10 BEST Outlook Alternatives (2025)

BEST Outlook Alternatives

Outlook is a popular email client developed by Microsoft Corporation. This tool is easy to integrate with Word, PowerPoint, as well as Excel. It helps you to scan and remove dangerous email attachments.

However, Microsoft Outlook has some limitations, like it has a complex password recovery process, lacking task management features, calendar overload. It gives precedence to exchange accounts over other email accounts that might interrupt your workflow.

Here is a curated list of Top email programs that are capable of replacing MS Outlook. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.
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Editor's Choice
Mailbird

Mailbird is a Windows email sending application that can work with Gmail. It helps you to manage all your mails and contacts from more than one account. This app allows you to customize your layout.

Visit Mailbird

Best Outlook Alternatives for Windows, Linux & Mac

Name Platform Free Trial Link
👍 Mailbird Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux 14-Days Free Trial Learn More
Zoho Mail Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone 15-Days Free Trial Learn More
eM Client Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
Shift Windows, and Mac 14-Days Free Trial Learn More
Clean Email Web, Mac, Android, and iOS 14-Days Free Trial Learn More

1) Mailbird

Best Alternative to Outlook

I added this tool to my list because it serves Windows users exceptionally well and supports Gmail integration. It’s a good idea to customize the layout to suit your workflow, which Mailbird allows you to do effortlessly.

#1 Top Pick
Mailbird
5.0

Email Tracking: Yes

Send Email Later: Yes

Encryption: AES 256-bit, and PGP

Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial

Visit Mailbird

Features:

  • Notification Customization: Upload custom sounds for app notifications. 
  • Language Accessibility: Supports multiple languages for diverse user convenience.
  • Email Efficiency: Numerous shortcuts enhance email composition and management.
  • Social and Cloud Integration: I could easily access major social networks and cloud services.
  • Email Protocol Support: Compatible with POP, POP3, IMAP, and SMTP standards.
  • Inbox Organization: Advanced labels and filters streamline inbox management.
  • Security Standards: Protects data with AES 256-bit and PGP encryption.
  • Storage Capacity: Provides 10 GB of email storage space.
  • Compatibility: Functional across significant email providers like Gmail and Outlook.
  • Communication Features: Offers messaging, email tracking, and scheduled sending.
  • Productivity Tools: Includes task management, customizable themes, and reminders.
  • Customer Assistance: I got swift assistance through the contact form.
  • Platform Supported: Supports Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux systems.

Pros

  • During my evaluation, I appreciated Mailbird’s integrated task management.
  • Manage multiple accounts seamlessly in Mailbird.
  • Customization options are quite extensive.
  • Speed reader feature.
  • Convenient email snooze function.
  • Powerful search functionality.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by the occasional sync issues in Mailbird.
  • Unsuitable for large-scale enterprise needs.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $3 a month.
  • Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial.

Visit Mailbird >>

14-Days Free Trial


2) Zoho Mail

During the period of my assessment, I checked how Zoho Mail is a reliable and secure email solution for personal and corporate use. The advanced collaboration feature enables the entire team to sync in and work on the project. It offers full encryption to your emails, guarding your data.

#2
Zoho Mail
4.9

Email Tracking: Yes

Send Email Later: Yes

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3, 256-bit Advanced Encryption

Free Trial: 15 Days Free Trial

Visit Zoho Mail

Features:

  • Touch Support: Offers a migration tool, using which you can quickly transfer all your emails from other email services.
  • Email Signature: You can quickly add a signature to the email.
  • Multilingual Translation: Translates English messages into multiple language options.
  • Integration: Seamlessly works with Microsoft 365, Yahoo Mail, Google Workspace, and more.
  • Email Tools: Provides tool enables you to comment, tag, and share a file with ease.
  • Protocol Support: Fully supports IMAP and POP3 email protocols.
  • Data Encryption: Secures your data using S/MIME encryption.
  • Storage Offer: Provides 5 GB per user of email storage space.
  • Service Compatibility: Works with Google Workspace, Rackspace, Microsoft 365, and Yahoo.
  • Productivity and Customization: Features tasks, customizable layouts, dark themes, and comprehensive reminders.
  • Customer Support: I got prompt email help whenever I needed assistance.
  • Platforms Supported: Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone Apps

Pros

  • You can customize your own incoming and outgoing email rules.
  • Totally Ad-free service
  • Message encryption feature for high level security.
  • Allows bulk deleting and archiving.

