Windows Mail is Gone. Here Are A Few Alternatives to the Free Outlook: Thunderbird, Betterbird, and EM Client

The Windows community doesn’t agree on much, but if one thing unites users, it’s the shared frustration with Microsoft’s new Outlook for Windows.

To be clear, this isn't the same Outlook that comes with Office, or Microsoft 365 CoPilot as they now call it, given all the AI they've crammed into it.

The old Mail and Calendar apps are gone, and what we’re left with is a sluggish, web-based experience that feels more like a downgrade than an upgrade. If you’re fed up with Outlook’s new direction, you’re probably looking for an alternative that actually works.

Thunderbird

Thunderbird has been the go-to open-source email client for years, offering powerful features and deep customization. It supports extensions, advanced filtering, encryption, and multi-account management—all for free.

But there’s a catch: Thunderbird can feel bloated with features and outdated, especially for users who just want a clean, modern email experience. But it's functional. If you’re looking for an email client with robust features and don’t mind a bit of complexity, Thunderbird remains a top FREE choice.

Betterbird

Betterbird is essentially Thunderbird with some extra polish. It improves performance, adds bug fixes, and enhances usability without deviating too far from the original Thunderbird experience.

Like Thunderbird, it’s free and open-source, with all the same features and quirks. If you’re a fan of Thunderbird but want a smoother experience, Betterbird is worth considering, and it's also FREE.

eM Client

eM Client is a strong competitor, offering a polished interface, excellent email management tools, and built-in calendar and contacts support. It’s one of the most user-friendly alternatives to Outlook, with features like PGP encryption, email snoozing, and automatic translations. The downside?

The free version is limited to two accounts and contains upsell. The full version costs $59.95 for a lifetime license (or $99.95 for a Pro license with unlimited updates). If you need advanced features, eM Client is a great investment for a streamlined email experience.

Final Thoughts

With Microsoft phasing out its old Mail and Calendar apps in favor of an uninspired Outlook experience, it’s clear that users need alternatives. Whether you choose Thunderbird for its extensibility, Betterbird for its improvements, or eM Client for its polished interface, there’s a few options to break free from Outlook’s limitations.