MBOX (Mailbox) is the standard email storage format used by Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Eudora and 20+ other email clients. SysTools software to import MBOX to Thunderbird is a dedicated tool that imports single or bulk MBS, MBX, EML, EMLX, Maildir and MBOX files directly into any Thunderbird profile configured POP, IMAP, or Local Folder.
Free Live Demo - SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard Fully Secured Download Version.
Read All Features of Mac Thunderbird Import Wizard
Watch the video and understand how to import MBOX to Thunderbird profile directly with complete metadata, folder hierarchy, and attachment preservation, requiring no technical knowledge and no data loss.
MBOX is one of the most commonly used file extension for storing email client data. Various email applications support MBOX files and save their data in MBOX file format at the back end. To import MBOX file into Thunderbird Windows, this software supports these email clients:

If someone is changing their system and switching to a new one, Thunderbird Import Wizard can assist them in moving the entire Mozilla Thunderbird profile. Just go to the location of Thunderbird and select the profile. The Thunderbird Importer tool will easily move the complete Thunderbird profile to another computer including the MBOX and SBD files located within it.
C:\Documents and Settings\*username\Application data\Thunderbird\Profiles\*name.default
Users often face issues such as “Thunderbird not importing MBOX through ImportExportTool NG.” To avoid such inconvenient situations, Thunderbird Import Wizard is a better option to import MBOX to Thunderbird. Here we have listed the aspects in which this software supersedes ImportExportTools NG.
| Comparison Criteria | ImportExportToolsNG |
Recommended
SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard
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|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (open-source) | $29 One-Time (Lifetime license) |
| Type | Browser-based Thunderbird add-on. | Standalone desktop software. |
| Installation | Must be installed inside Thunderbird. | Installed independently, no Thunderbird add-on needed. |
| Thunderbird Version Compatibility | Not compatible with all Thunderbird versions — issues reported on Thunderbird 91, 102, and 115. | Supports all Thunderbird versions including 52, 60, 68, 78, 91, 102, and 115. |
| MBOX File Import | Supports basic MBOX import, limited to Local Folders only. | Imports MBOX into Thunderbird any profile: POP, IMAP, or Local Folder. |
| Wide Range of Support | Does Not Support MBS, MBX and MailDir files. | Support MBS, MBX, MailDir, EML, EMLX, MBOX files to Thunderbird import. |
| Bulk / Batch Import | One file at a time. | Import entire folders of MBOX files in one operation. |
| Attachment Import | Frequently fails to import attachments: known issue. | 100% attachment import including DOCX, PDF, ZIP, JPEG and multimedia. |
| Inline Image Retention | Inline images often do not display after import. | Inline images preserved in original format. |
| Email Header Preservation | Partial: From, To, Subject may be retained but CC/BCC often lost. | Complete header retention: From, To, CC, BCC, Subject, Sent Date, Received Date and Size. |
| Folder Hierarchy Maintenance | Folder structure frequently gets lost or misplaced. | Option to maintain exact source folder hierarchy or merge with existing folders. |
| Metadata Retention | Read/unread status and email metadata often not preserved. | Full metadata retention — read/unread status, flags, labels, timestamps. |
| Date Based Filter | No filtering: imports all data regardless of date. | Built-in date range filter: import only emails from a specific date range. |
| Auto-detect Thunderbird Profiles | Manual profile selection required. | Automatically detects all configured Thunderbird profiles. |
| Google Takeout MBOX Support | Partial: large Takeout MBOX files (Inbox.mbox, Sent.mbox) often fail. | Full Google Takeout MBOX support regardless of file size. |
| File Size Limitation | Large MBOX files frequently cause crashes or timeouts. | No file size limitation to import large size MBOX files to Thunderbird account. |
| Transfer Complete Thunderbird Profile | Not designed for full profile migration. | Moves complete Thunderbird profile to another computer including all MBOX and SBD files. |
| 24x7 Customer Support | Community forum only, no dedicated support. | 24x7 free customer support with guaranteed response. |
| Best For | Small MBOX files, simple import and single-file testing. | Bulk migration, multiple file formats, enterprise use and data-critical imports. |
Software Allows Users to Upload MBOX Files to Thunderbird Account
| Body |
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| Attachment |
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| Header |
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| Mailbox Folder |
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| Attachment |
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| Labels |
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| SBD Source File | As this is a sub-directory file, browse through it to find the MBOX file and import MBOX to Thunderbird using the software. |
| MSF Source File | Since MSF file contains only the index, Browse to add related MBOX file to import MSF to Thunderbird. |
Thunderbird Import Wizard - Noteworthy Features

The main function of this software is to add MBOX file into Mozilla Thunderbird account. Along with normal emails, the tool can also import MBOX file emails containing various attachments. Once the import is done, restart Thunderbird application to view and open MBOX file in Thunderbird that have been imported.

