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A Gmail app for Mac: LocalInbox vs Gmail on the web

Gmail in the browser is free and has every Gmail feature. LocalInbox gives Gmail a native Mac app, with your other accounts beside it.

By Manish, who makes LocalInbox · Facts checked October 2026

In short

Google doesn't make a Gmail app for the Mac, so Gmail on a Mac usually means a browser tab. Gemini in Gmail writes and summarises in Google's cloud, and comes with Google Workspace or a Google AI plan. In 2026 Google is also ending Gmailify and fetching mail from other accounts over POP. LocalInbox is a native Mac app that adds Gmail with an app password next to iCloud, Yahoo and any IMAP account, and runs its AI on your Mac, for a one-time $19 to $49.

At a glance

FeatureLocalInboxGmail on the web
PriceOne-time licence: $19 early access, then $49Free; Gemini comes with Google Workspace or a Google AI plan
Where AI runsApple's on-device model, or a model you run in Ollama or LM Studio, on your MacGemini, in Google's cloud
AccountsGmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, GMX, Proton Bridge, any IMAPGmail; Gmailify and POP fetching from other accounts end in 2026
Gmail labels and filtersLabels appear as foldersFull Gmail labels, filters and categories
PlatformsMacAny web browser, plus iPhone and Android apps; no Mac app

When LocalInbox is the better choice

  • You want Gmail in a real Mac app: menu bar, notifications, Spotlight and keyboard shortcuts.
  • You have iCloud, Yahoo or other accounts beside Gmail.
  • You want AI that runs on your Mac rather than in Google's cloud.

When Gmail on the web is the better choice

  • You want every Gmail feature exactly as Google designs it: labels, filters and categories.
  • You use Gmail on many computers and don't want to install anything.
  • You don't want to pay for a mail app.

Sources

Facts about Gmail on the web 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

How does LocalInbox connect to Gmail?

Over IMAP with an app password you create in your Google Account, so there's no LocalInbox server in between. The Gmail guide has the steps and the server settings.