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Thunderbird vs Mailspring

Published On January 13, 2025 - Last Modified On May 18, 2026

Thunderbird vs Mailspring Comparison Image

Meet the contenders

Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or corporate executive, there's an email app for you. We're here to help you decide.

Let's look at how these two email apps stack up against each other.

Thunderbird Logo

Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a free, open-source, cross-platform email client that’s managed by a core staff and a community of volunteer developers. Although the app is already quite robust, there are optional add-ons that you can install to enhance its functionality. So, when it comes to cost-effective email client apps, you can’t go wrong with free—there are no separate paid versions.

Mailspring Logo

Mailspring

Mailspring (formerly known as Nylas Mail) is an open-source email client that supports multiple accounts. Available in Free and Pro versions, Mailspring offers both basic and advanced features suitable for student, personal, and professional users.

Thunderbird vs Mailspring: A side-by-side comparison

Thunderbird LogoThunderbird
Mailspring LogoMailspring

Operating system

WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid

WindowsmacOSLinux

Versions

Free

Free

Pro

Price(s)

  • Free

  • Free

  • Pro: $8/month

Notable features

  • Multi-account support

  • Unified inbox

  • Extensive library of add-ons

  • End-to-end encryption (S/MIME and OpenPGP)

  • Junk mail filtering

  • Spam filtering

  • Phishing protection

  • Built-in chat

  • Built-in newsgroup and RSS reader

  • Tabbed email interface

  • Customizable user interface

  • Multi-language support (currently translated into 65 languages)

  • Multi-account support

  • Unified inbox

  • Touch and gesture support

  • Advanced search

  • Activity tracking

  • Quick-reply templates

  • Mac, Windows, and Linux support

  • Themes and layouts (including dark mode)

  • Message translations

  • Localized into 9 languages