Best Email Clients for Every Platform

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Working with professional emails, keeping up with personal commitments, and managing your inbox can feel like a full-time job. That’s where email clients come into play. A great email client does more than just send and receive emails — it can simplify your entire workflow. But with so many options, which one should you choose?

Let’s break it down and explore the best email clients out there for Mac, Windows, Linux, and beyond. We’ll also touch on free email clients, popular tools, and what you should look for to find the right fit for you.

What Exactly Is an Email Client?

An email client is basically an app or software that you install on your computer or device to manage your emails. Unlike logging into Gmail or Yahoo through a web browser, an email client gives you more features, like offline access, better organization tools, and sometimes a more secure setup. Think of it as a personal assistant for your emails.

If you’re someone who gets bombarded with emails every day (and who doesn’t?), a good email client can be a lifesaver.

Why Bother With an Email Client?

You might be asking, “Can’t I just stick with webmail?” Sure, you can. But once you experience the productivity boost that comes from using a proper email client, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner. Here’s why people love them:

1. Access Emails Anytime – No internet? No problem. Email clients store your messages locally so you can work on drafts or check your inbox on the go.
2. One Inbox for All Accounts – Have multiple email addresses? Instead of logging in and out of different accounts, you can manage everything from one place.
3. Customizable Experience – You get to tailor your email setup with features like filters, themes, keyboard shortcuts, and calendar integration.
4. Enhanced Security – Many email clients offer encryption, meaning your sensitive emails are better protected than on standard webmail services.
5. Streamlined Organization – Advanced search options, tagging, and sorting features make it easier to stay on top of things.

Types of Email Clients

Email clients come in various forms, each catering to different needs and platforms. The main types include desktop clients, web-based clients, and mobile apps. 

Desktop email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail, are installed on your computer and often allow offline access, advanced filtering, and enhanced security features. 

Web-based clients like Gmail and Yahoo Mail can be accessed through a browser, offering convenience and automatic updates but often lacking offline capabilities. 

Meanwhile, mobile email apps such as Spark, Outlook for Mobile, and Gmail App focus on ease of use, push notifications, and syncing across devices, making them ideal for users on the go. Each type has its strengths, so the right choice depends on how and where you typically manage your emails.

Email clients will help you manage your inbox and GlockApps will ensure your emails reach the inboxes of others! Test the email deliverability regularly.

Best Email Clients for Every Platform

Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: a list of the top email clients you should consider. Whether you’re loyal to Mac, a Windows user, or a Linux enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

1. Best Email Clients for Mac Users.

Mac users often prioritize smooth performance. Some favorites include:

• Apple Mail – Comes pre-installed on macOS, integrates perfectly with other Apple services like iCloud, and is easy to use.
• Spark – A popular choice for teams, thanks to features like collaborative email editing and smart inbox filtering.
• Airmail – Offers deep customization options and integrates well with productivity apps like Trello.

2. Email Clients for Windows.

Here are some of the most popular:

• Microsoft Outlook – A powerhouse for business users with advanced calendar and contact management tools.
• eM Client – Clean interface, offline support, and built-in chat features make this a standout for personal and professional use.
• Mailbird – Known for its minimalist design and integrations with apps like Slack and WhatsApp.

3. Top Linux Email Clients.

For Linux users, finding reliable, open-source solutions is key. Thankfully, there are several excellent options:

• Thunderbird – Developed by Mozilla, Thunderbird is highly customizable and supports add-ons for enhanced functionality.
• Evolution – Often favored by GNOME desktop users, it includes calendar and task features.
• Mutt – A lightweight, text-based email client for those who prefer working in the terminal.

What Are the Most Popular Email Clients Right Now?

If we look at market share, some names consistently come up as the most popular email clients:

• Microsoft Outlook: Dominates in business environments for its comprehensive feature set.
• Apple Mail: A favorite among Mac and iPhone users due to its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
• Gmail (via email clients): Many people use third-party email clients to manage their Gmail accounts while taking advantage of offline access and advanced organization tools.

Best Free Email Clients

Not everyone wants — or needs — to pay for an email client. Fortunately, there are some great free email clients out there that offer powerful features without the price tag.

Here are a few worth trying:

• Mozilla Thunderbird – It’s open-source, packed with features, and has been a go-to for millions of users for years.
• Mailspring – Offers a modern interface and email snoozing, though some premium features require a subscription.
• ProtonMail (via Bridge) – Known for its focus on privacy and security.

Email Service Providers (ESP) vs. Email Clients: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to managing your emails, you have two main options: Email Service Providers (ESPs) and Email Clients. 

Email Service Providers (ESPs), like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook.com, allow you to send, receive, and organize emails through a web browser. They are cloud-based, which means you can access your emails from any device with an internet connection. 

Email Clients, on the other hand, are software programs installed on your computer or mobile device. Examples include, as we’ve already discussed many of them, Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail. Email clients offer offline access and the ability to manage multiple accounts in one interface.

Feature	ESP	Email Clients
Access Method	Via web browsers	Installed software on your device
Offline Access	Limited, requires extensions or browser settings	Full offline access to downloaded emails
Security	Relies on provider’s security measures	Encryption and local data storage
Integration	Limited; mainly within the provider’s ecosystem	Integrates with third-party tools
Customization	Minimal (themes, layout options)	Extensive (filters, rules, themes, plugins)

Conclusion

Ultimately, the “best” email client depends on your specific needs. If you want something simple and native, go with Apple Mail. If you need powerful business features, Microsoft Outlook is hard to beat. For those who love open-source tools, Thunderbird is a top solution. No matter what email client you use, don’t overlook testing your email deliverability with the best tools like GlockApps!

Explore your options, try out a few, and find the one that makes managing your inbox easier. With the right email client, you’ll save time, stay organized, and maybe even (finally) hit inbox zero!

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