Looking for the best email clients for Mac in 2025 that aren’t, well… Apple Mail? You’re not the only one. Maybe it’s the clutter, the lack of features, or just the meh experience overall.
But here’s the good news, Mac users have some seriously awesome alternatives now.
Whether you need speed, simplicity, or supercharged productivity tools, we’ve rounded up the top 10 email apps that are actually worth your time.
If your inbox feels outdated or overwhelming, it might be time for a fresh start. Let’s find the perfect email client for your Mac, ready to upgrade?
Why Mac Users Should Consider a Third-Party Email Client
While Apple Mail is included with every Mac, many users eventually seek more than it can offer. The app often lacks deep filtering rules, customizable views, and integrations with tools like Slack, Trello, or CRMs. For power users or professionals managing multiple accounts, this becomes a daily frustration.
Third-party Mac email apps bring flexibility. They support advanced automation, better performance, and specialized features that cater to different user types, from students to marketers. Whether you want offline access, privacy controls, or just a faster interface, third-party tools deliver.
Another reason to upgrade is reliability. Apple Mail occasionally struggles with syncing Gmail or Outlook accounts. A dedicated email software for Mac handles this better with IMAP optimizations and real-time push notifications.
Professionals also benefit from additional security layers. Apps like Canary Mail and Clean Email offer encryption, read receipts, and better spam filters. For people managing sensitive data or client communication, these features are non-negotiable.
In 2025, the email experience on Mac is defined not by what’s built-in—but by what you choose to install. Choosing the best email client can lead to faster workflows, fewer missed messages, and improved digital hygiene.
Key Features to Look for in a Mac Email Client
- Clean, customizable interface
- Support for multiple email providers
- Smart filtering and inbox rules
- Integrated calendar and task features
- Encryption and security options
- Fast search and offline access
- Third-party app integrations
- Pricing transparency and updates
1. Spark Mail — Smart Email for Teams and Individuals
Spark Mail remains one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich Mac email apps. Its Smart Inbox automatically categorizes your emails—personal, notifications, newsletters—so your most important messages stay front and center. It supports Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, and more, making it a versatile choice.
The standout feature of Spark is team collaboration. You can compose emails together, share drafts, and assign emails like tasks within teams. This makes it ideal for startups, marketers, and agencies. Even solo users benefit from built-in follow-ups, scheduling, and smart templates.
Spark also supports macOS native features like Dark Mode, Handoff, and Touch Bar integration. It has a fast, polished UI that feels perfectly at home on Mac.
While the core version is free, premium plans unlock advanced team tools and additional automation. The Spark Premium model is competitively priced and tailored for professionals looking to streamline workflows.
Its one downside is that some users report occasional sync delays with Outlook. Still, for most users, Spark is a smooth, full-featured client that balances power with simplicity.
2. Airmail — Highly Customizable and iCloud-Friendly
Airmail is built for Mac power users. With deep integration into Apple’s ecosystem, it feels like a native macOS app—sleek, fast, and flexible. It supports iCloud, Gmail, Exchange, Yahoo, and virtually all IMAP services.
What sets Airmail apart is its customization. You can create custom folders, rules, labels, and keyboard shortcuts. The app supports plugins for productivity tools like Todoist, Evernote, and Asana. Airmail even allows you to create quick actions for repetitive email tasks.
Performance is smooth, and offline functionality is strong. Airmail also includes snooze, send later, smart notifications, and markdown email formatting. It’s especially good for users managing complex inboxes with frequent needs to label, search, and triage messages quickly.
However, Airmail is not free. It operates on a subscription model, with an annual plan that unlocks its full suite of features. For casual users, this might be a stretch. But for professionals who live in their inbox, the productivity gains are worth the price.
If you want full control over your email layout and behavior on Mac, Airmail delivers the most customization in a clean package.
3. Microsoft Outlook — A Robust, Enterprise-Grade Option
Microsoft Outlook for Mac has come a long way from its clunky early versions. In 2025, it offers a sleek, modern interface that’s fully optimized for macOS and synced tightly with Microsoft 365. It’s still the go-to choice for professionals and enterprises who need a reliable, secure, and feature-rich email experience.
Outlook supports every major email provider and includes one of the best calendars on any email platform. Its powerful filtering and folder management tools make it ideal for managing high volumes of daily emails. Users can also tag and categorize messages, link tasks and events, and manage shared inboxes and calendars—especially useful for office teams.
The app includes Focused Inbox, which automatically separates important messages from low-priority ones. There’s also support for scheduling meetings, delay send, smart replies, and deep integration with tools like Word, Excel, and Teams.
While Outlook is part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, many users already have access through work or academic licenses. For others, the standalone Outlook subscription is affordable considering the value it delivers.
The main downside is that Outlook may feel too feature-heavy for casual users. The learning curve is steeper than with apps like Spark or Edison Mail. But for businesses, marketers, or anyone deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, Outlook remains a top Mac email app in 2025.
