Best Free and Paid Windows Live Mail Alternatives Compared

Summary: Since Microsoft retired Windows Live Mail and ended support for the Windows Essentials 2012 Suite, users have increasingly searched for modern, secure, and feature-rich email clients. Although Windows Live Mail still runs, it lacks updates, reliable security, and compatibility with today’s email servers. To help users transition smoothly, this guide highlights the best Windows Live Mail alternatives. It provides a professional approach for migrating existing data from the EML file format using the EML converter.

Microsoft discontinued Windows Live Mail in 2017 due to performance issues, outdated security features, and incompatibility with new technologies. While some users still run the old client, it is no longer available for download. It continues to deteriorate in functionality due to missing server support—especially with services like Outlook.com.

As email communication has evolved, modern applications now offer improved security, seamless synchronization, faster performance, and much better integration with cloud services. Therefore, users are encouraged to switch to a more advanced and secure email platform.

Criteria for Choosing Alternatives:

Before selecting a Windows Live Mail replacement, consider the following factors:

1. Features

• Look for modern essentials such as:
• Advanced search
• Calendar integration
• Unified inbox
• Customization options
• Security features like spam and phishing protection

2. Compatibility

Does it support IMAP/POP protocols, cloud sync, and cross-device synchronization?

3. User-friendliness

Is the application easy to navigate with an intuitive interface?

4. Speed and Performance

Does it run smoothly, load quickly, and impact system resources minimally?

Best Windows Live Mail Alternatives

Let’s take a quick look at the Comparison Table

1. Mozilla Thunderbird (Free & Open-Source)

Mozilla Thunderbird is one of the most trusted and extensively used free email clients available today. Developed by Mozilla—the same organization behind Firefox—Thunderbird offers a perfect blend of stability, flexibility, and powerful performance. Because it is open source, the community continues to expand its capabilities through add-ons, themes, and regular updates. Thunderbird is especially suitable for users who are new. From Windows Live Mail because it offers a familiar layout while still delivering advanced features and security. It supports multiple accounts, works across platforms, and gives you full control over customisation and privacy, and it is one of the Windows Live Mail alternatives.

Key Features of Mozilla Thunderbird:

• Supports unlimited email accounts
• POP and IMAP compatibility
• Tabbed interface
• Extensive add-ons library
• Strong filtering, encryption, and spam protection
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Pros of Mozilla Thunderbird:

• Extremely customizable
• Fast performance and strong security
• Free and open source

Cons of Mozilla Thunderbird:

• The interface may feel dated
• Limited native support for Microsoft Exchange

Note: Use Shoviv IMAP Email Backup and Restore Tool to streamline your email transfer.

2. Mailbird (Free & Paid)

Mailbird is a modern and visually appealing email client designed for users who prefer a clean, streamlined interface. Its biggest strength lies in its

integration capabilities—connecting your email with productivity apps such as WhatsApp, Slack, Trello, Google Calendar, ChatGPT, and more. It makes Mailbird a perfect choice for users who want all their communication and workflow tools in one place. Compared to Windows Live Mail, Mailbird feels significantly more modern, faster, and easier to navigate. It is particularly popular among personal and small business users who prioritize simplicity and aesthetics.

Key Features of Mailbird:

• Unified inbox
• Integrates with WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Calendar, ChatGPT, Slack, and more
• Email snooze, speed-dial contacts, themes
• Supports POP and IMAP accounts

Pros of Mailbird:

• Very attractive UI
• Highly customizable
• Fast performance

Cons of Mailbird:

• The free version supports only one email account
• Lacks automation and bulk cleanup tools

3. Microsoft Outlook (Paid + Free Version Available)

Microsoft Outlook stands as the most robust and business-oriented replacement for Windows Live Mail and one of the popular Windows Live Mail alternatives. As part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, it

Integrates seamlessly with Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams, and Copilot AI. Outlook is designed for both home users and professionals who require reliability, deep organizational tools, and advanced features like scheduling, filtering, and a focused inbox. Compared to Windows Live Mail, Outlook provides far better synchronization with cloud services, enterprise-grade security, and regular updates. It’s ideal for users who want a long-term, future-proof email solution with extensive support.

Key Features of Microsoft Outlook:

• Email, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks in one place
• Excellent search
• Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Copilot AI
• Supports POP, IMAP, and Exchange
• Secure and highly reliable

Pros of Microsoft Outlook:

• Modern interface
• Advanced organizational tools
• Highly secure

Cons of Microsoft Outlook:

• Full version requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription
• New Outlook for Windows still lacks some classic features

Note: You can use the professional EML Converter to shift from Windows Live Mail to Outlook. It will convert EML to an Outlook-compatible PST file format.

