Are you someone who uses a browser to check their email or you have realized the power of email clients?
I was the first in the line who would use a browser to check & respond to my emails.
Airmail integrates with quite a few applications and includes a Plugin Framework API that developers can use to integrate their apps with Airmail. Here’s a list of some of the productivity applications Airmail supports: Calendar, Reminders, OmniFocus, Things, Todoist, Fantastical, BusyCal, Wunderlist, and 2Do. Airmail Plugin Framework (AMPF) 1.0. The AMPF provides the API necessary to develop a plugin for Airmail. Why a Plug-In Framework? The implementation of a plugin is necessary to inherit from the AMPF/AMPlugin class and to override the request methods (see Class Documentation) The framework is an extended part of Airmail. Account description option can be found in 'Airmail Preferences Account User'. Show Accounts Badge - Controls whether Airmail adds a badge with the Inbox or Unread message. Count in the Account sidebar. Show Unread or Count - Select whether you want to show the number of unread message or total. Open the Airmail app, go to the top menu bar and click on Window Cick on the Show Plugin Folder. Drag the unzipped plugin file from the desktop and drop it in the Airmail Plugin folder. Restart the Airmail app and open the Plugins from Window option.
To be honest, I’ve always found Mac’s integrated Mail app to be a bit too clumsy for my taste. And if I am not able to find my way around the email easily – I’m probably not going to like the app.
Luckily, one afternoon, I came across a perfect email client that allowed me to sync all my emails into one client and keep my emails synchronized across my laptop, tablet and phone.
Can you guess what email client I am talking about?
If you can’t – no worries. The bright side is that this post isn’t only going to show you how to choose an email client that could improve the way you use the email.
But you will also find out top picks down below, so keep on reading!
Quick jump to…
Windows and Mac have built-in email apps
Don’t get me wrong – built-in email apps aren’t that bad after all. But personally, I think that they might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Windows has a built-in email app called Mail App which is a pretty simplistic email client that is easy to use. My favorite thing about it is the ability to easily connect multiple email accounts to one integrated client.
On the other hand, Mac computers have their own version of the Mail App as well. In my opinion, its interface is a bit outdated which might have you thinking that it is easy to use.
Well, the big downside of Mac’s Mail App is that it isn’t really efficient at keeping a track of multiple email accounts at once. There are all sorts of folders that appear after each email account add-on you do and it’s just not as pretty as Windows’ Mail App.
But on the bright side, Mac’s Mail App is really strong when it comes down to emails. They are perfectly categorized and you even get the ability to have both your email list and specific emails open in one tab.
While people simply settle for the integrated email app that comes with their favorite device – we believe that you should at least give yourself a chance to browse available email clients.
Why?
There are companies that specialize in creating the best possible email clients so not only you get a pretty interface, but you also get a chance to improve your productivity, change the way your workflow works, or even have higher security for your most important email accounts.
Top email clients for Windows and Mac
- For Mac:Spark & Airmail
- For Windows:Mailbird
- For Best Productivity:PostBox (Windows & Mac)
- For Increased Security:Canary Mail (Mac) & The Bat! (Windows)
- For Gmail:Kiwi (Windows & Mac)
For Mac: Spark
I like to think about Spark as a combination of integrated Mac and Windows email client. Its interface is very minimalistic (which is very similar to Mac integrated email client) and yet it has the ability of organization (such as the one available in the Windows integrated email client).
It accepts multiple accounts and I was able to add two of my emails to test and see how Spark handles it. I was also able to allow Spark to access my reminders, contact, and calendar. This definitely helps keep my workflow going without manually having to enter my contacts or dates into my calendar.
Inside the Spark, 3 main columns offer everything you need to see at one time. Your email accounts and its inboxes, list of emails for a selected email account, and an individual email reading & answering section.
The feature I like the most is the ability to easily clean up your email by sliding the email from the list and choosing a function such as a snooze, delete, or move. This might seem insignificant – but it allows a quick & efficient way around emails without having to look for additional options.