Cons

  • I was unhappy with doesn’t support an import contact service.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $1 a month.
  • Free Trial: 15 Days Free Trial.

Visit Zoho Mail >>

15-Days Free Trial (No credit card required)


Top Pick
Campaigner

Campaigner is a email service provider that allows you to communicate more directly with customers for urgent messages or time-sensitive offers. Campaigner includes advanced features like email automation workflows, purchase behavior, and geotargeting.

Visit Campaigner

3) eM Client

Throughout the appraisal process, I discovered eM Client’s capability to integrate email, calendar, contacts, and task management in a single application for Windows and Mac. It offers the feature “Work seamlessly from anywhere” to ensure multi-device productivity.

#3
eM Client
4.8

Email Tracking: Yes

Send Email Later: Yes

Encryption: AES 256-bit, AES 128-bit, AES 192-bit, and PGP

Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial

Visit eM Client

Features:

  • Email Backup: Enables secure backup of your email data.
  • Automated Response: Supports setting up autoreply messages for incoming emails.
  • Contact Management: Automatically downloads contacts from the web for easy access.
  • Flexible Editing: It allowed me to resize and add table cells effortlessly.
  • Image Editing Tools: Change size, rotate, and flip images within emails.
  • Seamless App Integration: Works with Nextcloud, Zoom, Google Drive, and more.
  • Features: Boasts high-speed search, touch support, secure connectivity, and extra functionalities.
  • Protocol Support: Supports IMAP, POP3, Exchange, and AirSync.
  • Email Sorting: Use labels and filters for inbox organization.
  • Advanced Encryption: Protects data with multiple levels of AES and PGP encryption.
  • Storage Capacity: Provides 4 GB of storage space.
  • Communication Features: Messaging, undo send, snooze, tracking, and scheduling options.
  • Service Compatibility: Compatible with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, and others.
  • Task Management: Offers tasks, a customizable layout, a dark theme, and reminders.
  • Accessible Support: Customer support is available via email.
  • Platform Supported: I used it seamlessly on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros

  • Throughout my assessment, I admired eM Client’s user-friendly interface.
  • Integrated chat feature.
  • Message encryption feature for enhanced security.
  • I can easily organize emails with extensive customization.
  • Fast and reliable import from other clients.

Cons

  • I was unhappy with the occasional crashes I encountered.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $27 a month.
  • Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://www.emclient.com/


4) Shift

I checked how Shift operates as an email client on Windows 10 and was impressed by its robust workflow management tools. Inviting team members into custom workspaces is straightforward and helpful to those who aim to keep their projects well-organized.

#4
Shift
4.7

Email Tracking: Yes

Send Email Later: Yes

Encryption: 256-bit AES-CBC

Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial

Visit Shift

Features:

  • Unified Email Management: Sync and manage multiple email accounts in one inbox.
  • Extension Compatibility: Enhance functionality with extensions like Grammarly and Zoom.
  • Work-Life Balance: It allowed me to manage work and life efficiently.
  • Comprehensive Integration: Connects with social, project, and accommodation platforms seamlessly.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Features Chrome extensions, focused tabs, and significant app support.
  • Email Protocol Support: Supports essential protocols like POP3 and IMAP.
  • Organized Inbox: Utilize labels and filters for efficient email sorting.
  • Robust Encryption: Secures data with 256-bit AES-CBC encryption.
  • Expanded Storage: Offers 30 GB of storage for email and documents.
  • Email Service Compatibility: I could access Gmail, Outlook, and Office 365 seamlessly.
  • Messaging Features: Messaging, snoozing, tracking, and scheduled email sending.
  • Task Management: Task lists, customizable layout, and various productivity tools.
  • Multifaceted Support: Customer assistance is available via chat, ticket, and email.
  • Platform Supported: Compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.

