Mail program on mac. The best email clients for OS X

Built into OS X mail client Mail is a prime example of what a great product can be. I've been using it for 3 years now and it suits me in almost everything. Its design is ideal in my opinion, and in terms of functionality, many recognize it as one of the best email clients not only for Mac, but in general of all existing ones.

But Mail still has its serious shortcomings. For example, lack of support for tags in letters. Apple Company For some reason, I implemented it in Finder and refused to do it with mail, although that is where the tags are most needed. Yes, there is MailTags, but its cost makes you think twice before purchasing.

Or the situation with aliases: I connected an alias info@ to my corporate mailbox and every time I send using an alias I have to manually select an SMTP server; Mail does not provide the ability to configure the binding of aliases to individual servers.

AirMail

Price: $9.99

Supported OS: Mac OS X, iOS

An email client with a very beautiful and modern interface. The controls are located so that they occupy a minimum of usable space, leaving it to the viewing area. The program itself is very convenient to use, unlike its analogues. If you're thinking about replacing Mail, AirMail might be a great candidate.

Special mention should be made of the mode for displaying attachments and images in PostBox. Using it when searching for files in emails can be a huge time saver, although Mail supports message searches filtered by file type. In all other respects, except for the design, PostBox repeats the functionality of Mozilla Thunderbird and it makes sense to buy the program only for those who care about it appearance.

Advantages:

• Quick response form;
• Editable message labels;
• A large number of settings for aliases;
• Advanced message search;
• Attachment Browser;

Flaws:

• Not the most original interface design;
• Not all extensions are ported correctly;
• Does not work with Microsoft Exchange.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Price: for free

Supported OS: Mac OS X, Windows, Linux

The built-in macOS email client is stuck in its development somewhere in 2008. Same interface, same set of features, and nothing that could make the classic Mail app stand out from its competitors.

Therefore, I set out to look at the products that third-party developers offer and choose the best ones.

I will not put forward any criteria in advance, because it makes no sense now. All email clients are good, and it’s impossible to speak unequivocally about the leadership of any of them, because for the first time in many years they have become truly different. This is not just about different interfaces and design solutions. The problems that developers undertake to solve today are very different.

Some people want to simplify correspondence by mail and turn it into a messenger, while others, on the contrary, insist on classic methods of correspondence. Some people prioritize safety, while others prioritize teamwork.

Spark

Spark client interface with delegation feature

A product of Readdle, which is now the most actively developing in the field of email clients. Spark arrived at a time when the industry was stagnating and many popular email clients (including Mailbox and Google Inbox). Readdle with its multifunctional application managed to become a leader. Spark can:

• Send delayed emails. That is, like this: first we write and format the letter, then we set the sending date, and then Spark sends it itself.
• Delegation of letters. If the company has an employee for whom the information in the letter will be more useful, and he himself will be able to give an answer to the sender, then the letter can be delegated through a special menu so that another person can take control of it.
• Working on a letter in a team. You can compose text as a team, format it, add files, etc. This opens a mini-chat for online communication.

Pros:

• Lots of options for teamwork.
• High speed.
• A system for automatically sorting letters by tags.
• Integration with third party programs(Things, Todoist, Evernote and others).

Minuses:

• Some features are dependent on Readdle's servers, which sometimes fail.
• To work in a team you need an expensive subscription.

Canary Mail

This is what the dark theme looks like in Canary Mail

The first paid email client on our list with a mountain of features and a great emphasis on the security of correspondence. Canary developers use advanced email encryption techniques to ensure that no one can access your data. Moreover, they are active by default, i.e. application security operates at the maximum level from the first launch.

There are also many useful functions in everyday life:

• Cleaning your mailbox from spam and annoying mailings.
• Smart Search: You can type something like “unread newsletters” to get all the news in one list.
• Read receipts. You can embed a script into your email that will notify you when your email is opened.
• Instant unsubscribe from any mailing list in one click.
• Prepare letters for quick sending, so as not to write the same thing every time and not to format letters again.

Pros:

• Automatic encryption of sent emails.
• Lots of handy features, including read receipts and the ability to snooze emails.
• Nice interface.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Poor localization of the Russian language.
• The controls are not very conveniently located.

Unibox

This is what the contact list on the left looks like

This client is good primarily for its interface. The sidebar of standard mailers displays mailboxes and individual letters. In Unibox, your interlocutors are displayed there, regardless of whether they are real people or mailing services. This approach simplifies working with mail - you no longer need to enter names into the search or somehow tag individual people. All of them are displayed in a single list.

