• Best Mail Apps For Macbook Air
• Best Mail Apps For Mac 2018
• Free Mail Apps For Mac

Many users choose Outlook as their email client and PIM (Personal Information Manager). As a component of the Microsoft Office suite, it is often a standard solution (in connection with the Microsoft Exchange Server) for businesses. Many freelancers and small companies cannot afford solutions intended for large businesses, but there are numerous email management programs besides Outlook that are available for free.

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Newton Mail, like AirMail, found itself on our list of the 5 Best Mail Apps for iPhone/iPad and also reigns supreme as one of the best mail apps for Mac. Just like what you'll find in the iOS counterpart, Newton Mail for Mac comes with a handful of what it calls superchargers to help you master your inbox. How can the answer be improved?

Thunderbird

The Mozilla mail client Thunderbird is certainly one of the most frequently used Outlook alternatives - both among private users and in companies. The open source solution is also available free of charge. The basic version of the program is rather streamlined and provides you with the most used basic functions.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Free open-source solution
• Available for Windows and Mac
• Encryption possible
• Administration of RSS feeds possible

A big plus: Numerous add-ons are available. This means that the email program can be expanded for example with modules for date and task administration. However, the add-ons and extensions are tailored to the respective version. If you want to update your version of Thunderbird, you must also update add-ons, or wait until the appropriate versions are available. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Thunderbird at a glance:

SeaMonkey

SeaMonkey presents an all-round solution for office communication. It also includes an HTML editor as well as a browser, email, and chat client. Mail organization is carried out via instructions defined by the user and further features such as flexible sorting and visual highlighting are also available. The encryption takes place according to S/MIME. SSL/TLS encryption must first be activated manually.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Read receipts
• Digital signature
• Integration in LDAP directory services
• Customizable spam filter
• Administration of several accounts possible

For a non-commercial open-source project, SeaMonkey users get an enormously comprehensive Outlook alternative that goes far beyond the actual function of an email client. SeaMonkey is basically many different Mozilla projects bundled together.

Evolution

The electronic organizer Evolution is an email and groupware program that has proved very popular among Linux users as a free Outlook alternative. It supports all the important functions that Outlook offers: In addition to the administration of email traffic, contacts, appointments, tasks and notes can also be organized.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Linux
• Adaptive junk email filter
• Connection with Microsoft Exchange Server possible
• RSS reader

The encryption takes place via GPG and S/MIME. Evolution is also suitable for professional use, and collaboration servers and the Microsoft Exchange Server are supported.

Spike

The client Spike was released in 2013 and combines the functions of classic email programs with those of modern messenger apps. As soon as you link a private mailbox to the app, irritating elements such as subject lines or signatures become a thing of the past, while the elementary mail client functions - such as the central inbox, calendar, or contact management - are integrated into the modern messenger environment. It is no coincidence that the manufacturer describes Spike as a “conversational email app.”

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android as well as web applications
• Collaboration features such as group chats
• Connections to cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive
• Integrated file manager

Spike also relies on modern standards when it comes to security: With a single click, any communication including attached files can be encrypted (AES-256), so that your messages are optimally protected against unauthorized access. Recipients who do not use the app can also decrypt the received messages with a single click. Unlike Outlook, Spike is free for private users - monthly fees are charged for integrating business email accounts.

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Best Mail Apps For Macbook Air

eM Client

The program eM Client is an email client for private and business use. Like its predecessors in the list, the free program for Windows and macOS offers standard functions for appointments and contact management, as well as an integrated instant messenger. However, free use without any restrictions is only for private users: commercial use as well as the use of more than two accounts require you to purchase the Pro license.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Windows and Mac
• RSS reader
• Integrated Instant messenger
• Automatic updates

The program supports all major basic services, including Gmail, Exchange, iCloud, and Outlook. The list of supported email technologies also includes POP3, SMTP, IMAP, EWS, and AirSync. Some additional features such as the translation function and the extremely fast full test search function make every day work easier. Secure communication is ensured via SSL/TLS standards, encryption is via S/MIME.

Mailbird

An Outlook alternative that is completely free of charge for private users (companies pay either a one-time fee or an annual fee) is Mailbird available for Windows. The email solution allows you to unify and manage your messages and contacts from multiple accounts into a single inbox. With lots of free themes, you can design the interface according to your wishes.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Windows
• Drag-and-drop contact manager
• Powerful attachment search function
• Shortcut keys for various actions such as writing, replying, forwarding, etc.

Mailbird provides interfaces to numerous apps, enhancing your mailbox with useful features for organization, interaction, and teamwork. For example, you can integrate WhatsApp, Twitter, Google Calendar, Dropbox, and Slack into your email client to transform it into a multi-functional platform.

