Claws Mail
What Claws Mail is
Claws Mail is a free GTK+-based email client and news reader for Linux, macOS and Windows. It manages messages in standard MH format, which the project associates with fast access and data security. Email tools include multiple accounts, threaded display, filtering, MIME attachments, address books, printing and search. SSL support is listed for POP3, SMTP, IMAP4rev1 and NNTP. GnuPG support covers signing and encryption through GPGME. Plugins can add RSS aggregation, a calendar and laptop LED handling. The FAQ provides guidance for LDAP, Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, Tor and OAuth2. Windows downloads come in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, with most features available in that port. Claws Mail supports offline access and calendar tools, but not scheduled sending. Its manual says users cannot compose or send HTML email. The project offers a support and discussion mailing list plus an IRC channel. Version 4.4.0 is listed as released on 09 March 2026, and the software is GPL-licensed.
Who it suits
Claws Mail suits users wanting a free desktop email client and news reader across Linux, macOS or Windows. It is also suitable for encrypted mail, offline access and plugin-based additions.
What it does well
- Free GPL-licensed software
- Available on Linux, macOS and Windows
- GnuPG signing and encryption
- Offline access supported
- Calendar available through plugins
What to know first
- Cannot compose or send HTML email
- No scheduled sending
- Desktop application rather than mobile access
- Windows port has 32-bit and 64-bit downloads
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Claws Mail | Free · Email client and news reader · GPL-licensed | Free |
As claws-mail.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Claws Mail offers broad mail protocols, encryption support and extensibility without a listed charge. Users who require HTML composition or scheduled sending should note those stated limits.
Facts from Claws Mail's own pages
- App coverage
- all · claws-mail.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Calendar tools
- Yes · claws-mail.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Email features
- Features include multiple accounts, threaded display, filtering, MIME attachments, address book, printing, and search. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The features page lists GnuPG support with GPGME and describes full GnuPG support, including signing and encryption options. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · claws-mail.org, 21 Sept 2026
- History
- The user manual says Claws Mail has existed since April 2001, initially under the name Sylpheed-Claws. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- HTML email limitation
- The user manual states that Claws Mail does not let users write and send HTML emails. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ includes guidance for LDAP, Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, Tor, and OAuth2. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Mail storage
- Messages are managed in the standard MH format, which the site describes as offering fast access and data security. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Offline access
- Yes · claws-mail.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Plugins
- Extra plugins provide functionality such as RSS aggregation, a calendar, and laptop LED handling. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Claws Mail is an email client and news reader based on GTK+. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Protocols
- The features page lists SSL support for POP3, SMTP, IMAP4rev1, and NNTP. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Release
- The site identifies version 4.4.0, released on 09 March 2026, as the latest release. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Scheduled sending
- No · claws-mail.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- The project offers a users' support and discussion mailing list and an IRC channel for help and feedback. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The maker provides 32-bit and 64-bit Windows downloads and says most Claws Mail features are available in the Windows port. · claws-mail.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Claws Mail stands on Freedom251
- Email clients#45 of 142