Thunderbird is stepping up its game with new pro-tier services, aiming to rival Gmail and other major email providers. The longtime open-source email client will soon offer @thundermail.com email addresses, along with additional premium features such as an appointment scheduler, file-sharing tools, and AI-powered “Thunderbird Assist” services.
Users can already join the beta waitlist at thundermail.com, where they’ll have the option to register an @thundermail.com or @tb.pro address. However, specific pricing and subscription tiers have yet to be announced.
A Long-Awaited Expansion
Thunderbird’s managing director, Ryan Sipes, confirmed the plans in a Thunderbird Planning discussion group post last Friday. While acknowledging that Thunderbird is late to the game, Sipes expressed confidence in the service’s potential, stating, “It is our goal to eventually have a similar offering so that a 100 percent open-source, freedom-respecting alternative ecosystem is available for those who want it.”
Originally launched in 2003 as a companion to Mozilla’s Firefox browser, Thunderbird remained popular among privacy-conscious users despite losing ground to Gmail and web-based email services. After Mozilla ceased development in 2012, the project transitioned to a community-led initiative before being taken over by Mozilla Foundation subsidiary MZLA Technology Corporation in 2020.
Challenging Gmail and Outlook
Thunderbird has always been an email client rather than a standalone email service—unlike competitors such as Gmail, Outlook, ProtonMail, and FastMail. The move to offer dedicated email addresses and additional tools is a major shift, potentially appealing to users who distrust Big Tech and prioritize privacy.
As Thunderbird Pro services continue to take shape, it remains to be seen whether they can carve out a meaningful niche in an already competitive email landscape.