Also, remember how I like all the functions listed at the top? That’s exactly how Spark lists its functions.
Pros
- Easily syncs in multiple email accounts
- Easy-to-use interface
- Efficient & lightweight app usage (50mb in size)
- Functions listed at the top for quick use
- Integration with Mac’s calendar, contacts, and reminders
- Quickly dealing with repetitive emails by adding people to the TO, CC and BCC fields in templates.
Cons
- Stores your email account credentials & emails on their server and then direct them to your device
Price
- Free – up to 5 GB and 2 active collaborators
- Premium – $6.39 for each active user – up to 10 GB and an unlimited number of active collaborators
- Enterprise – price on request – on-demand for large teams and companies
For Mac: Airmail (also great)
Airmail is one of the sleekest and minimalistic email clients I’ve ever experienced on a Mac computer.
An intuitive design that features colors and is collapsible is definitely the best feature of Airmail. It allows you to expand or minimize the email client according to your needs.
When I am browsing through my emails – I can keep Airmail collapsed which retains my focus on my email list. But if I want to answer an email or write a new email, I can expand the interface with only two clicks.
I especially liked reply templates that saved me time when I was writing some business outreach emails and even a “send later” function was pretty convenient since it allowed me to postpone my ready emails and send them automatically for me.
Pros
- Attractive collapsible interface
- Ready reply templates
- Send later function
- Easy integration with all Apple devices
Cons
- The latest paid version has changed adding additional subscription model for existing services
- Customer service isn’t very responsive
Price
- Free Version
- Paid Version – $3.75/month or $12.51/yearly
For Windows: Mailbird
Mailbird is very similar to Windows’ integrated email client – but it has features that are very rare to see in other email clients.
Not only Mailbird worked on combining simplicity with functionality, yet they have worked hard to create unique layouts for users to find their best way to work around emails.
But this isn’t everything. Upon choosing the layout I liked the most, I was then able to further customize the layout.
I believe this is an ideal feature for heavy users who want the ability to create their own workspace inside the email client rather than adjusting to a standard-type layout of usual email clients.
What I’ve also noticed is that Mailbird is very compatible with every Microsoft app there is which allows smooth synchronization and integration of data from other apps you have on your computer.
But Mailbird took it to the next step by allowing integration with third-party software & apps such as Slack, Dropbox, Facebook, and even WhatsApp.
Not only you get to have all your emails in one place – but it also takes care of all your messages, which is something I really like.
I believe that Mailbird is on the right track to change the way we use our emails and the way we communicate whether it’s for business or for personal needs.
Pros
- Easy & efficient use
- Customizable layout versions
- Incredible app integration
- Affordable prices
Cons
- Doesn’t feature any functions that help automate email responses
- Folder organization could be improved
Price
- Free Version
- Mailbird Pro Personal – $1.52/monthly or $36.95/one-time
- Mailbird Pro Business – $2.35/monthly
For Best Productivity: PostBox (Windows & Mac)
If you took Mac’s integrated email app and turned it into a sleek & a bit more efficient version – you’d get PostBox.
PostBox is available for both Windows & Mac, it accepts multiple email accounts (any IMAP or POP) account.
What’s so special about PostBox is that it’s a stripped-down version of most email clients, and yet keeping the interface to a bare minimum helps keep everything organized. Everything I needed was just one click away which improved the way I use an email.
But what I actually liked the most is the colorful interface that helps users navigate since it shifts focus from reading the folders to memorizing the icons & colors. This itself increases the efficiency of a heavy-email user.
Are you wondering what’s the most innovative feature? It’s the search button.
The search button within an email client isn’t something new. But what PostBox did is they added on the search button for the whole email account – instead of the specific folders only.
