If you’re like most people, you probably have multiple email accounts. According to research, 37% of Americans have two email addresses, 21% have three, and 28% have over four. That’s a lot of email to deal with, and if you use multiple service providers, you may find yourself juggling between different apps and interfaces.
Fortunately, there’s a solution to that issue: choosing an email client to pull all your messages into one clean interface. Email clients integrate with various service providers so you can manage your emails in one single platform. That means you won’t need to switch between apps and interfaces to get to your messages — saving you valuable time.
Apple is the most popular email client, commanding 55% of the market. Gmail follows closely behind with nearly 31% of the market, and Outlook has a 4% sliver. However, there’s no reason to stick with the biggest names in the business if you find an alternative that better suits your needs.
This guide takes a close look at the best email clients for all situations, whether you rely on them for business and personal use or want a tool that integrates with your email marketing automation software.
Types of email clients
There are three basic types of email clients:
- Desktop email clients sit on your laptop or desktop computer. They typically have the most features of all email clients and may offer extra security and backup options.
- Web-based email clients store messages on a remote server accessible via an internet connection. Most web-based email solutions are free but may not have the substantial features you can find through desktop clients.
- Mobile applications are accessible via your smartphone. A mobile email client app aims for ease of use, but like web-based email clients, they typically lack the features you can find in a desktop email client.
Key features to look for in an email client
If you’re looking for a new email client, it helps to understand the available features and how they can benefit you. Let’s look at a few features to consider.
Security features
Your emails may contain private information you don’t want to lose. Think contact details, addresses, banking details, and business data concerning clients and vendors. When looking for an email client, look closely at its security features. Some that may be available include two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and spam and virus protection.
Integration capabilities
Often, people use email in tandem with other platforms, including business productivity software like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, or a customer relationship management (CRM) system. Think about what platforms you use most and whether you want them to integrate with your email client, then compare your options.
Customization options
You may receive emails from multiple sources, so it’s helpful to use an email client with lots of organization options, including filtering, searching, and filing. You’ll also want to choose an aesthetically pleasing solution that makes logical sense to you. Ideally, your email client will offer a straightforward interface that’s easy to use.
Performance and speed
Some email clients offer functionality even if you’re not connected to the internet. If you’re frequently in situations where the internet isn’t readily available (such as on an airplane), look for an email client that’s functional when you’re not connected and automatically syncs up once you reestablish a connection.
Cost and pricing models
Some email clients are entirely free, while others come at a cost. Consider your budget and what you’re willing to pay for extra features you may benefit from.
Best email clients for 2024
Apple, Gmail, and Outlook round out the top three email clients worldwide, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best option for you. Here’s a roundup of our top list of email clients in 2024 and why they should be on your radar.
Microsoft Outlook
Many businesses use the Microsoft ecosystem for their productivity software, so it’s no surprise that Outlook is one of the best desktop email clients available. However, Outlook isn’t just a business email client — it’s also available for personal use.
Why we chose it
- Manage your calendar, email, and contacts in one interface
- Connect email accounts from other providers, including Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, and Outlook.com
- Built-in spelling and grammar checker
- Easily access files from other Microsoft software, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Who it’s for
- Business and personal users
- Anyone who uses Microsoft software
- Best email client for Windows PC and laptop users
Spark
Spark may be the tool you’re looking for if you find yourself constantly distracted and overwhelmed by emails. Its features aim to improve focus, filter out noise, and recover lost productivity.
Why we chose it
- Lets you set priority contacts so you don’t miss critical messages
- Screening tools to block senders you’re uninterested in hearing from
- Mute options for irrelevant email threads
Who it’s for
- People and teams with an overflowing email box that hogs their time
Canary Mail
Canary Mail integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform, which you can use to assist in drafting emails, summarizing lengthy messages, or organizing your messages. It’s available as a desktop or mobile app and integrates with all major email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and iCloud.
Why we chose it
- Offers enterprise-level security features, including end-to-end encryption
- Clean and modern interface
- Available as a mobile and desktop solution
Who it’s for
- People concerned about email privacy and security
- Those who want AI support drafting or reading emails
Shortwave
Shortwave’s AI-powered email client solution drafts emails based on your voice and style. It also offers a powerful search function that analyzes your email inbox to find the specific information you want. With Shortwave, you can easily organize your inbox according to senders and labels.
Why we chose it
- Offers functionality to transform emails into a to-do list
- Avoid distractions by scheduling a delivery time
- See when recipients view your emails with read receipts
Who it’s for
- People who want maximum control over their inbox
Twobird
Twobird integrates with Outlook and Gmail to provide you with a single email client interface. When you sign up with Twobird, you’ll no longer need to juggle your messages between multiple apps. While Twobird currently doesn’t integrate with other email providers like Yahoo or iCloud, it’s easily one of the best free email clients available.
