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Thunderbird vs Gmail

Thunderbird scores 25 out of 30 and Gmail scores 16. Thunderbird is ahead on footprint, lock-in, self-direction, power and longevity. Gmail is ahead on delivery.

Thunderbird

The small tool

25/30 · Convivial

A free email, calendar and contacts app that works with any mail provider.

Gmail

The giant

16/30 · Mixed

Excellent email that anchors your whole Google life.

Footprint
3
2
Lock-in
5
3
Self-direction
4
2
Power
4
1
Longevity
5
3
Delivery
4
5
Price
Free
Free; paid storage
Source
Open source
Closed source
Runs on
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
Web, Android, iOS
Maker
M · Medium
XL · Extra large

What you give up by switching

Thunderbird is a mail program, not a mail service, so you still need an inbox somewhere, and leaving Gmail for good means choosing a provider too. It works with Gmail today, which makes it a gentle first step.

How to move

Add your Gmail account to Thunderbird first, then move to a provider you prefer when you are ready and forward the old address.

Scores are our opinion on six questions from Ivan Illich, based on public sources and dated October 2026. Read the full reviews of Thunderbird and Gmail, or see how we score.

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