Mac Mail vs Outlook for Mac : Which is Better?

Apple and Microsoft had a head-to-head confrontation on different aspects such as word processing applications. However, Apple aims to provide a reliable email experience via mail applications on iOS, iPadOS and macOS, but there are still many shortcomings. This is why you can’t help but look for a viable alternative from Microsoft camp-Outlook for Mac.

Mail application

Recently, Microsoft announced a new look for Outlook for Mac, available through the Fast Insider team. This, along with many other software integrations into the Outlook for Mac application, makes it a viable competitor to the Mac Mail application.

In this article, we compare Outlook Mail for Mac to the default mail application for Mac. The comparison will be based on user interface, email organization, email composition, functionality, and application integration. Let’s begin.

Cross-platform usability

I know that cross-platform usability is not important in email applications. But I mention it here so that you can have a seamless experience on each platform. Mac Mail is only available for iOS, macOS and iPadOS.

On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook can be accessed on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and on the web.

User interface and customization

Microsoft plans to redesign the Outlook for Mac interface to make it consistent with other platforms. There was a problem testing the new Outlook for Mac. You need to install it with other Office applications using the ISO installer.

When you open Outlook for Mac, you will notice the “Compose (New Mail)” button and the search bar at the top. In the left sidebar you will find your email account and other folders. What’s impressive is how Microsoft has used the column layout style and added calendar integration on the far right. You won’t have a hard time browsing through the new look.

You can change the default font of new messages and reply to messages from Outlook settings.

Compared to Outlook, Mac Mail looks normal. The default interface shows emails and folders in the left sidebar, a message list in the center, and a mail view on the right. Interestingly, Mac Mail offers a variety of customization options.

Go to Mail> Preferences> Fonts and Colors. From there, you can change the message list font, message font, and even fixed-width font. Mac Mail also allows you to change the preview of the list view from the default 2 lines to 3 lines or more.

Write an email

Mac Mail offers a number of editing options when composing a message. When composing a message, you can change the font, size, color, use bold and italic options, and even add bulleted or numbered lists.

I love how the Mail app allows you to add scanned images or documents directly from the connected iPhone.

Outlook’s compose menu toolbar is richer than Mac Mail. It allows you to highlight words. You can also add forms and signatures. guess what? Outlook for Mac also supports templates. Yes, you can create ready-to-use templates using images and text. You can save them for later use. When composing an email, click the three dot menu at the top and select View Templates and add related templates to the email.

This type of template can be used when writing emails related to specific topics (such as marketing surveys, inquiries, etc.). Simply create a master template with the text you need for each email type or subject you use frequently.

Additional functions

If you like to tag emails, Mac Mail offers several neater organization options. For example, you can assign an orange flag to bank mail and a green flag to all financial mail. Most mail applications only support the normal flag (red) option.

From the flagged messages section, you can quickly jump to the exact message you are looking for. Mac Mail also supports rules. You can choose Mail> Preferences> Rules and create custom email rules for you.

We can only hope that Apple integrates reminders, calendars, reminders and other services into the mail application. It’s easy to set up email reminders or create mail application meeting events.

The Outlook for Mac application also supports rule options. I highly recommend that you set up some effective rules to organize your email like a pro.

It works magically. If you use Outlook as your email provider and mark an email message in it, the message will automatically be saved in the Marked Mail section of the Microsoft To-Do application.

Email export and third party integration

Apple allows you to export any email as a PDF file menu. Open any mail and go to “File”> “Export to PDF”, it will create a PDF file from the selected mail. Unfortunately, the application does not provide any third party application integration.

Microsoft provides a dedicated third-party application store. You can click on the three dot menu and go to get the add-in from the dedicated store in Outlook.

For example, I use OneNote and Trello extensions in Outlook to send selected emails directly to OneNote or Trello.

Use mail like a pro on Mac

Through the above comparison, you can clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of Mac Mail and Outlook. Mac Mail wins with a simple user interface, mail organization and iPhone integration. However, several people complained that it was slow and problematic. It also won’t result in a pleasant performance on iOS. Outlook for Mac brings fresh air to Microsoft application integration, richer compose menus and third-party add-ons. I hope Outlook for iOS is transformed as soon as possible as well. So far, I insist on using Microsoft products. and you? Make a sound in the comments section below.