By Manish, who makes LocalInbox · Facts checked October 2026
Spike shows email as chat, for teams and individuals on phones, desktops and the web. Its email app is free with 10 AI queries per tool; Pro ($6 a month, billed yearly) and Ultimate ($12) unlock unlimited Spike AI. Spike's terms say it stores messages temporarily on its servers for fast access. LocalInbox is a Mac app that talks only to your mail provider, runs its AI on your Mac with no limits, and costs a one-time $19 to $49.
At a glance
| Feature | LocalInbox | Spike |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time licence: $19 early access, then $49 | Free with limited AI; Pro $6, Ultimate $12 per user a month, billed yearly |
| Where AI runs | Apple's on-device model, or a model you run in Ollama or LM Studio, on your Mac | Spike AI, an online service; 10 queries per tool on the free plan |
| Company servers | None: your Mac talks to your provider | Messages stored temporarily on Spike's servers |
| Accounts | Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, Fastmail, Zoho, GMX, Proton Bridge, any IMAP | Gmail, Microsoft and other email accounts |
| Platforms | Mac | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, web |
When LocalInbox is the better choice
- You don't want a mail app's servers holding your messages.
- You want unlimited AI without a subscription.
- You want a classic Mac mail app with a To Reply mailbox.
When Spike is the better choice
- You like email as a chat, with team chat beside it.
- You want the same app on your phone, your computer and the web.
- You use Outlook today.
Sources
Facts about Spike 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 Spike store my email?
Spike's terms say it stores messages securely and temporarily on its servers for fast access, and may delete them after a few days. LocalInbox has no server: your Mac connects straight to your mail provider.