Imagine having a powerful, feature-rich email client tool that boosts productivity and simplifies communication – without costing you a cent. Sound too good to be true?
It's not.
Several top-tier free email client solutions offer almost the same level of functionality as their paid counterparts. Whether you're trying to organize your personal emails effectively, seeking an efficient communication tool for your company, or working with an organization that needs to cut costs without sacrificing quality, you can count on these free solutions.
Users often become frustrated with the limited functionality of web-based email interfaces, which only offer restricted storage, clunky organization tools, and poor integration with other productivity apps. These top free email clients solve these problems by enhancing your inbox management, optimizing complex workflows, and integrating with the best calendar apps for the low price of nothing.
This list of free email clients explores top features for Windows and Apple devices alike, reviews from G2 users, and the pros and cons for each to help you make the right decision for specific needs.
The 9 best free email client software in 2024
- Zoom Workplace
- Front
- Microsoft 365
- Missive
- Spike
- Mailbird
- Helpwise
- Shift
- Outlook4Gmail
How did we select and evaluate the best free email client tools?
At G2, we rank software solutions using a proprietary algorithm that considers customer satisfaction and market presence based on authentic user reviews. Our market research analysts and writers spend weeks testing solutions against multiple criteria set for a software category. We give you unbiased software evaluations – that's the G2 difference! We didn’t accept payment or exchange links for product placements in this list. Please read our G2 Research Scoring Methodology for more details.
The top 9 best free email clients of 2024
Email client software allows users to send, receive, and organize emails, often managing multiple email accounts from one interface. Platforms pave the way for offline access, search functionality, security features like encryption and spam filtering, and integration with calendars and contacts. Users can customize the interface to suit their preferences.
The list below contains real user reviews from the best free email client category page. It’s important to note that in the context of this list, vendors offering a free trial are also considered free. To be included in this category, a solution must:
- Offer a downloadable desktop application
- Provide an inbox that collects emails for one or more accounts
- Be capable of auditing emails and contacts for errors, duplicates, and so forth.
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2024. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
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1. Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace soars beyond basic email apps. As a unified communication hub designed to improve team collaboration, it offers a robust email service with threaded conversations, search functionality, and calendar integration. Zoom Workplace shines in its integration with Zoom Meetings and Chat.
The basic plan is free for one user; it allows sending and receiving emails and supports threaded conversations and search functionality.
Pros of Zoom Workplace |
Cons of Zoom Workplace |
| Integrates with Zoom meetings, chat, and calendar | May lack specialized functions like in dedicated email solutions |
| Intuitive interface for easy navigation | Offers limited customization |
| Powered by AI Companion | Must pay for some advanced features |
What users like best:
“Zoom simplifies the process of inviting users by eliminating the need for manual email communication. It seamlessly integrates with our personal calendar, preventing meeting overlaps and accurately reflecting all scheduled meetings based on their respective times.”
- Zoom Workplace Review, Andrews S.
What users dislike:
“What bothers me about Zoom is that I can only send invites from one email address. Most of us deal in a world where it's necessary to use different email addresses and calendars for different things.”
- Zoom Workplace Review, Jason A.
2. Front
Front combines the familiarity of email with the efficiency of a shared inbox to make it ideal for teams that want to manage emails, messages, and client communication in one place. Its interactive interface and powerful features make it useful for managing multiple communication channels.
Front offers unlimited access to all paid features through a 14-day free trial. After that, customers can choose to upgrade to a plan that best suits their needs.
Pros of Front |
Cons of Front |
| Faster teamwork through shared inbox | Learning curve for its advanced features |
| Omnichannel messaging | May not be suitable for small businesses with limited resources |
| Integrates with almost 100 third-party tools | May lack the specializations available in dedicated platforms |
What users like best:
“Front's got a great way of unifying text, email, and customer data into one platform accessible to an entire team. It just improves your communications and makes the "Mother of all Inboxes" seem manageable and easy to use. I use this platform every day. It integrates with a bunch of tools I already use, like Gmail or Pipedrive, and integrates seamlessly, and it was easily implemented into my workflow. The user interface is clean and simple to use. I've never even had to contact customer support for integration. It's just that simple.”
- Front Review, Carlos M.
