Thunderbird for Gmail

[Don]

I've been using my gmail account through my browsers. Is there any advantage to using Thunderbird instead? Any disadvantages? Thanks.

[claydoh]

Personal preference and unique features that Tbird bay have over Gmail in the browser, specifically (I can't think of any myself, there must be a few)
Multiple email accounts and providers might warrant using one single application as opposed to multiple web pages, for example.
Offline access for digital packrats

But really, other than for organizational purposes, there is no better or worse. Email means work for most people. That's where it can stay.

[Beerislife]

I have two Gmail accounts and one almost unused POP account so using TBird makes life easier...

I wish I could get rid of the POP account but it's from our provider! I'm trying to wean the boss off it and make her use Gmail for everything but it's like pulling teeth!

I had to install an Android mail app on her Chromebook just for that useless account!

[jlittle]

1. Thunderbird organizes email into folders (like most email clients) but Gmail uses tags. With Gmail a new message isn't in the Inbox folder, it has the Inbox tag, as well as possibly other tags. Thunderbird maps the tags to a folder structure as best it can, but if you use a lot of tags in Gmail I'm not sure what happens.
2. With Thunderbird you have more control over the interface, especially with the "supernova" versions (117 and later I think). It does dark mode! With Gmail I struggled with browser extensions to avoid white backgrounds everywhere; I could get the list dark, but writing a new message forced black on white.
3. Thunderbird wants to keep all your emails locally, and tried to download all my many years of Gmail. There is a setting to stop it doing so, but it keeps downloading more and more.

[kc1di]

I use Tbird to access my gmail anyway so have best of both worlds. Also check out proton mail I like it also.