Head-to-head · Email Clients
KMail vs Mailspring
KMail leads on 1 check, Mailspring on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMailspring · 8.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresKMail · 4 of 4
Our editors rank KMail at #5 and Mailspring at #8 for email clients; KMail has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
KMail offers calendar tools; Mailspring doesn't.
KMail is the better fit for linux users wanting a mature open-source client. Mailspring is the better fit for free desktop users wanting a capable open client.
- KMail fits best
Linux users wanting a mature open-source client
- Mailspring fits best
Free desktop users wanting a capable open client
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Side by side
| Feature | KMail —/10 Visit ↗ | Mailspring 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #5 in Email Clients | #8 in Email Clients |
| Best for | Linux users wanting a mature open-source client | Free desktop users wanting a capable open client |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 12 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features KMail 4/4 · Mailspring 3/4 | ||
| Unified inbox | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled sending | ✓ | ✓ |
| Calendar tools | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| App coverage | Desktop | Desktop |
| Account limit | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | KMail is an open-source desktop email client developed within the KDE community. It is designed for Linux users who want a configurable application for managing multiple mail accounts locally. The client supports IMAP, POP3, SMTP and… Read the review → |
Mailspring is a native desktop email client for people managing multiple accounts across macOS, Windows, or Linux. Its free plan covers core email functionality, multi-account support, and a unified inbox, while also providing advanced… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
KMail — where it wins
- Supports IMAP, POP3, SMTP and Microsoft Exchange
- OpenPGP, PGP/MIME and S/MIME support
- Offline access, filtering, search and scheduled sending
Where it doesn't
- Available on Linux rather than across multiple operating systems
- Unified mailbox requires a plugin disabled by default
- Desktop-focused app coverage
Mailspring — where it wins
- Unified inbox and search across connected email accounts
- Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux with offline access
- Pro adds scheduling, tracking, reminders, templates, and snoozing
Where it doesn't
- Advanced productivity features require a paid Pro plan
- Focused on desktop rather than mobile email access
- Full-featured calendar support is still planned
- KMail—/10 · Free plan
A mature, configurable Linux email client with broad protocols and offline access.
Visit KDEFull verdict → - Mailspring8.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $8/mo
A capable open desktop client with unified inboxes and optional productivity features.
Visit MailspringFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026




