Best alternatives to Spark

Spark is a unique email client that changes the way you view the traditional inbox. But if you’re not ready, or don’t want to, reinvent the wheel, you might be better off looking for a Spark alternative.

Spark transforms how you interact with your inbox. This new email paradigm seeks to help users eliminate email clutter, minimize distractions, and stay organized by automating email management by “learning” smarter ways to handle your email. But it’s worth noting that the app's initial learning period can take some time before it becomes truly useful.

So, if you’re not interested in having to adjust your workflow to match the way Spark wants you to work or don’t have time for the app to properly learn your workflow, you might want to look at some alternatives.

Let’s see what else is out there.

01. Mailbird

Mailbird is a flexible and easy-to-use email client that promotes elegant simplicity and powerful functionality, including multi-account management from most email providers (such as Gmail and Outlook), unified inbox, customizable interface, third-party integrations, and a streamlined workflow directly from your inbox. With a clutter-free design and pleasant user experience, Mailbird has become the go-to email app for more than 4M users who trust it with their personal and professional email.

02. eM Client

eM Client sets itself apart as one of the most customizable email clients available. You can personalize not only the user interface (with a flexible layout and dozens of themes), but also the way the app handles email. Available for Windows, macOS, and most recently, Android and iOS, eM Client is suitable for professional and personal users who want complete control over every aspect of their email experience.

03. Superhuman

Superhuman is a keyboard-focused email client that supports a variety of email providers, including Gmail and Outlook. With more than 100 keyboard shortcuts, Superhuman is designed for professional users and teams who need to collaborate regularly. Although an excellent option for professionals who manage large volumes of messages every day, Superhuman’s robust business and productivity tools may be a bit overkill for casual users.

04. 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.

05. Outlook for Windows

Outlook for Windows is a new email client and personal information manager that replaces the defunct Windows Mail and Calendar apps (which are no longer supported by Microsoft). This default email client app is included in most newer Windows 11 PCs shipped in 2024 and features tight integration with Microsoft 365 apps, AI tools, and a fresh design.

06. Zoho Mail Desktop Lite

Zoho Mail Desktop Lite is a free email client offered by the business email hosting service Zoho Mail. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Zoho Mail Desktop Lite lets you access your messages from various email accounts, including Zoho Mail, Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo, and more.

07. 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.

08. Twobird

Twobird is a unique app that approaches email management as a to-do list. By combining your messages, calendar events, tasks, and notes into an agenda-like workspace, the cross-platform Twobird treats your email as one component of your overall productivity. This way, you only need one app to manage your daily tasks.

09. Kiwi for Gmail

Kiwi for Gmail lets you take the Gmail and Google Workspace experience out of the browser and onto your desktop. Whether you’re using a PC or a Mac, Kiwi can transform Gmail into a standalone desktop application and save you from having to juggle multiple browser tabs.

Closing thoughts…

If you’re willing to invest time and effort into learning a new way of managing your email, Spark is worth a look. But what if you don’t need (or don’t want) to change your email workflow simply to adapt to an app? Maybe you simply want to send and receive email—then you might want to try one of the more traditional email clients listed here.