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Outlook vs Apple Mail: A Direct Comparison to Help You Choose

  author
Jamie Kaler   Contribution
Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke  Approved By
Published On December 10th, 2025 • 8 min read

Users are often confused when choosing between Outlook and Apple Mail, especially when trying to determine which one best suits their long-term needs. If you are in the same situation, we will give you the Best & Direct Comparison of Microsoft Outlook vs Apple Mail here in this article. In the end, you will be content and will choose what is best for you. Apple Mail and MS Outlook are the most prominent and widely used email clients among people across the world. The difference between them is that Outlook is by Microsoft and is part of the Microsoft Suite. Whereas Apple Mail is by Apple and comes as a default email application on every Mac OS.

Apple Mail is the default email client on every Mac OS. Therefore, Mac users mainly prefer using it. On the other hand, Microsoft has created a Mac-suited Outlook so that Mac users have the option to switch to Outlook as well. Outlook is commonly used with Microsoft Exchange accounts, but it also supports Gmail and other email providers through IMAP and POP protocols, just like Apple Mail. Thus, we will give you the best comparison according to your needs and wants in the later section of the blog. Let’s solve the confusion of the users right here. 

In this article, we will provide the best comparison and later a Solution for any conversion to choose the best between the two. Read and follow the article carefully for a clear understanding. 

Comparison – Outlook Vs Apple Mail

Both email client has their standout features; however, as per individual perspectives, it could vary. Therefore, here are some common comparisons that could help you narrow down your choice of email client.

We will give you the key points to make your decision easier: –

Platform Independence

Apple Mail is an email client that is restricted to Mac OS, iPhone, and iPad only. It comes as a default email client for Mac users; therefore, it is compatible with the Apple Environment only. Whereas you can access and open Outlook not only on Mac OS but also on Windows and Android. Thus, if your work is flexible and has to support all the devices, then you should consider using Outlook. 

Flexible Options 

Apple Mail merely acts as an email client offered by Apple on Mac OS. It provides a subset of Outlook features only, but on the other hand, Outlook is more than just an email client. As Outlook comes with MS Office 365, you can avail yourself of several other benefits, too, like PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc. 

Pricing – Outlook vs Apple Mail

Outlook is a paid one as it is a part of Office 365. Whereas Apple Mail comes as a default email client with Mac OS, and, therefore, it is completely free. As we compare Apple Mail Vs Outlook, you can access Outlook for various other additional advantages, and these additional benefits are lacking in Apple Mail. 

Interface & Emailing experience

Outlook acts like a personal information manager software system created by Microsoft. This provides you with various other features on the interface, including calendaring, journal and note-taking, contacts, web browser, and many more. Apple Mail comes with a simple and easy-to-use interface for users.

Security

Both have security for the users. Outlook has several security features, which give a 2-step verification process that safeguards your account with another level of security, data encryption that prevents certain data from being accessed, and spam filtering, which stops unwanted emails from reaching an inbox. Apple Mail also prioritises its security features; it uses established security protocols by Apple for its users to secure their data and communication.

Note: Minimise the risk of encountering the “Apple Cannot Check it for Malicious Software” warning, and ensure you download Outlook from the official website. 

Customisation in Outlook vs Apple Mail

Users can further personalise Outlook compared to Apple Mail. Although both email clients have restricted customisation, Outlook provides more variety to users. Users can change the interface of Outlook with various themes, layouts, and add-ins to modify the experience according to their preferences. 

Access other Email Client

Both Outlook and Apple Mail have the option to add additional accounts. This will allow you to centralise your email management. This is a very useful feature for those who handle multiple accounts of different email clients. This way, you can easily toggle between accounts and monitor the new messages without logging in and out of multiple web-based interfaces. If you ever want to move mailbox data, you can follow the guide to import PST into the new Outlook

Who Should Choose Outlook or Apple Mail?

Outlook is ideal for corporate users, business professionals, and organisations. For those who rely completely on Microsoft 365 tools for communication, scheduling and collaboration. It is useful for those who manage multiple email accounts, require advanced calendar and task managment and work in a remote environment. Therefore, it is mostly used by the organisation.

Apple Mail is suitable and is most precisely used for personal communications, like freelancers, and Mac/iPhone users who are invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer a lightweight non non-complex email experience. It works well for users who want simple, private and effortless integration with Apple services like iCloud, calendar and Reminders.

In short, if your work demands productivity and cross-platform compatibility, Outlok is the better choice. If you prioritise ease of use and a clean interface within Apple devices, Apple Mail is a suitable option.

The Best Solution for Migrating Between Apple Mail and Outlook

MacUncle offers a variety of applications. If you encounter any situation related to email, we have a solution for all. Read the section below to find out.

If you want to switch from Apple Mail to Outlook, then we have the best application, Apple Mail Converter. This tool can directly convert your Apple Mail files to any file format or email client you want to switch to. This wizard offers an email file format or a document format. This software provides you with the dual option to proceed with the conversion process, either in bulk or selectively. The software is 100% safe and secure and produces accurate results. 
After comparing Apple Mail Vs Outlook, if you want to settle for Outlook, then we also have the best utility for this. With the OLM Converter for Mac, you might save your Outlook OLM files on your Mac. This tool can easily and directly convert your OLM files to whatever file format you want to convert them into. The software preserves and maintains your folder’s hierarchy during the process and prevents your data from loss. The software comes with a user-friendly interface with a coherent GUI. 

Both these tools support all the latest versions of Mac OS, like 10.9 Mavericks, 10.15 Catalina, 10.14 Mojave, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.12 Sierra, etc. 

Wrapping Up 

The article highlights the topic – Outlook Vs Apple Mail. This confusion is coming into the spotlight, and thus, we have helped our users to find the perfect and right email client between these two. In the blog, we have compared Apple Mail vs Outlook thoroughly, and in the end, we have given our advice regarding it. In the later sections of the blog, you will get the solution to get rid of the problem instantly. Many people, after reading this article, would want to switch from one email client to another, and for that, we have given our Best & Perfect Tool.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What could be the basic differences between Outlook & Apple Mail?

A) Some of the major points in Outlook vs Apple Mail:

  • Functionality: If we compare both, Outlook has great functionality when it comes to email management. It can integrate with Word, Excel and PowerPoint from MS Office 365. 
  • Platform Compatibility: Outlook is compatible with both Windows & Mac OS. Whereas Apple Mail is only mostly effective on macOS and IOS. 
  • Cost: Outlook is included in the O365, a premium membership provider. Whereas Apple Mail is free, as it is a default email client in the Mac OS.

Q) Which email client should I select from Apple Mail & MS Outlook?

A) Both email clients have strong functionality that makes them stand out in the market. However, the right choice depends on your usage needs, preferred platform, and required features. 

Q) How safe are these tools for migration?

A) MacUncle guarantees complete safety and security throughout the conversion procedure using both of its solutions. To stop information loss, they maintain a folder hierarchy and protect data integrity.

Q) Which client is better at managing calendars and tasks among Apple Mail vs Outlook?

A) Apple Mail relies on the separate Calendar and reminder Apps. They are integrated within Apple but might not be as comprehensive as Outlook. Outlook excels in calendar and task management, with the built-in calendar and meeting scheduling options.

Q) Does Apple Mail support Microsoft Exchange?

A) Yes, Apple Mail supports Microsoft Exchange accounts. You can configure an Exchange account on macOS using the built-in mail setup options with modern authentication (OAuth 2.0).