Windows Mail App Top Alternatives in 2025
Though it has significant improvements compared to Windows Live Mail, the new Windows 10 Mail app still has drawbacks with its user experience. If you're seeking the best mail app for Windows, but find the built-in Mail app lacking, consider these eight solid Windows 10 Mail alternatives, including Mailbird, designed to enhance your email productivity.
⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️ Microsoft recently announced its plans to discontinue Windows Mail and Calendar, and automatically migrate all users to Outlook beginning in August 2023. But this shouldn't be your only option. We believe that choice of tool and technology is the cornerstone of productivity. We believe that there's more to choice than having to accept an inevitable default option. We believe that the choice should be yours to make. So reclaim your inbox. We're presenting you with this in-depth analysis of alternative email clients to show you how much freedom you truly have. 📨💡🌐
In this article, we will compare different email clients side-by-side so that you can choose an effective replacement for Windows 10. We will highlight key features, pricing, and user reviews. So let's see which email client ticks all the boxes for your unique needs.
Windows Mail Overview
Windows Mail is a built-in mail app on Windows, available by default on Windows 10 devices. This might be the best free email client you get by default and a decent contender to commercial email clients because it offers various productivity features with every Windows OS version at no additional cost.
- Features
-
- Multiple calendars
- Pin email to the top
- Inbox linking
- Personalized notifications
- Keyword shortcuts
- Phonetic search
- Drag and drop attachment
- Customizable backgrounds
- Focused inbox
- User Experience
-
- Simple user interface
- Standard three-pane screen layout
- Syncs with Microsoft Office 365
- Available on Mac and mobile
- Out-dated user interface
- Very limited customization
- Limited flexibility with integration interface
- Configuration
-
- Enables IMAP and POP3 exchanges
- Improved new user walk-through
- Slow configuration
- Problems with contact integration
- Issues with mail synchronization
- Limited software updates
- Email Management
-
- Unified inbox
- Advanced search
- Send later feature
- Archive feature
- Swiping gestures for mobile
- No keyboard shortcuts
- Basic filters
- No customization
- Moves slow
- Customization
-
- Change layout colors
- Add email signature
- Change the font
- Major lack of customization
- No templates
- Security
-
- Constantly updating security
- Two factor verification option
- Major security concerns
- No technical support
7 Top Replacement Mail Apps for Windows
In this article, we are reviewing these seven email clients that are great alternatives to Windows 10 Mail:
- Mailbird - clean design and powerful features
- Thunderbird - versatile free option
- Outlook - an alternative for Windows loyalists
- Kiwi - exclusive to Gmail accounts
- Spark - team collaboration functionality
- Evolution - simple, no-frills interface
- Claws Mail - an open-source option
Let's see how they compare to each other
Mailbird
Mailbird is a powerful email client that lets you connect and manage all POP/IMAP accounts from one unified inbox. Mailbird helps you handle all your email accounts and productivity apps from one unified dashboard, keeping your focus on work at its highest.
This email client integrates with various productivity tools such as Asana, Evernote, Google Suite, and many more, so you can quickly eliminate unnecessary distractions and focus on important or unread messages.
Features
- Unified inbox
- Native unified calendar
- Advanced contact management
- Rich filtering and labeling options
- Undo send
- Email tracking
- Speed reader
- Rich integration options
- Unsubscribe button
- Spam filtering
- Folders
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Snooze
- Send later
- Spellchecker
- Attachment reminder
- Moving emails between accounts
- Rich customization options
User reviews
ProductHunt - 4.7/5
Pricing
Plans start at $3.25/per user monthly or $189.99 for lifetime access.
Mailbird vs. Windows Mail App
| Capabilities | Mailbird | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | 4.7/5 | n/a |
| Pricing | From $3.25 | free |
Verdict
Mailbird and the best Windows Mail app let you manage multiple email accounts and calendars. However, Mailbird offers many more productivity features than the Windows 10 email app, making it one of the top mail apps for Windows. It also enables you to personalize your interface more due to rich customization options; it's more user-friendly and intuitive. While Mailbird doesn't have a free version, this email client's monthly subscription is affordable for everyone.
Thunderbird
Thunderbird is a free email client with many useful features, including a unified inbox and calendar. In addition, it can be a suitable replacement for Windows 10 Mail due to its robust security options and productivity tools.
Features
- Multiple account support
- Multiple calendars
- Spam filtering
- Virus protection
- Contact management
- Tabbed email
- One-click address book
- Attachment reminder
- Filtering
- Large file management
- Phishing protection
Reviews
G2 - 4.3/5 (296 reviews - December 2022)
Pricing
The free version is limited to two email accounts.
free
| Capabilities | Thunderbird | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | 4.3/5 | n/a |
| Pricing | free | free |
Verdict
Similar to Windows Mail, Thunderbird is simple to use and navigate, and it's free. In some areas, this email client works much better than the Windows 10 default client; it offers more robust security and spam protection options. However, its productivity features are limited, and it doesn't provide a controlled product development app, as there is no team behind the project.
