Mailmate is often described as an email application crafted by a tech enthusiast for like-minded users, garnering mixed reviews highlighting its perceived lack of aesthetic appeal, high price point, usability challenges, and infrequent updates. But how accurate are these critiques?

Developed by Benny Kjaer Nielsen from Denmark, Mailmate aims to be a robust, flexible, efficient, standards-compliant, and secure email client, as stated on its official website. While I am not an authority on email apps—having tested only a handful among the hundreds available—I can affirm that Mailmate stands out in its own right. Alternatives like Preside (iOS) and AltaMail exist but do not replicate Mailmate's unique position in the email app landscape.

Initially, one might see Mailmate as a more powerful version of Apple Mail. Benny adheres to industry standards, similar to Apple Mail, but upon deeper exploration, its true capabilities become evident.

The manual serves as a decent introduction to the app, albeit somewhat limited. I’ll highlight aspects I found particularly intriguing. One of the standout features is the ability to write using Markdown. While I hadn't previously embraced Markdown, my experience with Mailmate revealed it to be a beneficial and distraction-free writing method. It’s worth mentioning that Markdown support is also available in Airmail.

Additionally, Mailmate introduces what Benny refers to as "Bundles", facilitating connections with other applications. I personally use bundles for Calendar and Reminders, among several others. If you have used 2Do (which I transitioned away from in favor of Things3 and later Apple Reminders), there’s an available bundle for it. Other compatible applications include Eaglefiler, Evernote, BusyCal, and Fantastical, just to name a few.

Some preferences within Mailmate are obscured, requiring Terminal commands for adjustments. For instance, to set an automatic BCC for new emails, one must enter the following Terminal command, substituting your desired BCC address for “[email protected]”:

defaults write com.freron.MailMate MmDefaultBccHeader -string [email protected]

Mailmate allows the use of tags and flags, although flags are limited to color names (e.g., blue, yellow). The developer has indicated these are hard-coded and cannot be customized to suit specific needs (like categorizing by projects or finances). While some users may not find this limiting, the absence of a Mailmate app for iOS or iPadOS forces reliance on other email apps, with Apple Mail being the most straightforward option. For those accustomed to viewing flags in a sidebar folder as in Apple Mail, I discovered a workaround: creating a smart mailbox with the following rule:

This generates a comprehensive list of ALL flagged emails. To create individual mailboxes for each flag, additional effort is required since the flagged emails are sorted by folder rather than color in the ‘Examples/flagged’ folder.

I devised smart folders for each flag type by selecting ‘New Smart Mailbox’ from the Mailbox menu, then setting the conditions as follows:

In all honesty, I believe Benny should integrate this feature directly into the app or at least include it in the manual, as I stumbled upon this solution by chance.

Mailmate often feels like a treasure trove of hidden settings, requiring users to navigate menus in search of solutions without comprehensive guidance. While it is possible to reach out to the developer via email for support, responses can be hit or miss. In my experience, I received prompt answers when I first inquired about the beta version but faced delays with subsequent questions. It's a downside of relying on a single developer rather than a fully staffed support team.

There is also a mailing list, though it may not be the most user-friendly support channel. A dedicated support forum, similar to those utilized by many developers, would likely be more effective. Nonetheless, the mailing list is quite active, offering valuable user-shared insights.

As previously mentioned, Mailmate opts for Tags instead of Flags in the sidebar by default. This choice works well if you exclusively use Mailmate; however, it becomes less convenient for users like me who rely on Apple Mail on iOS and iPadOS. The absence of tags in Apple Mail raises questions about Benny's decision to prioritize them in Mailmate, especially considering the latter's target user base likely uses Apple Mail on mobile devices. Personally, I struggle to see the advantage of a third-party app on iOS and iPadOS when Mailmate is available on macOS. Notable competitors like Airmail, Edison, and Canary offer solid iOS and iPadOS options, yet since trying Mailmate, I've exclusively used Apple Mail on my devices.

Understanding that email sorting preferences vary widely among users, what may be a dealbreaker for me might be inconsequential for others.

Despite these criticisms, Mailmate remains an exceptional email application. It offers a multitude of layouts for displaying emails. Personally, I have chosen the ‘Correspondence’ view, which provides an additional pane to track email exchanges with the sender. You can also toggle between threaded and correspondence views in the primary pane, offering a more useful perspective than most other email applications.

Now, what about the claims surrounding Mailmate?