Auto-Detect Thunderbird Profiles
Thunderbird Importer software automatically detects all the profiles that have been configured in the installed Thunderbird application. This includes both the POP and IMAP configured email accounts. Users can easily choose their target profile from the list and the software will move MBOX data to the chosen Thunderbird profile.

Thunderbird users can import large number of EML files into Thunderbird account using Thunderbird Import Wizard tool. For importation, the software supports EML / EMLX files created in both Windows and Mac OS email clients including Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Apple Mail, Entourage, IncrediMail, etc.

Move Maildir Files Directly
Along with MBOX file, Thunderbird also provides an option to save its data in Maildir format. In case you have some of these files that you wish to import into Mozilla Thunderbird, try Thunderbird Importer. The latest version of this software supports importing Maildir files into Thunderbird profile without changing its properties.

Add Single or Multiple Files
Import MBOX to Thunderbird tool offers users options to add one or multiple MBOX files to Thunderbird at the same time. It also supports other file formats i.e., EML / EMLX / Maildir.

Along with the facility to add MBOX data into the default Thunderbird profile, Thunderbird Importer lets users move MBOX to Thunderbird other profiles.

Selective MBOX Data Import
The application will let users import selective data / emails from the added MBOX files into Thunderbird email application. Using the built-in date-based filter, users can enter the required date range by filling the From date and To date fields. Afterwards, the application will transfer the emails of only the particular date range to Thunderbird.

Supported Email Clients
MBOX files created in all the major email clients are supported by this MBOX to Thunderbird file importer software. The supported email applications include Thunderbird, Google Takeout, Google Vault, Opera Mail, Seamonkey, Netscape, Mulberry, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, etc. This application is also compatible with Thunderbird Maildir files and EML files of all email clients.

Maintain Folder Hierarchy
When you choose “Maintain Folder Hierarchy” option to import MBOX to Thunderbird account, the imported MBOX emails are saved in a new folder outside all the existing Thunderbird folders. When this option is not selected and a folder already exists with the same name as the MBOX file, the imported MBOX file data will get merged in that folder.

Retention of Source MBOX Metadata
Even after moving the MBOX files of different email clients into Thunderbird using Thunderbird Importer, there will be no changes in the metadata of the source MBOX file. Besides data integrity, the tool also keeps the header information, read/unread status, etc. intact after importing MBOX file to Thunderbird.

No Restriction on File Size
When it comes to opening MBOX files into Thunderbird, the software is the perfect choice. Since there is no file size limitation, users can import MBOX files of any size to Thunderbird email using this tool. Even in case of large-sized MBOX files, Thunderbird Import Wizard works fine and moves files without any data loss.

