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Alternatives · Email

Betterbird alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Betterbird alternative is Thunderbird (3.2 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Betterbird compared with 5 alternatives: Thunderbird, Claws Mail, Evolution, Mailspring and eM Client.

Betterbird is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
BetterbirdThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
ThunderbirdFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, Android
Claws MailFreeFreeWindows, Linux
EvolutionFreeFreeLinux
MailspringFree plan · from $8/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux
eM ClientFree plan · from $49.95/yrYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

Betterbird has no paid plan and scores 2.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Thunderbird and eM Client score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10$20$50More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessBetterbirdThunderbirdClaws MailEvolutionMailspringeM Client

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of email apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Betterbird

  1. Thunderbird

    Free, open-source email app for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android

    • Thunderbird is free.
    • Thunderbird also lists an Android app.
    • Thunderbird also covers tasks.

    Suits: People who want a free desktop email app without ads

    Thunderbird vs BetterbirdThunderbird pricing and details

  2. Claws Mail

    Lightweight GTK email and news client, free under the GPL

    • Claws Mail is free.
    • Claws Mail lists no macOS app, which Betterbird has.
    • Claws Mail also covers inbox filtering.
    • Claws Mail does not cover calendar, which Betterbird does.

    Suits: Linux users who want a fast, low-resource mail client

    Claws Mail vs BetterbirdClaws Mail pricing and details

  3. Evolution

    GNOME's free mail, calendar and address book app

    • Evolution is free.
    • Evolution lists no Windows and macOS apps, which Betterbird has.

    Suits: Linux desktop users who want mail and calendar in one app

    Evolution vs BetterbirdEvolution pricing and details

  4. Mailspring

    Open-source desktop email client for Mac, Windows and Linux

    • Mailspring starts at $8 per month, or $85 per year (Mailspring Pro).
    • Mailspring also covers templates.
    • Mailspring does not cover calendar, which Betterbird does.

    Suits: Linux users who want a modern desktop email client

    Mailspring vs BetterbirdMailspring pricing and details

  5. eM Client

    Desktop email client for Windows and Mac with calendar and chat

    • eM Client starts at $49.95 per year (Personal subscription, up to 3 devices).
    • eM Client also lists iOS and Android apps.
    • eM Client lists no Linux app, which Betterbird has.
    • eM Client can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • eM Client also covers notes and tasks.

    Suits: Windows and Mac users who want a full desktop mail client

    eM Client vs BetterbirdeM Client pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Betterbird

  • It is a small project funded by donations, and the site says Mac builds are English only unless a language pack is added.
  • Old release series reach end of life, and the site advises against running them because of unpatched vulnerabilities.
  • It follows Thunderbird's code, so some Thunderbird issues can carry over.
Betterbird pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Betterbird?

The alternatives to Betterbird in this directory are Thunderbird, Claws Mail, Evolution, Mailspring and eM Client. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Betterbird.

Is there a free alternative to Betterbird?

Yes. Thunderbird, Claws Mail and Evolution are free to use. Mailspring and eM Client have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Betterbird alternatives work on Android?

The Betterbird listing does not include an Android app. Thunderbird and eM Client list one.

Which Betterbird alternatives work on iOS?

The Betterbird listing does not include an iOS app. eM Client lists one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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