Mailspring is a free, open-source mail app for Mac, Windows and Linux that works with Gmail, iCloud, Office 365, Outlook.com, Yahoo, Fastmail and any IMAP account, with a Pro subscription for extra features. GotEmail is a native Mac app for people with several addresses. Both put all your accounts in one place; they differ in platform, price model and what comes built in.
At a glance
| Mailspring | GotEmail | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, Linux | Mac (macOS 15 or later) |
| Price (as of October 2026) | Free core; Pro $8/month | $6.99/month, $79/year, or Lifetime ($79 for the next 100, then $199) |
| Open source | Yes (GPLv3) | — |
| Send Later, Snooze, read receipts | With Pro | Yes, on every plan |
| AI drafts and summaries | — | Built in, or your own AI key |
| Sign-in codes up front | — | Beside the subject, in a banner, in the menu bar |
| Look and feel on Mac | Its own cross-platform interface | A native Mac app |
One app everywhere, or one app done for the Mac
Mailspring's appeal is clear: a good-looking client that runs on every desktop, with open code and a free tier. If you switch between a Mac and a Windows or Linux machine, that matters.
GotEmail is built only for macOS, so it behaves like the rest of your Mac: native notifications, the menu bar, ⌘ shortcuts or Gmail's single keys, and updates that install in one click. Everything is included on every plan, with no Pro tier to unlock: AI drafts and summaries, sign-in codes one click away, Send Later, Snooze and one-click Unsubscribe.
Which one is for you?
Choose Mailspring if…
- You use Windows or Linux as well as a Mac.
- You want open-source code.
- You're happy with the free features.
Choose GotEmail if…
- You're on a Mac and want a native app.
- You want AI and sign-in codes built in.
- You'd rather pay once with Lifetime than monthly.
Questions
Is GotEmail a good Mailspring alternative for Mac?
If you want an app made only for the Mac, with sign-in codes and AI drafts and summaries built in, yes. If you need the same app on Windows or Linux, or want open-source code, Mailspring fits better.
Is Mailspring free?
Mailspring's core features are free and its code is open source under the GPLv3 license. Mailspring Pro is $8 a month (as of October 2026) and adds features like send later, snooze, templates and read receipts.
Does GotEmail have Send Later and Snooze?
Yes, on every plan, along with one-click Unsubscribe, labels across accounts and read receipts in Activity.
Can I move from Mailspring to GotEmail?
Yes. Your mail lives with your provider, so you add the same accounts in GotEmail and your folders, Sent and Drafts are there.