Top Windows Email Clients for Beginners

These applications are the easiest to learn

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on July 28, 2021

If you're a Windows user just starting to learn about email, you may have difficulty choosing the right application. Your best choice may be a simple email client that's secure, easy to use, and loaded with help options. Also, look for good export functionality so you can easily make the switch when you're ready for a more powerful program.

Here are a few Windows email clients that match these criteria.

01
of 03

Tried and True: AOL Mail

Classic AOL Logo

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
What We Like

  • Free and easy.

  • Offers all the basics without introducing complex features.

What We Don't Like

  • Future of AOL is uncertain.

  • Most seasoned emailers recoil from the AOL.com domain.

The granddaddy of the bunch, AOL email (formerly known as AIM mail) has been evolving since the company first offered online access in 1993 with the iconic "You've got mail!" alert. AOL email remains popular among those who appreciate its ease of use, good spam filters, and virus protection. Plus, you can choose a free AOL email address and store 25 MB in photo and video attachments.

02
of 03
Windows Mail

Windows Mail
What We Like

  • Stock program in Windows 10, no need to download.

  • Continuously improving.

What We Don't Like

  • Too bare-bones for complex mail management.

  • Some features controlled at the account level, instead of the application level.

If you have Windows, you have Windows Mail, which includes everything you need to begin your email life. Graphically, its interface looks more serious and businesslike than others but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. If you're used to the Windows ecosystem, Mail builds on what you already know to deliver a smooth experience. If you've ever used Outlook Express, you'll find Mail very easy, as it has replaced Outlook Express as Windows' default email client.

03
of 03

Familiar Interface: Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird logo

Mozilla
What We Like

  • Free, stand-alone email program (not a web interface).

  • Long track record of maintenance and feature development.

What We Don't Like

  • May be too complicated for some newbies.

  • Not the prettiest program on the planet.

Like AOL, Mozilla Thunderbird offers a free email address and easy setup. Its full feature set is packaged well enough to still be intuitive for beginners. Adding a new contact is as quick as clicking a star in an email you've received, and you're automatically reminded if your email mentions an attachment you've forgotten to include. If you're familiar with the tabbed interface of most browsers, Thunderbird's tabs will pose no learning curve at all.

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