By Manish, who makes LocalInbox · Facts checked October 2026
eM Client is a mail, calendar and contacts app for Windows and Mac, with free iPhone and Android apps. There's a free version for two accounts on one device, a one-time licence ($39.95 for personal use) and a $24.95-a-year subscription that includes its AI add-on. eM Client's AI is provided by OpenAI: text is sent when you use an AI feature, and some features analyse the message you're reading. LocalInbox runs its AI on your Mac and costs a one-time $19 to $49.
At a glance
| Feature | LocalInbox | eM Client |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time licence: $19 early access, then $49 | Free for 2 accounts; $39.95 one-time, or $24.95/year with the AI add-on |
| Where AI runs | Apple's on-device model, or a model you run in Ollama or LM Studio, on your Mac | OpenAI, in the cloud |
| Accounts | Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, GMX, Proton Bridge, any IMAP | Gmail, Exchange, Microsoft 365 and other email services |
| Calendar and contacts | Mail; adds events to Apple Calendar | Built-in calendar, contacts, tasks and notes |
| Platforms | Mac | Windows and Mac, with free iPhone and Android apps |
When LocalInbox is the better choice
- You don't want your mail sent to OpenAI for AI features.
- You want a native Mac app with a To Reply mailbox and Ask your mailbox.
- You want every feature, AI included, in one licence.
When eM Client is the better choice
- You need the same app on Windows and Mac.
- You want mail, calendar and contacts in one app.
- You use Exchange or Microsoft 365 today.
Sources
Facts about eM Client were checked in October 2026 and can change; check its website for current prices and features. Facts about LocalInbox come from its own documentation.
Questions
Do eM Client and LocalInbox both have one-time licences?
Yes. eM Client's one-time personal licence is $39.95 for the current major version, with its AI add-on bought separately. LocalInbox's licence is $19 for early access, then $49, with every AI feature and all 1.x updates.