Why we chose it
- Tracks your email, notes, and calendar in one interface
- Free to all users
Who it’s for
- People looking for a simple interface to manage their calendar and email
OnMail
OnMail offers a sleek interface and privacy-oriented features. It includes anti-tracking technology geared against intrusive pixels that monitor how you view marketing emails and anti-spam and phishing safeguards. You can sign up for a unique OnMail email address or integrate existing email addresses into the platform. However, OnMail is web-based, so if you’re looking for a desktop solution, it might not be the right fit for you.
Why we chose it
- Offers Permission Control features that let you decide whether to accept emails from a new sender
- Option to create your own domain for a new email account
- Superior search function
Who it’s for
- Those who want more control over who can send them emails
Apple Mail
As the email client with the largest market share, Apple Mail probably doesn’t need much introduction. However, it offers a few features worth mentioning, such as its commitment to ad-free email. It’s also quite secure and hides your IP address, so senders can’t view your online activity or track your location.
Why we chose it
- Best email client for Mac and iOS users
- Option to personalize your email with a custom domain
- Support for email aliases
Who it’s for
- Anyone who uses Apple devices
- People who want the benefits of Mail Privacy Protection
Microsoft Mail and Calendar
Microsoft Mail and Calendar is a standard app on Windows computers. It offers basic email functionality for those who want a Microsoft-based email client but don’t want to pay for Outlook. A calendar is also included to manage appointments and tasks.
Why we chose it
- Sleek interface that’s fully customizable
- Free solution that integrates with all third-party email providers, including Outlook, Gmail, and Yahoo
Who it’s for
- Best Windows email client for Windows users
Mozilla Thunderbird
Mozilla Thunderbird is an all-in-one app with email, a calendar, and a contact list organization. You can integrate multiple accounts into one unified inbox or split them into separate tabs. It’s open source, funded entirely by user donations, and strictly committed to user privacy.
Why we chose it
- Fully customizable
- Combine all emails into a unified inbox or split them up
- Works on any computer system, including Windows, Mac, and Linux
Who it’s for
- Best email client for multiple accounts
Choosing the right email client for your needs
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for email clients. Each is geared toward different audiences, so consider the features you want when making your choice. Here’s our overall picks for different features:
For business use
Outlook is the frontrunner for businesses because so many companies rely on the Microsoft 365 platform for office tools. Since it’s been around for quite some time, most people are familiar with how to use it, so there’s minimal or no learning curve.
For personal use
Apple Mail is a clear winner for users looking for a personal email client. Its privacy-first functions keep marketers out of your inbox, and it seamlessly integrates with iOS and Windows. However, Apple Mail isn’t an option if you have an Android phone. Instead, go with OnMail — an excellent alternative to Apple Mail that’s easily the best email client for Android.
For security
Canary Mail is the standout performer for its security features. It’s one of the few email clients with end-to-end encryption, protecting your messages from hacks when they’re in transmission.
Integration with other tools
Some email clients integrate with software you may use for business or personal purposes. If you have any software platforms that are a standard part of your daily workflow, compare their integration options with the email clients you’re considering.
Email marketing tools
Many businesses use email marketing tools to promote products and services, share dynamic email content, and provide subscribers with informative content. Most email marketing software has built-in tools to create marketing emails and manage your subscriber list. For instance, Constant Contact includes web-based and mobile apps that let you develop and send emails from your PC, laptop, or smartphone.
CRM systems
A customer relationship management system stores all client details in one place and tracks interactions. If you rely heavily on a CRM, check whether it integrates with your chosen email client.
Common issues and troubleshooting
You may encounter some issues once you decide on an email client and set up your new account. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them.
Email syncing problems
If your newly added email addresses aren’t pulling in your messages, you may have an issue with your account settings. Review the email client’s instructions for adding email addresses and make sure you follow the guidelines correctly. If you find a mistake, fix it and see if that resolves your issue.
Security concerns
Email clients vary in their approach to security. The most robust security tools include end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and spam, virus, and phishing protection. However, not all protections are standard for every email client. If your messages typically contain sensitive information, look for an email client with advanced security features.
Spam and junk mail filtering
Many of the email clients in our list offer special protection against spam and junk mail. For instance, OnMail requests your approval before delivering a message from unknown senders, and Spark offers screening tools that limit emails from unwanted senders. If you receive a lot of spam and junk mail, it’s worth exploring those solutions.
The best email client is the one that works for you
No two email clients are the same. Each has different features, user interfaces, and benefits, so it’s best to compare your options to find the best fit for your needs. Start by determining what you want from your email client, then consider where you’ll use it most — on your desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Also, consider your operating system since not all email clients are compatible with every system.
