and Windows apps.

• Advanced email tools include good spell-check and translation features.

• Variety of themes and templates with an expandable sidebar for a detailed contact view.

• The Mailspring Pro version offers template workflows for automating new template creation from emails.

Cons:

• Despite being considered one of the best free email clients for Windows 10, Mailspring lacks a mobile app.

Pricing:

• Mainspring is a free download

• Mailspring Pro costs $8 per month

Visit Mailspring’s official website 

6. Postbox (Best Gmail email client)

Why We Chose It:

Postbox may be among the best email clients for Gmail, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid email client option for MacOS, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

This modern email program for Windows 10 can make managing your inbox enjoyable and straightforward. Its user-friendly interface supports various email accounts like Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, and more.

What we liked about Postbox is that you can view unread messages or find specific ones with a quick search. Postbox offers extra features not found in Windows Mail, such as pre-canned responses and over 300 pre-formatted clips to style your messages. It also supports advanced filtering, tagging for better organization, and Smart Folders to sort messages based on specific criteria.

Postbox is an excellent choice for a customizable and efficient email experience.

Pros:

• Unifies email service providers like Gmail, Apple iCloud, Exchange, Yahoo Mail, AOL, Outlook, Fastmail, and Protonmail.

• Enhanced email management with features like email groups, tagging, labels, and one-click email filtering.

• Efficient email searching with advanced queries based on subject, sender, recipient, or dates, along with helpful keyboard shortcuts.

• Beautifully designed interface with customizable skins and themes, including a focus pane for prioritizing emails based on preferred metrics.

• Excellent for Gmail users, allowing the import of a Gmail account, G Suite labels, and other data.

Cons:

• Only one pricing plan is available, limiting options for adjusting features based on budget; however, it's a one-time payment like many other email client alternatives.

Pricing:

• Postbox costs $49 per user

• Pricing may be based on a promotion, which is subject to change

Visit Postbox's official website

7. Spark (Best email client for multiple accounts)

Why We Chose It:

Many users consider Spark to be the best mail app for multiple accounts. It's a smart and sophisticated app that helps users be productive and efficient with their emailing.

Spark is available for iOS, macOS, and Android. With Smart Inbox, this mail app intelligently categorizes emails into personal ones, newsletters, and notifications, making it easier to focus on essential messages. We also found that the app offers convenient tools like snoozing emails, setting reminders, and scheduling emails to be sent later.

One standout feature is Spark's unified inbox, allowing users to combine multiple email accounts for a centralized view. Other collaboration features include comments and shared drafts, facilitating team communication directly within the email client.

Moreover, Spark integrates seamlessly with third-party services, providing enhanced file attachment and sharing options. The app prioritizes security with features like Touch ID or Face ID protection and the option to set a passcode.

Pros:

• Smart Home Screen provides daily updates, displays unread emails, and suggests email scheduling on the desktop.

• Smart email inbox for setting priorities, unifying multiple accounts, performing smart searches, managing newsletters, and receiving push notifications.

• The gatekeeper tool allows the acceptance or blocking of new incoming emails, with the ability to block senders or mute threads.

• Automation of email tasks through Spark with easy workflows, including features like done maker, set aside, Snooze, reminders, send later, and adding labels.

• Team collaboration features include a shared inbox, team draft composition, and task assignment.

Cons:

• Primarily a desktop app, not a web-based application.

• The free version lacks advanced features like the gatekeeper, team administration, and shared drafts and templates.

Pricing:

• Spark has a free plan

• Premium Individual plan is $4.99 per month, billed annually 

• Premium Teams plan is $6.99 per month, billed annually 

Visit Spark’s official website 

8. Spike (Best email client for Yahoo mail)

Why We Chose It:

Most people have forgotten about Yahoo, except Yahoo Mail is still a thing, so you need an email client that handles Yahoo Mail, and Spike is that email client.

It stands out with a conversational chat-like interface, making email feel more like messaging. Available for iOS, Android, and desktop, Spike offers a modern approach to managing emails.

With Spike, your inbox transforms into a chat-like view, making it easy to follow and respond to conversations. The app supports standard email accounts and provides features like snoozing emails, scheduling, and quick replies for efficient communication.

Spike also embraces collaboration by allowing users to share notes, documents, and tasks within emails, creating a seamless workflow. Additionally, it offers integration with popular services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive for easy file sharing.

Pros:

• Connects a wide range of email accounts from different providers, excelling as one of the best Yahoo Mail clients and supporting Hotmail, Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Microsoft Office 365, GoDaddy, Exchange, AOL, and other IMAP accounts.

• Robust team collaboration tools, including live collaboration for creating emails, chat, comments, and task management, with a neat sidebar for chat.

