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Productivity · head to head

Mimestream vs Ulysses

Mimestream logo

Mimestream

Productivity

Native Mac email client built specifically for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts, and nothing else

From
$4.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ulysses logo

Ulysses

Productivity

Distraction-free writing application for creative professionals

From
$5.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Mimestream it only works with Gmail and Google Workspace, so it is entirely useless for anyone with an iCloud, Outlook, Yahoo or other IMAP account.; Ulysses no free tier available
  • They diverge on capability: Mimestream covers Native Gmail labels, Ulysses covers Distraction-free writing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mimestream and Ulysses actually diverge.

Attributes where Mimestream and Ulysses differ
AttributeMimestreamUlysses
Starting price$4.99/month$5.99/month
Pricing modelPer user per monthsubscription
PlatformsMacMacOS, IOS, IPadOS
FoundedUnknown2003

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Productivity).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Mimestream

  • Native Gmail labels
  • Gmail filters
  • Fast local search
  • Conversation threading
  • Multiple account support
  • Native macOS integration

Only in Ulysses

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Markdown support
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Organization with sheets and groups
  • iCloud sync
  • Dark and light themes
  • Full-screen mode
  • Search and filter

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Mimestream

  • A Mac user whose email is entirely Gmail or Google Workspace and wants a faster native alternative to the Gmail web appnot Ulysses
  • Someone who finds Apple Mail handling of Gmail labels and search unreliable or confusingnot Ulysses
  • A Google Workspace user managing multiple accounts who wants them combined in one native menu bar appnot Ulysses
  • A user who wants Gmail-specific filters and search operators without opening a browser tabnot Ulysses

Ulysses

  • Writing and editing on Apple devicesnot Mimestream
  • Cross-device document synchronizationnot Mimestream
  • Markdown-based writingnot Mimestream

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Mimestream

  • It only works with Gmail and Google Workspace, so it is entirely useless for anyone with an iCloud, Outlook, Yahoo or other IMAP account.
  • It is a subscription with no permanent free tier or lifetime purchase option, so the cost is ongoing for as long as it is used.
  • It is Mac only, so it does nothing for a Windows machine or for mobile email, which still relies on the standard Gmail app or another client.
  • Because it depends entirely on Gmail API access, any change Google makes to that API could affect Mimestream functionality outside the developer control.
  • A user who wants one email client for multiple different providers has to run Mimestream alongside a second app for non-Gmail accounts, rather than consolidating everything in one place.

Ulysses

  • No free tier available
  • Only subscription model, no one-time purchase option
  • Family Sharing limited to 5 additional members (6 total users)

Pricing, plan by plan

Mimestream

$4.99/month
  • Mimestream$4.99/month
    • 49.99 USD per year if billed annually
    • Free trial before purchase
    • Covers multiple Gmail or Google Workspace accounts

Ulysses

$5.99/month
  • Annual Subscription$39.99/year
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates
  • Monthly Subscription$5.99/month
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates

Which should you pick?

Choose Mimestream if

  • You need native gmail labels.
  • You work on Mac.
  • You also want gmail filters.
Mimestream review

Choose Ulysses if

  • You need distraction-free writing.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
  • You also want markdown support.
Ulysses review

Questions people ask

Is Mimestream or Ulysses better?
Neither clearly leads. Mimestream starts at $4.99/month and Ulysses at $5.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mimestream or Ulysses?
Mimestream starts at $4.99/month and Ulysses at $5.99/month.
Does Mimestream or Ulysses run on more platforms?
Mimestream runs on Mac. Ulysses runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
What is Mimestream best used for?
Mimestream is most often used for a mac user whose email is entirely gmail or google workspace and wants a faster native alternative to the gmail web app, someone who finds apple mail handling of gmail labels and search unreliable or confusing, a google workspace user managing multiple accounts who wants them combined in one native menu bar app, a user who wants gmail-specific filters and search operators without opening a browser tab. Of those, a mac user whose email is entirely gmail or google workspace and wants a faster native alternative to the gmail web app and someone who finds apple mail handling of gmail labels and search unreliable or confusing are not what Ulysses is typically brought in for.
What can Mimestream do that Ulysses cannot?
Mimestream covers Native Gmail labels, Gmail filters, Fast local search, Conversation threading. Ulysses covers Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, Syntax highlighting, Organization with sheets and groups.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mimestream: Does Mimestream work with Outlook or iCloud Mail?

No. It connects only to Gmail and Google Workspace accounts and cannot be used with any other provider.

Ulysses: What are Ulysses pricing options?

Ulysses costs $39.99 per year (annual) or $5.99 per month (monthly). Student discounts are available. Volume licensing is available for businesses through their licensing portal.

Source
Mimestream: Is Mimestream free?

No. It is a subscription at 4.99 US dollars a month or 49.99 dollars a year, with a free trial but no permanent free tier.

Ulysses: Does Ulysses include Family Sharing?

Yes, both annual and monthly Ulysses subscriptions include Apple Family Sharing, allowing up to five additional family members to use Ulysses on their devices at no extra cost.

Source
Mimestream: Is it available on iPhone or iPad?

No. Mimestream is a Mac-only native app with no iOS version.

Ulysses: Can I get Ulysses through a subscription service?

Yes, Ulysses is available through the Setapp subscription service as an alternative to direct subscription. Volume licensing is also available for businesses and organizations through their licensing portal.

Source
Ulysses: Does Ulysses pricing vary by location?

Prices listed apply to the U.S., and local pricing may differ in other regions. Check your regional App Store for exact pricing.

Source
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