GearyLinux
vs
ThunderbirdWindows
Geary as a Linux alternative to Thunderbird
Updated
Our verdict
Geary is a solid, lightweight replacement for users who primarily need clean email management on GNOME. It handles IMAP/POP3, multiple accounts, and conversation views well. However, it is not a full drop-in replacement for heavy Thunderbird users. If you rely on Thunderbird’s built-in calendar, contact manager, RSS reader, or chat features, Geary will leave you short. It is best for those who prefer a simple, native-feeling mail client and are willing to use separate apps for calendar and contacts.
- License
- LGPL-2.1+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 46.0 (May 20, 2024)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support multiple email accounts via IMAP and POP3 protocols.
- Both are free, open-source applications available on major Linux distributions.
- Both offer full-text search capabilities to find specific messages quickly.
- Both support HTML and plain-text message composition.
What is different
Opening your Thunderbird files
Geary does not directly import Thunderbird’s mbox or maildir file structures. You cannot simply point Geary at your existing Thunderbird profile folder. However, since both use standard IMAP/POP3 protocols, your email history remains on the server. If you use local storage (POP3), you would need to manually export messages or re-download them, as there is no native 'import from Thunderbird' feature in Geary.
Switching from Thunderbird to Geary, step by step
- Back up your Thunderbird profile to ensure no local data is lost.
- Install Geary via your distribution’s package manager or Flathub.
- Launch Geary and add your email accounts using the quick setup wizard.
- Verify that IMAP sync is working by checking recent folders.
- Install separate GNOME applications for Calendar (GNOME Calendar) and Contacts (GNOME Contacts) to replace Thunderbird’s modules.
- Configure desktop notifications in Geary settings to match your previous workflow.
Key features of Geary
- Conversation view groups related messages
- Quick account setup for IMAP providers
- Full‑text and keyword search
- HTML and plain‑text composer
- Desktop notifications for new mail
- GNOME integration and theming
- Keyboard‑friendly navigation
- Supports multiple accounts
How to install Geary on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Gearysudo apt install gearysudo apt install gearysudo dnf install gearysudo pacman -S gearysudo zypper install gearyFrequently asked questions
Can I use Geary with Gmail or Outlook.com?
Yes, Geary supports standard IMAP servers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.com. You may need to enable less secure app passwords or OAuth2 if your provider requires it, though Geary’s OAuth2 support can be less integrated than Thunderbird’s.
Does Geary have a built-in calendar?
No. Geary is strictly an email client. For calendar functionality on GNOME, you should use GNOME Calendar, which can sync with your email account’s CalDAV server if available.
Is Geary suitable for users who need chat or RSS?
No. Geary does not include chat or RSS readers. If these are core parts of your daily workflow, sticking with Thunderbird or using a combination of Geary and separate apps (like Fractal for Matrix or gPodder for RSS) is necessary.
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