Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source desktop email client where you can add and manage multiple email accounts. Betterbird is more polished, faster, and has more advanced features than Thunderbird. Therefore, many are switching to Betterbird. This guide explains how you can migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird. I am going to provide the methods to transfer your mailbox.
Why Import Thunderbird to Betterbird?
People are switching from Thunderbird to Betterbird to get an upgraded version of their email service. Still, you want to know the reasons. Here, I am going to provide the reasons below.
- Betterbird provides you with several advanced features, like bug fixes, innovative features, advanced notification controls, native text zoom, and regional setting customization. This is much better than Thunderbird’s features.
- The interface and the workflows are much smoother and more responsive. Users can more easily manage their emails in Betterbird than in Thunderbird.
- Thunderbird and Betterbird are built on the same structural foundation. So, people will not lose their setup when switching email clients.
- The email experience in Betterbird will be the same as Thunderbird. So, there will be a minimal learning curve when you are switching your account.
- Your productivity will not be interrupted, as you can safely transfer your existing emails, folder hierarchies, address book, and other data.
Migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird with Existing Thunderbird Profile
Betterbird is designed to directly get Thunderbird data directory when it is installed. So, there is no need for you to manually import the profile. However, if you want to run Betterbird independently with separate profiles, move to a new computer, or if the version path is registered or profile locks prevent automatic detection. Then, follow the steps below.
- Close your Thunderbird completely.
- On your computer, find your Thunderbird profile. By default, the profile path is in Windows: C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\. Note down the profile path.
- Download and install Betterbird from the official site. After launching the app, close it immediately.
- Copy your Thunderbird profile directory and paste it to a safe place as a backup.
- Find your Betterbird Profile Directory using the Profile Manager, then launch Betterbird.
- With the same manager, select, map, or link your Thunderbird profile directory.
- Launch Betterbird and check your account, emails, address book, and other data to confirm it is successfully transferred.
Add the Same Email Account in Betterbird
Users can link the same email account that was linked with Thunderbird in Betterbird. It also supports an IMAP server, so configuring the same email account is easier.
- Open the Betterbird application and click the Application Menu button.
- Select New Account and press the Email button.
- Enter your full name, email address, and password. Click the Continue button.
- Select the IMAP option, then log in to your native page. Click the Allow button.
- If you are manually configuring, provide the IMAP server settings. Then, hit Done or Finish to sync your emails.
With this, you can resync your previously Thunderbird-added email accounts. But if you want to safely move your Thunderbird mailbox to Betterbird, there is an alternative option that you can use.
Alternative Option to Migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird
If your mailbox is not automatically moved from Thunderbird to Betterbird, or you are missing some emails. You can transfer on your own using the SysTools Thunderbird Migration Tool. This alternative solution easily moves your emails using IMAP-supported email accounts. It is free to download on your Windows and macOS computer. To know how it works, follow its guide.
Use Software to Transfer Thunderbird Emails to Betterbird
- Download and install the software, then click IMAP for both source and destination.
- From the source dashboard, choose Thunderbird. Click the Validate button.
- Select the Other option from the destination IMAP list. Provide the Betterbird IMAP server URL and Port. Press the Validate button.
- Add your source and destination email IDs, then click the Start Migration button.
Betterbird Vs Thunderbird – Key Differences
It would be great to know the differences between the two programs, which make it easier for you to understand the migration. So, here is the Thunderbird vs Betterbird comparison table.
| Features | Thunderbird | Betterbird |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Uses open-source | It also works with open-source |
| Email Service Foundation | Thunderbird is an original email desktop client. | Betterbird is a soft fork of Mozilla Thunderbird. |
| Email Management | Provides you with standard email sorting and folder management. | Enhanced email management with multi-line views, colored account labels, etc. |
| Support Calendar | Calendar management is integrated into Thunderbird. | Also integrates calendar with advanced notification and reminder controls. |
| Extension Support | It provides a wide range of extensions. | Betterbird supports Thunderbird add-ons and themes. |
| User GUI | Thunderbird follows a traditional desktop UI. | The UI is the same as Thunderbird, with extra window layouts, native text zoom, and tool customization. |
| Operating Systems | Download for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. | It is also available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
Many features in Betterbird are similar to Thunderbird. Along with this, it surpasses the previous program in terms of faster bug fixes, innovation, power user features, etc.
Most Asked Questions
Q. Is Betterbird Safe?
Universally, no program is 100% safe to use. But Betterbird focuses on transparent open-source security practices. It is a soft fork of Thunderbird, where it inherits the core security patches, encryption framework, and vulnerability fixes from Thunderbird Extended Support Releases. Other than that, it does not collect user data. For your safety, you must download the application from the official website or trusted package managers. Make sure you keep the program updated and review the extensions.
Q. Is Betterbird Better Than Thunderbird?
Betterbird and Thunderbird share the same base. If we look at it on the basis of a specific workflow. You will get faster bug fixes, power-saving features, and quick updates than standard Thunderbird. But for the organization that just needs a simple email service, Thunderbird is also very popular.
Q. How to import a Thunderbird profile to Betterbird?
Because Betterbird is built directly on the Thunderbird structure, you don’t need to import a profile separately. The program recognizes your existing profile directory and shares it.
Concluding Words
Betterbird is created similarly to Thunderbird but with additional features. So, some users want to migrate Thunderbird to Betterbird. In this, I have provided ways to move your Thunderbird profile and emails. Along with this, I also explained the key differences between them.