Mimestream

Mimestream is a Gmail client written from the ground up in Swift, not a web view in a wrapper. It talks directly to the Gmail API, so labels, categories, server-side filters, and search operators all work the way they do on the web — inside a fast, keyboard-friendly app that feels like it shipped with macOS.

Why it makes the list

It comes from an ex-Apple Mail engineer, and it shows: real AppKit views, proper notifications, system contacts and calendar integration, and a three-pane layout that stays quick on huge mailboxes. For anyone who has bounced between Apple Mail (fast, but bad at Gmail) and the Gmail website (correct, but not a Mac app), Mimestream is the missing option.

Standout features

• Native Gmail — labels, categories, and multiple-label views done right

• Server-side filter editing from inside the app

• Gmail search operators plus fast local search

• Multiple accounts with a unified inbox and per-account send settings

• Send later, follow-up reminders, and templates

• Rich keyboard shortcuts and macOS notification actions

Pricing

A free tier covers basic use. Pro unlocks the full feature set at $4.99/month or $49.99/year, with free Family Sharing.