Side by side
aerc vs Mozilla Thunderbird
Both stand on email clients. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+2
aerc is a terminal-centered client with broad backend support, asynchronous networking, and GnuPG security features. It fits users comfortable with command-oriented email management.
Visit aerc
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1
Thunderbird combines multi-account email with calendar, contacts and task tools, with desktop offline access and message scheduling. It is free and open-source, with Android listed for mobile use.
Visit Mozilla ThunderbirdThe facts
| aerc | Mozilla Thunderbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | aerc | Mozilla Thunderbird |
| Website | aerc-mail.org | thunderbird.net |
| On email clients | #3 of 142 | #1 of 142 |
aerc: what it does well
- Free and MIT licensed
- Runs on Linux and macOS terminals
- Supports multiple mail backends
- PGP signing and encryption
- Threading works without server support
What to know first
- Terminal-based interface may not suit all users
- Requires GnuPG for PGP features
- No Windows platform listed
Mozilla Thunderbird: what it does well
- Unified inbox or separate account management
- Includes calendar, contacts and tasks
- Desktop supports offline access and scheduled sending
- Open-source and free forever
- Third-party add-ons and interface customization
What to know first
- Android is the only listed mobile platform
Alternatives to aerc Alternatives to Mozilla Thunderbird The whole list