Pros
- The most minimalistic interface with an efficient way around the email
- Use of colored icons for folders & functions that are easy to memorize
- Ability to search for something throughout the whole email
- Efficient organization of multiple accounts at the same time
Cons
- Marker for unread emails is a bit too small and should be larger
Price
- Trial – Free
- 1-Year License – $19/user
- Lifetime License – $39/user
For Increased Security: Canary Mail (Mac)
Canary Mail looks very much like an integrated Mac Mail app. But don’t let this make you think that Canary Mail isn’t worth your time.
I like how Canary Mail keeps up with Apple’s OS and with every OS version, Canary Mail redesigns its email client for the best performance.
Therefore, Canary Mail is really snappy and quick that won’t slow you down at any time. But why is it better than settling down with an integrated Apple Mail App which is free?
The main reason is security.
Canary Mail is full of security features that you won’t find on integrated email clients. These features include end-to-end encryption and smart filters to ensure that no one can access your emails. Other than these security features, you will also benefit from full PGP support, on-device fetch, and biometric app lock.
My favorite feature is the one-click unsubscription that helps you remove your email from unwanted email lists in a matter of seconds.
Pros
- Increased security measures
- Often app updates
- Quick & seamless integration
- Simple interface
- One-time subscription pricing plans
Cons
- Pro Upgrade version includes some of the existing features that were taken away from Pro version users and were used to double-charge the same users
Price
- Canary Mail Pro – $25/one-time
- Canary Mail Pro Upgrade – $12.50/one-time
For Increased Security: The Bat! (Windows)
The Bat is one of the most sophisticated email clients for Windows that pays a lot of attention to security.
However, one thing you should know is that it has a steep learning curve. You will actually need to spend time learning how The Bat works in order to use it to its fullest capacity.
But once I spent some time with The Bat!, my favorite was definitely seamless creation of virtual folders that improve the high-volume email management.
On the other hand, I appreciated the high-security features such as OpenPGP message decryption and encryption of local data. Along with these security features, there are many more features that you just can’t find in any other email client.
If you’re a “power-user” who needs ultimate privacy – The Bat! is exactly what’s it’s made for.
Plenty of other features you will come across once you start learning how to use The Bat! are Inbox Analyzer, integration of RSS feeds directly in the email client,
Pros
- Features highly innovative features
- Top-notch security protection
- Ability to integrate plenty of third-party apps
- Included antivirus and spam filter to combat scam and spam emails
Cons
- A slight learning curve
Price
- The Bat! Home – $49.99/one-time
- The Bat! Professional – $59.99/one-time
For Gmail: Kiwi (Windows & Mac)
Is Gmail your favorite webmail email client and no other integrated or third-party can offer you seamless integration with your Gmail account?
Kiwi is the ideal option since it’s solely made for Gmail integration with the additional integration of all G Suite apps.
Even the Lite version of Kiwi enabled me to have my Gmail and all of my G Suite apps available on my desktop – and even better yet, on my phone.
But what I’ve noticed is that Kiwi also has the ability to send large attachments – much larger than Gmail can handle on its own.
However, Kiwi doesn’t only integrate well with G Suite. It can also integrate third-party apps through plugins. I was able to integrate the Boomerang app but it looks like it’s the only app you can integrate for now.
Its interface is very simple and yet you even get to choose your favorite color to make navigation a lot easier.
Pros
- Ability to integrate Gmail and G Suite directly into a desktop-based email client
- Ease of use with multiple accounts
- Ability to send massive attachments
- Simple interface with the ability to handle multiple windows
Cons
- Needs more third-party options
- Could make some innovative features rather than just transferring all Gmail features
Price
- Kiwi Lite – Free for 30 days
- Kiwi Premium – $36/one-time
Other email clients worth mention
For now, CleanMyMac X isn’t a solid contender. In fact, we’d come across other extremely promising competitors too. So, if you are not ready to spend on CleanMyMac X, you can try one of the following tools.
eM Client (Windows & Mac)
You can think of eM Client as a stripped-down version of almost every integrated email client – and yet it’s improved with wise & modern interface reconstruction.
If no other email client seems like a great option – eM client is available for both Windows & Mac operating systems which makes it available to almost anyone.