Pegasus Mail

Pegasus Mail is one of the original email programs – it’s been around since 1989 and is continuously being developed further. The mail client supports mailboxes in UNIX format and is regarded as a simple, but powerful, and above all, free Outlook alternative. Pegasus is POP3 and IMAP4 compatible and also supports SMTP, LDAP, PH, and SSL.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Available for Windows
• Sophisticated filter function

Don't be fooled by Pegasus’ simple and rather unspectacular design. The program is not only very clear and easy to use, it also offers some practical additional functions, such as a sophisticated, programmable filter function. The mail service offers a mass mail function that can not only be used by private users, but also for marketing purposes.

1&1 IONOS Hosted Microsoft Exchange

As another alternative to Outlook, we present the product Hosted Microsoft Exchange from 1&1 IONOS. Microsoft is a groupware system that enables access to contacts, appointments, and email databases within a company from anywhere in the world. In short, you can open Microsoft Office anywhere you want.

The Exchange server can also be obtained directly from Microsoft. However, the hosted exchange solution from 1&1 IONOS is considerably beneficial to a company’s IT department. It saves the cost of purchasing a sophisticated IT infrastructure. Hosted Microsoft Exchange from 1&1 IONOS provides the required server infrastructure.

What the 1&1 IONOS offer also includes is an all-round carefree package: In addition to the Outlook software as a desktop version and the management of mailboxes via Microsoft Exchange, you also receive your own email domain.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Management of inboxes via Microsoft Exchange
• Microsoft Outlook software
• Real-time synchronization
• Mobile access to all data
• 25 GB mailbox storage for each employee

The Microsoft Exchange package minimizes the acquisition costs for a server structure and offers even more advantages: The administration effort is reduced because the provider takes care of mailbox maintenance, updating virus scanners and spam filters and continuously running software updates. All data is hosted on security servers with a specially secured infrastructure. If you are looking for a professional email client solution, the 1&1 IONOS variant is a good Outlook alternative - even if it is not available free of charge per se.

The offer may be too extensive for private users, but it is a good option for freelancers and entrepreneurs and especially for small and medium-sized companies. If you understand the importance of a professional appearance and high security standards, then you’ll benefit from an ideal price-performance ratio.

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OX App Suite

The last alternative to Outlook is the OX App Suite. The application package from the German manufacturer, Open-Xchange, offers a complete office suite, including word processing, address management and also an Outlook alternative thanks to OX Mail. The app suite is intended to be used as collaboration software and operates completely in the cloud. Working with the mail app can therefore be done completely via a web interface. With HTML5 as the basis, users can take care of their email needs from any device with a current browser.

OX Mail allows multiple user accounts to be managed from a single interface. For example, private and business messages can be managed on one display. With folders and markers as well as an extensive search function, users always have an overview of everything. The web interface enables access to the email inbox no matter which platform you’re using. Apps for iOS and Android are also available for mobile use.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Part of an extensive office suite
• Spam and virus protection
• Software-as-a-service
• Cloud-based web interface
• Mobile apps for iOS & Android
• GDPR-compliant

The software package also includes other apps that are needed in everyday office life. Since everything is organized via the cloud, you can easily share documents, address books and appointments with colleagues and business partners.

G suite

The Internet giant Google is also offering their own Outlook alternative. Their G Suite URL platzhalter is a comprehensive office package, designed for professional use. In addition to Gmail, Google’s email service, suite users have access to text creation platforms and cloud storage collaboration tools. Many users already use one or more of these apps in a free version. Gmail’s freemail service is particularly popular. However, if you opt for the fee-based G Suite, you will receive full access to each application’s range of functions, and can also secure a professional email connection for business communication.

In contrast to their freemail offer, Gmail offers ad-free access to work platforms and professional management through G Suite. Company administrators can manage their employees’ accounts centrally, and subsequently adapt them individually to the company’s needs. This includes assigning roles.

The most important facts at a glance:

• Part of a large office suite
• Software-as-a-service
• Plenty of storage space
• Web interface
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• GDPR compliant

G suite can be operated entirely through a web interface. Just like you’re accustomed to with Google, the controls are very clear and the user can quickly reach all functions. With regards to features, since it’s a suite, all the apps are closely connected. For example, you can easily move file attachments to cloud storage and edit them there with Google Docs. Scheduling appointments or holding online meetings also works with Gmail thanks to extensive integrations.

Users can purchase the G Suite through 1&1 IONOS. No matter which of the two monthly rates you choose, a professional email address with a self-selected ending is included. Of course, access to all Google apps is also available.

Overview of all mail clients

Outlook alternatives for mobile devices

Outlook is not usually the first choice for mobile internet users. Depending on the operating system, smartphones and other mobile devices come equipped with email programs, calendars, and contact management functions. The pre-installed apps are a good solution for private users and Google apps are especially popular on Android devices. The same also applies to businesses, which increasingly consider Google products as the go-to choice. Synchronizing different apps, calendars, emails, and contacts is not complicated and Apple users can use pre-installed products and dock these onto an Exchange account or a Google app.