• Features conversational email, organizing the inbox around contacts rather than messy threads.

Cons:

• Offers additional tools beyond core email functions, potentially distracting users from Spike's primary purpose as an email client app.

Pricing:

• There is a free Spike plan

• The pro plan is $4 per month, billed annually 

• Business plan is $8 per month, billed annually

Visit Spike’s official website 

9. Hiri (Great Windows mail app also for Linux)

Why We Chose It:

Hiri boasts that the email client is best for email management and maximal inbox efficiency. It's a leading Windows mail app, though it's also popular with Linux and some Apple users.

Upon testing, we discovered that Hiri has a clean and simple interface, streamlining the email experience. It can help users prioritize and manage emails more effectively.

The app provides tools for managing tasks and appointments directly within the email client, promoting a consolidated approach to productivity. Moreover, Hiri works well with task management tools such as Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory, making it suitable for business use.

Hiri emphasizes using a unique system for categorizing emails, distinguishing between actionable emails that require a response and FYI (For Your Information) emails that don't necessarily need a reply.

Pros:

• Hiri's inbox design clearly distinguishes emails requiring immediate attention from those that can wait, minimizing distractions.

• Desktop app with a reliable offline mode for seamless use.

• Calendar data sync from Office 365 or Exchange.

• Great for Windows, Linux, and Apple Mail.

• Features like snooze reminders, alerts, access to Microsoft's Global Address List, MS archiving compatibility, and extensive customization options.

• Allows installation on an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription.

Cons:

• No free plan is available.

• The subscription package is relatively expensive compared to some one-time fee options Hiri's competitors offer.

Pricing:

• Hiri is $39 annually

• Lifetime price is a one-time payment of $119

Visit Hiri’s official website

10. The Bat (Best desktop email client)

Why We Chose It:

The Bat is a great email client server for Windows and a superb desktop email client. Having given The Bat! a try, we think it's a noteworthy email client with a user-friendly setup for various email accounts.

Despite not having the sleekest design, the interface is clean and easy to navigate. What caught my attention were the practical features, especially the advanced sorting and filtering options that keep emails neatly organized.

The Bat! goes the extra mile with robust security measures, including support for PGP encryption. While it might not be the trendiest choice, it's a reliable option if you value functionality and security.

Pros:

• Efficient email organization with The Bat's filtering system and a special address book.

• Support for RSS feed subscriptions and account integration using IMAP4, POP3, RSS, and MAPI protocols.

• Excellent templates for email composition and secure file attachment tools.

Cons:

• Outdated and old-school look and feel may deter users at first glance.

Pricing:

• The Bat Home is $49.99

• The Bat Professional is $59.99

Visit The Bat's official website

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Email Client

Choosing the right email client is crucial for a smooth and secure communication experience. With a plethora of options available, it's important to consider various factors that align with your needs and preferences.

Security

Look for email clients that prioritize your privacy. Check for support for PGP encryption, which ensures the secure transmission and accessibility of your emails.

Ease of Use

Opt for an email client with a clean and user-friendly interface. A well-designed interface can enhance your email experience, making navigating and managing your messages easier.

Integration Capabilities

Consider the integration capabilities of the email client with other tools and apps you use, such as Google Workspace, among many others.

Seamless integration can streamline your workflow by allowing you to connect your email client with calendars, task management tools, and other applications.

Support for Multiple Accounts

If you manage multiple email accounts, choose a client that supports various account setups. This feature helps you access and manage all your emails in one place, simplifying your email management process.

Customization Options

Look for email clients that offer customization options to tailor the interface to your preferences. Being able to personalize your email client ensures that it aligns with your unique needs and style.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Consider the pricing structure and subscription models of the email client.

Some clients offer essential services for free, while premium features may require a subscription. Assess whether the premium features will bring value to you and if the pricing is reasonable for the value provided.

In conclusion, choosing an email client involves evaluating factors like security, user interface, integration capabilities, support for multiple accounts, customization options, and pricing and subscription models.

Considering these aspects, you can find an email client that best suits your efficient and secure communication requirements.

Which is the Best Email Software for Me? Our Conclusion

Choosing the right email client for Windows 10 and 11 is crucial for a smooth digital communication experience. However, remember that the best email client isn't the same as the best email management software.

To make the right choice, first, read some email management tips. Then, evaluate your needs, whether that's user-friendly interfaces, robust features, or integrations.

We also suggest experimenting with some of the best email programs for Windows 10 and 11, like Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, or Mailbird, to find what suits you best.

Remember, the best is the one that aligns with your preferences and enhances your productivity. Try a few, see which one clicks, and make your inbox a place that works for you.

Happy emailing!