Moreover, if you select the interlocutor, the entire history of correspondence in the form of a chat will be displayed on the right side of the interface. Moreover, with one click you can enable the display of all attached files that have ever been sent between you and your interlocutor.

Pros:

• A single list of contacts instead of separate letters.
• Design of correspondence in the form of a chat.
• Separate window with attachments.

Minuses:

• There is no tagging system for sorting emails.
• Price.

Airmail

Airmail interface and a separate window with a letter

The developers of Airmail are immodest guys who openly declare that their client is the best of all. This product is tightly integrated with macOS and supports everything key features, be it Handoff (a function of instant synchronization between a computer, tablet and smartphone), AppleScript language, the Time Machine program or multi-touch gestures on trackpads in a MacBook.

Pros:

• Instant replies interface (you can respond to a letter with one click).
• Full control over the list of previous actions. Time is given to undo the last action (for example, if you accidentally deleted a letter).
• Work offline.
• The support service is available 24 hours a day.
• Full integration with all macOS features. Works even better than the built-in client.

Minuses:

• Price.
• Lack of demo version for testing.

Outlook

The cross-platform functionality of the program is demonstrated here

An email client that comes bundled with Office 365. Essentially, it is an organizer, because not only mail is built in, but also a calendar with a notebook. Microsoft endlessly talks about security and intelligent functions that will somehow help sort out the rubble of mail. Personally, I didn't see them.

This is generally the only email client that I will criticize. It is inconvenient, cumbersome, costs an incredible amount of money, creates confusion and does not bring anything new to working with mail.

The only thing that pleases is the cool mobile client, but even that was not created by Microsoft. She bought a ready-made application and renamed it.

Pros:

• Good mobile application.
• Laconic design.
• Cross-platform application (works on Android, Windows, iOS).

Minuses:

• Price.
• Confusing interface.

Thunderbird

Here's a classic mailer without any frills

An orthodox email client that was developed by Mozilla back in 2004. He hasn't changed much since then. Company principles:

• Keep the classic, extensible and customizable interface.
• Ensure the security of incoming and outgoing mail.
• Provide support for all existing encodings.

Pros:

• Classic interface with tab support.
• Manual settings mailboxes.
• Integrated calendar.
• Development through a community of enthusiasts.
• Sorting mail by tags.
• Automatic blocking of suspicious content (protects against surveillance).
• Smart search with message filtering functions in one click.

Minuses:

• There are no email reminders or the ability to postpone an incoming message until a later date.
• No automatic box setup.
• Classic design can only be considered a plus for those who are used to it. For younger users it is very outdated.
• No mobile client.

Spike

Interface with letters

Spike is an attempt to turn email into chats. In classic clients, emails are often sorted as separate entities. Sometimes it is impossible to find a connection between letters on similar topics from the same addressee. Spike solves this problem by turning email correspondence into messaging-like messaging.

Your messages are on the right, your interlocutor's messages are on the left. You can immediately see when someone is typing for you, you can immediately see when your message has been read. You can even call if correspondence is not enough. In general, Spike is a messenger in which you do not need to register, since it works based on your mailbox.

Pros:

• Messenger style interface.
• Ability to send files, pictures, record audio messages.
• Supports audio and video calls.
• Built-in calendar.
• Group chats.
• Separate sorting of people and mailings from robots.
• Postponing writing for later.
• Mobile client.

Minuses:

• If you don't take into account the unattractive design, then they don't exist at all.

I reviewed the most popular email clients for MacOs. I hope that my article will help you with a successful choice.

Post Views: 589

Standard Apple applications are enough for most. This applies not only to the email client, but also to notes, reminders, calendar and music player. However, standard Mail is only as good as it is when compared to third-party apps. The site's editors took a look at several major alternatives to the macOS email client.

Airmail

The developers position Airmail as “the fastest email client for Mac” and at least they don’t disappoint. The app is fast, smooth and looks good - just like other alternatives. But Airmail is also a feature client, which has features not found in the standard client.

In Airmail you can write letters in Markdown and HTML, there is support third party applications(OmniFocus, Things, Wunderlist and others) and support for AppleScript scripts. Incoming emails can be sorted into the To Do (current tasks), Done (completed) and Memo (notes) folders.

The application was recently released in an iOS version. One of the client's disadvantages is the price. The version for macOS costs $9.99, for iOS - $4.99.