Outlook
Outlook is an advanced email client offering many productivity options. With the abundance of functions similar to Windows 10 Mail, Outlook could be a more user-friendly and intuitive tool. However, this email client is worth considering due to its rich integrations and features.
Features
- Simple configuration
- Support of multiple accounts
- Integrated calendars
- Spam filtering
- Phishing protection
- Smart lookup
- To-do lists
- Smart alerts
- Email recall
Reviews
G2 - 4.4/5 (2145 reviews - December 2022)
Pricing
You can access individual and business plans in Outlook. The personal plan costs $69.99 yearly or $6.99 monthly, while the business plan costs $6 per user.
| Capabilities | Outlook | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | 4.4/5 | n/a |
| Pricing | from $6 | free |
Verdict
Outlook offers rich productivity features, making it one of the best Windows 10 mail alternatives among commercial email clients. However, you can easily get lost in the abundance of features that negatively impact your productivity. While Windows 10 Mail is often viewed as simple, Outlook is a much more complex tool to navigate.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a desktop application that works only with Gmail accounts. It enhances various Gmail functions and integrates with Gmail applications such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive more effectively.
Features
- Clean compose window
- 1-click launch
- Document recall
- Quick Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive launch
- Customization
- Focus-filtered inbox
- Do not disturb mode
- Shortcuts
- Extensions
User Reviews
Capterra - 4.5/5
Pricing
The monthly plan costs $2.75. Yearly plans vary from $30 to $58.99, depending on the number of accounts and functionalities.
| Capabilities | Kiwi for Gmail | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | n/a | n/a |
| Pricing | from $2.75 | free |
Verdict
Kiwi is an email tool used to enhance work with Gmail accounts. It doesn't support other email providers, which limits its capacity to add and manage accounts and calendars. However, if Gmail is the only email provider you use, Kiwi can become a helpful tool for more effective email management. It's much more intuitive and easy to use compared to the Windows 10 app.
Spark
Spark is an email client offering various productivity features, such as team comments or email delegations, that are useful for teams. This tool lets you connect unlimited accounts belonging to different email providers. It's much more user-friendly and attractive than Windows 10 Mail.
Features
- Unified inbox
- Unified calendar
- Templates
- Natural language search
- Snooze emails
- Automated email categorization
- Private team comments
- Send later
- Follow-up reminders
- Link to email
- Smart notifications
Reviews
App Store - 4.8/5 (36,167 reviews - December 2022)
Pricing
Free with limited functionalities. Paid plans start at $59.99/year.
| Capabilities | Spark | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | 4.8/5 | n/a |
| Pricing | from $59.99 | free |
Verdict
Spark is a much more intuitive and user-friendly mail app for Windows compared to the built-in Windows Mail app. This tool lets you integrate with various third-party tools and boost your work's effectiveness with various productivity features. However, it's expensive compared to other email clients.
Evolution
Evolution is an open-source client that helps you manage several accounts, calendars, contacts, notes, and tasks.
Features
- IMAP and POP3 support
- Encrypted email
- Multiple accounts
- Built-in themes
- Email tracking
- Multiple calendars
- Junk and spam filtering
- Working offline
- Shortcuts
- Sorting, filtering, searching
- Email read receipts
- Spell checking
- Message templates
- Advanced contact management
User Reviews
n/a
Pricing
It's a free email client
| Capabilities | Evolution | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | n/a | n/a |
| Pricing | free | free |
Verdict
Evolution offers useful features that can take your productivity to a new level. But its interface is outdated and can't compete with Windows 10 Mail regarding customization options. However, Evolution is also free.
Claws Mail
Claws Mail is a lightweight email client with various productivity options. Compared to the often slow Windows 10 Mail, Claws Mail can feel surprisingly speedy and easy to navigate.
Features
- Multiple accounts
- IMAP/POP3 support
- Colour labels
- Templates
- Message scoring
- Automated message saving
- Filtering options
- Quick response
- Intuitive navigation
- Sophisticated interface
Reviews
G2 - 4.5/5
Pricing
Free
| Capabilities | Claws Mail | Windows Mail App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Integrations | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| User Reviews | n/a | n/a |
| Pricing | free | free |
Verdict
Claws Mail is more outdated than Windows Mail, but it offers many useful features for free. It also lets you label and group your incoming and outgoing messages-features that are unavailable in Windows 10 Mail. So consider this email client if you're seeking the best Windows Mail app alternative that's free.
| Capabilities | Windows Mail | Mailbird | Thunderbird | Outlook | Kiwi | Spark | Evolution | Claws Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup and onboarding | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Customization | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Email and contact management | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Productivity features | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Ingerations | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Price | Free | From $3.25/month | Free | $6 | from $2.75 | from $59.99 | free | free |
What Is the Best Replacement for the Windows Mail App?
