Our verdict: Betterbird is Thunderbird with the rough edges filed down: the same accounts, add-ons and profiles, plus features Thunderbird users have requested for years and fixes that ship earlier. It is a small project that follows Thunderbird's ESR releases, so it suits people who already like Thunderbird rather than those looking for something different.
About Betterbird
Betterbird is built from the Thunderbird ESR source code with a set of extra patches. They add a multi-line message list like in Outlook, vertical tabs, account colours, attachments shown above the message, regular expressions in search terms, a folder list in the Windows tray icon and the option to disable an IMAP account, among other changes.
It can be installed alongside Thunderbird and even use the same profile, so trying it carries little risk. Betterbird is free and open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0. Releases follow Thunderbird's extended support line, and older series are marked end of life on the website.
What it does well
- Multi-line view. A message list with sender, subject and preview on several lines, as in Outlook.
- Vertical tabs. Show open tabs in a column instead of across the top.
- Better search. Complex search terms and regular expressions in quick search and filters.
- Tray integration. The Windows tray icon shows new message counts and a folder list.
- Thunderbird compatible. Works with Thunderbird profiles and most Thunderbird add-ons.
Who it is for
Good fit
Thunderbird users who want long-requested features and quicker bug fixes without changing their setup.
Look elsewhere
People who want a newer-looking client or something very different from Thunderbird.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source
- Extra features over Thunderbird
- Uses existing Thunderbird profiles and add-ons
- No ads or accounts required
Cons
- Small team that depends on Thunderbird's releases
- Icons look similar to Firefox and Thunderbird
- Fewer interface languages than Thunderbird
How to install Betterbird
The installer is the English (US) 64-bit build; other languages are on the download page. Betterbird can run next to Thunderbird; if you point it at your existing Thunderbird profile, back the profile up first, as recommended on the Betterbird support page.
Questions about Betterbird
Is Betterbird free?
Yes. Betterbird is free and open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
Can I use Betterbird and Thunderbird at the same time?
They can be installed side by side and can share a profile, though not both open at once on the same profile.
How is Betterbird different from Thunderbird?
It adds features such as multi-line view, vertical tabs and regex search, and ships bug fixes that Thunderbird has not released yet.
