Why Windows Mail Users Are Seeking Other Choices
As 2024 draws to a close, Windows Mail and Calendar users are preparing for a significant change. Microsoft has announced that the New Outlook will replace Windows Mail by default, leaving users seeking alternatives—especially if this new version isn't necessarily their cup of tea.
Because the Windows Mail app will be discontinued, users have been encouraged to explore the New Outlook for Windows. In fact, since the beginning of 2024, all Windows 11 devices have included the free version of New Outlook for Windows as the default mail application.
Feedback from those who have tried it has been mixed — well, mostly unfavorable.
Users have raised concerns about the restriction of email accounts to just ten, creating challenges for those managing multiple accounts. Additionally, the new interface has made it difficult for some to find features like spell check, and there have been reports of users losing access to their contact lists.
And compared to Windows 10 Mail, which was praised for its speed, efficiency, and seamless integration across devices, the New Outlook appears more cumbersome because more clicks are needed to perform tasks.
Because of these, users have started to look around for Windows Mail and Calendar alternatives.
If you're looking for options for Windows Mail app alternatives—or rather, the New Outlook—we've got some choices for you.
Criteria for Choosing Alternatives
But first, here's what we looked into when evaluating alternatives to Windows Mail:
- User-friendliness: Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate?
- Speed and performance: Is the application lightweight? Does it have fast loading times and minimal impact on system resources?
- Compatibility: Does it support various email services and synchronization across devices?
- Features: Does it have robust search capabilities, calendar integration, and customization options to enhance the user experience?
Top 3 Non-Outlook Alternatives
Here are some of the best alternatives to Windows Mail based on the above criteria:
1. Mozilla Thunderbird
Mozilla Thunderbird is one of the best free alternatives to Windows Live Mail.
Its speed and performance are its strongest suit. It's lightweight and runs smoothly on most systems. It loads quickly and adeptly handles large volumes of emails. Users can access their messages without delay—something particularly beneficial for individuals with busy inboxes and those who manage multiple email accounts.
Some users think Thunderbird is lighter than the new Outlook, but it's still not as lightweight as Windows Mail.
Compatibility is also a strength. It supports POP and IMAP protocols, making it compatible with various email services, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Exchange. This versatility ensures users can integrate Thunderbird into their existing workflow without encountering compatibility issues. All while letting you add an unlimited number of email accounts.
While the interface seems designed with simplicity in mind (and as close as possible to Outlook's classic view), it's not as intuitive as users would like—at least based on reviews. It's tabbed, so you can view it like how you'll use a web browser. This brings a level of familiarity and intuitiveness to how you use it.
Security is also a strength, with built-in phishing protection and spam filters that help safeguard users from potential threats. Moreover, Thunderbird's powerful search and filtering capabilities enable users to find specific emails quickly and efficiently.
Also, have I mentioned that it's free and open-source email client software? That means that it's free for you as a user to download, use, and modify, and it opens up a whole slew of customization.
That's why Thunderbird offers a rich library of add-ons and themes, allowing users to customize their email client to suit personal preferences and functional needs.
Author’s Note: From personal experience, Thunderbird has proven to be a reliable tool for managing my email communications. Its customization options have allowed me to tailor the interface and functionality to my liking, enhancing my overall productivity.
The combination of speed, power, lightweightness, compatibility, and features is enough for me to consider this my go-to alternative.
- Powerful performance
- Tabbed user interface
- Robust features
- Free and open-source
- Lets you add an unlimited number of email accounts
- Support for various third-party online services and extensions
- Works on many different operating systems
- Not as light as Windows Mail
- Doesn’t have full support for Microsoft Exchange Server
2. eM Client
eM Client is one of the best Windows Live Mail replacements to consider.
It shows a user-friendly design with a clean and sleek interface. This can be great for users who may not be tech-savvy because going through emails, calendars, and contacts is straightforward. The layout seems designed to minimize clutter while maximizing functionality, making for a much easier setup.
