10 Best Alternatives to Microsoft Outlook to Try in 2024

Microsoft Outlook remains one of the most popular email clients in the world, boasting an impressive 400 million active users. With powerful features such as calendar sharing, email scheduling, message filtering, and advanced security, it's easy to see why so many people choose it over the wide selection of other email providers.

But with that being said, Microsoft Outlook isn't for everyone. And that's why many people are looking for alternatives to Outlook that offer better functionality and suit their needs.

To help you figure out if you need to switch from Outlook, this guide will provide you with a long list of alternative solutions. But first, we'll explore why it makes sense to look for alternatives to Outlook Mail in the first place.

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10 Best Alternatives to Microsoft Outlook to Try in 202
4

Why Choose an Outlook Alternatives?

Top 10 Outlook Alternatives for 2024

Mac alternatives to Outlook

Free Alternatives to Outlook

What’s the Best Alternative to Outlook?

Why Choose an Outlook Alternatives? 

Before looking at specific email client alternatives to Outlook, it's a good idea to understand why you may want to. And there are many reasons why different users decide that Outlook doesn't match their needs and start looking for free alternative solutions.

Here are some of the main reasons why people are exploring paid or free alternatives to Outlook:

  • Frequent Errors. Microsoft is generally known for creating reliable business solutions that have few issues. But when it comes to Outlook, many users report errors and crashes, especially when using the desktop version. For people who run into these issues regularly, seeking alternatives to Outlook may be the only choice.

     

  • Too Many Features. The range of features can sometimes be a drawback in itself. If you want simplicity and ease of use, navigating a complex email solution like Outlook may not be your best option. Today, more minimal and lightweight alternatives to Outlook mail can offer core functionality, an easy-to-use layout, and a more transparent privacy policy.

     

  • Security Issues. Even though Microsoft takes security seriously, there have been significant issues that have left Outlook users vulnerable. For example, a recent critical Microsoft Outlook security vulnerability allowed hackers to remotely steal passwords by simply receiving an email. These situations can cause many users to consider whether they want an email service provider with a better track record of keeping user data secure.

Top 10 Outlook Alternatives for 2024

If you want to explore alternatives to Outlook, there's an abundance of options for you to choose from. Whether you want more privacy, a lower price, or specific features that Outlook lacks, here's a comprehensive list of ten email client alternatives to Outlook.

Gmail/Google Workspace

Gmail

Any worthwhile list covering Outlook alternatives needs to begin with Gmail, or its paid version, Google Workspace. The abundance of Google services that seamlessly integrate into email, excellent accessibility, and an intuitive email search feature make it a good option for most personal and business users.

Key Features
  • Pretty good 15GB of free storage. 30GB+ for paid plans.
  • Powerful search features
  • Integrations with various Google services, including Google Meet, Google Calendar, and Google Drive
  • Easy access on any device
Integrations
  • Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Grammarly, Asana, and many others.
Pros 

Robust free version
Plenty of storage
Easy to use
A range of integrations
Good spam filtering

Cons 

Not easy to use offline
Not very customizable
Concerns over data privacy

 

User Reviews
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4.8

4.6
Pricing
  • From $6/month/user
Platform
  • Web-based, can be accessed by any device
  • Has mobile apps for Android and iOS devices
Verdict

In many ways, Gmail offers a similar range of features to Outlook. But a few reasons it may edge out Outlook are its excellent spam filtering, a more intuitive and straightforward interface, and the selection of Google integrations.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5

Mozilla Thunderbird

thunderbird email

Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source email client developed by the Mozilla community. For people who like having their email offline, a range of customization options, robust data protection and privacy features, and a browser-like tab-based navigation, Thunderbird can be an excellent Outlook alternative to consider.

Key Features
  • Many customization options
  • A range of add-ons
  • Message templates
  • A reliable search function
  • Message filtering
Integrations
  • Extensive collection of add-ons created by the Mozilla community
Pros 

Completely free and open-source
Can customize the layout and functionality in countless different ways
Add multiple email accounts
Customize your email filtering
Offline email encryption

Cons 

The user interface is a bit outdated compared to Outlook
Users report occasional bugs
Limited support
It takes time getting used to

 

User Reviews
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4.2

4.5
Pricing
  • Mozilla Thunderbird is completely free
Platform
  • Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems
Verdict

If you want more control over where and how you receive and send your emails, Mozilla Thunderbird can offer a range of features through its add-ons. But for those who want a more intuitive and easy-to-use interface, Outlook might be better.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐

4

Mailbird

Mailbird

Mailbird is a Windows-based email client with a user-friendly interface, a wide range of integrations, and customization options that allow users to get the most out of the solution according to their needs. 

