Definition
💡 An email client is an application on the web, desktop, or mobile device that allows users to receive, send, and interact with messages for an email account. There are both free and paid email clients.
Example
You may use the Apple Mail application on your Mac or iPhone to access your Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo account. This makes Apple Mail the email client and Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo the email providers.
The Difference between Email Clients and Email Providers
An email client is the tool used to interact with your account whereas an email provider is the service with which you have the account. For instance, Apple Mail is an email client that you can use to access your messages with email providers such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
In some cases, a client can also be a provider. For example, Microsoft Outlook may be your email provider, giving you an @outlook.com address. But you may also use the Outlook email client on your desktop or mobile device.
What are the most popular email clients?
There are many email clients available on the web, desktop, and mobile devices. Some of the most popular include the following (in no particular order):
- Apple Mail
- Microsoft Outlook
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Mailbird
- Spark
- Canary Mail
- eM Client
- Windows Mail
- Spike
- Mailspring
Which type of email client is Gmail?
Gmail (Google) is an email provider but can also be an email client. For instance, the Gmail mobile app is the client and Gmail is also the provider.