In terms of speed and performance, eM Client is efficient and responsive. It handles emails with ease. The application runs smoothly on most systems without an obvious lag even with large inboxes.
Compatibility seems to be where eM Client excels. It supports all major email services, including Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, using POP3 and IMAP protocols. This broad compatibility ensures users can integrate eM Client into their existing email setups without hassle.
Add to that its ability to synchronize with Google Calendar and Contacts, which enhances its utility for those relying on Google's ecosystem.
eM Client offers many features, including robust calendar integration, detailed contact management, and the ability to customize the interface with themes and layouts. With these, users can optimize their workflow and personalize their experience.
I also want to highlight the built-in chat feature and support for various chat providers, which adds another layer of connectivity.
Author’s Note: From personal experience, eM Client has been a reliable tool for managing personal and professional communications. Its calendar and contact management features have been particularly useful because they offer a centralized location for organizing schedules.
One thing I've noticed, though, is that the free version restricts the number of email accounts you can manage to only two. This isn't ideal for those managing multiple email addresses.
It also doesn't have much support for third-party integrations and security features, at least compared to the other two in this list.
- Simple setup
- Supports a variety of email services, including Gmail
- Customizable and user-friendly interface
- Lots of powerful features
- Limited security features
- No support for third-party integrations
- The free version lets you manage only two email accounts
3. Mailbird
Mailbird stands out with its modern design and highly customizable interface, making it appealing to users who value aesthetics. The application features a clean layout that reduces clutter, allowing users to focus on emails and tasks without distractions.
From a performance standpoint, Mailbird is efficient, providing fast loading times and smooth navigation even with larger inboxes.
In terms of compatibility, Mailbird supports multiple email accounts from various providers, such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, utilizing both IMAP and POP3 protocols. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for users juggling various email addresses.
This email software also allows numerous third-party app integrations, providing users with a one-stop solution for managing various communication and productivity tools.
Mailbird is packed with features, including integration with popular apps like Google Calendar, Slack, and WhatsApp, providing a centralized hub for productivity. Its unified inbox is another highlight, allowing users to manage all their emails effortlessly in one place.
It features a snooze option, a customizable speed dial for your most important contacts, and advanced filters and search capabilities—all for elevating your user experience.
Author’s Note: My personal experience with Mailbird has been positive, particularly its minimalist design and seamless app integrations, which have significantly optimized my workflow. I love that it's pretty lightweight, more so if I skip the third-party integrations with Google Calendar and Teams.
However, it's worth noting that while Mailbird offers a free version, it comes with limitations on certain features, which may impact those needing full functionality or managing multiple accounts.
- Highly functional user interface
- Centralized inbox that manages email accounts in one window
- Tons of customization features, including snooze
- Numerous third-party app integrations
- Free version only supports one email address
- No automation features or bulk email cleanup functionality
If none of these tickles your fancy, then feel free to check out a couple of our lists:
Bonus: Enhance Your Inbox Management with Clean Email
If your chosen option lacks the automation features or bulk email cleanup you're looking for, third-party apps like Clean Email can help you manage, organize, and declutter your inbox—in bulk!
While it's not an email provider, Clean Email works seamlessly with most!
With features like Smart Folders, Clean Email automatically categorizes emails into groups like Social notifications, Automated messages, Online shopping, or Finance and Insurance—so you can easily go through each folder and clean up your inbox with just a few clicks.
Clean Email also offers bulk auto-archiving and the ability to set Auto Clean rules for effortless email cleanups, raising your inbox efficiency. Just set and forget!
Managing emails can be overwhelming at times, but tools like Clean Email make it easier to stay on top of your inbox without unnecessarily organizing it manually.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the compatibility, since Clean Email is compatible with any IMAP-based mail provider, and is available on the web, on desktop (for Mac), and as a mobile app for Android and iOS.