It integrates well with most email servers so you will be able to organize your emails in one place. The one downside I noticed is that the free version of eM Client limits you to only two email accounts.
However, additional features such as calendar, tasks, contacts, and even chat make this one of the most productive email clients available for both operating systems.
Price
- Free Version
- Pro Version – $37.25/one-time
Polymail (Mac)
Polymail is a refreshed email client that features a modern and sleek look. Its interface structure looks very familiar to Mac’s Email App and Slack management app which isn’t a bad thing.
Since it resembles the two common apps – it adds it touch which enables everyone to combine email and chat-messaging apps such as Slack.
Therefore, if you’re looking to keep & manage your emails and conversations in one place – Polymail is the ideal option.
The only downside is that this modern piece of the email client is available only for Mac and iOS devices, at least for now.
Price
- Trial – Free for 14 days
- Basic – $10/month
- Premium – $24/month
- Enterprise – $49/month
MailTrim (Windows & Mac & Linux)
MailTrim is a worthy mention, just in case you are looking for a free email client for personal and professional use. It’s seamless and had only the necessary features in order to provide friendly interface as complex features might annoy users.
The specialty about MailTrim is that it enables an intelligent way to receive and sort all emails into different categories for quick access – even if you’re receiving them from different accounts.
Along with S/MIME and PGP encryption vouches, you have private and secure email collaboration. It also helps you to streamline the workflow along with the features such as contacts management, calendar, signature, etc.
Mailtrim works for all desktops-Mac, Windows, and Linux. And, it integrates with a few third-party platforms, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and CRM.
Price
- Free
Microsoft Outlook (Windows & Mac)
Outlook is one of the most overlooked email clients since every Microsoft Windows user has it installed on their computer.
However, what not many people know is that Outlook is a really efficient email client that can be easily integrated with other Microsoft Office products.
This means that you will be able to use Outlook for much more than just an email organization. With the integration of Microsoft Calendar – you can keep your busy lifestyle organized while staying on top of your emails.
And what’s the good news? Microsoft released a version for Mac so you can experience all benefits on Mac computers as well.
Price
- Free Trial
- Outlook Standalone Premium Version- $19.95/year
- Outlook for 1 PC/User- $139.99/one-time
- With Office 365 Home- $9.99/month
- With Office 365 Personal- $6.99/month
How to choose a better email client?
It’s true that email client choice depends a bit on personal preference. However, there are email clients that have features that others don’t and also have things organized in a way to actually improve the usage.
You probably understand what you want and don’t want from an email client at this point. But down below, you will find a guide that might help you find something better and find out a feature that might change the way you handle your emails.
So before you start choosing your preferred email client – here’s what you should pay attention to:
- Ideal features
- Type of usage (casual user or a heavy user)
- Compatibility
- Speed and efficiency
- Interface
Ideal features
Since everyone has been an email user for a couple of years at least, it’s at least easy to know what your needs are.
Everyone will have different needs and features are the ones that will fulfill them.
What’s also great to know is that almost all email clients tend to use their features as the selling point. Therefore, this gives you a chance to understand what an email client can do for you even before giving it a try.
Personally, I need an email that has a hassle-free way to add multiple email accounts and yet have an organized approach to all of my emails inside the email client’s interface. From there, I know that I need the most important functions listed at the top and I also require a minimal distraction.
Most webmail clients didn’t fulfill my needs, and even though integrated email clients managed to fulfill my needs to a certain point – I find the third-party email clients to know exactly how to help email users.
But for you – the needs might be totally different and therefore, read on to the type of usage to try and understand your needs (if you don’t know them yet).
Type of usage
I hope that you aren’t one of the email hoarders that has 999+ emails just sitting in the inbox. However, even if you are and you occasionally browse for most important emails – there is still a solution.
But if you are a heavy user who depends on the email to run an online business, do their work remotely, or simply improve the way they communicate online – organization & reliability is crucial.
Even if you are a casual email user who doesn’t use an email for business yet only has personal needs that need to be fulfilled – you can still improve the way you keep an eye on your email and the way you respond to your emails.