Pros

  • As I carried out my evaluation, I found Shift’s integration of multiple email clients efficient.
  • Effortlessly switch between accounts and applications.
  • Throughout my assessment, I valued the unified search across emails and apps.
  • Clean and easy-to-use interface.

Cons

  • I was not satisfied with the limited mobile functionality.
  • Occasional slow performance.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $129 a month.
  • Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://shift.com/


5) Clean Email

While examining Clean Email, I appreciated its ability to make mailbox management on iPhone a breeze. It enables you to clear out junk with a single click, helping busy professionals stay organized. 

#5
Clean Email
4.7

Email Tracking: Yes

Send Email Later: Yes

Encryption: 256-bit AES-CBC

Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial

Visit Clean Email

Features:

  • Mailbox Segmentation: Organizes emails using custom rules and filters.
  • Email Management: Move, archive, label, or quickly delete emails.
  • Email Control: I also got the option to block unwanted email senders.
  • Bulk Email Deletion: Efficiently removes thousands of emails directly.
  • Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with OneDrive for storage and access.
  • Email Organization Tools: Features quick cleaning, intelligent views, and automated tasks.
  • Protocol Compatibility: Supports POP3, IMAP, and SMTP email protocols.
  • Inbox Management: Provides labels, filters, and folders for sorting emails.
  • Encryption Security: Utilizes 256-bit AES-CBC encryption to protect data.
  • Storage: Offers 20 GB of storage for email data.
  • Compatibility: Works with Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, iCloud, and more.
  • Communication Features: Instant messaging, email tracking, and more.
  • Productivity Enhancement: Tasks, customizable layouts, reminders, and dark themes.
  • Customer Support Access: Available via a contact form for assistance.
  • Platform Supported: Compatible with Web, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Pros

  • During my review, I found Clean Email’s bulk email management to save time.
  • Intuitive rules for automating inbox cleaning.
  • Privacy protection features stood out.
  • As I carried out my evaluation, the unsubscribe functionality worked smoothly.
  • Smart filters made it easy to categorize emails.
  • Quick select options for emails expedited processing.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by the lack of phone support.
  • The manual review process is time-consuming for new users.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $9.99 a month. 4% Discount on Yearly Payment.
  • Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://clean.email/


6) Thunderbird

During my review, I tested Thunderbird and was impressed by its straightforward account setup process. Mac users who love customizing their email experience will find this software a perfect fit.

Thunderbird

Features:

  • Attachment Reminder: This alerts you to add an attachment before sending an email.
  • Automatic Updates: Thunderbird continuously checks and updates automatically.
  • File Sharing: Share links to large files instead of attaching them.
  • Phishing Protection: Shields against phishing attempts to secure sensitive information.
  • Multi-Account Management: I found it seamless to manage and combine multiple email accounts.
  • Email Tools: Includes setup wizard, privacy features, and smart folders.
  • Protocol Support: Compatible with POP, POP3, IMAP, SMTP, and SSL/TLS.
  • Inbox Sorting: Utilizes labels and filters for organized email management.
  • Strong Encryption: Protects data with AES 256-bit and PGP encryption.
  • Storage Offer: Provides 4 GB of email storage space.
  • Service Compatibility: Works with Gmail, Outlook, GMX Mail, and Yahoo.
  • Task Management: Offers tasks, a customizable layout, and productivity features.
  • Advanced Messaging Options: Messaging, snooze, tracking, and scheduled sending.
  • Accessible Support: Provides customer support via email.
  • Platform Supported: Available on Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux.

Pros

  • Robust security features.
  • During my review, I noted the ease of account setup.
  • Open-source nature.
  • Active community support while using Thunderbird.

Cons

  • Outdated user interface.
  • I found Thunderbird’s search functionality slow with large inboxes.

