Side by side

aerc vs Spark Mail

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.

aerc

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

Spark Mail combines inbox sorting, multi-account access, calendar tools, and team collaboration across four platforms. The free plan covers core inbox features; review plan quotas and platform-specific integration availability if you need AI or connected tools.

Visit Spark Mail

The facts

	aerc	Spark Mail
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	Android, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Plus: $99 a year
Plans published	2	6
Maker	aerc	Spark Mail
Website	aerc-mail.org	sparkmailapp.com
On email clients	#3 of 142	#7 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

Spark Mail: what it does well

Unified inbox supports multiple accounts.
Works with six listed email account types.
Includes offline access and scheduled sending.
Team features include comments and delegated ownership.
Free includes unlimited email accounts.

What to know first

AI is disabled by default.
AI features have plan-based monthly quotas.
Listed integrations vary by platform.
The seven-day trial requires subscribing directly in the app.

Alternatives to aerc Alternatives to Spark Mail The whole list