Merubo vs Mimestream
Last checked 26 September 2026
If you want Gmail as a real Mac app rather than a browser tab, there are two native options: Merubo and Mimestream. Both are built only for Gmail, and both talk to Google directly with no server of their own in between. Here's how they differ.
We make Merubo, so read this with that in mind. The details about Mimestream come from mimestream.com and its pricing page; if something has changed, tell us and we'll fix it.
| Merubo | Mimestream | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS on Apple silicon | macOS 12 Monterey or newer |
| Mail providers | Gmail only | Gmail and Google Workspace only |
| Own sync server | None: Mac to Google directly | None: Mac to the Gmail API directly |
| Multiple accounts, unified inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Gmail categories and labels | Yes | Yes |
| Gmail search operators | Yes, run by Gmail | Gmail search |
| Tracker blocking | 180+ tracking vendors, and it tells you who was blocked | 75+ common services |
| Translation | Foreign-language mail translated on device before you open it | Not listed |
| Thread summaries | On device, with Apple Intelligence | Not listed |
| One-click unsubscribe | Yes | Not listed |
| Price | Free during the public beta; then a yearly Mac App Store subscription with a 7-day free trial | $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year, 14-day free trial |
| Status | Public beta on TestFlight | Released |
Where Merubo is different
Mail in any language. Merubo translates foreign-language mail into your language before you open it, using Apple's on-device translation, so the message never leaves your Mac to be read.
Summaries that stay on your Mac. Ask for a summary and Apple Intelligence writes a long thread in three lines, on device. Nothing is summarized until you ask.
A bigger tracker list. Tracking pixels from more than 180 known vendors are stopped before a message renders, and Merubo shows you which ones it caught.
Where Mimestream is ahead
Mimestream has been shipping for years and has a deep Gmail feature set: templates, snooze, vacation responses, filter editing, aliases, undo send and inline calendar invitations. It also runs on Intel Macs back to macOS Monterey, where Merubo needs Apple silicon. If you need a released app today, or you're on an Intel Mac, Mimestream is the one to choose.
Which should you pick?
Pick Merubo if you get mail in more than one language, want thread summaries without sending your mail anywhere, or want the widest tracker blocking. Pick Mimestream if you rely on its mature power features or run an Intel Mac. Both keep your mail between your Mac and Google.
Try the Merubo beta on TestFlight, free while it's in beta.