So you have a new Chromebook?
You're now realizing it's very different from using another desktop or laptop. It's smaller, uses less storage, and you can't download the usual applications.
That being said, a Chromebook is a useful device. Around 50 million Chromebook users, including teachers and students, use them for their lightweight accessibility. So, there must be applications you can use to enhance your experience.
In this list you will find the best email apps for Chromebook, meaning web-based apps you can access via the internet or email applications that can be downloaded through the Google Play store. Let's dive into the list so you can get up and running with your email again.
1. Missive
Best for Sharing Emails
Missive is a great email app for collaboration and team communication in one space, so it might be a good choice if you run a business or are a freelancer.
You can create Team Inboxes to easily communicate in a chat-like format with specific team members. This makes it easy to send attachments, search for messages, and forward relevant emails to the whole team. Using a team chat app saves time and ensures you don't miss an important message. It is noted as one of our best email apps for Mac, too.
Missive also allows you to set up accounts from any email provider, which is especially useful for Google Groups and shared inboxes. You can also add your calendar to help respond to events, set reminders, and stay in one app to manage your day and integrate other apps to manage your workflow.
Is Missive right for my Chromebook?
Missive is available on Chromebook and is perfect for teams sharing emails together.
It can be used as an email client for Chromebook users that want to be able to collaborate with others, assign emails and customize their inbox as a support email.
Who's it best for?
Services businesses
VAs and their clients.
Small to medium sized businesses.
Platform & Installation
Android (Google Play Store)
Web Access
2. Hey Email
Best for Productivity
Hey Email is a productivity focused email client & flips email on its head.
It offers a very different look and feel to emailing, so if you are bored with the classic email style, you could try this out. It has many ways to make emailing more fun, more secure, and easier to navigate and search. There are many different features to Hey Email but the few that stand out to make it different from the rest are The Screener, where first-time emails land, Imbox, where important email is kept, and The Feed, where you can see all newsletters, and casual reading. You can also use your calendar here, making this app multipurpose, meaning you don't also need a calendar app. Use color co-ordination to help organize and manage your list of things to get done within the week here such as meetings, projects, and appointments.
If you're looking at free options, this might not be a consideration.
Should I get Hey Email for my Chromebook?
HEY makes sorting emails, reading newsletters, and communicating with your team. If you are looking for a new way to experience email Hey adds an element of fun and convenience.
This email app is for the most eager of people to try a new concept. With systems that stem from their own productive thinking (the folks at 37Signals) this will be a huge change sea in how you use email for your Chromebook.
Who's it best for?
Individuals.
Those who want to be more productive with email.
How much does it cost?
$99 per year.
It comes with HEY Calendar too.
Platform & Installation
Android (Google Play Store)
Web Access
3. Spike
Chat Like Email
Spike is an Android or web app that you can use on Chromebook.
Spike is an email client more focused on bringing it all together in one space. So you can have team chats, emails, and meetings together, with the help of AI assistance. First of all, let's address Magic AI, Spike's all-in-one AI assistant. It helps to generate replies, brainstorm, add notes, manage tasks, and save a lot of time. If you are used to using AI assistance or want an app to upgrade your email experience, this might be one to try.
You can also create channels and groups to help break down communication silos, unify team spaces and chats and make it easier, and faster to communicate with the right people. You can also send voice messages for even faster and more accessible communication. Think Slack meets email, is the best way to describe Spike.
Should I get Spike for my email on Chromebook?
Spike has a lot of team collaboration abilities and makes for a great space to unify your communication. If you want the added AI assistance to help with writing, sending messages, and management.
Whilst you can use this as a solo user, the magic comes with team use. The solo use enhances your email to make it feel more like a messaging app than an email app.
Who's it best for?
Small teams sharing emails together.
Teams that want a Slack alternative with their email.
4. Notion Mail
Best for AI Organization
Notion Mail can be used via web or Android making it perfect for Chromebook.
Notion Mail also allows the use of calendars, creating documents, and sharing files. Perfect for those needing that extra security when sending messages. You can also collaborate on Notion and notes with your team in real time. This is a great feature for teams to create wikis and information for projects. Additionally, you can use the calendar to share invites, start calls with your team, and stay on track with what's going on. Many people like that Notion offer a free email like this and you can access this on the web, making it accessible for Chromebook users.