Windows Mail is simple and offers basic features many users find sufficient for managing multiple accounts. However, Windows 10 Mail has its drawbacks, such as a lack of intuitiveness and advanced productivity features.
Fortunately, plenty of alternatives offer superior functionality, making them the best mail app for Windows options to consider.
After checking out a complete comparison of the reviewed apps, you will notice that Mailbird is the strongest contender. That's because it offers the most productivity features organized in an intuitive and user-friendly way.
You can start using this email client immediately-no need to watch tutorials. In addition, it lets you connect dozens of external apps, such as Asana or Evernote, and manage the tools from one productivity dashboard-something other email clients don't always let you do.
Who Is Mailbird Made For?
If you're looking for an alternative mail app to Windows 10 then Mailbird fits the bill. As you can tell, Mailbird is made for users who want a unified inbox to manage their email accounts, regardless of how tech-savvy they are.
With added features, integrations and customization, Mailbird works with you, allowing you to create a productive inbox workspace to get more done without coding it all in.
We offer far more accessible features, setup, and tools in our mail app for Windows, surpassing the Windows Mail app in email management, accessibility, and security.
Feel free to review the table that reviews everything we've covered so far to see the comparison between Windows Mail app and Mailbird:
| Criteria | Windows Mail App | Mailbird |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Basic - FreeBusiness Basic - $5.00 user/monthBusiness Standard - $12.50 user/monthBusiness Premium - $20.00 user/month | Personal - $3.25/MonthBusiness - $4.92/MonthOne Time Payment - $79 |
| Account Set up | IMAP and Office 365 |
IMAP, Office 365, Exchange, POP Auto-Detects Email Settings for Quick Setup |
| Email Management Features |
Unified Inbox
Advanced Search Send Later Feature Archive Feature Swiping Gestures for Mobile |
Unified Inbox Shortcuts Advanced Search Email Tracking Unsubscribe Button Snooze Send Later Speed Reader |
| Custom Settings |
Themes Layout Signatures Templates |
Themes Layout Mail Rules Shortcuts Notifications Languages Signatures Integrations |
| Integrations | Only with Microsoft Office. Some knowledge of plugins is required. |
30 +apps are easy to integrate almost instantly. They include: Task Management Apps Chat and Video Conferencing Calendars Google Workspace Apps, and more |
| Support | Premium Support for Microsoft 365 users |
Email Support Knowledge Base Premium Support for Business |
If you want to try Mailbird, you can install and set it up in just five simple steps that don't require any technical knowledge:
- Download the Mailbird email client on the official website.
- Enter your primary email account details and configure your email box.
- In this account, let Mailbird automatically detect the incoming mail server SMTP and outgoing mail server settings.
- Add additional email accounts (if any).
- Customize the accounts per your needs and preferences (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Outlook
How do I set up an email account on Windows 10?
To set up:
- Open the Mail app.
- Click "Get Started."
- Select your email provider (e.g., Outlook, Gmail).
- Enter your email address and password.
- Follow prompts to complete setup.
How do I use the Mail app in Windows 10?
Basic usage:
- Open the Mail app.
- Click "New Mail" to compose.
- Enter recipient's email.
- Write and format your message.
- Click "Send."
- To check emails, click "Sync."
Can I delete the Mail app on my Mac?
Yes, you can delete the Mail app on Mac. To do so:
- Open the "Applications" folder.
- Find the Mail app.
- Drag it to the "Trash" or right-click and select "Move to Trash."
- Enter your administrator password to confirm.
How do I add my email account to the Mail app?
To add an email account to Mail:
- Open the Mail app.
- Go to "Mail" > "Preferences."
- Click the "+" icon.
- Select your email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
- Enter your email address and password.
- Follow prompts to complete setup.
How to Logout of Mail App on iPhone
To log out:
- Open the Mail app.
- Tap the "Back" button until you reach the account list.
- Tap "Edit" (top-right).
- Tap the "Delete" icon next to your account.
- Confirm by tapping "Delete Account."
How to Sign Out of Mail App
Signing out varies by device:
- On Mac: "Mail" > "Preferences" > select account > "-" icon.
- On iPhone/iPad: "Mail" > "Back" > "Edit" > "Delete" icon.
- On Windows: "Mail" > "Settings" > select account > "Delete account."
Why is my Mail app not working?
Common issues:
- Incorrect email/password.
- Poor internet connection.
- App glitches.
- Outdated software.
- Conflict with other apps.
Try restarting, updating, or reinstalling the Mail app.