4. Postbox (Paid)

Postbox is a premium desktop email application built for power users who need fast search, deep organization, and high-level workflows. It is built on the foundation of Mozilla components but refined into a more polished, professional-grade tool. Postbox is highly efficient at managing large volumes of email, making it an excellent upgrade from Windows Live Mail for users dealing with extensive mail archives. Its interface is clean and modern, its performance is exceptionally fast, and it includes time-saving features such as templates, snippets, tagging, and advanced filtering. It’s ideal for professionals, freelancers, and productivity-focused email users, hence a Windows Live Mail alternative.

Key Features of Postbox:

• Advanced search
• Professional email organization tools
• Templates and snippets
• Supports Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and all IMAP/POP accounts
• Cross-platform (Windows & macOS)

Pros of Postbox:

• Clean, modern UI
• Great customer support
• High-productivity features

Cons of Postbox:

• No free version
• Not ideal for beginners

5. Mailspring (Free & Paid)

Mailspring is a lightweight, efficient, and open-source email client designed for speed and simplicity. It appeals especially to users who prefer a minimalistic experience without unnecessary complexity. Mailspring’s sleek interface feels fresh compared to older applications like Windows Live Mail, but it is still easy for new users to navigate. It is ideal for those who want a modern tool that remains fast even with multiple accounts and large inboxes. With features like advanced search, cross-platform support, and built-in translation, Mailspring offers a clean yet powerful alternative for everyday email management.

Key Features of Mailspring:

• Unified inbox
• Undo send
• Rules and filters
• Inline translation
• Theme support
• Advanced search

Pros of Mailspring:

• Clean and minimalist
• Fast and efficient
• Open source

Cons of Mailspring:

• No Focused Inbox feature
• Premium features cost extra

6. eM Client (Free & Paid)

eM Client is one of the most balanced and user-friendly alternatives to Windows Live Mail. It offers a familiar interface that is easy to adapt to, while also incorporating modern features for productivity and communication. Its built-in tools—like Calendar, Chat, Tasks, and Contacts—make it a well-rounded personal information manager similar to Outlook but simpler to use. eM Client supports seamless migration from Windows Live Mail, making the transition smooth for users who want continuity with a more modern experience. Its customizability, elegant UI, and strong feature set make it appealing to both individuals and business users.

Key Features of eM Client:

• Clean, modern interface
• Built-in Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Chat
• Google services synchronization
• IMAP and POP support
• Easy import from Windows Live Mail

Pros of eM Client:

• Highly customizable
• Feature-rich and easy to use
• Great for everyday and business users

Cons of eM Client:

• The free version supports only two email accounts
• Limited third-party integrations

Suppose you are unable to move your Windows Live Mail data into a modern email client using the above techniques or manually. In that case, a professional tool is a better option; it can make the transition far easier and more reliable.

Opt for a Professional Tool:

Moving from Windows Live Mail to another email client can be challenging if done manually, especially when dealing with many EML files, large mailboxes, or complex folder structures. A professional tool ensures that nothing goes wrong during the transfer to Windows Live Mail alternatives.

This is the reason why the Shoviv EML to PST Converter becomes a powerful and convenient solution. It offers an easy and reliable way to move all your Windows Live Mail data into Outlook. Moreover, it keeps your emails exactly as they are by preserving formatting, attachments, metadata, and folder hierarchy. You can preview items, convert selected folders, or export everything in bulk with fast and accurate processing.

Moreover, another tool called Shoviv IMAP Email Backup and Restore is a one-stop solution to export email data from EML, MSG, PST, and MBOX to any IMAP Email Server/Account like Gmail, Outlook.com and Apple Mail. Moreover, it can back up emails from any IMAP Email Server like Gmail, Zoho, Yahoo! Mail to various file formats, including the EML, MSG, MBOX and PST.

Conclusion:

Since Windows Live Mail is no longer supported, switching to a modern email client is the safest and most stable choice. Options like Mozilla Thunderbird, Mailbird, Microsoft Outlook, Postbox, Mailspring, and eM Client provide better security, features, and performance.

To move your old emails smoothly, using a dedicated tool like the Shoviv EML to PST Converter ensures a quick, error-free transfer with complete data integrity. It gives you a clean start in a modern email environment without losing any of your important messages.

Frequently Asked Questions:-