# Mailbird vs Thunderbird Comparison --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between Thunderbird vs Mailbird? Thunderbird is rated higher by G2 reviewers than Mailbird, with stronger support and setup scores, and is most often praised for its ease of use, while Mailbird is noted for its user interface and setup simplicity. | [Thunderbird](https://www.g2.com/products/thunderbird/reviews) | [Mailbird](https://www.g2.com/products/mailbird/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (340 reviews) | 3.6/5 (101 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.8 | 8.1 | | 7.9 | 6.9 | | Ease of Use | User Interface | ### How do the pricing models of Thunderbird and Mailbird compare? Thunderbird is considered the stronger value by reviewers, with higher satisfaction on price and cost-related dimensions. - **Thunderbird:** Reviewers consistently highlight that Thunderbird is free and delivers strong ROI, with multiple mentions of its cost-effectiveness and no required subscription. - **Mailbird:** Recent reviews express frustration with Mailbird's pricing model, especially regarding "lifetime" licenses and upgrade charges, with several reviewers switching away due to perceived unfair pricing changes. - **Switching Reason:** Multiple reviewers report moving from Mailbird to Thunderbird specifically to avoid Mailbird's additional charges and to benefit from Thunderbird's free offering. ### What are the best alternatives to Thunderbird and Mailbird? The top three alternatives to Thunderbird and Mailbird are Front, Spike, and Vivaldi Mail. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Thunderbird](https://www.g2.com/products/thunderbird/reviews) | 4.3/5 (340 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, strong ROI | Ease of Use | | [Mailbird](https://www.g2.com/products/mailbird/reviews) | 3.6/5 (101 reviews) | Small-Business | Mixed, recent pricing dissatisfaction | User Interface | | [Front](https://www.g2.com/products/front/reviews) | 4.7/5 (2507 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Collaboration | | [Spike](https://www.g2.com/products/spike/reviews) | 4.6/5 (262 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Unified Inbox | | [Vivaldi Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/vivaldi-mail/reviews) | — | — | — | — | ### Which Email Client features should I prioritize when comparing Thunderbird and Mailbird? Buyers comparing Thunderbird and Mailbird should prioritize ease of use, setup experience, support quality, inbox management, and calendar functionality. - **Ease of Use:** Thunderbird scores 8.8, Mailbird 7.7; all-time mentions: Thunderbird (4), Mailbird (4). - **Ease of Setup:** Thunderbird scores 8.8, Mailbird 8.1; all-time mentions: Thunderbird (2), Mailbird (3). - **Quality of Support:** Thunderbird scores 7.9, Mailbird 6.9; all-time mentions: Thunderbird (2), Mailbird (2). - **Inbox Management:** Thunderbird all-time mentions (2), Mailbird (1). - **Calendar:** Both products have recent reviewer mentions, with Mailbird noted for calendar integration and Thunderbird for calendar and task management. ### What are the pros and cons of Thunderbird vs Mailbird? Thunderbird's headline strength is its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, while Mailbird is most often praised for its user interface and setup simplicity. - **Thunderbird strengths:** Ease of use (4 all-time mentions), functionality features (4), inbox management (2), security (2), setup ease (2), cross-platform compatibility (1), daily use (2), efficiency (2), free and open-source model. - **Thunderbird trade-offs:** Difficult setup (2), missing features (2), sync issues (2), confusing interface (1), connection issues (1), formatting issues (1). - **Mailbird strengths:** Ease of use (4), setup ease (3), simple interface (3), user interface (3), integrations (2), speed (2), calendar integration (1), intuitive design (2). - **Mailbird trade-offs:** Bug issues (3), lack of integration (3), limited features (2), missing features (2), poor customer support (2), poor interface design (2), sync issues (2), archiving issues (1), complex settings (1). ### Is Thunderbird or Mailbird better for small businesses? Thunderbird is the better fit for small businesses, with stronger small-business reviewer sentiment and higher satisfaction scores. - **Thunderbird:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its free cost, ease of use, and robust multi-account management as key benefits for small teams. - **Mailbird:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note its simple interface and setup, but express concerns about pricing and support for small-business needs. ### Which Email Client platform has better integrations? Mailbird is favored by reviewers for integrations, with more frequent mentions of third-party app connectivity. - **Thunderbird:** Recent reviews mention integration with calendar and task tools, but no specific third-party integration tools are cited in the data. - **Mailbird:** Reviewers highlight integrations with Google Calendar, WhatsApp, Trello, and Facebook, with multiple mentions of app connectivity and unified access to communication tools. ### How do Thunderbird and Mailbird compare on customer support? Thunderbird outperforms Mailbird on Quality of Support by a material margin, with scores of 7.9 versus 6.9. - **Thunderbird:** Reviewers describe support as helpful and responsive, with several citing active community forums and consistent updates. - **Mailbird:** Support experiences are mixed, with recent reviews noting slow or unresponsive support, especially regarding licensing and technical issues. ### Which is easier to implement, Thunderbird or Mailbird? Thunderbird is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 8.8 compared to Mailbird's 8.1. - **Thunderbird:** Reviewers consistently report straightforward setup, especially for multiple accounts, with scores of 7.0 in recent reviews and positive feedback on onboarding and configuration. - **Mailbird:** Reviewers note easy initial setup and migration from other clients, but some mention issues with advanced configuration and migration of custom settings. ### Which product has better Calendar? Thunderbird is favored for Calendar functionality, with more robust feature mentions and higher reviewer satisfaction. - **Thunderbird:** Calendar is frequently cited in reviews as a core feature, with integration for recurring events, invites, and task management; all-time mentions for functionality features (4) and calendar-specific praise in recent reviews. - **Mailbird:** Calendar integration is mentioned positively in recent reviews, but reviewers note limitations in syncing with Google Calendar and lack of advanced calendar features. | | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 3.6 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 101 | 340 | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Mailbird Pros: - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Setup Ease (3 reviews) Cons: - Bug Issues (3 reviews) - Lack of Integration (3 reviews) ### Thunderbird Pros: - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Functionality Features (4 reviews) Cons: - Difficult Setup (2 reviews) - Missing Features (2 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 7.2 (79 reviews) | 8.7 (305 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 7.7 (79 reviews) | 8.8 (306 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.1 (22 reviews) | 8.8 (76 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 9.3 (14 reviews) | 8.4 (58 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 6.9 (64 reviews) | 7.9 (222 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.9 (11 reviews) | 8.1 (41 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.9 (78 reviews) | 7.7 (303 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Mailbird #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: Mailbird Premium Yearly Price: $5.75 Per Month Description: A yearly subscription that gives you access to both Mailbird for Windows and Mailbird for Mac on up to three devices. This plan includes all future Mailbird updates—both minor and major—because Lifetime Updates are built in by default. Key Features: - Access to Mailbird for Windows and Mailbird for Mac - Lifetime Updates included by default - Manage unlimited email accounts [Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/mailbird/pricing) #### Free Trial Yes ### Thunderbird #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Collaboration & Productivity | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Mailbird** | N/A | N/A | | **Thunderbird** | N/A | N/A | #### Additional Functionality | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **To-Do List** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **@mentions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Prioritization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Screen Sharing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Content Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Brainstorming** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **File Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Calendar Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Status Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Real Time Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Communication Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Chat/Messaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Tagging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Assignment Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Task Scheduling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **File Sharing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Task Progress Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Discussions/Forums** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Commenting/Notes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Contact Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Video Conferencing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Progress Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Customizable Branding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Email Client | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Mailbird** | 7.7/10 | 37 | | **Thunderbird** | 8.5/10 | 124 | #### Inbox Tools | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Unified Inbox** | 8.6 (33 reviews) | 8.9 (104 reviews) | | **Filters** | 7.4 (33 reviews) | 9.0 (110 reviews) | | **Reminders** | 7.6 (30 reviews) | 8.5 (97 reviews) | | **Notifications** | 7.8 (31 reviews) | 8.7 (105 reviews) | #### Coordination Tools | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Calendar** | 7.7 (30 reviews) | 8.5 (94 reviews) | | **Contacts** | 7.6 (33 reviews) | 8.6 (102 reviews) | | **Task Management** | 7.1 (26 reviews) | 8.4 (89 reviews) | #### Software Options | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Desktop Application** | 7.4 (35 reviews) | 9.2 (111 reviews) | | **Mobile Application** | Feature Not Available | 7.6 (65 reviews) | #### Email Client - Agentic AI | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | 8.0 (5 reviews) | ### Email Management | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Mailbird** | 5.8/10 | 13 | | **Thunderbird** | 8.9/10 | 10 | #### Sorting & Filtering | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Attachment Search** | 5.5 (13 reviews) | 9.2 (6 reviews) | | **Tags** | Feature Not Available | 9.8 (8 reviews) | | **AI Sorting** | Feature Not Available | 8.0 (5 reviews) | | **Predefined Rules** | 4.7 (11 reviews) | 9.2 (6 reviews) | #### Integrations | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Outlook Integration** | Feature Not Available | 8.3 (6 reviews) | | **Gmail Integration** | Feature Not Available | 9.0 (7 reviews) | | **Apple Calendar Integration** | Feature Not Available | 8.1 (6 reviews) | | **Social Media Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Time Management | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Unified Inbox** | 6.9 (12 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | | **Email Automation** | Feature Not Available | 8.8 (7 reviews) | | **Snooze** | 6.1 (11 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | #### Generative AI | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **AI Text Generation** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-Speech** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | | **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | | **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Agentic AI - Email Management | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Additional Functionality | Feature | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Whitelisting/Blacklisting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Signature Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Shared Inboxes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Email Distribution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Prioritization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Customizable Forms** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Mobile App** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Routing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Inbox Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Queue Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Contact Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Email Marketing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Data Recovery** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Archiving & Retention** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Autoresponders** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Multiple User Accounts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Real-Time Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Customer Segmentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Support Ticket Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Canned Responses** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Chat/Messaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Response Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Email Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Email Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Campaign Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Email Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Spam Blocker** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Real-Time Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Tagging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Campaign Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Workflow Automation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (2):** [Email Client Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/email-client), [Email Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/email-management) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Mailbird | Thunderbird | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 80.2% | 65.2% | | **Mid-Market** | 16.7% | 24.3% | | **Enterprise** | 3.1% | 10.5% | ### By Industry #### Mailbird - **Information Technology and Services:** 20.8% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 11.5% - **Computer Software:** 9.4% - **Entertainment:** 4.2% - **Computer & Network Security:** 4.2% - **Graphic Design:** 3.1% - **Retail:** 3.1% - **Legal Services:** 2.1% - **Commercial Real Estate:** 2.1% - **Internet:** 2.1% - **Other:** 37.5% #### Thunderbird - **Information Technology and Services:** 12.9% - **Computer Software:** 11.7% - **Internet:** 6.6% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 5.1% - **Telecommunications:** 3.3% - **Higher Education:** 2.7% - **Consumer Goods:** 2.4% - **Design:** 2.4% - **Education Management:** 2.1% - **Renewables & Environment:** 2.1% - **Other:** 48.6% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Mailbird - [Front](https://www.g2.com/products/front/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (2513 reviews) - [Spike](https://www.g2.com/products/spike/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (261 reviews) - [BlueMail](https://www.g2.com/products/bluemail/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (53 reviews) - [Microsoft Outlook](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3538 reviews) - [Canary Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/canary-mail/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (53 reviews) - [Shift](https://www.g2.com/products/redbrick-shift/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (263 reviews) - [eM Client](https://www.g2.com/products/em-client/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (61 reviews) - [Mailspring](https://www.g2.com/products/mailspring/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (18 reviews) - [Superhuman Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/superhuman-mail/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1311 reviews) - [Zoom Workplace](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (56377 reviews) ### Alternatives to Thunderbird - [Front](https://www.g2.com/products/front/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (2513 reviews) - [Spike](https://www.g2.com/products/spike/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (261 reviews) - [BlueMail](https://www.g2.com/products/bluemail/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (53 reviews) - [Microsoft Outlook](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3538 reviews) - [Canary Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/canary-mail/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (53 reviews) - [Shift](https://www.g2.com/products/redbrick-shift/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (263 reviews) - [eM Client](https://www.g2.com/products/em-client/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (61 reviews) - [Zimbra Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/zimbra-desktop/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (22 reviews) - [Mailspring](https://www.g2.com/products/mailspring/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (18 reviews) - [K-9 Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/k-9-mail/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (13 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Mailbird - Title: [Is Mailbird really free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-mailbird-really-free) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "No! Mailbird isn't free, but offers a 14-day free trial. Also, keep in mind that the company is developing another email client - it is called Mailbird Next...." - Title: [Is Mailbird any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-mailbird-any-good) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Bruh it's hella chill." - Title: [Why do my emails get stuck in the outbox?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-do-my-emails-get-stuck-in-the-outbox) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Mailbird support is horrible - simply right click on the mailbird icon and make sure to select "exit mailbird". Don't just click the X on top to close the..." - Title: [I need a JOB!!!! let me work with you all.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/49856-i-need-a-job-let-me-work-with-you-all) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Joseph, I have periodic problems with Thunderbird. I have only two personal email accounts to manage. Is Mailbird my best option for Win 10 or 11? If..." ### Thunderbird - Title: [Has anyone managed to use the copy and paste function from excell?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12306-has-anyone-managed-to-use-the-copy-and-paste-function-from-excell) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Strange -- when I do it, the columns and rows are maintained (though some of the formatting is not kept). What version are you using? I'm still using..." - Title: [What is the use of Thunderbird software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-use-of-thunderbird-software) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "It allows you to manage multiple emails in a single window without back and forth switching. That's the main use I found. Besides that, it also has a good..." - Title: [Has anyone managed to use the copy and paste function from excell?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/30110-has-anyone-managed-to-use-the-copy-and-paste-function-from-excell) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Thunderbird does not recognize Excel’s formatting the way Outlook can. But, it can recognize formatting from Word. Copy paste from Excel to Word, then from..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/mailbird-vs-thunderbird)