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RANKINGS/SAAS/EMAIL CLIENTS

Top 10 Email Clients

10 ranked on capability, adoption, value, momentum and trust, with a plain verdict on every entry.

LISTER SCORE · UPDATED REGULARLY
The top email clients currently available include Microsoft Outlook for power users and deep corporate integration, Apple Mail for seamless performance within the Apple ecosystem, and Thunderbird for those seeking a free and highly customisable desktop experience. Each platform caters to distinct workflow preferences and operating systems.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1Microsoft OutlookOutlook integrates directly with the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem including Word, Excel, and Teams.95.0NEW£5.99/month
2Apple MailApple Mail comes pre-installed on every Mac, iPhone, and iPad without requiring additional software downloads.92.7NEWFree
3ThunderbirdThunderbird is entirely funded by user donations rather than advertising or data monetisation.90.3NEWFree
4Spark MailSpark features a smart inbox that automatically categorises your emails into personal, newsletters, and notifications.88.0NEW£4.99/month
5Em ClientEm Client includes a unique sidebar that displays chat history, attachments, and contact details for the active sender.85.7NEW£49.95 one-time
6MailspringMailspring supports multi-account setups with a unified inbox while maintaining a lightweight resource footprint.83.3NEW£8.00/month
7Proton MailProton Mail uses zero-access encryption, meaning even Proton cannot read your emails.81.0NEW£3.49/month
8HeyHey screens every new sender who tries to email you before they can ever reach your main inbox.78.7NEW$99.00/year
9GmailGmail handles over one billion active users worldwide as part of the Google workspace ecosystem.76.3NEWFree
10K-9 MailK-9 Mail was officially acquired by the Proton team to serve as the foundation for the official Proton Mail Android app.74.0NEWFree
LAST UPDATED 2026-07-20CURATED · UPDATED REGULARLY

The ranking, in detail

01

Microsoft Outlook

A comprehensive productivity suite and email client designed for professional environments and heavy calendar users.

From £5.99/monthBest for Enterprise users and professionals
95.0
02

Apple Mail

The default built-in email client for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices focusing on simplicity and battery efficiency.

From FreeBest for Apple ecosystem users
92.7
03

Thunderbird

A free and open-source email application backed by MZLA Technologies Corporation, a subsidiary of Mozilla.

From FreeBest for Privacy-conscious desktop users
90.3
04

Spark Mail

A smart, team-oriented email client designed to help you cut through inbox clutter using modern prioritisation tools.

From £4.99/monthBest for Collaborative teams and busy professionals
88.0
05

Em Client

A feature-rich desktop email client for Windows and macOS featuring fast search and clean communication tools.

From £49.95 one-timeBest for Windows users wanting an Outlook alternative
85.7
06

Mailspring

A sleek, open-source desktop mail client built with Electron, offering touch gestures and read receipts.

From £8.00/monthBest for Freelancers and individual power users
83.3
07

Proton Mail

A secure, end-to-end encrypted email service based in Switzerland with a dedicated web and desktop client.

From £3.49/monthBest for Privacy and security-focused individuals
81.0
08

Hey

A radical reimagining of email by Basecamp that eliminates traditional inboxes in favour of workflow screenings.

From $99.00/yearBest for Minimalists seeking a fresh inbox approach
78.7
09

Gmail

Google's ubiquitous web-based email service with companion mobile apps and robust search capabilities.

From FreeBest for General everyday communication
76.3
10

K-9 Mail

An open-source email client for Android that focuses on standard IMAP and POP3 protocols with high reliability.

From FreeBest for Android users wanting open-source software
74.0

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an email service and an email client?

An email service stores your messages on a remote server, whereas an email client is the software application you install on your device to access, read, and send those messages.

Are third-party email clients safe to use with my personal account?

Most reputable third-party email clients use secure OAuth authentication standards to connect to providers like Gmail or Microsoft, meaning they never actually see or store your primary password.

Can I use multiple email accounts in a single client?

Yes, almost all modern desktop and mobile email clients support a unified inbox feature that lets you manage multiple email addresses from different providers in one central view.

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