What users dislike:
“The way the email chain flows can be confusing. Sometimes, it seems the latest email in a chain does not show at the top, and you have to look through the whole chain to find the latest email response. I believe there are other ways to group email chains, but have not been able to understand how the different options work.”
- Front Review, Susan T.
3. Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 has tailored its comprehensive suite for both personal and professional use. At its core sits the highly acclaimed Outlook, which perfectly integrates email, calendar, contacts, and tasks into one cohesive application. This integration makes Microsoft 365 a standout choice for individuals and teams, enhancing their email management and productivity.
Business users can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Microsoft 365, which provides access to a 50 GB inbox, custom business email, and other premium features. One free account with 15 GB inbox storage and an extra 5 GB cloud storage are available.
Pros of Microsoft 365 |
Cons of Microsoft 365 |
| Highly accessible across devices | Ads with the free version |
| Robust spam and malware protection for emails | Primarily cloud-based, requiring a stable internet connection at all times |
| Extra 5 GB of free cloud storage through OneDrive | Demands advanced system resources |
What users like best:
“Office 365 is being used by everyone in my organization for basic office, email, and cloud documentation products. Being cloud-based, upgrades are easy and quick, back-end management has been simplified on a large scale, and all of our work is kept under good safekeeping. Logging in and using Office 365 is very easy, and among other things, it helps keep tasks organized and improves communication between teams.”
- Microsoft 365 Review, Petar P.
What users dislike:
“I face some issues whenever I try to send multiple emails at once to a group of people. The outlook freezes and does not respond at all. It is somewhat more costly than its competitor, Google Workspace. Communication between external applications and internal communication becomes so hectic, and it creates an issue in the syncing of data.”
- Microsoft 365 Review, Ayush B.
4. Missive
Missive helps teams collaborate and increase productivity. It combines email with chat, shared writing, and task management, making it an all-in-one solution for modern workspaces. Teams that struggle with communication find Missive’s unified tool to be a massive assist.
The free plan is limited to three users and five shared accounts per user. However, a free 30-day trial is also available to test out unlimited features.
Pros of Missive |
Cons of Missive |
| Clean design and powerful search functionalities | Could improve search functionality, especially for finding attachments |
| Highly responsive and helpful support team | Difficulty separating or unmerging conversations |
| Easily integrates with various apps like Asana, ClickUp, etc. | Difficult setup for new users |
What users like best:
“One of the features I like most about Missive is being able to collaborate with others through chats on threads. This helps with getting tasks done promptly. The layout of Missive is very clean and organized. The organization part of Missive is great. Integrating other apps into the system was easy, and it makes it easy to access the other apps from one place.”
- Missive Review, Roy R.
What users dislike:
“We wish the search was better. You could search for attachments (e.g., pdf) by typing their name in the search bar, and their long-term customers could still have slightly better pricing packages.”
- Missive Review, Elpidoforos M.
5. Spike
Spike’s real-time collaboration transforms emails into a chat-like interface, making them accessible and easy to prioritize. By eliminating the formality of traditional emails and integrating real-time messaging, Spike gives email conversations a modern and efficient spin, perfect for both personal and team use.
The free forever plan allows users to access a smart inbox with Spike Magic AI to craft messages and summaries.
Pros of Spike |
Cons of Spike |
| Allows teams to collaborate in real-time | Limited customization options compared to more traditional email apps |
| Combines emails, chats, notes, and tasks in one place | Limited storage for the free version |
| Offers end-to-end encryption to protect emails and data | Somewhat dependent on Spike’s ecosystem |
What users like best:
“Gathering emails and chats in one place is perfect for me to perform my work very efficiently. I don’t need to move between tabs to answer chats. I never get confused about where I answered them or have so many open applications that I did not answer all the chats. Since I have Spike as part of my work, I have felt more organized in my chats and emails. The unification of these processes is quite simple and so organized that in a matter of seconds, it integrates very well.”
- Spike Review, Max J.
What users dislike:
“What I did not primarily like about Spike is the user interface (UI), which is not built for beginners, as it gets very complicated. Also, the dashboard needs a lot of work as it is dull and unattractive, and the tools present are hard to get. When I tried to integrate the calendar, there were some technical faults that needed correction. The pricing is high, and Spike lacks neutral networks that can speed up the contracting process. Messaging is another problem. I face a lot of delays, and sometimes messages aren’t delivered. The customer support was not good.”
