Many users default to using Apple Mail, but in 2024, new email apps will offer more features to help manage and secure our emails on the go. These cutting-edge apps are revolutionizing email communication, offering a seamless and efficient approach to managing inboxes and shaping the future of email interaction. After reviewing many of them, we carefully selected the best iPhone email apps of the year. From intuitive user interfaces to groundbreaking organizational tools, these apps are more than mere alternatives; they are game-changers in the email landscape. Keep reading!
The best iPhone email apps: comparison table
| App | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Outlook | Powerful features, calendar integration, clean design | Organized inbox, scheduling tools, personalized options, app integrations, Apple Watch support | Limited contact customization, no POP3 support |
| Proton Mail | Security and privacy | End-to-end encryption, Swiss privacy laws, self-destructing emails, free personal plan | Complex forwarding, limited free storage/messages |
| Spark Mail | Fast, visually appealing, efficient inbox management | Smart inbox, customizable actions, team collaboration, integrated file management, calendar | Subscription needed for full features, limited free version |
| Airmail | Customizable workflow, integration with other apps and services | Automation, smart replies, file management, task tracking, robust integrations | Learning curve for customization, premium features require paid version |
| Canary Mail | AI-powered assistance, privacy, and security | AI-guided inbox, encrypted communication, email sorting, controlled email lifespan, favorites | AI could be more powerful, security features require learning |
| Edison Mail | Automatic sorting, travel/shopping focus | Hands-off sorting, easy unsubscribe, travel/package tracking, price alerts, order details | Unreliable notifications, limited control for manual organizers |
| Apple Mail | Simplicity, iOS integration, Apple ecosystem users | Clean interface, wide compatibility, VIP filters, customizable appearance, beginner-friendly | Lacks advanced features, limited notification customization |
What makes an iPhone email app stand out?
When looking for an iPhone email app in the App Store, you want one that’s easy to use and fast. It should have a simple, clutter-free interface and quick load times. Features like customizable swipes, smart notifications, and integration with calendars and other productivity apps make the experience even better. Most importantly, the app should be reliable and stable—it shouldn’t crash or disappear. That’s when you’ve found a great digital tool. To sum up, a good iPhone email app should have:
- AI capabilities that can help enhance productivity and user experience.
- Support for integration with multiple email services.
- User-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Advanced mail organization features, such as customizable folders and labels.
- Robust spam filtering to keep unwanted emails at bay.
- Flexibility to set up automations or “inbox rules” for efficient email management.
- Competitive or zero cost to ensure the app is accessible to a wide range of users.
- Compatibility with a variety of popular apps and services for seamless connectivity.
- Unique features or tools that distinguish the app from competitors.
The best iPhone email apps in 2024
Here are the best free iPhone email apps you can download and use in 2024.
1. Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is a great email app for iPhone users. It combines a wide range of features with easy usability. Outlook is no longer just for work—it’s now a well-designed personal email app that handles emails, files, and calendars all in one place.
✨ Best for: iPhone users looking for a robust email client with powerful calendar integration and those who appreciate a clean, functional design.
✅ Pros:
- Helps keep important emails in sight
- Streamlines scheduling and file access
- Offers personalized email handling
- Customizable swipe gestures
- Ensures email accessibility from your Apple Watch
❌ Cons:
- Limited personalization for contact organization
- Lacks support for POP3 email accounts
2. Proton Mail
ProtonMail is a strong protector for iPhone users. It keeps your messages safe from prying eyes using powerful encryption. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants privacy without making things complicated. This Swiss company is all about keeping your communication secure and easy to use.
✨ Best for: Privacy-conscious individuals and professionals who prioritize the security of their communications.
✅ Pros:
- Ensures secure, private email communication
- Protects user data from ad-based revenue schemes
- Offers peace of mind with Swiss privacy laws
- Allows sending of expiration-based emails for additional security
- Provides a cost-free entry point for personal use
❌ Cons:
- Mail forwarding with other services can be a bit complex to set up
- The free plan’s limited storage and message cap might hinder heavy users
3. Spark Mail
Spark Mail by Readdle is fast and easy to use, with a clean layout that helps you manage your inbox. It’s like a digital Marie Kondo for your emails, focusing on organization and efficiency. The app has a sleek interface and prioritizes your important messages so that you don’t miss them.
✨ Best for: Professionals juggling multiple email threads or someone who values a fast and aesthetically pleasing email setup.
✅ Pros:
- Effortlessly filters out less important emails
- Enhances productivity with customizable actions
- Facilitates collaboration within teams for business users
- Streamlines file management without the need to leave the app
- Simplifies planning with an integrated calendar view
❌ Cons:
- Essential features may require a monthly subscription
- Power users might face limitations with the free version
4. Airmail
Airmail is a versatile email app for iPhone users. You can customize your workflow to automate tasks and navigate through your inbox easily. It focuses on productivity, making every action you take as efficient as possible.
