Mimestream is a native macOS email client built on the Gmail API, made for people whose mail is all Gmail. GotEmail is a native Mac app for people with several addresses: Gmail next to Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo or a work IMAP account, in one list. Both are fast, both are real Mac apps, and both keep your mail between your Mac and your provider.
At a glance
| Mimestream | GotEmail | |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts | Gmail (via the Gmail API) | Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, any IMAP |
| Platforms | Mac (macOS 12 or later) | Mac (macOS 15 or later) |
| Price (as of October 2026) | $4.99/month or $49.99/year; 14-day free trial | $6.99/month, $79/year, or Lifetime ($79 for the next 100, then $199) |
| Where mail is kept | On your Mac and with Google | On your Mac and with your provider; no GotEmail server |
| 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 |
| Snooze | Yes | Yes |
Gmail only, or everything in one place
Mimestream goes deep on Gmail: it uses Google's own API and supports Gmail features like categories, filters, templates and vacation responses. If Gmail is your only mail, that focus is its strength.
Most people have more than one address, though. GotEmail's All Inboxes shows Gmail next to Outlook, iCloud and any IMAP account, with labels that work across all of them and one unread count in the menu bar. Gmail signs in with an app password today; see our app password guide.
What GotEmail adds on top
Sign-in codes and magic links appear one click away, beside the subject, in a banner over any app and in the menu bar. AI drafts and summaries are built in. Send Later, Snooze, one-click Unsubscribe and blocked tracking pixels round it out.
Which one is for you?
Choose Mimestream if…
- All your mail is Gmail.
- You want Gmail-specific tools like categories and filters in a Mac app.
- You'd like to try it free for 14 days.
Choose GotEmail if…
- You have Gmail plus other addresses.
- You want AI drafts, summaries and sign-in codes built in.
- You'd rather pay once with Lifetime.
Questions
Is GotEmail a good Mimestream alternative?
If all your mail is Gmail, Mimestream is built for exactly that. If you also have an Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo or work IMAP address, GotEmail puts them all in one native Mac window with Gmail.
Does Mimestream work with Outlook or iCloud?
Mimestream describes itself as optimized for Gmail and built on the Gmail API; its site doesn't list other providers.
Which one is cheaper?
Mimestream lists $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year for individuals (as of October 2026). GotEmail is $6.99 a month or $79 a year, or Lifetime for a one-time payment ($79 for the next 100 customers, then $199).
Do both keep my mail on my Mac?
Yes, both connect your Mac straight to your provider. Mimestream says it stores data and tokens only on your device; GotEmail has no server of its own and keeps passwords in the macOS Keychain.