Nowadays, most users are switching from eM Client to Thunderbird. Thunderbird is a free and open email client-based utility that allows users to transfer their data freely and flexibly. Being open-source software, Thunderbird provides more transparency and privacy. Let’s dive deep into the topic to learn more about how we can migrate eM client to Thunderbird effectively and efficiently.

Reasons to Migrate eM Client to Thunderbird:
Transparency - Thunderbird allows transparency and full control over the data and privacy as compared to eM Client.
Easy migration - You can keep your data with yourself securely with Thunderbird, for example, if a user is switching jobs where eM Client is used. Now he wants his personal data, so he can migrate his data from eM client to Thunderbird, over preferring Gmail or Outlook as it is a free application with better privacy.
Fast & smooth - Thunderbird runs fast & smooth on older systems as compared to eM Client.
Stable & efficient - It is much more stable and efficient when it comes to managing multiple email accounts like Gmail, Outlook, etc.
Easy to use - Its interface is more customizable and user-friendly.
eM Client VS Thunderbird:
Features | eM Client | Thunderbird |
---|---|---|
Cost | The free version is very limited & paid version is costly | It offers completely free & open-source software. |
Customization | Offers limited customizing options. | Provides customization with add-on themes. |
Extensions | Limited extensions provided. | A huge number of extensions. |
Updates | Updated occasionally. | Regular updates. |
IMAP/POP Support | Basic security. | Advanced & flexible options. |
Privacy and security | Basic security. | Advanced security with PGP support. |
Filters | Few filter options and rules. | Few filter options and rules. |
Performance | Slows down due to heavy usage. | Performs quickly with a large number of files. |
Handling | Basic handling options. | Smart attachment reminders and link handling. |
Accessibility | Basic access. | Strong accessibility. |
How do you Migrate an eM Client to Thunderbird Manually?
Step 1: Export Emails from eM Client
Open your eM client and select the desired email from the folder.
Then, choose your file and click on export button.
Select Export to .eml files and the email will be saved in EML format.
Step 2: Import eM Client to Thunderbird
First, create an empty folder and find the path of the exported EML files.
Then, drag the EML file into Thunderbird.
Or you can right-click on the file and click on Open with Thunderbird.
Limitations of using the Manual Method:
Difficulty in bulk transfer - Thunderbird transfers files in .eml format, which is a single message format. To transfer in bulk, you will need to use Thunderbird’s ImportExportTools NG add-on.
Time-consuming - Everything is exported separately, like emails, contacts, events, etc, manually. And for emails, you will have to export as .eml, which will be very time-consuming.
Disturbed hierarchy - While exporting .eml files, the folder hierarchy can be disrupted. You will have to manually set the structure of the files in the folder as per your needs.
Broken attachments - Inline images and attached content may not display the same way as it was before. There are chances of getting broken links and different formatting.
Data loss - Rules, filters, and tags present in eM client do not get transferred to Thunderbird. You will need to recreate them manually in Thunderbird again.
How to Export eM Client to Thunderbird using an Automated Software?
After reviewing the manual methods, we can say that migrating .eml files from eM client to Thunderbird can be a difficult task, as it has too many restrictions and drawbacks. For transferring multiple emails at once without taking much time from the user, download the BitRecover eM Client to Thunderbird Wizard.
How to Migrate eM Client to Thunderbird using the Automated Tool?
Run the software and first choose the option to select the folder or select files.
Then select the exported eM client files and click on Next.
Select the eM client folder and press the Next option.
Then choose your desired saving option from PST, MSG, MBOX, etc.
Select the file naming option & destination path and press the Next button.
Afterward, your process will be completed, and the software will automatically open the destination path location.
Advantages of using an Automated Solution:
Prevents data loss - This expert tool is the best solution to transfer the data accurately without any loss. It migrates multiple files in bulk from eM client to Thunderbird easily with attachments. Therefore, there are no chances of any sort of data loss.
Retains all properties - This application is most suitable for professionals, as while transferring the data, it retains all the properties of the files, which are the same as before, such as header details, image format, text, colour, etc.
Attachment options - This software is the best for importing emails with different types of attachments, such as PDFs, links, images, etc. This utility helps you choose the desired location; by default, the program saves your files at the desktop location when the location is not changed
User-friendly - One of the best things in this software is that it is very easy to use. Its user interface is not complex and any non-technical person can also use it without any training.
Short process- Its GUI is extremely clean and user-friendly. It is not a lengthy process; in a couple of clicks, your eM client will be changed to Thunderbird with no data loss.
Supports various versions - This eM client to Thunderbird wizard is compatible with 32 and 64-bit Microsoft Windows and supports all editions of Windows servers.
Conclusion:
In the above article, we have discussed the manual methods as well as the automated methods. Considering all pros and cons, we can see a clear image that manual methods are time-consuming with too many flaws, which are not suitable for any professional to use. This software is the best solution to all these problems faced when transferring eM Client to Thunderbird. The demo of this software allows you to export 25 eM client emails to Thunderbird.