Pricing:

  • Price: Free Download.
  • Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/


7) Spark

Throughout the appraisal process, I particularly liked how Spark enhances email security by automatically categorizing messages. This software keeps emails secure and organized and features robust collaboration – a perfect Outlook alternative.

Spark

Features:

  • Natural Language Search: Quickly find emails using intuitive natural language queries.
  • Email Commenting: Allows users to comment directly on email threads.
  • Quick Reply Templates: Access pre-written emails for rapid responses.
  • Email Signature: Easily add a personalized signature to your emails.
  • Interface Personalization: Customize the sidebar, swipes, and widgets in Spark.
  • Smart Notifications: Receive alerts only for important emails.
  • Email Features: Offers a smart inbox, search, signatures, and delegation.
  • Protocol Support: Supports POP, POP3, IMAP, and SMTP.
  • Inbox Organization: Utilizes labels and filters for managing emails.
  • Data Security: It protects your emails with PGP encryption.
  • Storage Capacity: It offered me 5 GB of storage space easily.
  • Service Compatibility: Works with Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and other significant services.
  • Communication Options: I found features like undo send and snooze extremely useful.
  • Productivity Tools: Tasks, dark theme, notifications, calendar, and reminders.
  • Customer Support: Assistance is available via the contact form.
  • Platform Supported: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Pros

  • During my evaluation, I took advantage of Spark’s simple email collaboration.
  • Intuitive smart inbox feature.
  • Integration with third-party apps was seamless.
  • Save time with smart notifications.
  • As I evaluated, team email assignments improved my workflow.

Cons

  • Limited customization of interface themes.
  • Unsuitable for handling large volumes of email efficiently.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $4.99 a month. 9% Discount on Yearly Payments.
  • Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://sparkmailapp.com


8) Postbox

Over the course of my evaluation, I particularly liked Postbox for its user-friendly interface that supports dynamic data fields and HTML snippet reuse. Extensive design options paired with top-notch features make this software the superior choice over the dated look of Outlook.

Postbox

Features:

  • Dynamic Email: Incorporate dynamic data fields into emails and templates.
  • App Integration: Forward emails to numerous apps like Slack and Evernote.
  • Image Enhancement: Add effects such as flip, rotate, shadow, and frames.
  • Image Resizing: I found it easy to adjust the size of any image.
  • App Compatibility: Integrates with Zapier, IFTTT, MailChimp, Slack, Zendesk, and more.
  • Email Tools: I could access message triage, organization, safety, and quick search easily.
  • Email Protocol Support: Compatible with POP, POP3, IMAP, and SMTP.
  • Inbox Management: Utilizes labels and filters for efficient organization.
  • Secure Encryption: It protects your emails using PGP encryption.
  • Storage: Offers 25 GB of storage space.
  • Service Support: Works with Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, and more.
  • Communication Features: Provides instant messaging, undo send, and email tracking.
  • Productivity Enhancement: Features tasks, a customizable layout, a dark theme, and reminders.
  • Customer Support: Assistance is available via the contact form.
  • Platform Supported: Compatible with both Windows and Mac.

Pros

  • As I evaluated, I appreciated Postbox’s strong focus on email organization.
  • Powerful search filters.
  • I could save time with Postbox’s efficient, quick reply function.
  • Support for various add-ons.
  • The ability to group accounts by type is quite useful.

Cons

  • I was not satisfied with the lack of a mobile app.
  • The interface is a bit overwhelming.

Pricing:

  • Price: $49 One-time purchase. No subscriptions.
  • Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://www.postbox-inc.com/features


9) Bluemail

Best Email Client Alternative to Outlook

While examining Bluemail, I found that it is one of the best solutions for replacing Outlook. It allows for the management of an unlimited number of email accounts and includes smart push notifications and group emailing, which are typically what heavy email users need.

