Side by side
KMail vs Pelton
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 Linux
Choose KMail if you want a free Linux desktop email client with multiple protocols, encryption, offline use for synced mail, and links to KOrganizer and KAddressBook. Its filtering, composer tools, and HTML protections cover a broad set of email tasks. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Linux.
Visit KMail
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Pelton provides a privacy-focused desktop mail client with offline capabilities, sender checks, and optional local encryption. Its warnings about permanent deletion and unsigned builds are important before installation.
Visit PeltonThe facts
| KMail | Pelton | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | KMail | Not published |
| Website | apps.kde.org | pelton.app |
| On email clients | #40 of 142 | #44 of 142 |
KMail: what it does well
- Free Linux desktop email client with a unified inbox.
- Supports POP3, IMAP, and Microsoft Exchange (EWS).
- OpenPGP and S/MIME encryption are built in.
- Offline operation is available when email is synced locally.
- Composer includes templates and forgotten-attachment warnings.
What to know first
- Linux is its only listed platform.
- Offline use depends on email being synced locally.
- Optional translation and speech-to-text features are disabled by default.
Pelton: what it does well
- Offline search through a local index
- Supports PGP and S/MIME
- Checks sender authentication results
- Scheduled sending and saved views
- No telemetry or automated crash reports
What to know first
- Not a backup tool
- Deletion can be permanent
- Builds are not code-signed
- Gmail OAuth2 requires user-created Google Cloud credentials