- Spike Review, Bobby S.
6. Mailbird
Mailbird offers a sleek, intuitive interface combined with powerful functionality. It caters to users who crave customization and a feature-rich email experience. Designed to enhance your email management and productivity, Mailbird brings all your communication into one inbox.
The free plan provides a solid foundation for power users with access to up to 3 email accounts, customizations, and some basic integrations.
Pros of Mailbird |
Cons of Mailbird |
| Offers a fast and responsive UI | Only supports Windows devices for now (Mailbird for MacOS is in progress) |
| Supports emails from multiple accounts through a unified inbox | Limited customer support options for free users |
| Allows users to snooze emails for later | Some advanced integrations and features limited to paid plans |
What users like best:
“Mailbird is a reliable email client. I find it easy to use my many Gmail accounts to have them all in one unified space. It's fast and has a host of features, such as Evernote and Facebook integration. I use these many times daily, and having them integrated is a productivity booster. Customer support is prompt and very helpful.”
- Mailbird Review, Bill D.
What users dislike:
“Weirdly, too many integrations. I like that they have them, but I found for me that using the extra stuff was harder than opening native apps. Also, I have an issue about once a quarter where it stops sending emails when I reply to them, and I have to remove the profile and re-add it.”
- Mailbird Review, Brady P.
7. Helpwise
Helpwise facilitates business communications. As a powerful shared inbox tool, Helpwise suits teams interested in enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Helpwise can manage your emails effectively without any cost barriers.
All paid plans for Helpwise come with a free 7-day trial, providing unlimited access to all features.
Pros of Helpwise |
Cons of Helpwise |
| Strong collaboration features like internal notes and @mentions | Features possibly overwhelming for smaller teams |
| Offers automation settings for faster workflows | Complex, time-consuming setup for certain integrations |
| Supports advanced analytics to track performance | Increased costs for add-ons |
What users like best:
“Being a company that is constantly in contact with clients, Helpwise represents the appropriate solution for us. The combination of email client, help center, support chat (web), and the many available integrations makes Helpwise an indispensable tool for our organization. It's easy to use, easy to implement, has excellent customer support, and easy integration, making us use it every day.”
- Helpwise Review, Carlos R.
What users dislike:
“Inability to view all channels on one screen was a deal-breaker for me. What is the point of giving users channels if you cannot view them all on one screen? You literally have to use a drop-down option to navigate from customer service, sales, etc., without being able to see the other. It also has no ticker to see how many messages are there. This renders the whole "shared inbox" experience useless for us. This is the only software in this space that I have seen that completely negates the idea of shared inboxes. Sure, if you only have one shared inbox, that would work, but for most companies, it will not.”
- Helpwise Review, Anatole N.
8. Shift
Shift modernizes email management by consolidating multiple email accounts, apps, and workflows into one smooth desktop app. This mail app is tailored for individuals and teams that juggle several email accounts and applications, offering a centralized workspace that enhances productivity and organization.
Shift’s 14-day free trial supports up to two accounts on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Pros of Shift |
Cons of Shift |
| Sends real-time desktop notifications across all operating systems, including Android and iOS | Performance lags when managing multiple accounts |
| Supports unified search to find emails and files from all linked accounts | Complex setup for novice users |
| Allows custom notification muting | Can be resource-intensive, which hampers performance |
What users like best:
“We have a portfolio of companies, each with its own set of software as a service (SaaS) products and email addresses. We use Shift to be able to access all of them quickly without having to manage logging in and out of different tools. It also pulls all of my calendars together in one view. Even as a single email client, I find it useful as I can jump between email, Slack, WhatsApp, and Trello in one place.”
- Shift Review, Adib B.
What users dislike:
“Sometimes there are glitches, like when I'm using one of my email accounts and move to a social media account, and the social media account co-opts the icon for the email account.”
- Shift Review, Matthew F.
9. Outlook4Gmail
Outlook4Gmail seamlessly integrates Gmail accounts with Microsoft Outlook. It stands out for its ability to unify these widely used email platforms, effortlessly synchronizing all emails, contacts, and calendar events.
