I switched to Gmail in 2004 when it first launched, and I finally switched to Mac in 2005 when I got my first Mac (a Powerbook G4). I switched to Mailblocks around 2002 (it was eventually acquired by AOL). I stuck with AOL until I got an account when my parents first got high-speed Internet. Hardware, software, and services are designed from the ground up to work together so you can build intuitive, multi-faceted experiences that are genuinely seamless.I got my first email account in the mid–90s (When it was still $2.95 per hour for AOL). Our powerful mobile apps each offer unique capabilities and user experiences for your business, yet integrate tightly to form a true ecosystem.
![]() ![]() It primarily works the same as it did a decade ago. You add your mailboxes, and it builds a traditional-looking mail app (with a universal inbox), it supports all the primary services (iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Exchange, etc.), and generally works well.My biggest issue with Apple Mail is that it doesn’t do anything to drive the concept of email forward. In a lot of ways, Apple Mail doesn’t seem to be a lot different than it did when I first used it under OS X Tiger.From 40,000 feet, Apple Mail does precisely what you’d ask of it. They are developing apps for the power user while also the computer novice. Best ram cleaner optimizer macIt includes a smart inbox (sort between essential emails and non-important ones). OutlookWhen I did my review of best email apps for iPhone, I praised Outlook.If you want to find an app that feels like Apple Mail+, Outlook is it. The downside is that these run locally, so if your Mac is offline, they won’t work.Overall, Apple’s Mail app is fine, but I am hopeful the company begins to add new features to help drive the future forward of Mac email apps. If you do want to extend Apple Mail further, be sure to check out plugins like Mailbutler and Mail Act-On. Microsoft has said they are overhauling it to make it more like the iOS apps, but we’ve not seen that yet. It feels like a completely different app. This feature is useful if you want to make an email disappear until you are back at work, etc.Unfortunately, Outlook on the Mac hasn’t been given the same treatment. You can also snooze messages to show back up in your inbox. It’s the same tried and true app that they had years ago with a prettier design. It’s just that, like Apple Mail, it feels stagnant. Everyone else should look elsewhere.It’s not that there is anything fundamentally wrong with Outlook. If you are a business user using Microsoft 365, and heavily tied to the Microsoft ecosystem, you’ll probably love it. So many of my emails are short messages (think Slack style), and Spike builds a design that helps make you more efficient. It takes a cue from apps like iMessage and Facebook Messenger, and it brings that same look to email. SpikeSpike is one of the most unique takes I’ve seen on email in many years. Simply choose the type of group you want to create, give it a great name, and invite everyone who needs to be a part of the discussion. Groups is a collaborative tool for businesses that keeps people together and everyone on the same page. There is no need to download another app for messaging. You can create groups for work departments, sports teams, etc. It also includes a priority inbox to help keep your inbox with just the important stuff, so you can get right to work.Another unique aspect is the Groups feature that Spike offers. I get a lot of emails that I didn’t ask for (PR pitches, random newsletters, etc). It sends a native audio file, so even non-Spike users can listen to it.One final feature that is extremely well done is the Priority Inbox. I’ve been Apple’s voice memos app for this previously, so it’s nice to have it integrated into the app. Spike’s task function isn’t as fully featured as Things in terms of project management, but it’s perfect if you use a simple to-do list or are a heavy Apple Reminders user.Spike just recently added voice messaging inside the app, so if you want to send someone a quick comment about a draft document or mockup, but want to avoid another Zoom meeting, you can record a message and send it inside the app. You get all the features you’d want: rich text, links, comments, sharing/collaboration, and file sync (similar to how you can store files inside Apple Notes). With Spike’s notes functions, you get what you’d expect from a notes app, but it’s inside your email app where you can manage it with your email. For Business Apps Free From TheIt supports all the usual accounts like iCloud, Google, Yahoo, Exchange, Outlook, and IMAP.The great thing about Spark for Mac is that it brings over many great features from the iOS version. Their tagline is “Love your email again.” It certainly does a great job of helping you take control of your inbox. SparkSpark is from the team at Readdle that makes PDF Expert and other really amazing apps for iOS and macOS. Spike can be downloaded for free from the App Store. My main complaint about the app is that it’s based on Electron rather than a native Mac, but it’s super fast.Spike is free for personal users, and there are various pricing plans to pick from on the business side. This add-on turns Spark into a platform as much as it does an email app. It also includes a built-in calendar that supports iCloud, Gmail, etc.A basic version of Spark for Teams is free, but they have paid versions (monthly per-user fee) with extra file storage, enhanced link sharing, and team roles and control. I want to be able to process my inbox on the weekends, but not clutter other people’s inboxes up while they aren’t at work. One of my favorite features of Spark is swiping on an email to send it to Todoist, and then in Todoist, it has a link back to the original email.The send later feature is one I’d love to see come to Apple Mail. It also includes the ability to snooze emails, send later, email follow-up reminders, smart notifications, and tons of integrations with third-party apps (Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, etc.). From the same team that launched Basecamp, Hey is their love letter to email. HeyHey launched in the summer of 2020 to much fanfare. If you’re interested in a team’s plan, but Spark doesn’t work for you, PolyMail is a similar product.By signing your organization up, you can collaborate on emails together, talk about replies privately (without having to forward things back and forth), and create permanent links to email messages (helpful for linking in a CRM, etc.).Spark is free download on the Mac App Store.
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