Outlook vs Apple Mail: Which Email Client Should You Use in 2025?

Ritu Roy | apple mail email migration How to's mac os Outlook | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 13-08-2025
outlook vs apple mail comparison

Many users find themselves torn between two of the most popular email clients: Apple Mail vs Outlook. If you’re unsure which one to choose or whether you should switch, this article offers a direct and in-depth comparison to help you decide which platform best fits your needs.

Both Outlook and Apple Mail are widely used across the globe, but they serve slightly different audiences. Apple Mail comes pre-installed as the default email app on every macOS device, making it the go-to choice for Mac users. Microsoft Outlook, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, is known for its advanced features and seamless integration with Exchange Server, making it a popular option in professional and enterprise environments.

While Apple Mail is primarily used with Google, IMAP, and POP email accounts, Outlook supports these as well and is often favored by organizations using Exchange or Microsoft 365.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a side-by-side comparison of Apple Mail and Outlook, breaking down their key features, compatibility, user experience, and performance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which email client is better suited to your personal or professional workflow.

We’ll also share a reliable conversion solution in case you need to migrate between the two platforms. Read on to find the right fit for your email needs.

Outlook vs Apple Mail: A Detailed Comparison

Both Microsoft Outlook and Apple Mail offer standout features, but the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs, workflow, and device preferences. Below, we’ve broken down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Platform Compatibility

  • Apple Mail is exclusive to macOS, iOS (iPhone/iPad), and comes pre-installed on all Apple devices.
  • Outlook, on the other hand, is cross-platform, available on macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and web browsers.

Feature Set & Flexibility

  • Apple Mail functions purely as an email client with essential features tailored for Apple users.
  • Outlook is part of Microsoft 365 and offers an all-in-one solution, including email, calendar, task manager, contacts, and integration with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Pricing: Outlook vs Apple Mail

  • Apple Mail is completely free, as it’s bundled with macOS and iOS.
  • Outlook typically requires a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase, though free versions with limited features are available.

User Interface & Emailing Experience

  • Outlook delivers a feature-rich, multifunctional interface with robust productivity tools.
  • Apple Mail features a clean, minimalist interface that’s user-friendly and less cluttered.

Managing Multiple Email Accounts

  • Both Apple Mail and Outlook support multiple email accounts, including Gmail, Yahoo, IMAP, POP, and Exchange.
  • This allows centralized access to all your emails in one place, with unified notifications and management tools.

Professional Tips: If you’re working in a professional or organizational environment, Microsoft Outlook is the better choice. Its advanced features, integration with Microsoft 365 apps, and cross-platform compatibility make it ideal for business communication and productivity.

However, if your email usage is more personal or casual, and you’re already within the Apple ecosystem, Apple Mail is a reliable and efficient option. It’s simple, clean, and works seamlessly on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, perfect for everyday communication without the extra complexity.

The Greatest Way to Solve Your Issue!

There are numerous applications available on CubexSoft. We have a solution for every email-related issue you may run into. Find out by reading the section below.

If you’re looking to migrate from Mac Mail to Outlook, the Apple Mail Converter from CubexSoft is your go-to solution. This versatile utility enables you to migrate Apple Mail data into a wide range of file types or email platforms effortlessly. Whether you need to convert Apple Mail emails to Outlook PST, PDF, EML, or other formats, this tool covers it all. The application supports both single-file conversion and batch processing, allowing users to choose based on their needs. You can easily export emails in either document formats or email-compatiblefile types, depending on your goal. Designed with accuracy and data integrity in mind, the software ensures that every conversion is secure, loss-free, and preserves the original email structure throughout the process.

If, after comparing Apple Mail and Outlook, you decide to switch to Outlook, we’ve got the perfect tool for you. The PST Converter for Mac allows you to efficiently save and convert your Outlook PST files on Mac. This utility supports direct conversion of PST files into a variety of file formats of your choice.

It ensures your folder structure remains intact throughout the conversion, safeguarding your data from any loss. With its intuitive, easy-to-use interface and clean graphical design, this software makes the conversion process smooth and hassle-free. Both tools are fully compatible with the latest Mac OS versions, including Mavericks (10.9), Sierra (10.12), High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15), and beyond.

Wrapping Up

This article has provided a comprehensive comparison between Outlook vs Apple Mail, addressing the common confusion many users face when choosing between these two popular email clients. We’ve thoroughly examined their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision based on your personal or professional needs.

Additionally, for those looking to switch from one email client to the other, we’ve recommended the best tools to simplify the migration process quickly and securely. Whether you’re moving from Apple Mail to Outlook or vice versa, our suggested software ensures a smooth and hassle-free transition.

We hope this guide helps you find the ideal email client and easily manage your email data without any complications.