By Manish, who makes LocalInbox · Facts checked October 2026
GotEmail is a native Mac mail app with an iPhone app in beta. It's $49.99 once for every Mac you own, and says the price will rise and lifetime licences will end. Its built-in AI sends drafts and summaries to OpenAI when you ask for one; on macOS 26 Apple's on-device model writes them where it can, and you can bring your own OpenAI, Anthropic or local server. LocalInbox is Mac-only, $19 once during early access, then $49, and writes everything on your Mac.
At a glance
| Feature | LocalInbox | GotEmail |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time licence: $19 early access, then $49 | $49.99 once for every Mac you own; a higher price and no lifetime licences coming, it says |
| Where AI runs | Apple's on-device model, or a model you run in Ollama or LM Studio, on your Mac | OpenAI's servers for its built-in AI; Apple's on-device model where it can on macOS 26; or your own key or local server |
| Accounts | Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, GMX, Proton Bridge, any IMAP | Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Microsoft 365, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, any IMAP |
| Requirements | macOS 15 or later, Apple silicon or Intel | macOS 15 or later |
| Platforms | Mac | Mac; iPhone in beta on TestFlight |
When LocalInbox is the better choice
- You don't want any of your mail sent to an AI company, even when you ask for a summary.
- You'd rather pay $19 now than $49.99.
- You want Ask your mailbox answers with numbered sources, and search that reads text inside PDFs and images.
When GotEmail is the better choice
- You want AI drafts and summaries on any Mac with nothing to set up, and don't mind OpenAI reading what you ask about.
- You use an Outlook.com, Hotmail or Microsoft 365 account: LocalInbox's Microsoft sign-in isn't available yet.
- You want the same app on your iPhone (it's in beta).
- You want to see when the mail you send is opened.
Sources
Facts about GotEmail 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
Does GotEmail's AI run on my Mac?
Sometimes. GotEmail says its built-in drafts and summaries go to OpenAI when you ask for one; on a Mac with Apple Intelligence it uses Apple's on-device model where it can, and its own AI for the rest. In LocalInbox, nothing goes to an AI company: Apple's on-device model or a model server on your Mac writes everything.
Does LocalInbox track whether my emails were opened?
No. LocalInbox removes tracking pixels from the mail you receive and doesn't add any to the mail you send. GotEmail offers open and click tracking, off until you turn it on.
Is LocalInbox on iPhone, Windows or Android?
Not yet: LocalInbox is a Mac app. The waitlist (https://localinbox.app/waitlist) asks which platform you'd use, and it gets built if enough people ask.