The best free Gmail apps for Mac

You can certainly use the built-in Mail app on your Mac for Gmail. But maybe you’re not a fan of Apple’s Mail app or want other features. And you can access your Gmail online. But this isn’t always convenient for a quick inbox check.

With apps that were developed for use with Google’s Gmail, you can enjoy an experience different than Mail while still using a desktop app instead of the web. If Gmail is your primary email account and you want an app that fits it perfectly, check out these free Gmail apps for Mac.

Gmail apps for Mac

Mail for Gmail

Mail for Gmail App on Mac

If you like the appearance of Gmail online, you’ll like Mail for Gmail. It looks almost identical to the Gmail website. You even have access to your Calendar, Tasks, Keep, and Google contacts on the right side. And you can click the Google Apps icon to head straight to Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other  apps on the web.

Hit the Settings button to take care of labels, accounts, forwarding, and signatures. Or adjust quick settings for the inbox Density, Inbox Type, Theme, and Reading Pane.

Start or join a Google Meet, compose emails with the classic Gmail style, and use the advanced search features you’re used to with Mail for Gmail.

  • Availability: Mac
  • Cost: Free

Go for Gmail Email

Go for Gmail Email App on Mac

If you want to see your unread inbox count in your menu bar, check out the Go for Gmail Email app for Mac. Like Mail for Gmail, this app looks just like Gmail online. But with a click of the menu bar button, you can open the app without fumbling for it. Plus, you’ll always know how many new emails you have at a glance.

Access Calendar, Tasks, and Keep along with Google apps and services online. Search, compose, use Meet, adjust your Gmail settings, change the appearance, customize notifications, and more.

With Go for Gmail Email, you can also switch with a click to Mobile Mode which displays a nice compact window. This is handy for a fast look at those unread messages in your inbox.

  • Availability: Mac
  • Cost: Free

Mia for Gmail

Mia for Gmail App on Mac

So maybe you like the idea of a Mac menu bar button for Gmail but want more than just your unread count. Check out Mia for Gmail. Not only do you see your unread count, but when you click the menu bar button, you’ll see your inbox too.

Click to compose or read an email in its own window. You can also go to your Gmail inbox online if you prefer, with a simple click. Enable notifications, change the button appearance, choose an alert sound, and select how often the app should check for new emails.

For the quickest way to see unread messages, compose a new one, and act on emails you receive, take a look at Mia for Gmail.

  • Availability: Mac
  • Cost: Free with a premium version to unlock the search and multiple account support

Kiwi for Gmail Lite

Kiwi for Gmail Lite App on Mac

Get a menu button with your unread count, quick access to your inbox, plus use other Google apps all in one desktop app with Kiwi for Gmail. This all-inclusive tool is ideal for those who use many other Google services in addition to Gmail.

Customize your notifications and the app appearance, enable Do Not Disturb, and enjoy color-coding for multiple accounts. You can set up two Google accounts with Kiwi for Gmail Lite and up to 10 with the paid version of Kiwi for Gmail.

Open Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides in their own app windows. And create a new email, event, document, spreadsheet, or slideshow with a single click.

The Gmail window looks just like it does online with the same icons and buttons for all email and inbox actions. So for a Gmail interface you already know, quick access to your inbox, and the ability to use other Google apps on your desktop, Kiwi for Gmail is a terrific app for Mac.

  • Availability: Mac and Windows
  • Cost: Free with a full version for more accounts and account colors, a focus filtered inbox, and support for the Boomerang plugin

MailTab for Gmail

MailTab for Gmail App on Mac

If you want the simplest way to see your inbox or compose a message, MailTab for Gmail might be just what you’ve been looking for. Click the button in your Mac menu bar to see your inbox or hit the Compose button to write your email.

You can set up more than one Gmail account and switch between them easily. Enable auto-correct and customize your notifications. Read emails and take action on them like move, mute, or report spam.

There’s nothing super fancy about MailTab for Gmail but that’s exactly what you might like about it. For fast access to your inbox from the menu bar, check it out.

  • Availability: Mac
  • Cost: Free with in-app purchase to unlock additional features or the upgraded version

Wrapping it up

If you want a dedicated Mac app for Gmail, these are terrific options. Whether you want a menu bar button to quickly view your inbox or access to other Google apps along with Gmail, these apps have you covered.

Do you already use one of these Gmail apps for Mac or do you prefer a different one you’d like to recommend? Let us know!