In short
Mimestream is a native macOS email app built for Gmail only, using the Gmail API, and costs $49.99 a year (or $4.99 a month). LocalInbox is also native to the Mac, but works with Gmail alongside iCloud, Yahoo, Fastmail and any IMAP account, adds on-device AI, and is a one-time purchase of $19 to $49.
At a glance
| Feature | LocalInbox | Mimestream |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time licence: $19 early access, then $49 | $49.99/year or $4.99/month |
| Accounts | Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, GMX, Proton Bridge, any IMAP | Gmail and Google Workspace only |
| How it connects to Gmail | IMAP with an app password | Gmail API with Google sign-in |
| Gmail labels and filters | Labels appear as folders | Full Gmail labels and filters |
| Native Mac app | Yes | Yes |
When LocalInbox is the better choice
- You have iCloud, Yahoo, Fastmail or other accounts next to Gmail.
- You want on-device AI: summaries, a To Reply mailbox, Ask your mailbox.
- You'd rather pay once than every year.
When Mimestream is the better choice
- All your mail is Gmail and you rely on Gmail labels and server-side filters.
- You prefer signing in with Google to using an app password.
Sources
Facts about Mimestream 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 LocalInbox support Gmail labels?
Gmail shows labels to IMAP apps as folders, so they appear under the account in LocalInbox's sidebar.