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Alternatives · Email

Mailbird alternatives

Mailbird compared with 8 alternatives: eM Client, Thunderbird, Mailspring, Microsoft Outlook, Spark Mail and 3 more.

Mailbird has a free plan. Paid plans start at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price). 7 of the 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

8 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
MailbirdThis toolFree plan · from $34.49/yrYesmacOS, Windows
eM ClientFree plan · from $39.95/yrYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android
ThunderbirdFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, Android
MailspringFree plan · from $8/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux
Microsoft OutlookFree plan · from $1.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Spark MailFree plan · from $8.25/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Kiwi for GmailFree trial · from $4/moTrial onlymacOS, Windows
Newton MailFree plan · from $5/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Wino MailFree planYesWindows

How each one differs from Mailbird

  1. eM Client

    Desktop email client for Windows and Mac with calendar and chat

    • eM Client starts at $39.95 per year (Personal subscription, up to 3 devices). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only eM Client lists iOS and Android apps.
    • eM Client also covers notes, tasks and calendar.

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

    eM Client vs MailbirdeM Client pricing and details

  2. Thunderbird

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

    • Thunderbird is free. Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only Thunderbird lists Linux and Android apps.
    • Thunderbird is open source, according to its own site.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Thunderbird also covers tasks and calendar.

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

    Thunderbird vs MailbirdThunderbird pricing and details

  3. Mailspring

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

    • Mailspring starts at $8 per month, or $85 per year (Mailspring Pro). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only Mailspring lists a Linux app.
    • Mailspring is open source, according to its own site.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Mailspring also covers templates.

    Suits: Linux users who want a modern desktop email client

    Mailspring vs MailbirdMailspring pricing and details

  4. Microsoft Outlook

    Microsoft's email and calendar app for desktop, mobile and web

    • Microsoft Outlook starts at $1.99 per month, or $19.99 per year (Microsoft 365 Basic). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only Microsoft Outlook lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Outlook lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Microsoft Outlook also covers tasks, calendar and inbox filtering.

    Suits: People who want mail, calendar and contacts from several accounts in one app

    Microsoft Outlook vs MailbirdMicrosoft Outlook pricing and details

  5. Spark Mail

    Email client with a unified smart inbox, AI tools and team features

    • Spark Mail starts at $8.25 per user / month, billed annually ($99 / year). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only Spark Mail lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Spark Mail also covers meeting notes, templates, calendar and shared inbox.

    Suits: People juggling several email accounts across desktop and phone

    Spark Mail vs MailbirdSpark Mail pricing and details

  6. Kiwi for Gmail

    Desktop app that runs Gmail and Google Workspace outside the browser

    • Kiwi for Gmail starts at $4 per month (Starter; monthly or annual billing basis not confirmed). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Mailbird has a free plan. Kiwi for Gmail does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Kiwi for Gmail also covers inbox filtering.

    Suits: Heavy Gmail users who want email out of the browser

    Kiwi for Gmail vs MailbirdKiwi for Gmail pricing and details

  7. Newton Mail

    Cross-platform email app with read receipts, snooze and send later

    • Newton Mail starts at $5 per month, billed annually ($6.99 billed monthly). Mailbird starts at $34.49 per year (Premium Yearly Plan, US Mac App Store in-app price).
    • Only Newton Mail lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Newton Mail also covers templates, calendar and shared inbox.

    Suits: People who want the same mail app on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android

    Newton Mail vs MailbirdNewton Mail pricing and details

  8. Wino Mail

    Free, open source mail and calendar app for Windows

    • Only Mailbird lists a macOS app.
    • Wino Mail is open source, according to its own site.
    • Mailbird can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Wino Mail also covers templates, tasks and calendar.

    Suits: Windows users who miss the built-in Mail and Calendar apps

    Wino Mail vs MailbirdWino Mail pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Mailbird

  • The free version covers 1 email account on 1 device and leaves out email tracking, app integrations and Exchange support.
  • There is no iOS, Android, web or Linux version; the pricing FAQ says mobile apps are on the roadmap.
  • Mailbird for Mac needs macOS Ventura or later and cannot connect POP3 accounts.
  • Prices here are US Mac App Store in-app prices. Mailbird's website prices Premium in local currency, marked down from a crossed-out list price, and its figures can differ.
Mailbird pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Mailbird?

The alternatives to Mailbird in this directory are eM Client, Thunderbird, Mailspring, Microsoft Outlook, Spark Mail, Kiwi for Gmail, Newton Mail and Wino Mail. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Mailbird.

Is there a free alternative to Mailbird?

Yes. Thunderbird is free to use. eM Client, Mailspring, Microsoft Outlook, Spark Mail, Newton Mail and Wino Mail have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Mailbird alternatives work on Linux?

The Mailbird listing does not include a Linux app. Thunderbird, Mailspring and Newton Mail list one.

Which Mailbird alternatives work on Android?

The Mailbird listing does not include an Android app. eM Client, Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, Spark Mail and Newton Mail list one.

Is there an open-source alternative to Mailbird?

Thunderbird, Mailspring and Wino Mail are described as open source on their own sites.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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