Bluemail

Features:

  • Message Management: Mark messages for later and set reminders.
  • Calendar Integration: Access and plan events using integrated calendars.
  • Email Tracking: I used it to check unread emails instantly.
  • Gmail Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with Gmail.
  • Email Protocol: Supports POP, POP3, IMAP, and SMTP.
  • Organized Email Sorting: I manage my inbox effectively using labels and filters.
  • Robust Encryption: Secures data using PGP, TLS, and AES encryption.
  • Storage Offering: Provides 25 GB of email storage space.
  • Email Service Support: Compatible with Office365, Exchange, and Google.
  • Productivity Enhancement: Includes tasks, a dark theme, notifications, and a calendar.
  • Customer Support Access: Provides support via email.
  • Platform Supported: Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros

  • BlueMail’s interface is vibrant and user-friendly.
  • During my testing, I observed a quick and easy account setup.
  • Universal email sync across devices.
  • Customizable notifications.
  • The clustering feature effectively organizes messages.
  • Visually appealing design.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by occasional issues with push notifications.
  • Advanced settings were less intuitive.

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $5 a month.
  • Free Trial: 7 Days Free Trial.

Link: https://bluemail.me/features-functions

What is an Email Client?

An Email client is a software application that enables users to configure one or more email addresses to read, receive, compose, and send emails from that email address(s). It also provides a central interface for receiving, composing, and sending emails to a configured email address(s). It allows users to easily access and manage their emails.

What is IMAP, POP3, SMTP?

IMAP: IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is a mail protocol used to access email on the webserver from the local PC. It stores messages on a server and synchronizes them across multiple devices.

POP3: POP3, or Post Office Protocol, is a mail protocol used to receive emails from the server to the local email client. It allows operations like downloading email messages on your computer and deleting them from the server.

SMTP: SMTP or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is an application layer to send messages to the mail server for relaying.

When you send emails, the web server processes them and decides which server to send messages to. The mail service provider downloads the emails and places them in the recipient’s inbox.

Why Choose an Outlook Alternatives?

The following are the reasons to consider Outlook alternatives:

  • Price: Many alternatives to Outlook offer free versions with ample features. This can be particularly appealing for small businesses and individuals on a budget.
  • System Requirements: Some alternatives require fewer system resources than Outlook, making them ideal for older computers or mobile devices.
  • Ease of Use: Alternative email clients often feature simpler, more intuitive interfaces than Outlook. This can increase user satisfaction and decrease the learning time required.
  • Security Issues: Due to concerns about Outlook’s security vulnerabilities, some users are shifting to platforms that provide enhanced encryption and privacy features.
  • Poor Support: Users often switch from Outlook due to perceived inadequate support. Alternative providers may offer more responsive or comprehensive customer service.
  • Specific Features: Certain alternatives provide unique features unavailable in Outlook, such as better integration with other platforms. For certain business needs, these features might be essential.
  • Customization: Alternatives to Outlook often allow more customization options to better fit individual or organizational needs.

How to Choose the Best Email Program?

Here are some important features that must be included in any best email clients:

  • It should allow you to send unlimited messages to anyone.
  • It can manage multiple email accounts by combining archive, inbox, or sent folder.
  • An email client must comply with the protocols IMAP, POP3, etc.
  • It should allow you to access calendars and plan events.
  • It should allow features like undo send, restore email as well as scheduled delivery.

Why Trust Our Outlook Alternative Email Client Reviews?

At Guru99, reliability and insight are the cornerstones of our email client reviews. Our team, well-versed in tool reviews, brings over a decade of experience to the table, having meticulously tested and researched thousands of tools over countless hours and days. The depth of our experience guarantees analyses that are not only informed but also grounded in a practical understanding of the email client space.

At our core, we value quality and accuracy, sourcing only from reputable sources and confirming that our reviewers are authenticated and seasoned. Transparency and balanced views are paramount to us—we present both the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative, allowing you to choose the best Outlook alternative for your needs.

Verdict

I found Mailbird integration capabilities and its customizable interface quite effective in managing multiple accounts easily. Shift’s approach to multiple workflows suits my professional demands well. I prefer eM Client, with its intuitive interface, which provides straightforward functionality.