Key Features
  • Unified inbox
  • A wide range of integrations
  • Email snooze
  • Attachment search
Integrations
  • Mailbird can integrate with Google Docs, Whatsapp, Dropbox, Twitter, Evernote, Slack, Google Calendar, and other popular apps.
Pros 

Beautiful interface
Have all your emails in a single inbox
Customize your email experience using shortcuts and integrations
Find specific files using the attachment search

Cons 

Only available on Windows
No way to filter emails
Doesn't offer a mobile app
No free plan

 

User Reviews
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3.9

4.4
Pricing
  • From $2.28/month/user for the Personal plan.
  • From $4.03/month/user for the Business plan.
Platform
  • Mailbird is only available on Windows
Verdict

If you're looking for alternatives to Outlook for Windows and want a unified email solution that easily integrates with your communication and other tools, Mailbird can be a great option. However, unlike Outlook, it doesn't have a free version.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Zoho Mail

Zohomail

If you're looking for a secure business email for yourself or your organization, Zoho Mail can be a great Outlook alternative. It offers a clean and functional interface, the ability to add a custom email address, and an extensive control panel to customize your team's email experience.

Key Features
  • Beautiful interface
  • Industry-leading security and encryption
  • Native mobile apps on Android and iOS
  • An innovative way to replace email threads using Streams
Integrations
  • You can integrate Zoho mail with various Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM, Projects, and Calendar. There are also third-party integrations with Google and other apps.
Pros 

Custom domains and branding
Excellent email filtering to keep your inbox organized
Built-in suite of Zoho apps for enhanced functionality
Easy to access on the go with mobile apps
Premium security infrastructure for peace of mind

Cons 

Sorting and labeling emails is not as convenient as Outlook or other leading providers
Limited storage in the free plan
Might be too complex for personal users

User Reviews
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4.4

4.5
Pricing
  • Paid plans start at $1/month/user
Platform
  • Zoho has a convenient web browser version and can also be accessed through the Android and iOS apps.
Verdict

Zoho Mail is one of the most comprehensive email client alternatives to Outlook on this list. It offers a suite of built-in business tools and a convenient user interface to make the transition easy for you and your team. But if you're used to using Microsoft Office products, Zoho Mail doesn't have the same level of integration, even if it offers plenty of alternatives.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐

4,5

ProtonMail

Protonmail

ProtonMail is another strong alternative to Outlook if security is a top priority. While it doesn't offer a unified email experience like some of the other email clients on this list, it's an email provider that will give you end-to-end encryption and a secure email account with robust security features.

Key Features
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Self-destructing messages
  • Completely private data
  • Good-looking interface
  • Built-in app integrations
Integrations
  • Besides the native apps for Calendar, VPN, cloud storage, and more, you can also integrate with third-party email solutions like Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird.
Pros 

Unmatched security, with the entire app built around ensuring privacy
Easy-to-use interface
Easy access using Android and iOS mobile apps
Can add custom domains

Cons 

The subject lines are not encrypted
The paid plan can be pricey

 

 

User Reviews
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4.4

4.6
Pricing
  • Paid plans start from $7.99/month/user
Platform
  • ProtonMail can be accessed through the web browser or using the Android and iOS apps.
Verdict

It's hard to find a more trustworthy email service provider than ProtonMail. It's built for people who want to be sure that no one is accessing their data, and that's where it clearly comes out ahead compared to Outlook, which is owned by Microsoft. But when choosing ProtonMail, you may miss some of the key features and integrations offered by Microsoft and its line of apps.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐

4

Shift

Shift email

Shift is not an email provider but rather an email client that also serves as a productivity workstation for you and your team. It offers a unified inbox that combines various email accounts, Slack, and even Facebook Messenger in one place.

