A good email client can mean the difference between handling emails efficiently and absolutely hating the task at hand.
Even though Linux users have various very good email clients at their disposal (such as Thunderbird, Evolution, and Kmail, just to name a few), that doesn’t mean things can’t get any better.
Enter Mailspring, a very interesting, cross-platform (works on Windows, macOS, and Linux) and open-source email client that can even double as a customer relationship management app.
Introduction
The first thing you need to know about Mailspring is that it is the new version of Nylas Mail, maintained by one of the original developers. It has some important under-the-hood changes (JavaScript sync code in Nylas is replaced with a new C++ sync engine) which make it one of the most lightweight email clients out there.
However, don’t think that because it is lightweight that features are somewhat of an afterthought. Quite the contrary.
Basic vs Pro
The app comes in two flavors: Basic and Pro. The first is the free version of Mailspring and provides all the features one expects from a modern email app.
Mailspring works with multiple major email providers such as IMAP, Office 365, Google Mail, iCloud, Yahoo, GMX, Outlook, Hotmail, Yandex, and FastMail. It’s localized in more than 60 languages, supports touch and mouse gesture support, advanced shortcuts, includes a very smart search system, and enough customization options to keep most users happy.
The Pro version unlocks Mailspring’s full potential. By paying a small monthly fee, you get rich contact profiles, follow-up reminders, link tracking, read receipts, actionable mailbox insights, send later, and many more advanced features.
Feature rundown
Mailspring has all the characteristics of a good email app. The Advanced Search helps you run complex Gmail-style search queries across all your accounts, and the unified inbox is a massive time saver acting as a sort of command center.
The app is also capable of translating emails for you and it even has a built-in spell checker. Other features include an easy-to-use and efficient signature editor, quick reply templates, link tracker, mailbox insights (allows you to see a breakdown of your email activity), a receipt reader, and the ability to snooze messages, set reminders, and schedule emails for later.
Verdict
Mailspring is one of those apps that once tried out, there’s a good chance you’ll stick to it as your default email app. It has a gorgeous GUI, features support for a wide range of email providers, supports multiple accounts, and offers a surprising amount of flexibility in terms of customization.
Indeed, the best features can only be unlocked by paying a monthly fee, but it’s definitely worth it since the Pro features transform Mailspring from a basic email client into an efficient customer relationship management tool.
