The 4 best closed-source email clients for Linux

On Linux, you’ll find a cornucopia of email clients, most of which are open-source and can be found in the standard repositories. The open-source clients are typically all you need to get the job done. 

Also: 5 best open-source email clients for Linux (and why Geary is my go-to)

However, that selection doesn’t mean your options are limited. A handful of proprietary (non-open-source) clients are available, each offering different features and a unique take on the user interface (UI).

Here are the four primary closed-source email clients available for Linux.

1. BlueMail

BlueMail has the most modern-looking interface and many organizational tools, such as dynamic sort and group by sender. BlueMail allows users to customize the UI with 18 different accent colors and even color-code email accounts, so there’s no doubt which account you’re viewing. 

The interface doesn’t reinvent the wheel (with a sidebar, unified inbox, and preview pane), so there’s no learning curve. BlueMail also adds features like email triage (via the Later Board), GemAI generative email, email clustering, instant push, unified folders, and more. For those who often switch from desk to mobile, BlueMail has you covered with mobile apps for both Android and iOS.

Also: This is my new favorite default email client for Linux

BlueMail offers a free version. However, pay for a BlueMail Plus or Business Pro plan and you’ll get additional features like GemAI, Themes, email backup, and more. You can check out BlueMail pricing to find out more. BlueMail is available for Linux as a Snap package.

2. Proton Mail

Proton Mail is focused on end-to-end encryption. Given we’re all just a bad password away from getting our data stolen, encryption is an important feature for an email client. Proton is a service that rivals Google Workspace, as it includes email, storage, a calendar, a VPN, a password manager, and a wallet. The difference between Proton Mail and Gmail is that there are no ads in Proton Mail. 

The Proton Mail app (available as a DEB or RPM package) is a well-designed email client that allows you to access other Proton features, such as Calendar. In fact, the Proton Mail desktop app is one of the most well-laid-out email clients I’ve used in a long time, and with the addition of end-to-end encryption, it’s hard to beat this app. 

Also: Finally! This is the Linux email client I’ve been hoping for

Speaking of security, Proton Mail also includes the ability to create hide-my-email aliases, which can help protect you from phishing attempts. These randomly generated email addresses can be used for things like subscriptions or signing up for accounts, so your real email address is never revealed.

Proton Mail has a free plan, which gives you up to 1GB of storage and one free email account (with a limit of 150 messages per day). You can purchase a Mail Plus or Proton Unlimited plan for more features. Check out the pricing and feature matrix to discover which plan is right for you. 

3. Newton

Newton calls its email app supercharged with space-age features for modern business communication. If you’re looking for the best-looking email client for Linux, look no further. You’ll never feel overwhelmed using this email app because it is laid out so well. 

You won’t find the traditional sidebar in Newton — until you realize it autohides. Hit Shift+S and it’ll appear. After using the sidebar, it’ll automatically disappear, returning you to that minimal but effective UI. Newton also includes features like read receipts, notifications for when messages are read or clicked, automatic follow-ups, email scheduling, and many more attractive features. 

Also: How to install Geary email on Linux (and why you should or shouldn’t)

The only drawback to Newton is that there are no free plans. Also, Newton only supports IMAP and Exchange. As for the price, Newton has one plan, which is $49/year. The app is available on the Snap store and can be used for 14 days as a trial.

4. Hiri

Hiri is a bit of an outlier as it can only work with Exchange and Office 365. However, if you use either of Microsoft’s services, you’ll be glad to know Hiri exists. 

The Hiri UI is modern and offers features like email sync (using MS Exchange Web Services API), actionable and FYI inboxes for automatic email organization, inbox and sent folder management, SSO support, an advanced calendar app, and reminders. 

Also: This easy email trick will make your inbox clutter vanish

Hiri is one of the more limited apps on the list, but if Exchange is your jam, and you’d prefer an email client instead of the web app, Hiri easily fills that void on Linux. The client can be used as a trial. However, once the trial is up, you’ll have to purchase a license, which costs $39/year or $119/lifetime. 

For Linux, Hiri is available as a source package or as a Snap package. One word of warning, the Hiri website is dreadfully slow and renders somewhat broken, which makes me wonder if the app is still in active development.