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Alternatives · Email

Claws Mail alternatives

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

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

Claws Mail is free to use. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

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

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
Claws MailThis toolFreeFreeWindows, Linux
ThunderbirdFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, Android
EvolutionFreeFreeLinux
BetterbirdFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
MailspringFree plan · from $8/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux
MailMateFree trial · from $10/moTrial onlymacOS

Price against what you get

Claws Mail has no paid plan and scores 2.0 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 Betterbird 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 lessClaws MailThunderbirdEvolutionBetterbirdMailspringMailMate

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 Claws Mail

  1. Thunderbird

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

    • Thunderbird is free.
    • Thunderbird also lists macOS and Android apps.
    • Thunderbird also covers tasks and calendar.
    • Thunderbird does not cover inbox filtering, which Claws Mail does.

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

    Thunderbird vs Claws MailThunderbird pricing and details

  2. Evolution

    GNOME's free mail, calendar and address book app

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

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

    Evolution vs Claws MailEvolution pricing and details

  3. Betterbird

    A fork of Thunderbird with extra features and bug fixes

    • Betterbird is free.
    • Betterbird also lists a macOS app.
    • Betterbird also covers calendar.
    • Betterbird does not cover inbox filtering, which Claws Mail does.

    Suits: Thunderbird users who want fixes and options Thunderbird has not shipped

    Betterbird vs Claws MailBetterbird 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 lists a macOS app.
    • Mailspring also covers templates.
    • Mailspring does not cover inbox filtering, which Claws Mail does.

    Suits: Linux users who want a modern desktop email client

    Mailspring vs Claws MailMailspring pricing and details

  5. MailMate

    Keyboard-driven IMAP email client for macOS with Markdown composing

    • MailMate starts at $10 every 3 months (local-currency equivalent plus any VAT).
    • MailMate has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Claws Mail.
    • MailMate also lists a macOS app.
    • MailMate lists no Linux and Windows apps, which Claws Mail has.
    • MailMate also covers Markdown.

    Suits: Mac users who prefer writing email in plain text or Markdown

    MailMate vs Claws MailMailMate pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Claws Mail

  • Calendar and RSS are plugins, not part of the base application.
  • Windows is listed as a separate port; no macOS version is mentioned on the downloads page.
  • The interface is built on GTK and follows the look of older desktop mail clients.
Claws Mail pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Claws Mail?

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

Is there a free alternative to Claws Mail?

Yes. Thunderbird, Evolution and Betterbird are free to use. Mailspring has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Claws Mail alternatives work on macOS?

The Claws Mail listing does not include a macOS app. Thunderbird, Betterbird, Mailspring and MailMate list one.

Which Claws Mail alternatives work on Android?

The Claws Mail listing does not include an Android app. Thunderbird 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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