Betterbird
An alternative build of Mozilla Thunderbird adds tuning and additional changes for its users.
About Betterbird
Betterbird is a fine-tuned soft fork of Mozilla Thunderbird, a proprietary alternative to the standard open-source email client. It retains all core Thunderbird functionality while adding custom improvements for users who want a more stable, feature-rich email experience without switching to a completely different platform.
Users can access exclusive new features, bug fixes that are not available in standard Thunderbird, and fixes that Thunderbird may implement in future releases. The project supports parallel installation with Thunderbird using the same user profile, so users can test Betterbird without losing access to their existing Thunderbird setup or data. It also offers a portable version for Windows, native builds for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and localized versions for 13 languages, with additional localizations available on request.
It is best suited for existing Thunderbird users who want fewer software regressions, faster bug resolution, and extra functionality without adjusting to a new email client.
Key features
- Includes exclusive new features not found in standard Thunderbird
- Ships exclusive bug fixes ahead of upstream Thunderbird releases
- Supports parallel installation with Thunderbird on the same profile
- Offers portable Windows and native Apple Silicon Mac builds
- Provides localized versions for 13 languages, with more on request
Best for: Thunderbird users seeking fewer regressions, faster bug fixes, and exclusive features without switching email platforms.
Good for
- Enables zero-hassle testing alongside standard Thunderbird
- Delivers bug fixes and features earlier than upstream Thunderbird
- Provides portable Windows and native Apple Silicon Mac builds
Watch out for
- Default Mac build is English-only, requires language packs for other languages
- Older versions reach end of life earlier than Thunderbird, with unpatched security flaws
- Default trademarked icons cannot be modified, which may cause misclicks for some users
Betterbird at a glance
- Website
- betterbird.eu
- Category
- Productivity › Email Tools
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Email Tools
Betterbird alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Dove provides Thunderbird configurations and modifications focused on privacy, security, usability, and user control.
SysTray-X adds a system tray extension to Thunderbird and requires both the add-on and companion app.
Open source
24 alternatives
Thunderbird combines email, calendars, and contacts in a customizable application.
Boomerang adds email management and meeting scheduling features to Gmail and Google Workspace.
UnInbox provides modern email for teams and professionals as an alternative to older email tools.
Shortwave uses AI prompts to organize, write, search, and schedule email.
Featured in
8 sites
Best of
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Betterbird FAQ
Can I run Betterbird at the same time as Thunderbird?
Yes, Betterbird supports installation on the same profile as Thunderbird, so you can run both simultaneously and switch between them easily.
Is Betterbird available for Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes, native builds for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs are available, though the default release is English-only.
Does Betterbird have all the same features as Thunderbird?
Betterbird includes all core Thunderbird functionality, plus exclusive new features and bug fixes not yet in standard Thunderbird.
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