Spark and Airmail are both popular third-party email clients for people who want more than the default mail app. Both have free versions and paid upgrades. The biggest difference is where they run and what the paid plans add. Prices were checked on November 1, 2026.
1
Cross-platform users and teams who want AI helpSpark Mail
Free plan; Plus about $10/month Spark is a cross-platform email client built around a Smart Inbox, which sorts mail so important messages come first. It has tools for prioritizing and organizing, plus an AI assistant that helps with writing, translation and summaries. The free plan is usable on its own. Plus costs $10 per user per month and Pro costs $20, or $8.25 and $16.58 a month when billed yearly. It also supports teams, with an Enterprise plan on request.
Pick it if you use more than one kind of device, or want AI writing help built in.
2
Apple-only users who want a low-cost upgradeAirmail
Free for one account; Pro about $6/month or $30/year Airmail is an email client for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. The free version handles one account. If you have more, Airmail Pro is $5.99 a month or $29.99 a year, and prices may vary by region. It does not run on Android, Windows or the web, so it is a poor fit if you might switch platforms later. On the plus side, it covers Apple Watch, which Spark does not list.
Pick it if every device you own is from Apple and you want a cheap paid plan.
Spark is the safer pick for most people. It has a usable free plan and follows you to Android, Windows and the web, so switching phones or computers never means switching email apps. Airmail makes sense if you only use Apple devices and want to pay less: its yearly Pro price is about a quarter of Spark Plus. If you want AI writing tools, Spark is the clear choice.
