How Mailbell compares
There are three usual ways to keep up with Gmail besides Mailbell. Each is a fine choice for someone; here is where Mailbell differs.
| Mailbell | A Gmail tab | Notifier extensions that use your Gmail session | Desktop mail apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications from the toolbar | Yes | Only while the tab is open | Yes | Yes, outside the browser |
| Read, reply and act without opening Gmail | Yes | - | Varies | Yes |
| How it reaches your mail | Official Gmail API, with access you grant and can revoke | Gmail itself | Often by reading Gmail's web page with your browser's sign-in | IMAP or the Gmail API |
| A server between you and Google | None | None | Varies | Some route mail through their own servers |
| Tracking pixels blocked by default | Yes | Loaded on open by default, through Google's proxy | Varies | Varies |
| Open source | Yes, GPL-3.0 | No | Varies | Some |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free or subscription | Free to subscription |
When something else fits better
- You write long mail all day: Gmail itself or a desktop app has the full editor; Mailbell replies in plain text.
- You use mail outside Google: Mailbell is Gmail only. A desktop app handles any provider.
- You want mail on your phone: Mailbell lives in your desktop browser.