Complete Windows OS Support
Thunderbird Import Tool is a Windows-based software that can be run on any Windows run computer / laptop. It is compatible with Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 of this operating system. MBOX to Thunderbird import tool also supports 32-bit as well as 64-bit versions of Windows Operating System to add MBOX to Thunderbird account.
Best Software to Import MBOX File into Thunderbird Account Easily
(Windows OS)
| Name: | SysTools Thunderbird Importer |
| Version: | 5.2 |
| Size: | 10.3 MB |
| MD5: | 2f01a33b6fe86028d57070384bfce018 |
| Free Version: | Download for Windows |
(Mac OS)
| SysTools Thunderbird Importer For Mac |
| 8.1 |
| 34.1 MB |
| 794599bf3f431625667ff29f80a5dd40 |
| Download for Mac |
Trial Limitations: |
(Windows) Free Version of SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard will only import 25 items per folder into Thunderbird Email Client. |
(Mac) Free version of SysTools Mac Thunderbird Import Wizard will import first 10 emails per MBOX file. (For MBOX and MBX). |
| (Windows) | (Mac) | |
| Hard Disk Space: | 100 MB of free hard disk space required | 100 MB of free hard disk space required |
| RAM: | 4 GB of RAM (4 GB is recommended) | 4 GB of RAM (4 GB is recommended) |
| Processor: | Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU E4600 @ 2.40GHz 2.39GHz | Mac Computer with Intel Processor Mac Computer with Apple Silicon (Apple M1) |
Platforms: |
(Windows) Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8, 7 (32 bit or 64 bit) & Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2008 Compatible with Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 (32/64 bit) |
(Mac) MacOS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), MacOS X 10.9(Mavericks), MacOS X 10.10 (Yosemite), MacOS X 10.11 (El Capitan), MacOS X 10.12 (Sierra), MacOS X 10.13 (High Sierra), MacOS X 10.14 (Mojave), MacOS X 10.15 (Catalina), MacOS X 11.0 (Big Sur), MacOS X 12.0 (Monterey), MacOS X 13.0 (Ventura), MacOS X 14.0 (Sonoma) |
Application Pre-Requisites: |
(Windows)
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(Mac) |
Product Guide: |
(Windows) |
(Mac) |
FAQs
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Get An Overview of Free and Licensed Version of The Software
| Features | Free Version | Full Version |
|---|---|---|
| Import Multiple MBOX Files into Thunderbird | ||
| Add Multiple MBOX/MBS, MBX, EML, EMLX, Maildir Files | ||
| Import Emails with Attachments | ||
| Selective MBOX Data Import | ||
| Maintain Source Folder Hierarchy | ||
| Complete Metadata Retention | ||
| Auto-Loading Thunderbird Profile | ||
| Support for Windows OS 11 & all older versions | ||
| Import MBOX to Thunderbird | 25 Items / Folder | |
| Also Support EML, EMLX, and Maildir Files | 25 Items / Folder | |
| Cost | FREE | Starting At $29 |
Awards & Reviews
MVPs & Expert Reviews
Thunderbird Import Wizard facilitates selective import from MBOX to Thunderbird 60 and other versions. With its date filter, only the required MBOX emails can be easily opened in Mozilla Thunderbird.
James Smith
For bulk / multiple MBOX file import into Mozilla Thunderbird profiles, SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard is definitely among the most popular applications. What I like most is its ability to support even EML format.
Peter Adams
This software has a very simple and easy to use GUI. So, even non-technical users will find it easy to upload multiple MBOX files into their Thunderbird profile. One can finish the entire process without any external help.
Aaron Ponting
A complete MBOX importer software suitable for MBOX files created in all the major email clients of both Windows and Mac OS. Its simple interface assists users to perform multiple file transfer into Thunderbird in an easy manner.
David Jackson
This Windows OS compatible Thunderbird Importer Tool allows users to open different email clients MBOX files in Thunderbird. As long as it is an MBOX file, it can be imported via this software.
Neha Singh
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Q :
How do I import MBOX files into Thunderbird? I am planning to buy this Thunderbird Importer software. Can you tell me how to import MBOX files using this application? |
It is quite easy to operate this tool. All you have to do it to follow these steps: Steps to Import MBOX Files into Mozilla Thunderbird
|
Q :
Why does not Thunderbird display imported MBOX, EML, EMLX, Maildir files? |
If your Thunderbird program is open during the import process, then you have to close it and start again to view the imported MBOX, EML, Maildir data. |
Q :
Why cannot I import MBOX to Thunderbird profile using this tool with Thunderbird setting set as maildir? |
If you cannot find the transferred MBOX data in Thunderbird, check the Advanced Configuration settings of your Thunderbird account. The Message Store type has to be set as MBOX for this tool to work. If it is set as Maildir, the import will not be successful. |
Q :
How do I open an MBOX file in Thunderbird? |
Download free Thunderbird email application and import the MBOX file into it with Thunderbird Importer software. Then you can easily open an MBOX file. |
Q :
What is the maximum file size for MBOX file supported by this software? |
There is no file size limit as users can add any size of MBOX file to this Thunderbird Import Tool. |
Q :
Does this application support importing Opera Mail MBS file to Thunderbird? |
Yes, MBS file created in Opera Mail is a type of MBOX file. This tool can be used to import MBS file also. |
Q :
How to import MBOX files into Thunderbird IMAP configured account? |
When users choose the IMAP profile as the destination, the tool will show a warning message and ask users to choose Local Folder as their destination. When the data transfer is done, MBOX file data can be easily dragged from Local Folder section to IMAP account. |
Q :
How to import a bulk amount of EML / EMLX files into Thunderbird? |
Store all the necessary EML / EMLX files in a folder and use Add Folder option of Thunderbird Importer to add the folder into the tool. Then the application will import all the EML, EMLX files into Thunderbird regardless of its count. |
Q :
Is there any chance of data loss while importing some MBOX files into Thunderbird? |
No, the software carefully moves complete data of MBOX files in Thunderbird and no data will go missing in this process. |