4. Canary Mail — Security-First Email with AI Tools
Canary Mail is the best email client for Mac if your priority is security. With built-in end-to-end encryption and PGP support, it’s designed for users who deal with sensitive information, such as journalists, consultants, or legal professionals.
Its interface is clean and modern, focusing on clarity without distractions. But under the hood, it’s powerful. Canary supports AI-powered prioritization, smart reply suggestions, and even voice command email writing. This combination of privacy and productivity is rare in the Mac email app space.
Canary works with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other IMAP services. It also integrates with iCloud Keychain, Face ID, and Touch ID on supported devices. This tight Apple integration adds another layer of protection and convenience.
The app comes with a one-time purchase model, which many users appreciate over recurring subscriptions. It’s ideal for those who want a permanent, ad-free, and secure email environment without ongoing fees.
However, Canary is not as team-oriented as tools like Spark, and it lacks extensive third-party integrations. Still, for solo users and professionals who value encryption, it stands out among top Mac email clients 2025.
5. Mailspring — Open-Source and Feature-Rich
Mailspring is a free, open-source email app for Mac that combines strong visual design with practical power features. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for users who want advanced email control without paying for a subscription.
It supports multiple accounts, including Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and IMAP services. One of its highlights is the unified inbox view that combines all accounts in one place. Mailspring also includes customizable themes, fast search, email translation, and contact profile syncing.
Users can schedule emails, snooze messages, and use prebuilt templates. These features are often found in premium apps, yet Mailspring offers many of them for free. A Pro version adds read receipts, link tracking, and advanced automation.
For those comfortable exploring settings and tweaking UI behavior, Mailspring is a dream tool. Developers and tinkerers especially love it for its plugin and open-source architecture. However, casual users may find the settings interface a bit dense at first.
If you’re looking for a high-performing email software for Mac that won’t cost a dime, Mailspring is among the best Mac email apps you can download in 2025.
6. Thunderbird — Trusted, Open-Source, and Highly Extendable
Thunderbird has been around for years, and it’s still one of the most trusted free Mac email apps available. Developed by Mozilla, it’s open-source and constantly updated by a strong developer community. For users who want complete inbox control with zero ads and full transparency, Thunderbird delivers.
It supports every major email provider and includes a robust tagging system, folder management, message filtering, and offline email access. It also offers full encryption via extensions like Enigmail and can handle RSS feeds and newsgroups.
Where Thunderbird really shines is customization. Users can install extensions for everything from calendar syncing to dark mode and CRM functionality. Its layout is fully adjustable and ideal for power users who want a non-corporate email app they can shape to their liking.
The downside is that Thunderbird’s design is a bit outdated compared to slicker apps like Spark or Polymail. New users may also be overwhelmed by its depth and old-school settings menus.
Still, for tech-savvy users, privacy advocates, or anyone wanting free and secure email software for Mac, Thunderbird is a reliable choice that stands the test of time.
7. Edison Mail — AI-Powered with Built-In Productivity Tools
Edison Mail is an AI-powered email client designed to make managing email faster and smarter. It’s perfect for users who want simplicity without sacrificing intelligence. The app supports Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and most other services, syncing smoothly across accounts.
One of Edison’s key features is its built-in assistant, which automatically categorizes emails by type—packages, travel, receipts, subscriptions—so you can find what you need without searching. It also includes unsubscribe tools, read receipt blockers, and email snoozing.
Edison is lightning fast, and its design is minimal, clean, and easy to use. The smart assistant handles common tasks in the background, such as cleaning inboxes or organizing recurring senders. This makes it ideal for users who want less interaction but still a tidy inbox.
The app is completely free with no paid tier. However, its privacy model has drawn some attention. While Edison does not sell data, its smart assistant uses anonymized message patterns for functionality. If total privacy is essential, apps like Canary Mail or Clean Email may be better.
Still, Edison remains a top Mac email client thanks to its automation, visual clarity, and fast performance. For users who want to manage email without managing a learning curve, Edison is a strong pick in 2025.
8. Postbox — Power Features for Email Power Users
Postbox is built for users who need powerful features and full control over their email environment. It’s not a beginner-friendly app—but for email-heavy professionals, Postbox is one of the best email clients for Mac in 2025.
The interface is clean and efficient, allowing users to manage multiple email accounts with ease. It supports Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, and custom IMAP servers. One of its strongest features is message tagging and smart folders. Users can group and label emails with precision, making complex inboxes far more manageable.
Postbox also excels at bulk actions. Whether you’re archiving thousands of messages, sorting by sender, or creating custom templates for replies, Postbox handles it all smoothly. Developers love its built-in HTML editor for crafting professional, branded emails without leaving the app.
Another strength is its integrations. Postbox works well with Dropbox, OneDrive, and calendars, and supports over 25 keyboard shortcuts for power navigation. It doesn’t try to add collaboration or AI—it focuses on pure email productivity.
The main drawback is that Postbox has no free version. It’s available via a one-time purchase, which some users prefer over subscriptions. It also lacks mobile versions, making it desktop-only.
Still, for advanced users who want to master their email rather than just clean it, Postbox is one of the top Mac email clients 2025 has to offer.
