Geary

Free plan Linux

What Geary is

Geary is a free Linux desktop email application for the GNOME desktop. It organizes related messages into conversations, allowing discussions to be read together rather than as isolated messages. Full-text and keyword search helps locate mail. The composer supports styled messages containing images, links, and lists, as well as plain text. Geary can detect accounts already added through GNOME Online Accounts and lets users add more. It works with Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com, and other IMAP servers, and can display desktop notifications for incoming mail. Exchange accounts require IMAP and SMTP connectors because proprietary Microsoft mail protocols are not planned. Remote images and videos are blocked by default, and JavaScript is disabled in email. Downloaded mail remains on the device, with passwords protected separately. Geary is distributed free, with a Flatpak installation recommended.

Who it suits

Geary suits Linux users wanting a free GNOME desktop email client organized around conversations. It is also relevant to users of Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com, or IMAP servers.

What it does well

Conversation-based message organization
Fast full-text and keyword search
Rich and plain-text composition
Desktop notifications for new mail
Remote media blocked by default

What to know first

Linux desktop only
Exchange needs IMAP and SMTP connectors
Locally stored mail is not encrypted
No free trial because it is already free

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Geary	Free email application · Linux desktop	Free

As gitlab.gnome.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Geary focuses on conversation-based email for Linux and supports major consumer services through IMAP. Its privacy defaults block remote media and JavaScript, but local mail protection is limited and Exchange requires connectors.

Facts from Geary's own pages

Account setup: Geary automatically finds existing GNOME Online Accounts and lets users add more accounts. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
App coverage: desktop · wiki.gnome.org, 21 Sept 2026
Composer: The composer supports rich styled messages with images, links, and lists, as well as plain text. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Conversations: It collects related messages into conversations so users can follow discussions together. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Exchange limitation: Exchange accounts need IMAP and SMTP connectors enabled; Geary does not plan to support Microsoft's proprietary mail access protocols. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · wiki.gnome.org, 21 Sept 2026
Local data: Geary stores downloaded mail on the device and does not encrypt locally stored data except passwords. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Mail services: It is compatible with Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com, and other IMAP servers. · flathub.org, 12 Oct 2026
Message privacy: Remote images and videos are blocked by default and JavaScript in email is always disabled. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Notifications: Geary can show desktop notifications for new mail. · flathub.org, 12 Oct 2026
Password storage: Passwords for accounts added directly in Geary are stored through the FDO Secret Service API. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose: Geary is an email application built around conversations for the GNOME desktop. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Recommended installation: The project recommends installing Geary as a Flatpak from Flathub; its sandbox limits access by other applications to Geary's stored email and personal information. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Search: It offers fast full-text and keyword search. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users to its built-in manual, FAQ, and issue reporting for help. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026
Transport security: Geary uses secure network transmission between the device and email providers by default, but email between providers may not be encrypted. · wiki.gnome.org, 12 Oct 2026

Where Geary stands on Freedom251

Email clients#108 of 142