Betterbird
Betterbird lets you manage email in an application based on Thunderbird.
Developer Betterbird
Version 153.3.0esr-bb9 · MPL-2.0 · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to Betterbird?Compare Mozilla Thunderbird, eM Client, Claws Mail, Proton Mail.Compare alternativesBetterbird lets you manage email in an application based on Thunderbird. Use multiple accounts, folders and search tools. It focuses on additional fixes and improvements for people who make extensive use of a desktop email client.
Betterbird is particularly relevant if you like Thunderbird’s approach and want to try a specific improvement. Their shared background does not mean every combination of version, extension and profile is interchangeable.
Download Betterbird
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Move an email profile to Betterbird
Before switching, check compatibility between the Thunderbird and Betterbird release series you use. Close your old email client before copying or opening its profile. After switching, check local folders, calendars, address books and filters as well as your inbox. Finding messages on the mail server does not establish that local archives were transferred.
Compare Betterbird with alternatives
When choosing an email client, first check account types, calendars, contacts and local-folder storage. IMAP messages can often be synced again, but local archives and filters need extra care during a switch. Mailbox support does not necessarily include every group collaboration feature.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| BetterbirdYou are viewing this app | A Thunderbird variant with additional fixes and features. Its shared design makes it familiar, but check profile and version compatibility before switching. | Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0 |
| Mozilla ThunderbirdView this alternative | You manage multiple mail accounts, calendars and contacts in an open source desktop app. You can expand features with add-ons and save your local mail profile yourself. | Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0 |
| eM ClientView this alternative | You combine email, calendar and contacts in a desktop app with free and paid editions. Account limits and business functions may vary by license. | Windows, macOSFreemium |
| Claws MailView this alternative | You use a mail program with a classic interface and extensions via plug-ins. The focus is on direct control of your email and filters. | LinuxOpen source |
| Proton MailView this alternative | You use Proton Mail for your Proton mailbox with the security and account conditions of that service. It is not a general replacement for any IMAP client. | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, WebFreemium |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
Betterbird particularly suits people who manage several mailboxes on their computer and want to avoid specific Thunderbird issues. It requires a willingness to compare profiles and release series. For a fresh installation, consider starting with a separate profile so your existing email setup remains available.
Getting started
Copy your email profile before switching. Afterwards, check accounts, calendars and extensions, and send a few test messages.
Privacy
Your email still depends on your provider and account settings. Changing clients does not automatically change who can process messages on the server. Secure the computer that stores your profile too. A local mailbox copy can contain sensitive messages and attachments even when you have signed out of webmail everywhere.
Good to know
Do not use the same email profile in different clients simultaneously. Check the supported migration path before moving between versions.
Please note
Do not open a profile that has already been upgraded by a newer Thunderbird release series without checking compatibility. Profile changes can make returning to an older base version difficult. A downgrade should not be your routine recovery strategy. Keep an untouched backup and check extension compatibility before moving your everyday email work.
Advantages
- A familiar mailbox layout with additional improvements.
- Manage several email accounts in one desktop application.
- A carefully prepared switch can preserve your workflow and mailbox organisation.
Things to consider
- You need to track compatibility with the appropriate Thunderbird release series.
- Not every extension and profile combination will work.
- Your email provider, storage security and account settings still determine many aspects of privacy and availability.
Download Betterbird
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.betterbird.eu
Version history
153.3.0esr-bb9
You will get improvements for the system tray, notifications and locally saved email. Betterbird now uses Thunderbird 153.3.0 ESA as a basis.
- On Linux, the previous window position is restored and minimizes to the system tray better. Unnecessary processor load in a hidden window under X11 has been fixed.
- Windows messages show the correct folder name again. An action such as marking as read does not bring out the main window unnecessarily.
- Try again and save locally again if moving to the local folder Sent failed.
- When working offline with POP accounts, you no longer receive the same error messages constantly.
153.2.0esr-bb8
You will get improvements for mail filters, forwarding and the system tray on Linux.
What’s new?
- Your address book filter shows the right matches.
- When forwarding as plain text, your signature remains under the redirected part.
- On Linux, the last minimized window is restored on restart and the system tray works better under Mate.
Report a new version
Our verdict
Betterbird is worth considering if you like Thunderbird’s design and need the additional fixes and interface improvements offered by this derivative client. It remains a comprehensive desktop application for your mailboxes. Profile management is the main consideration: switching requires attention to the Thunderbird version on which your Betterbird release is based.
Switch when you need a specific improvement documented for your release. A different name alone is no reason to move a working email profile. Check filters and extensions as well as sending and receiving. An untouched copy of your profile gives you a clear way back if the change does not suit you.
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