Compatibility
When you know your needs and what features you need the most – it’s important to think ahead.
Plugins Airmail 3
What devices are you using? Do you read & respond to emails from your tablet or a phone?
It would be silly to change the device you’re using to match the email client. Therefore, think of this ahead so you don’t end up disappointed in the end.
The good news is that most email clients are compatible with smartphones so you will always be able to stay connected to your email in an organized & efficient way, even when you’re on the go.
Speed and efficiency
How many times did you find yourself trying to multitask while you wait for your integrated email to open?
It’s true that internet connection is important – but some integrated email clients are simply not snappy enough to provide efficient & quick use.
You can easily determine these factors by testing the email client out. But checking out reviews such as the ones you will find below will also tell you a lot more than the official page would.
Interface
Lastly, the interface is the main thing you will be seeing every single time you use your email and it’s the main thing that will keep you working efficiently while staying organized.
Therefore, you need to “click” with your interface. I am not only discussing the visual attractiveness of the email client.
But what I’m suggesting is that you would benefit from an email client the most if you spent a bit of time learning your way around its interface.
In closing
How much would your email performance improve if you decided to switch from a web-based email interface to a desktop email client?
No matter on what server is your email hosted – you can integrate it into any of these email clients.
Most of them offer a free trial, and you could even use some of them for absolutely free. But our specific guide – I’m sure that you won’t have trouble choosing the best email client for your needs.
- 1.8
- 1.9
- 1.10
- 1.11
- 1.12
- 1.13
- 1.14
- 1.15
- 1.16
- Source Code:
- https://gitlab.com/sword7/starmail
- Languages Supported:
- Russian, French, German, Polish, Chinese
- Donation Link:
- https://www.paypal.me/devsword7
By default, players can send three types of mail: letters, written books, and packages. However, players with the mail.custom permission can send any item as mail.
Letters:
Letters will only be enabled in setups using Minecraft 1.14 and up. Letters are similar to books, but can be crafted for cheaper. Unlike books, letter can not be placed in lecterns or used in other crafting recipes, such as those for copying written books.
Letters use the new custom model data to work with the Star Mail resource pack downloadable here.
Packages:
Packages are used to send groups of items in the mail. Right click with an empty package to open up a menu. Place the items you want to send in the menu, then click on the seal button. Once the package is sealed, the items will be tracked using the tracking number on the item.
Right click on a sealed package will open a menu. Click on any string to cut it and open the package. Once opened, all the items can be collected by clicking on the fishing pole, or by closing the menu. Once the package is empty, it will be consumed in a poof of smoke.
Packages can also be used to decorate. Right click on an empty package while sneaking to place it! Sealed packages can not be placed.
Tracking & Expiration:
Information about both packages and sent mail are tracked and stored while the server is offline. To prevent large amounts of data from building up, a tracking expiration is used. This prevents inactive mail from taking up lots of space. By default, mail and packages are tracked for 30 days. The number of days until expiration is configurable in the config.yml file.
Mailbox:
To register a mailboxes, players simply need to place a mailbox block. By default, each player can register one mailbox. Clicking on your mailbox will open a menu for viewing and collecting received mail.
Clicking on another player's mailbox will open a menu. Insert a valid mail item and click the arrow to send mail.
Mailboxes will will send the owning player notifications when mail is received and shortly after joining. Players can disable these notifications in the mailbox menu.
GlobalBox:
The globalbox is a globally usable mailbox. Interacting with a globalbox will open the mail collection menu.
Plugin Air Pump
Postbox:
The postbox is a block that allows players to send mail to any other player. Interacting with the block will open a menu for inserting, addressing, and sending mail.
Email:
Star Mail makes it possible to access and send mail from anywhere. Players with sufficient permission can send mail using the /sento [player] command. The /mailbox command will open a virtual mailbox to access sent mail.
Plugins Airmail App
Dynmap:Plugins Airmail Download