Key Features
  • Unified inbox for email and communication apps
  • Range of integrations
  • Interface customization options
  • Tab-based display
  • Shared workspaces
Integrations
  • Shift integrates with a wide range of apps, including Facebook, Asana, Trello, Slack, ActiveCampaign, and more.
Pros 

Great for creating a unified space for all your communications
Various productivity apps help boost performance
Multiple ways to help users stay focused on avoid distractions
The different integrations with email and communication apps make it a viable option in many situations

Cons 

It can take time to set up and start getting the most out of what Shift has to offer
If you want more advanced features, the premium plans are quite pricey.
Some integrations don't work as well as you might like

 

User Reviews
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3.6

4.3
Pricing
  • Paid plans start at $149/year/user
Platform
  • Shift has desktop platforms for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Verdict

Shift's unified solution can be an excellent option for teams that want to increase productivity, streamline communication, and have everything they need to work in one place. But setting everything up takes time, and you don't get the same simplicity and convenience as you can expect with Outlook.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

3,5

eM Client

eM client

As the name implies, eM client is not an email provider but rather an email client. Available as a Windows desktop app, it offers users a unified way to access all their email accounts in one place. It also has calendar and contact management, advanced notification management, and more. 

Key Features
  • Unified inbox for all your email accounts
  • Integration with Google Workspace, Office 365, and more
  • Simple import process
  • Unique sidebar for contextual information about communication history
Integrations
  • Google Drive, Gmail, Dropbox, Google Meet, Google Calendar, and many others
Pros 

Manage all your email accounts in a single place, switching between them in an instant
Keep track of appointments and schedule with built-in tools
Customize the interface to maximize productivity and convenience

Cons 

Many of the more advanced features come only in the premium plans
A complex interface may take time to get familiarized with

 

User Reviews
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4.0

4.2
Pricing
  • Paid plans start at $49.95
Platform
  • Available on Windows and Mac as a desktop app
Verdict

If you have multiple email accounts and want a neat way to organize them, eM Client can be a good option to consider. It has a few unique features, such as the Sidebar view, which can help provide context and improve productivity. Plus, it offers a range of integrations. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a reliable mobile app for now, but the iOS and Android apps are in the Beta testing stage.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

3,5

Front

Front email

Front calls itself a customer communication platform, but it offers a lot of the same functionality as some of the email clients and providers on this list. It's a shared inbox solution that helps your team manage email, chat, social media, and SMS marketing in a single, convenient platform.

Key Features
  • Shared inbox for a central communication hub
  • Powerful collaboration tools
  • Analytics and reporting
  • A long list of integrations
Integrations
  • Front integrates with many popular solutions, including Asana (recognized as one of the best project management tools in Cloudwards’ expert reviews), HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, and others.
Pros 

It makes collaboration easy by using a variety of tools and integrations
It is designed to boost productivity and help provide better customer service
Easy to set up integrations with your favorite apps

 

Cons 

One of the more expensive options on this list
It can be tough to figure out initially

 

User Reviews
getapp-logo

4.7

4.6
Pricing
  • From $19/month/user
Platform
  • Front is available on the web, as well as on Windows and Mac. It also has mobile apps for Android and iOS
Verdict

If you want a convenient way to stay on top of all your business communications across different channels, Front can be a great option to boost productivity and improve performance. 

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Spike

Spike email

Spike is one of the most innovative email solutions today. It's reimagining how email communication should look and making it easier to combine email, chat, share inbox, collaboration, and even analytics in one place.

Key Features
  • Conversation-based email layout and format
  • Combine messaging and chat functionality
  • Reminders, email scheduling, and email snoozing
Integrations
  • Spike integrates with Asana, Google Cloud, Zapier, and AWS, while also offering a range of built-in tools as alternatives to popular communications tools.
Pros 

A unique take on email communication for individuals and teams
Beautiful and intuitive interface
A range of intelligent email features to simplify your inbox management

 

Cons 

It doesn't have many integrations
It doesn't offer the traditional email experience

 

User Reviews
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4.7

4.7
Pricing
  • Paid plans start at $5/month/user
Platform
  • Spike has a web browser version and apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Verdict

If you want to completely revamp your email communication and management, Spike is one of the most intriguing options that has already built a loyal fanbase. 

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Spark

Spark email

Spark used to be a Mac-only email app, but it has recently expanded to Windows and developed an app for Android, making it a much more accessible and appealing choice for people who want a range of smart email features like reminders, collaboration tools, and a smart inbox.

