The best email app for iPhone
The right app depends mostly on which email you use. Here is the short version, then the details.
Use Apple Mail if you want something simple that handles every account. Use the Gmail app if you live in Gmail, and the Outlook app if you use work email from Microsoft 365. Spark is a good free all-rounder with smart sorting, and Proton Mail is best for privacy. All of these are free to start.
Quick comparison
| App | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Mail | Free, built in | Simple, all accounts in one place |
| Gmail | Free | Gmail users: labels, search, Google Meet |
| Outlook | Free (some work features need Microsoft 365) | Work email and calendar together |
| Spark | Free; paid plans for teams and extras | Smart inbox, multiple accounts |
| Proton Mail | Free; paid plans | End-to-end encrypted email |
| Edison Mail | Free | Fast, simple (see privacy note) |
| HEY | $99/year | A completely different way to screen email |
Apple Mail
Already on your iPhone, works with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud and business accounts, and supports scheduling, unsend and reminders. It has no special Gmail features like labels, but for most people it is all they need. Change your signature in Settings › Apps › Mail.
Gmail app
Best if Gmail is your main account. You get Gmail's search, labels, categories, and the same spam filtering as on the web. It also handles Outlook and Yahoo accounts, though it shines with Gmail.
Outlook app
The best choice for work accounts on Microsoft 365, with mail and calendar in one app, a Focused inbox and Teams links. It also works with Gmail and iCloud.
Spark
A popular free app that groups newsletters and notifications away from people, with good multi-account support. Paid plans add team features and AI tools.
Proton Mail
For privacy. Messages between Proton users are end-to-end encrypted. The free plan includes one address and limited storage; paid plans add more.
A note on "free" apps and privacy
Some free email apps make money from data. Edison, for example, has said it uses data from commercial emails for its research product, Edison Trends (you can opt out). Read the privacy policy before you add a work account.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Mail or Gmail better on iPhone?
- For Gmail users, the Gmail app gives you labels and Gmail's search. For a mix of accounts, Apple Mail is simpler.
- What is the safest email app for iPhone?
- Apple Mail, Gmail and Outlook are from the companies that run the email, so when you use each with its own company's account, no extra company sees your messages. Proton Mail adds end-to-end encryption.
Sending one email to a whole list? Check the addresses first with Veml, which removes bad and risky emails before you hit send. (Veml and EmailNa have the same owner.)