Pros:

1. Support for third party applications.
2. Speed ​​of work.
3. Supports standard Gmail hotkeys.

Minuses:

1. Price.
2. Problems with IMAP folders.
3. Lack of some features available in other email clients.

Postbox

Postbox has been around almost since the launch of the Mac App Store. Externally, the client is similar to standard Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird. However, in a recent update, the appearance of Postbox has noticeably changed.

The advantage of Postbox is its functionality. The client supports multiple mail accounts simultaneously, search by attachments and response templates. The user can respond to letters by clicking on the button with templates and selecting one of the appropriate options.

Postbox costs $15 and can only be purchased from the developer’s website. You can also download there trial version and use it for free for 30 days. In addition, there is a two-month money-back guarantee - in fact, the client can be used for free for three months.

Pros:

1. Functionality.
2. Ability to respond with pre-created templates.
3. Trial period.

Minuses:

1. No client for iOS.
2. Overloaded interface.
3. Lack of Exchange support.

Polymail

Polymail only left the testing stage a month ago, but has managed to establish itself as one of the best email clients. The developers managed to combine a simple interface and an abundance of interesting functions. For example, Polymail shows read notifications for sent messages and can schedule sending at the right time.

The advantages of Polymail include regular updates - developers are constantly fixing bugs and introducing new functions. Unlike alternatives, Polymail is free in both macOS and iOS versions. There is no paid functionality.

Pros:

1. Ability to receive notifications when messages are read.
2. You can postpone sending letters “for later”.
3. The application is free.

Minuses:

1. There are still minor bugs.
2. Sometimes the application does not send notifications about new messages.

Mail Pilot

According to the developers, Mail Pilot is a client aimed at maximum productivity. It has a simple interface, despite this, the application combines an email client and a task manager. The client is available in versions for macOS, iOS, and watchOS.

In Mail Pilot, you can combine letters into lists, making it easier to work with large tasks. The price for productivity is high - the macOS version costs $19.99, the mobile version costs $9.99.

Pros:

1. Supports the entire Apple ecosystem.
2. Email client and task manager in one application.
3. Nice interface.

Minuses:

1. The non-standard approach to the email client may not suit some users.
2. High price.

Mail

Complaints about Gmail's mediocre experience and the need to periodically clear the attachment cache aside, Mail is one of the best email clients for macOS. For many - the best, because it is standard.

All the benefits of Mail are tied to the Apple ecosystem. You can search for emails in Spotlight, send replies from the notification center, and sign documents directly from the app.

Pros:

1. Standard Apple application.
2. For free.
3. There is support for macOS, iOS, watchOS.

Minuses:

1. Mediocre experience with Gmail, especially on iOS.
2. Less functionality compared to third-party clients.

The safety of working in the Apple Mail program can only be guaranteed if its version is 3.1 or higher, and if . If Apple Mail version is 3.0 or lower, or if version operating system Mac OS X 10.5 or lower, then it is not safe to use it. We recommend installing a newer version of your email client.

Configure via IMAP protocol

1. Open the Mail app on macOS.

2. If you already have another mail configured in your application, go to “File” → “Add Account”.

3. Select "Another Mail account...".

2. Fill in the fields:

3. Click “Login” - automatic program setup will begin.

If an error occurred during setup, enter the following information:

After successful setup, your mailbox will open.

5. Go to “Mail” → “Settings...”.

7. In the “Properties” tab account» uncheck the “Configure connection settings automatically” checkboxes in the “Incoming mail server (IMAP)” and “Outgoing mail server (SMTP)” sections.

Fields for editing ports will appear.

8. Edit the ports:

Configure via POP3 protocol

To configure the Apple Mail email program via POP3 protocol:

1. In the top panel, in the “File” menu, select “Add account...”;

2. On the page, enter the data:

• “Full name” - enter the name that will be displayed in the “From:” field for all sent messages;
• “E-mail address” - enter the full name of your mailbox in the format [email protected] ;
• “Password” - specify incorrect mailbox password so that the mail client does not implement automatic setup via IMAP protocol.

Click Continue.

3. On the page that opens, enter the data:

Click Continue.

4. On the page that opens, enter the data:

• Outgoing mail server - smtp.mail.ru;
• Check the box next to “Use. only this server";
• Check the box next to “Use authentication”;
• Username - the full name of your mailbox in the format [email protected] ;
• Password—the current password for your mailbox. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the password for the external application instead of the primary password

Click Continue.