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The built-in Calendar app on Mac is .. fine. Sometimes though, you need a few different features. That's where third-party calendars can be very useful. Check out my favorite calendar apps for the Mac and let us know which one suits you best.

Best overall: Fantastical 2

Fantastical 2 is a workhorse of a calendar app that can connect to your iCloud, Exchange, Google, Yahoo, fruux, and CalDAV accounts. It then imports all of your daily event information into one unified calendar, which can be displayed as a full month along with daily, weekly, or yearly options. You can also display a daily event list on the left side with detailed information on everything you've got going on today. Better still, Fantastical allows for custom calendar sets with specific accounts tagged in them, time zone support, and more.

All these features mean it comes with a $50 price tag, but the extra money's worth it.

Bottom line: Fantastical 2 is a robust, full-featured calendar with dozens of useful features for any and all productivity.

One more thing: It comes with a mini-calendar that sits in your Menu bar for quick access.

Why Fantastical 2 is the best

Best Mail Apps For Mac 2018

Does everything a calendar app should do!

Free Mail Apps For Mac

Fantastical 2 works exactly the way a calendar app should work on your desktop: It's got a beautiful interface with customizable options for viewing daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly events. You can even set up customized calendar sets that only show certain events. Those different sets can be toggled to activate at different locations, too: When you get to work and open your laptop, you'll only see your work calendar, but when you take it home, you will only see your personal one.

When you select an event, you'll get the details, including a map for events with locations. You can also toggle between light or dark mode any time you like.

Fantastical's natural language event creation is where it shines. All you have to do is type out your phrasing as if you were talking, and Fantastical will automatically set dates, times, locations, and more for you. 'Have dinner at Morton's with mom tomorrow at 7' is transformed into an event, complete with location mapping.

Fantastical 2 works with a number of different calendar services, including iCloud, Google, Yahoo, and more. It also syncs with your Mac's built-in Reminders app so you can keep track of daily tasks while making sure you aren't late to any appointments.

Best Cal organizer: BusyCal 3

BusyCal 3 has a great setup feature: It automatically syncs up with the accounts you have stored in the Mail app on Mac. Any calendars you use with those email accounts will be updated in the BusyCal calendar. So, if you use Yahoo, iCloud, and Gmail, you'll be able to connect them all just by entering the account password when you open the app for the first time.

My favorite feature of BusyCal is the Smart Filter, which makes it possible for you to create rules for what events are shown. For example, you could set a filter that will only show you birthdays or only events that repeat. You can create multiple filters and then switch between them. It is ideal for keeping your calendar events organized.

Bottom line: If you have a lot of different types of events, or multiple calendars, BusyCal 3 will help you filter out what you don't need to look at right now so you can stay focused on what is important.

One more thing: There is a mini calendar that sits in your Menu bar so you can see a quick glance of the month ahead and current day's events without having to open the full app.

Best Cal companion: Calendar 2

Calendar 2 is a Menu bar widget. It stores all of your calendar information on the Menu bar so you can quickly access it. All you have to do is connect your Mac's built-in calendar and you're ready to go. Then, when you want to check your schedule, just click on the icon. You'll see a monthly view with dots next to dates that have events, plus a sidebar with a list of events taking place. If you want to see more details of an event, click on it to open your Mac Calendar app.

Bottom line: If you are happy with the built-in Calendar app on your Mac, but just want a different way to see what's on your schedule, check out Calendar 2.

One more thing: There is a premium upgrade that includes a lot more features, like the ability to connect your Google calendar and get cool looking backgrounds.

Best for productivity: Informant for macOS

Informant for the desktop is more than just a calendar app. It's a task manager and note taker, all rolled into a clear and concise calendar. You can organize your calendar to see your to-do list on the same screen as your schedule and tasks are combined with daily events.

You can keep your to-do list right on top of the screen with upcoming and completed tasks clearly identifiable. Dj software for mac free. You can create tasks using either GTD, Franklin Covey, or Simple mode, making your lists work for you.

Filters allow you to hide events from specific calendars. You can have multiple filters saved in your favorites and switch between them at any time. It makes it easy to keep your work and home life separate.

Bottom line: If having your to-do list and calendar grouped together are important and your daily schedule is the top priority, Informant for macOS is for you.

One more thing: It features a tabbed interface so you can work in multiple task windows without making a mess on your screen.

Conclusion: Fantastical 2 is the best

When it comes to desktop support, Fantastical 2 wins the day. It's a straightforward app with a beautiful interface and plenty of customizable features. The mini calendar, which sits in your Menu bar, is perfect for checking upcoming events at a glance and you can add appointments without having to open the full app. The natural language event creation makes it easy for you to simply jot down what you need to do and when. Fantastical takes care of the rest for you. If you just lost Sunrise and are looking for a replacement, try Fantastical 2 for Mac.

March 2019: Updated pricing and links.

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