Summary: The best Outlook alternatives in 2025 include Canary Mail, Thunderbird, Spark, eM Client, and Mailbird. Choose based on OS support, privacy needs like PGP or zero-access, and AI features such as drafting and summaries. Free options exist and most connect to Outlook or Exchange.
Why consider alternatives to Outlook
- Lighter, faster apps with fewer distractions.
- Stronger privacy and built‑in end‑to‑end encryption.
- Smarter workflows: AI drafting, summaries, unified inbox, rules.
- Better fit for your OS and budget.
How we chose
- Cross‑platform availability and stability.
- Privacy posture and encryption options.
- Productivity features: unified inbox, rules, snooze, send later, search.
- Team features: shared inboxes, analytics, templates.
- Transparent pricing and active development.
Top picks at a glance
- Best overall for privacy‑first productivity: Canary Mail
- Best free, open‑source: Thunderbird
- Best cross‑platform UX with AI: Spark
- Best Windows and Mac traditional client: eM Client
- Best premium for speed‑focused pros: Superhuman
- Best simple cross‑platform free option: BlueMail
The 12 best Outlook alternatives
Pricing is indicative as of October 2025. Always verify on each official site.
1) Canary Mail
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Standout: AI Copilot, PGP encryption, unified inbox, read receipts
Best for: Privacy‑first users who also want AI speed‑ups
Pricing: Free plan available. See current plans: https://canarymail.io/pricing
Why pick it: Balanced mix of AI drafting, privacy and clean UI across devices.
2) Thunderbird
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (in beta via K‑9 integration)
Standout: Open‑source, built‑in OpenPGP, deep customization
Best for: Tinkerers and privacy advocates
Pricing: Free. Info: https://www.thunderbird.net/
Why pick it: Powerful, extensible and free with strong encryption support.
3) Spark
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Standout: Smart Inbox, Focus tools, AI drafting and summaries
Best for: Users who want a guided, tidy inbox with helpful AI
Pricing: Free plan. Pricing: https://sparkmailapp.com/pricing
Why pick it: Polished UX and cross‑platform parity.
4) eM Client
Platforms: Windows and macOS
Standout: Full‑featured traditional client, robust Exchange or Microsoft 365 support
Best for: Office power users on desktop
Pricing: Free personal tier and paid licenses. Pricing: https://www.emclient.com/pricing
Why pick it: Familiar desktop model with modern features.
5) Mailbird
Platforms: Windows and macOS
Standout: Unified inbox, integrations, simplified layout
Best for: Users who want a clean desktop client on either OS
Pricing: Plans listed here: https://www.getmailbird.com/pricing/
Why pick it: Available on both Windows and Mac with active development.
6) Apple Mail
Platforms: macOS, iOS, iPadOS
Standout: Native performance, deep system integrations, free
Best for: Apple‑only users who prefer built‑in apps
Pricing: Included with Apple devices. Info: https://www.apple.com/macos/mail/
Why pick it: Zero cost and stable, with strong OS ties.
7) Proton Mail
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Bridge for desktop clients
Standout: Zero‑access encryption and Proton ecosystem
Best for: Users who prioritize maximum privacy
Pricing: Free and paid plans. See: https://proton.me/pricing
Why pick it: Leading privacy suite with mail, calendar, VPN and drive.
8) Airmail
Platforms: macOS, iOS
Standout: Speed, customizable actions, App Store distribution
Best for: Mac and iPhone users who like lightweight and fast
Pricing: App Store plans. See: https://apps.apple.com/app/id918858936
Why pick it: Quick, configurable workflows for power users.
9) Superhuman
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Web
Standout: Keyboard‑driven speed, AI assists, focus workflows
Best for: Busy professionals on Gmail or Outlook accounts
Pricing: Plans start around $30 per user per month. Details: https://help.superhuman.com/hc/en-us/articles/38456109456147-Pricing-Plans
Why pick it: Fast triage and pro shortcuts for heavy email volume.
10) BlueMail
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Standout: Unified inbox, calendar, simple onboarding
Best for: Users who want a free cross‑platform client
Pricing: Free and paid tiers. See: https://bluemail.me/pricing
Why pick it: Easy to set up and use on almost any device.
11) Front
Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows
Standout: Shared inboxes, collaboration, analytics
Best for: Teams handling support and sales inboxes
Pricing: Starts on paid tiers. See: https://front.com/pricing
Why pick it: Treat email like a team helpdesk with assignments and metrics.
12) Mailspring
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Standout: Unified inbox, translation, link tracking
Best for: IMAP users who want a modern open‑source‑based client
Pricing: Free and paid. See: https://www.getmailspring.com/
Why pick it: Clean UI and useful extras. Note that Exchange or POP support is limited.
Quick comparison table
Why people switch from Outlook
- Feature clarity: users want simple controls for rules, read receipts and encryption.
- Performance: heavy inboxes can feel slow. Lighter clients handle triage faster.
- Privacy: many prefer end‑to‑end encryption and zero‑tracking policies.
- Cross‑platform fit: consistent UX across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.
Switching tips
Explore Canary features or download Canary to test side by side with Outlook.
- Export contacts and calendars before you switch.
- Test the new client for a full week with your real inbox.
- For teams, pilot with a small group and measure response times.
FAQ
Is there a free Outlook alternative?
Yes. Thunderbird and BlueMail are free. Canary Mail, Spark, Proton and Mailspring offer free tiers.
What is the most private Outlook alternative?
For end‑to‑end encryption in a traditional client, consider Canary Mail or Thunderbird. For a hosted suite, Proton Mail is a strong choice.
Which Outlook alternative is best for Windows?
For a traditional desktop client, try eM Client or Mailbird. For a smarter inbox with AI, try Canary Mail or Spark.
Which Outlook alternative is best for Mac?
Apple Mail is a solid default. For privacy and AI features, try Canary Mail. Airmail is another lightweight option.
Can I keep my Outlook or Exchange account?
Yes. Most clients listed here connect to Outlook or Microsoft 365 via IMAP or Exchange protocols. Check each app’s documentation to confirm.
Related reading
- Canary Mail Product Updates 2025
- Canary Mail Product Updates 2024
- Canary Features Hub
- AI Copilot
- Security & Encryption
- Collaboration & Teams
- Download Canary