9. MailMate — Markdown-Focused and Keyboard-Heavy
MailMate is a niche but beloved email client, designed for users who prioritize keyboard use, plain text formatting, and performance. It’s not flashy, and it’s certainly not for casual users—but it’s extremely powerful under the hood.
The app supports all major email services using IMAP and is known for rock-solid reliability. Its real strength lies in its support for Markdown, search filtering, and custom headers. MailMate gives you full control over how emails are composed, organized, and sent.
It’s a text-first app. There are no drag-and-drop interfaces or visual themes. Instead, users rely on commands, shortcuts, and configuration panels to fine-tune their email environment. This appeals to developers, technical professionals, and privacy-focused users who want speed over aesthetics.
MailMate’s search features are unmatched in complexity, allowing compound search terms and multi-level filters. It also integrates with external text editors and terminal commands, offering a unique level of extensibility.
It’s not for everyone. The interface feels minimal—almost spartan—and there is a learning curve. But for the right user, it’s one of the most customizable Mac email apps ever built.
Pricing is a one-time license, and updates are regular. If your focus is Markdown, command-line behavior, and raw performance, MailMate is the tool you didn’t know you needed.
10. Polymail — Great for Email Tracking and Business Use
Polymail is a modern, stylish Mac email client designed for business users, sales teams, and anyone who needs email tracking and analytics. It’s one of the most visually polished apps available and supports Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, and other IMAP accounts.
Where Polymail shines is in its CRM-style tools. It offers built-in email tracking, read receipts, follow-up reminders, and contact profiles with interaction history. Users can schedule messages, send recurring emails, and view performance data—all inside the email interface.
Teams benefit from shared templates, email delegation, and collaboration tools, which make it great for sales or customer service departments. Polymail also integrates with Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier, providing extended workflow capabilities.
The app runs on a subscription model, with pricing geared more toward professionals than personal users. While there’s no free plan, the features provided justify the cost for users who rely heavily on outreach and communication metrics.
For business-oriented users, Polymail is one of the top Mac email clients 2025 has to offer. Its focus on analytics and sales communication makes it stand out from simpler email apps.
Comparing the Best Email Clients for Mac
When evaluating these tools side by side, different apps clearly serve different audiences. If you want automation and smart sorting with team features, Spark or Polymail are strong picks. If privacy and encryption are your top priorities, Canary Mail is ideal. Power users will appreciate Postbox, MailMate, or Airmail for their depth and speed.
For those looking for free and open-source options, Mailspring and Thunderbird offer excellent performance without subscription costs. Outlook remains the standard for enterprise integration, and Edison offers speed and simplicity with built-in smart features.
Mac vs Windows Email Options
Mac users aren’t limited to Apple-only solutions. Many email clients listed here work well across platforms, but some are better optimized for macOS. If you also use a PC, see our guide to the best Windows options to find compatible alternatives.
Best Multi-Platform Email Clients
If you want a single app across Mac, mobile, and PC, tools like Outlook, Spark, Edison, and Mailspring are great multi-platform tools. These sync seamlessly and give you consistent experiences on all devices.
Mac Email Clients with Inbox Cleaning Features
Some Mac email apps also double as inbox cleaners. Edison, Spark, and Clean Email (a top inbox cleaner) offer unsubscribe tools, smart folders, and automation rules that help reduce clutter without extra effort.
Gmail on Mac: Making the Most of Google’s Email on Desktop
Gmail users can stick with the web app—but many prefer native Mac clients. Apps like Airmail, Canary, and Mailspring offer full Gmail compatibility. Use these Gmail usage tips to get the most from Google’s service on a Mac.
For Web-First Users: Gmail Alternatives to Try on Mac
If you’re tired of Gmail entirely, check out our guide to the top Gmail alternatives. Many of these work great on Mac via web or app, including ProtonMail, Tutanota, and Zoho Mail.
Final Thoughts
The best email client for Mac in 2025 isn’t one-size-fits-all. Think about your priorities—do you need bulk cleaning, security, team tools, or CRM functionality? Are you a student, freelancer, business owner, or privacy advocate?
Test a few options. Most offer free trials or basic versions. Start with Spark for balance, Thunderbird if you want open-source, Canary for privacy, or Postbox if you need full control.
Whatever you choose, a better email app isn’t just a download—it’s a daily upgrade to your focus and productivity.
FAQs
1. What is the best email client for Mac in 2025 overall?
Spark remains the top all-around pick for most users due to its balance of features, speed, and design.
2. Which Mac email app has the best Gmail integration?
Airmail and Mailspring offer deep Gmail compatibility with fast syncing and Gmail-specific features.
3. Is there a free email client that works well on macOS?
Yes, Mailspring and Thunderbird are free, open-source apps that offer strong performance without subscriptions.
4. What email client is best for business or enterprise users?
Microsoft Outlook and Polymail are the best for business users needing tracking, scheduling, and integration with CRMs.
5. Are there privacy-focused Mac email clients?
Yes. Canary Mail and MailMate are excellent for users prioritizing encryption and data control.