5. Go to “Mail” - “Settings...”

6. Go to the “Account Properties” tab in the “Account” section and in the drop-down list opposite “Original Server.” mail (SMTP)" select "Edit. list of SMTP servers..."

7. Select "Use" arbitrary port" and enter 465.

Check the box next to “Use SSL” and select “Password” from the “Authentication” drop-down list.

Click OK.

8. Go to the Add-ons tab. Next to the “Port:” item, enter 995 and check the box next to “Use SSL”.

If you want messages downloaded by the mail program not to be deleted from the server, uncheck the box next to “Delete a copy from the server after receiving a message.”

Change SSL settings

Safety of work in the program Apple Mail can only be guaranteed if its version is 3.1 or higher, and ifit is installed on the computer under Mac control OS X 10.5.1 and higher. If your Apple Mail version is 3.0 or lower, or your operating system versionMac OS X 10.5 or lower,then it is not safe to use it. We recommend installing a newer version of your email client.

To set up your email Apple program Mail via secure SSL protocol:

If the above settings are already installed in your email program, then no changes need to be made.

Many years have passed since the appearance of the first electronic mailboxes, but no one is going to stop using e-mail - this handy tool not only for communication, but also for work. Event notifications, reminders, newsletters and daily business correspondence- all this is combined in one place. To perform as many tasks as possible in one place, advanced email clients have been created. Such as Airmail for Mac. I will tell you about the third generation of one of the best mailers in this review.

I don’t have that many mailboxes, only 4 of them. All of them are tailored for specific tasks, so each requires its own approach - setting up and customizing accounts usually takes a lot of time. But not with Airmail. The initial launch is standard for everyone - you need to select a service and enter your account information. Airmail is compatible out of the box with Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange and Outlook, as well as IMAP and POP3. Three of my four mailboxes are on Gmail, so logging in and syncing is a few clicks away.

The main program window is divided into three zones: a sidebar with accounts and folders, a message bar, and a window displaying the contents of messages. Looks like standard Mail on Mac, but Airmail has a cooler design. At the same time, in the settings you can select themes that change the display and layout of elements on the main screen. And in general, in terms of customization, Airmail seemed to me the most convenient among all other clients. You can understand what's what even despite dozens of items in each settings tab.

I had already used Airmail 2 before, having tried a bunch of other email clients before it. I liked this one because of its ease of execution and configuration, but soon I returned to my native Mail. All because of the strange notification system - badges for new messages were constantly hanging in the Dock, although they shouldn’t have been, notifications about letters arrived with delays or even selectively, and in the notification center, badges of unread messages constantly disappeared. Without even understanding the situation, I switched to Apple's standard email application and have not regretted it until today.

Now I’ve allocated more time to Airmail, and at the same time I looked at the list of changes in the 3rd version of the client, which turned out to be a lot. One of the innovations is the ability to mark recipients with the “VIP” mark, thereby receiving notifications only from them - a kind of option for correspondence in which nothing should distract. I still don’t understand how else this function is useful - even the support staff couldn’t really explain why it was needed.

Read also:

I don’t receive very many letters, so I hardly use sorting. I note only what is really important, and this is a maximum of two or three letters out of a couple of dozen. I immediately send the rest to the archive so as not to get confused among the many letters. Therefore, it is especially important for me good search by content. Airmail 3 copes with this very well - no complaints. The algorithm works quickly and without questions; searching for the necessary information usually takes no more than ten seconds.

As befits a modern email client, working with letters in Airmail is also designed for swipes. By swiping the bars left or right, you can archive or delete messages. You can also customize all actions, so there shouldn’t be any problems adapting to larger versions of email clients after mobile ones. But there are also more possibilities here: setting up sorting, smart replies and displaying letters in the form of dialogues, as well as integration with various services like Trello or a regular calendar.

The secret of updating to the third version if the previous one was installed on the Mac still remains unsolved. Our editor-in-chief, Jonas Rozhkov, came face to face with the problem: in the Mac App Store, the Open button next to the application lights up, although the update did not even arrive, but when clicked it starts old version postman. As practice has shown, forced reboot applications and even the system did not help - you will have to demolish Airmail 2 and check again. But with something already purchased earlier, but not installed by the client no problem.

I'm happy with the new Airmail. Although it has not undergone significant changes, there are fewer bugs and shortcomings in it - I like the way it works. And the developers’ policy finally pleases with its loyalty, because you can upgrade from the previous version of the client completely free of charge. And for those who still haven’t bought Airmail, I advise you to take a closer look at it - it’s really good.