Apple and Microsoft go head-to-head on several fronts, such as Word processing applications. But Apple aims to provide a solid email experience with its Mail app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, but it still leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why you can’t help but look out for a viable alternative from Microsoft’s camp – Outlook for Mac.
Recently, Microsoft revealed a brand new look for Outlook for Mac, available through the Fast Insider group. This, combined with a host of other software integrations in the Outlook for Mac app, makes it a viable competitor to the Apple Mail app.
In this article, we will compare Outlook Mail for Mac with the default Apple Mail app. Comparison will be based on User Interface, Email Organization, Mail Creation, features and application integration. Lets start.
Cross-Platform Availability
I know cross-platform usability is not a big deal in an Email app. However, I am stating here that you can expect a smooth experience on every platform. Apple Mail is only available on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.
On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook is accessible on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Web.
User Interface and Customization
Microsoft’s plans to redesign the Outlook for Mac interface are essential to keep it compatible with other platforms. He has a knack when it comes to trying out the new Outlook for Mac. You will need to install it along with other Office applications via an ISO installer.
When you open Outlook for Mac, you will see the Compose (New Message) button and Search bar at the top. In the left sidebar you will find your email accounts and other folders. It’s impressive that Microsoft has used a column layout style and added calendar integration to the far right. Navigating the new view will not be difficult.
You can change the default fonts for new mail and reply to mail from Outlook settings.
Apple Mail looks pretty vanilla compared to Outlook. The default interface shows Email along with folders in the left sidebar, message list in the middle and mail view on the right. Interestingly, Apple Mail offers several customization options.
Go to Mail > Preferences > Fonts & Colors. From here you can change the message list font, the message font and even the fixed width font. Apple Mail also lets you change the list view preview from the default 2 lines to 3 lines or more.
Create Mail
Apple Mail offers a number of editing options when you compose a mail. You can change the font, size, color, play with bold and italic options, and even add a bullet or number list while writing a mail.
I like that the Mail app lets you attach official or scanned documents directly from the connected iPhone.
Outlook’s compose menu toolbar is richer than Apple Mail. It allows you to highlight words. You can even add statements and signatures. Guess what? Outlook for Mac also supports templates. Yes, you can create ready-to-use templates with images and text. You can save them for later use. When composing an email, tap the three-dot menu above and select view templates and add a relevant one to the mail.
Such templates can be used for marketing surveys, questions, etc. It can happen when composing emails about specific topics, such as Simply create a master template with the required text for each email type or subject you use frequently.
Additional features
If you like to flag emails, Apple Mail offers a few options for more organized organization. For example, you can set an orange flag for Bank emails and a green flag for all financial emails. Most mail apps only support the regular flag (Red color) option.
From the marked mail section, you can quickly jump to the exact mail you are looking for. Apple Mail also supports Rules. You can choose Mail > Preferences > Rules and create personalized email rules for you. I created a rule to archive all incoming emails with Coronavirus in the subject.
We can only hope that Apple integrates services like Reminders, Calendar, and Notes in the Mail app. It would be easy to set a reminder for an email or create an event for the Mail app meeting.
Outlook for Mac also supports Rule options. I highly recommend setting up some effective rules for organizing emails like a pro. The app comes with Calendar, Sticky Notes, and Microsoft To-Do integration.
It works miraculously. If you use Outlook as your mail provider and you mark an email in it, the mail is automatically saved in the Flagged mail section in the Microsoft To-Do app.
Email Export and Third Party Integration
Apple lets you export any mail as a PDF file menu. Open any mail and go to File > Export as PDF, it will create a PDF file from the selected mail. Unfortunately, the app does not offer any third-party app integration.
Microsoft offers a dedicated third-party app store. You can tap on the three-dot menu and go to Get add-ins from a custom store in Outlook.
For example, I use the OneNote and Trello extensions in Outlook to send selected mail directly to OneNote or Trello.
Use Mail Like a Pro on Mac
The above comparison gives you a clear view of the strengths and weaknesses of Apple Mail and Outlook. Apple Mail wins with its simple user interface, mail organization and iPhone integration. However, a few people complain that it is sluggish and buggy. It also doesn’t mean nice performance on iOS either. Outlook for Mac breathes new life into Microsoft apps integration, a richer compose menu, and third-party plug-ins. Hopefully, Outlook for iOS gets a facelift soon, too. As of now, I’m sticking with Microsoft’s offer. What about you? Mute the sound in the comments section below.
Next: Bought a new Mac recently? Read the post below, find the best Mac apps to stay organized.
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