✨ Best for: Users who want full control over their email workflow and those who revel in a tightly linked ecosystem of apps and services.
✅ Pros:
- Streamlines complex email handling with automation
- Saves time with intelligent response suggestions
- Boosts productivity through direct file access and management
- Enhances task tracking by transforming emails into actionable items
- Keeps you in sync across services with robust integrations
❌ Cons:
- The learning curve for deep customization options
- Premium utility gated behind the Pro version
5. Canary Mail
Canary Mail’s charm lies in its promise to deliver a smarter, more personal emailing experience for iPhone users. Not just an email client, but a personal assistant too, thanks to its Copilot AI feature. It sets itself apart with intuitive functions like smart suggestions to help clear out your inbox or pen quick thank-you notes—blending simplicity with savvy technology.
✨ Best for: Users keen on having an intelligent assistant to streamline their email activity without compromising privacy and security.
✅ Pros:
- Simplifies inbox management with AI guidance
- Enhances privacy with encrypted communication
- Eases email sorting through categorical view
- Offers control over email lifespan for sensitive information
- Quick access to important emails from favorite contacts
❌ Cons:
- AI could be more robust and versatile in handling tasks
- Some security features may require a learning curve to master effectively
6. Edison Mail
Edison Mail acts like a personal email concierge for iPhone users, taking the hard work out of managing your inbox with its advanced sorting options. It recognizes and groups your subscriptions, purchase receipts, travel, and package details, giving you a bird’s-eye view of your email landscape. With Edison, you’re not just checking emails—you’re staying ahead of the game with intelligent notifications about your life on the go.
✨ Best for: Active shoppers, frequent travelers, and organized users who crave an email app that dynamically adapts to their busy lifestyles.
✅ Pros:
- Saves time with hands-off email sorting
- Declutters your inbox by easily unsubscribing from unwanted lists
- Stays updated on travel and package statuses effortlessly
- Potential savings from the automated Price Alert function
- Streamlines shopping by showing full order details within the app
❌ Cons:
- Some may find smart notifications occasionally unreliable
- Users who prefer micro-managing their email organization may want more control
7. Apple Mail
For those who favor simplicity and integration with their iOS devices, Apple Mail stands as the default choice. This built-in email client holds its ground with straightforward functionality and a no-nonsense approach to managing various email accounts. It integrates seamlessly with iCloud and other Apple services, offering a harmonious experience for those deep in the Apple ecosystem.
✨ Best for: Anyone looking for an email app that’s already part of their iPhone and seeks a solution that works harmoniously with the Apple ecosystem.
✅ Pros:
- No-frills, clean email management from Apple
- Wide-ranging compatibility with different email services
- Never miss important emails with VIP filters
- Tailor email appearance with various font and color options
- Simple interface that’s easy for beginners to navigate
❌ Cons:
- May not satisfy those seeking advanced email management tools
- Limited notification customization for those who want more control
Conclusion
The world of iPhone email apps is rich and varied, offering solutions for every type of user, from security-conscious professionals to busy shoppers and those who simply prefer a minimalist approach. Each app, from Microsoft Outlook to Apple Mail, brings its own unique strengths to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone’s needs—and for free!
👉 Learn more: 20 best AI apps for your iPhone in 2024
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FAQ
Apple Mail excels at maneuvering multiple accounts with ease. It treats each account you plug in—from iCloud to Gmail and beyond—equally, giving them the same clean interface and full feature set.
To select an email app that works well with your favorite productivity tools, look for options with strong integration features. Look for apps like Microsoft Outlook and Spark Mail that boast compatibility with calendars, task managers, and cloud storage services.
If email encryption and user privacy are top priorities for you, Proton Mail is a solid guardian. It provides end-to-end encryption, meaning your digital missives stay under lock and key. Canary Mail also offers encryption capabilities along with its focus on a secure and private emailing experience.
It really boils down to what you’re after. If you’re all about a harmonious integration within the Apple ecosystem with iCloud and other Apple apps, Apple Mail is your natural choice. But if you’re looking for a more feature-rich experience with superior email management options and calendar integration, Microsoft Outlook might just be your choice.
It’s a classic case of preference and priority. For die-hard Google service users who rely on Gmail’s unique features like Smart Replies and categorized inboxes, sticking with the Gmail app could be more satisfying. However, if you’re looking for an email app that’s deeply woven into the fabric of your iPhone with smooth interaction with other Apple services, you’ll likely find Apple Mail to be the better option.
