Side by side
Airmail vs Betterbird
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 iPhoneMac
Choose Airmail if you want an iOS or macOS email client with multi-inbox handling, privacy controls and customizable message workflows. The free tier is limited to one account and basic management, while multiple accounts and push notifications require Pro. Look elsewhere if you need Android, Windows or ActiveSync support.
Visit Airmail Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Betterbird adds search, view, message-handling, and scheduling options to a Thunderbird-based desktop email client. Check profile compatibility and support limits before switching.
Visit BetterbirdThe facts
| Airmail | Betterbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Airmail Pro Yearly: $29.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | airmailapp.com | betterbird.eu |
| On email clients | #34 of 142 | #30 of 142 |
Airmail: what it does well
- Unified Inbox combines messages from multiple inboxes.
- Offline access is available.
- Privacy Mode blocks tracking pixels and automatic image loading.
- Siri and Shortcuts can use Send and Search actions.
- Face ID or Touch ID is supported.
What to know first
- The free plan is limited to one account and basic inbox features.
- Pro is required for multiple accounts and push notifications.
- There is no Android or Windows version.
- ActiveSync is not supported.
Betterbird: what it does well
- Free software with a free plan
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Unified inbox, scheduling, and calendar tools
- Supports complex search and regular expressions
- Works with most Thunderbird add-ons
What to know first
- Network-drive profiles are only partly supported
- Dropbox-folder profiles do not work
- Thunderbird cannot recognize Betterbird search terms
- Free support excludes individual troubleshooting
Alternatives to Airmail Alternatives to Betterbird The whole list