Is Mailmate unattractive? Opinions may vary. While it might have had a clunky appearance in the past, recent updates have improved its aesthetics to a level comparable with other email applications. Personally, I find Apple Mail's interface cleaner, but that's subjective. Although Mailmate may appear somewhat outdated compared to other third-party options, its multitude of viewing configurations outweighs aesthetic concerns.

Is Mailmate pricey? Again, it depends. At around 55 Euros (including VAT), you invest in a powerful email application that is arguably among the most capable on the market. It’s a one-time fee, with no ongoing subscription.

However, it's worth noting that support is not particularly stellar. The manual lacks depth, and the email support is not at the level one might expect from a paid application. That said, Benny clearly puts forth effort, and many other paid email applications also exhibit slow response times while charging subscription fees that may ultimately cost more. Personally, I prefer supporting an independent developer over a large company.

When you purchase Mailmate, what you receive is a beta version, not a stable release. Although the beta is frequently updated, it's essential to note that a stable version of Mailmate 2 is still pending. This raises concerns for some: when the stable version is eventually released, will the upgrade be complimentary? The Mailmate website states:

A license key is valid for any future MailMate 2.x releases.

However, there is no timeline for when or even if a stable version will be available. For me, this is not a dealbreaker, as I find the current beta versions stable enough compared to other email applications.

Is Mailmate challenging to use? Not particularly. If you wish to get started without modifications, the somewhat sparse manual offers guidance on basic tweaks. Yet, due to its limited scope and the lack of robust support, you may need to troubleshoot independently. That said, if you plan to use Mailmate without customization, Apple Mail may be a time-saving alternative. If you're considering a trial of Mailmate, I recommend taking advantage of the generous thirty-day trial period, which counts only active days of usage.

Does Mailmate receive infrequent updates? Not really. Benny regularly releases beta versions, with links available on the Mailmate website. Although these are not official releases, they remain stable.

So, is Mailmate right for me? To be candid, I found myself deliberating as I crafted this article. Here are my reflections:

• Markdown: While some may find it beneficial, I can manage without it in an email app. Although I initially overlooked its usefulness, I've since recognized its value. While it isn’t a deciding factor for my email app choice, it does offer an advantage when comparing Mailmate to competitors.
• Flags vs. Tags: As I primarily use Apple Mail on my iPhone and iPad, the absence of flags in Mailmate poses a challenge. If I opt for tags instead, I’ll need another app on my mobile devices, such as Preside or AltaMail. This leads to a potential redundancy since I could use AltaMail on my Mac as well. Therefore, flag functionality is paramount for me. While I’ve found a workaround for managing flags, I believe such features should be easily accessible in the base app rather than something to stumble upon.
• Paying for a Beta: The expectation to pay for a beta version without clarity on the stable release timeline is another concern. Having tested various beta applications, I typically refrain from paying to be a beta tester. Nonetheless, the beta versions of Mailmate have proven stable. So, if you believe Mailmate meets your needs and trust that a stable version will arrive within a reasonable timeframe, it might be worth it. At worst, you may end up with a perpetual beta app, but even in its current form, Mailmate is a solid choice.
• Language Availability: A potential dealbreaker for some is the lack of localizations beyond English. However, this limitation is common among third-party applications; Airmail is one of the few that offers Swedish language support.

My final verdict (for now): Mailmate is a commendable email application—very commendable, in fact. I have decided to discontinue use of other email apps I’ve tested, as they do not provide benefits I can’t find in Apple Mail. This leads to an essential question: what do you truly need from the plethora of available third-party apps?

As mentioned, Mailmate has no iOS counterpart, so I will continue using Apple Mail on my iPad and iPhone if I choose to adopt Mailmate for macOS. This arrangement is acceptable to me, as I find Mailmate to be an excellent application. It introduces features that enhance my experience compared to Apple Mail but allows me to avoid being locked into proprietary solutions like Airmail and Canary.

IMPORTANT: When selecting any productivity application—be it a to-do list, calendar, or email client—it's crucial to determine whether you genuinely require all the additional features offered.

Regarding my potential purchase of Mailmate: I plan to conduct a thorough evaluation during the trial's final days. So far, I find it promising. Since I began using Mailmate, I’ve realized that I don’t require the functions other applications offer. I still have much to learn about Mailmate. It’s a quality app, and I wish to support independent developers. While Apple Mail continues to improve with each OS update, the cost of 56 Euros—even for a beta version—is acceptable for a lifetime license. I’m uncertain whether I fit Mailmate’s target audience, as its features may not align with my needs. Nevertheless, I will give it a fair trial and follow up with my findings.