Is Notion Mail good for my Chromebook?
Notion Mail is great for those who want added privacy in an all-in-one space for messages, documents, and calendars. It's easy to use and probably best for if you want to go off the grid with managing your inbox.
For some people, you might have bought email for the Google Workspace experience, but for others they want a way to escape Google's grasps of your data, and Notion Mail, along with the next options are a way out.
Who's it best for?
Individuals who use Notion.
Those who want to use AI inside their inbox.
Platform & Installation
Web Access
5. Fastmail
Best For Fast and Intuitive Emailing
Fastmail is a clean and user-friendly email client available to download as an app on Chromebooks and to use on the Web.
It has tons of features and allows users to manage email, calendar, and contacts in one space. Fastmail gives you your email, calendar, and contacts in one space. Meaning you can organize and manage your day without leaving the app. You can also add multiple email addresses, and use alternative email addresses to enhance privacy. You can also collaborate on calendars and manage your contacts. See who has sent you a message and quickly find messages from senders. You can also edit contacts, and access all tools easily within the sidebar.
Is Fastmail a good option for email?
Fastmail is another quick and secure email app. It's easy enough to get started with and provides a minimal space.
Good for those who just want an email Chromebook email client.
Who's it best for?
Security conscious Chromebook users.
Those who want to use it on all devices.
Platform & Installation
Android (Google Play Store)
Web Access
6. Proton Mail
Encrypted Email Service in Switzerland
Proton Mail is available on both web and Android, so you can download the app on your Chromebook if you have space or access via the web.
Proton Mail is a uniquely secure email app using an encrypted email service based in Switzerland. Your data belongs to you but is protected by Swiss laws. First of all, you can customize your inbox with different layouts, themes, folder colors and use dark mode. This helps create a space you want to use and that feels natural to you.
You can also use labels, subfolders, and filters to sort incoming emails automatically. For security, you can manage multiple online identities, also password-protect emails, and use security keys when sending messages. With Proton Mail you can also quickly unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters, use keyboard shortcuts, and use advanced search to find emails.
Should I Use Proton on my Chromebook?
Proton Mail is best for Chromebook users worried about security.
It works well as a web-sign in service for each access to emails.
Platform & Installation
Android (Google Play Store)
Web Access
Proton Mail
Proton Mail is a secure email management built by the Proton team in Switzerland.
Top Questions: Answered
Let's help you pick the perfect Chromebook-based email client:
What's the best free email client for Chromebook?
The best email app for Chromebook is Gmail.
It works on Android and web allowing you to access it - it is free to use up to 15GB per basic Google account.
A free alternative could be Notion Mail with free access for basic users with Google Workspace or Gmail accounts.
What's the best lightweight offline email client for Chromebook?
For offline access, you'll need to make sure Chrome has cached the web version.
Alternatively, you can install the Android version of the email client via the Google Play Store.
We'd recommend Gmail as the best offline access for Chromebook users.
What's a good Chromebook email app with calendar integrations?
Fastmail allows you to see your calendar that is connected to your account.
It works to help users see upcoming events and meetings with that associated email.
This works well on web and on Chromebook.
What's the best Chromebook email client with no ads?
Both Fastmail, Proton Mail & Notion Mail have no ads.
They are free to get started with Proton & Fastmail offering upgrades.
Notion Mail has no pricing and is one of the best free options for Chromebooks users.
Can I use Thunderbird on a Chromebook?
No, you cannot use Thunderbird on Chromebook.
Thunderbird is reserved for Windows, Mac, iOS & Android users only.
Why Can't I Download Apps on Chromebook?
Chromebook will allow the use and download of compatible Android apps, and the use of web apps via the internet, or if they are accessible offline. This means apps need to be suitable for the device, for example not specifically for mobile or tablet, and you need to have enough storage.
Why is There no Outlook App For Chromebook?
This is because Microsoft has removed all of its Office applications from the Google Play store. This also means Microsoft apps aren't compatible with the Chromebook since it runs ChromeOS. That being said, you can still access and use some Microsoft apps via the web, although the functions may not be as good.
More Recommendations for Email on Chromebook
These ones either have Android or web clients for you to jump into on Chromebook:
Shortwave Email
Shortwave Email is a fast email app with AI assistance and focus first features.