The Thunderbird email client finally landed on Android, and it was worth the wait

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

I've been waiting for a Thunderbird Android app for some time. 

Finally, there's a worthy successor to the Gmail app.

Also: 3 ways to stop Android apps running in the background - and why I always do

Don't get me wrong; the Gmail app has been serviceable, but it's never really been an app that I felt strongly enough about. I've been regularly searching for a replacement. I've tried plenty of them, but always wound up coming back to Gmail.

The Thunderbird email app beta looks promising enough that I might have found the one.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The drive for Thunderbird on Android started two years ago, when the developers first revealed their plans. The project took longer than expected, but it's finally arrived, and I'm here for it.

After I installed Thunderbird for Android and set up my first account, I immediately knew that the wait was worth it. Thunderbird for Android is everything you need in a mobile email client. In fact, from its appearance, Thunderbird for Android looks and feels like Gmail, with options that should satisfy users of all types. Combing through the general settings, I see things like:

The ability to set different themes for different parts of the app (main window, composer window, and read window)Enable/disable animationsA unified inboxStarred accountsPreview lines configurationContact picturesA threaded viewA floating compose buttonSplit-screen Proton

There are also interaction configurations, such as volume key navigation and swipe actions, as well as settings for notifications, networks, privacy, and debugging. To my great relief, there's also a "Select All" feature, so I can quickly empty my inbox if necessary.

Thunderbird for Android also has email filters (date, arrival, subject, sender, star, read/unread, attachments), search, a sidebar, read receipts, end-to-end encryption, and more. Note that for end-to-end encryption, you have to have PGP support installed (use OpenKeychain: Easy PGP from the Google Play Store).

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Thunderbird for Android supports the most popular mail server protocols and allows you to easily add your Gmail account (without having to type a password, set up an app password, or bother with 2FA -- if Gmail is configured on your Android device, you can easily import it into Thunderbird). There's also support for migrating from the K-9 Mail app using the in-app settings import function.

I've been using Thunderbird as my default email app for about a week now, and I do not miss the Gmail app. Thunderbird for Android has everything I need and want in a mobile email app. 

On top of that, it's open-source. You can download the source code from the official GitHub page and even grab the .apk file so you can manually install the app if you like.

Who is this app for?

You don't have to use (or be a fan of) the Thunderbird desktop client to appreciate Thunderbird for Android. If you like the way the Gmail app is laid out and have been looking for a solid alternative, Thunderbird is it. It doesn't matter if you're new to Thunderbird or a power user; this app will be a welcome alternative to anyone looking for a reliable email app that is open, well-designed, and performs like a champ.

Also: 5 hidden Android features that can simplify your life

Install the Thunderbird for Android app on your device now, and you'll very quickly decide that it's the mobile email client you've been waiting for.