The free 7-day trial has no limitations, so users can experience the platform's core functionalities at no cost.
Pros of Outlook4Gmail |
Cons of Outlook4Gmail |
| Unified look by syncing Google calendars, contacts, and tasks directly with Outlook | Potential compatibility issues with certain versions of Outlook or specific configurations |
| Automatic synchronization at regular intervals | May face performance issues when handling large datasets |
| Supports multiple Google accounts, making it easy to manage personal and professional data | Highly dependent on Google and Outlook's ongoing support and updates |
What users like best:
“I love the integration between Outlook and Gmail so that I can see all my emails and content in one place and yet still have it separated and categorized the way I need it to be. This allows me to keep up with business and personal life at the same time and easily, so I don't miss out on anything.”
- Outlook4Gmail Review, April M.
What users dislike:
“At times, there are some issues with the email not working well. Sometimes, the email is not received by customers, or they are routed to the junk folder. So extra effort is made to cover these shortcomings.”
- Outlook4Gmail Review, Dr. Vipin R.
Comparison of the best free email clients
If you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about the best email apps, check out our comparison table, which will help you with all the important aspects.
| Software name | G2 rating | Free plan | Paid plan |
| Zoom Workplace | 4.5/5 | Available for one user | Starting at $12.49/user/month |
| Front | 4.7/5 | Free 14-day trial | Starting at $19/user/month |
| Microsoft 365 | 4.6/5 | Free 30-day trial | Starting at $6/user/month |
| Spike | 4.6/5 | Available with limited features | Starting at $4/user/month |
| Missive | 4.7/5 | Available for limited users | Starting at $14/user/month |
| Mailbird | 3.7/5 | Available with limited features | Starting at $2.28/user/month |
| Helpwise | 4.6/5 | Free 7-day trial | Starting at $12 user/ month |
| Shift | 4/5 | Free 14-day trial | Starting at $149/year |
| Outlook4Gmail | 4.2/5 | Free 7-day trial | $28.98 per license |
Frequently asked questions on free email client software
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
Q. How do free email clients compare to paid versions?
Factors such as interface design, ease of navigation, customization options, and performance all contribute to the overall experience. Reading user reviews, trying out different email clients, and considering your specific needs will help you find the best fit for your workflow.
Q. What features should I consider in free email client software?
When researching a free email client, consider ease of use, compatibility, support for multiple accounts, synchronization, and security measures. You can also look for additional components like calendar integration, contact management, and customizable templates.
Q. Are free email client apps secure?
The security of free email clients largely depends on the developer's practices. Reputable clients typically offer encryption for data in transit and at rest, spam and phishing filters, two-factor authentication, and secure password storage. However, you play a role as well: to protect your data, choose trusted providers, regularly update the software, and review privacy policies.
Q. Can I migrate my data from one email client to another?
Yes, you can migrate your data by adding your email account to the new client and syncing it. Most email clients provide step-by-step instructions for setting up accounts, and many support automatic configuration. To avoid data loss, always backup your data before you start the migration.
Q. What are the best free email clients for business use?
In addition to the solutions mentioned above, explore Mozilla Thunderbird and eM Client. Thunderbird’s open-source platform supports multiple accounts, making it a flexible choice for businesses. eM Client also provides a range of features and a user-friendly interface with comprehensive functionality.
Mail it like you mean it
Choosing the best free email client comes down to prioritizing what matters the most to you. Whether that’s advanced features for improved work communications, hacker-proof security to protect sensitive data, or a sleek interface for a fun email experience, an email app that meets your demands perfectly is waiting for you.
We hope this list of the best free email client software helps you find the right solution!
Discover the right way to use email automation and take your business processes and workflows to the next level.
Edited by Aisha West
Washija Kazim
Washija Kazim is a Sr. Content Marketing Specialist at G2 focused on creating actionable SaaS content for IT management and infrastructure needs. With a professional degree in business administration, she specializes in subjects like business logic, impact analysis, data lifecycle management, and cryptocurrency. In her spare time, she can be found buried nose-deep in a book, lost in her favorite cinematic world, or planning her next trip to the mountains.
