I Switched to New Outlook for Windows so You Didn't Have To

New Outlook: A 2024 Email Client Stuck in 2012?

Launched earlier this year, New Outlook has left many questioning its worth as a daily driver. I took the plunge so you don't have to.

The Basics: Sending and Receiving Emails

New Outlook fulfills its core function: sending and receiving emails. It handles multiple accounts, allows customized signatures per account, and boasts a familiar Windows-style interface. However, that's where the positives end.

The Downsides: Ads, a Missing Unified Inbox, and Clunky Settings

Several significant drawbacks overshadow New Outlook's basic functionality. First, and most jarring, are the unavoidable ads unless you subscribe to Microsoft 365 Basic ($1.99/month or $19.99/year). These ads are cleverly disguised, initially appearing as legitimate emails. The subtle "[Ad]" label blends seamlessly with the text, making them difficult to identify.

Furthermore, New Outlook still lacks a unified inbox, a feature present in many competing email clients. Managing multiple inboxes becomes a tedious process, requiring individual selection for each account. The ability to favorite only one inbox at a time exacerbates this issue.

Finding the settings is another frustrating experience. The only reliable method seems to be navigating through View > View Settings, a cumbersome process compared to more intuitive email clients.

The User Interface: A Blast from the Past

The user interface itself feels dated, reminiscent of Windows 8's boxy design. The lack of rounded corners and overall clunky navigation make interactions feel less fluid and intuitive than expected. The inability to rename email accounts, instead displaying truncated addresses, adds to the frustration.

The Verdict: Explore Alternatives

With the discontinuation of the original Windows Mail and Calendar apps, New Outlook might seem like the only option for some. However, numerous superior alternatives exist, including Spark Mail (my personal preference), Canary, Thunderbird, and various webmail clients. After my experience, I'm sticking with Spark.

Remember to set your preferred email client as the default in Windows settings to ensure all email links open in your chosen application.

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