Key Features
  • Advanced email categorization and sorting
  • Easy reminders and follow-ups
  • Powerful mobile app
  • Can add multiple email accounts
Integrations
  • It supports Dropbox, iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Evernote, Google Drive, and more. 
Pros 

Minimal design makes it easy to get started
Smart inbox allows you to sort and categorize your emails
Filtering that helps eliminate clutter and maintain inbox hygiene

 

Cons 

It isn't very customizable beyond email filtering
Some users report bugs when using the mobile app

 

User Reviews
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4.6

4.7
Pricing
  • Paid plans start at $4.99/user/month.
Platform
  • Spark is available as an email app for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Verdict

Spark is one of the best alternatives to Outlook because of its minimal and uncluttered design, great productivity features, and customization options that help users customize what they see first when they open their inbox.

Rating
PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4

Mac alternatives to Outlook

If you're a Mac user and you're looking for an alternative to Microsoft Outlook, there are several options available to you. Here are three popular alternatives that you might want to consider: 

  • Spark
  • Gmail
  • Mozilla Thunderbird.

Spark

Spark for Mac


source: MacStories

Spark is a popular email client for Mac that offers a number of features that make it a great alternative to Outlook. One of the biggest advantages of Spark is its user-friendly interface. It's easy to navigate and has a clean, modern design that makes it easy to read and compose emails.

Spark also offers a number of productivity features that are designed to help you manage your inbox more effectively. For example, it has a smart inbox feature that automatically categorizes your emails into different folders based on their content. This can help you prioritize your emails and stay organized.

In addition, Spark also offers a number of collaboration features that are great for teams. You can share email drafts with your colleagues, assign tasks, and even discuss emails right within the app. All of these features make Spark a great alternative to Outlook for Mac users.

Gmail

Gmail for Mac

Gmail is a web-based email client that is available to all Mac users. While it doesn't offer all of the advanced features of Spark or Outlook, it's still a great option for anyone who wants a simple, reliable email client.

One of the biggest advantages of Gmail is that it integrates seamlessly with other Google products, such as Google Drive and Google Calendar. This can make it easier to manage your schedule and share documents with colleagues.

Gmail also offers a number of powerful search features that make it easy to find specific emails. For example, you can search for emails by sender, subject, or keyword, and Gmail will return all relevant results.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Thunderbird mac

source: Peatix

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client that is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers a number of features that make it a great alternative to Outlook, including support for multiple email accounts and a customizable interface.

One of the biggest advantages of Thunderbird is its security features. It includes built-in spam filters and phishing protection, which can help keep your inbox safe from malicious emails.

In addition, Thunderbird also offers a number of productivity features, such as a calendar and task manager. You can use these tools to keep track of your schedule and manage your to-do list.

Overall, these three email clients are great alternatives to Microsoft Outlook for Mac users. 

create-professional-email-signature (1)

Free Alternatives to Outlook

Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice if you're looking for a free alternative to Outlook.

First, it's important to note that Thunderbird is a free email client available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's developed by the same team that creates the popular Firefox web browser, so you can be confident that it's a high-quality and reliable piece of software.

One of the biggest advantages of Thunderbird is its versatility. It supports multiple email accounts, so you can manage all of your email in one place.

What’s the Best Alternative to Outlook?

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may find one of these alternatives better fits you than Outlook.

Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice if you're looking for a free option. It's a versatile and reliable email client that offers a range of customization options and supports multiple email accounts. 

Other popular alternatives include Spark and Gmail, both of which offer user-friendly interfaces and a range of productivity features. Ultimately, the best alternative to Outlook will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it's worth trying a few different options to see which works best for you.

 PricingSecurityUX & UIIntegrationsOverall Score

Gmail

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5

Mozilla Thunderbird

⭐⭐

4

Mailbird

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Zoho Mail

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐

4,5

ProtonMail

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐

4

Shift

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

3,5

eM Client

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

3,5

Front

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Spike

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

4

Spark

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4

Helga Zabalkanska
Helga Zabalkanska
Helga is a CMO at MySignature and digital marketer with 7+ years of experience. Having worked in numerous industries she has a deep understanding of various markets and a variety of tools as well as growth hacking techniques that can boost marketing activity in a particular sphere.