Introduction
Outlook stores information from mailboxes within PST files (Personal Storage Table files) created on your computer, while most desktop email software utilizes the EML format for storing individual email messages; therefore, if you want to transfer emails from Microsoft Outlook into an EML-compatible desktop mail software (such as Windows Mail or Thunderbird), using a PST-to-EML converter is often the simplest and most reliable way of getting the data transferred.
PST-to-EML conversion is done using specialized software softwares that enable users to export their emails from Outlook without losing key information contained in the mailbox (formatting of the email message, copies of the attachments, metadata – including who sent you the email and when, etc., and structure of the folders in which it was stored) while also minimizing the amount of time spent on manual migration (for example, migrating multiple folders vs. migrating a complete Outlook account).
To assist in determining which PST-to-EML converter might be best suited to your needs, this article provides a review of five different converters based on
(1) available features
(2) user-friendliness
(3) user-type appropriateness.
1. WholeClear PST to EML Converter
WholeClear PST to EML Converter is a tool used to convert PST files from Microsoft Outlook into EML format while preserving the original folder structure. You can convert both ANSI and Unicode PST files into EML format, and you can convert multiple PST files simultaneously.
During the conversion process, the tool maintains the original formatting of the emails, the attachments, the sender and recipient information, subject, and timestamp. Users will find the whole process easy to use because of its simple user interface.
Key Features:
Batch conversion of PST files
Compatible with both ANSI and Unicode PST files
Preserves email folder structure
Maintains email metadata and attachments
Compatible with numerous versions of Outlook
You can try out the trial version of WholeClear PST to EML Converter before purchasing it.
Pros
User-friendly interface
Can convert large PST files
Maintains original email formatting
Batch conversion saves you time
Can be easily used by new users
Cons
Only compatible with Windows
Fewer filtering options than some other products
Best for: Individuals and small companies that need a simple way to convert Microsoft Outlook emails to another formed of EML.
2. PST Walker
PST Walker is primarily known as a utility for viewing and recovering PST files (the Outlook data files) and taking advantage of its PST to EML converter capabilities, allowing the user to open PST files containing Outlook data when Microsoft Outlook is not installed on your computer, retrieve particular items from your Outlook mailbox, and export them into EML format.
PST Walker also has the ability to preview the contents of your mailbox items prior to exporting them. This is especially helpful when you want to recover or convert only one or two specific messages or items from your mailbox.
Key Features
Opens PST files without needing Outlook
Preview mailbox items
Can export EML email messages to EML
Can also support damaged PST files
Will retain all of the original email attributes
Pros
No Copy of Outlook Required
Great Tool to View Damaged PST
Preview Item Before Exporting
Easy to Navigate Through Tool
Helpful in Email Recovery Situations
Cons
More Concentrated on Recovery Rather Than Bulk Migration of eMail
Some Advanced Export Features Will Require a Paid License
Best For: Those who need a tool for recovering, viewing and exporting Outlook mailbox items to EML.
3. MailsDaddy PST to EML Converter
The MailsDaddy PST to EML Converter was designed to help users easily convert Outlook mailbox information into separate EML files. It can convert Large and Small PST files while maintaining the original structure of your mailbox.
The MailsDaddy PST to EML Converter will also convert emails with their attachments and preserve important properties associated with the email message during conversion. It also has batch conversion, allowing you to process multiple mailbox files together.
Notable Features
Batch conversion
Maintains folder hierarchy
Maintains email attachments
Supports a variety of versions of Outlooks
Preview mode for each item
Can convert a very large amount of PST data
Pros
Simple to use
Very quick conversion times
Handles multiple PSTs being converted in one go
EMAIL METADATA ARE MAINTAINED
Business use
Cons
Limitations on export with trial version
Can't filter advanced way
Target Audience: People who need to do Bulk PST to EML conversions without complicated setup.
4. eSoftTools PST to EML Converter
The eSoftTools PST to EML Converter is an efficient solution for converting PST files from Outlook to EML files without losing any of your original emails, folders, or attachments.
The eSoftTools PST to EML Converter has several features:
1. It works with both single and multiple files
2. You can see the email/message thread and the entire folder you are converting before you actually perform the conversion.
3. You will maintain the entire mailbox structure of your email messages, folders, and organization.
The eSoftTools PST to EML Converter has several advantages
1.Converter is easy to use, whether you are a novice or you are more experienced
2. Preserve the structure of your original mail and attached files
3. accurate conversions.
Cons
1. You will need to pay for certain additional features or to gain access to more advanced features
2. Compatible only with the Windows operating system.
The target audience is anyone who wants to convert their large amount of Outlook emails/messages to EML files through a user-friendly interface.
Choosing the Right PST to EML Converter
When deciding which converter to purchase to migrate data, it's important that the decision is based on your individual migration needs, rather than solely on which software has the most feature sets.
If you need a standard conversion tool with a simple interface, WholeClear would be a good choice. For users who wish to view and/or recover Outlook mailbox data prior to conversion, PST Walker can be the best option because of its mailbox viewing feature.
MailsDaddy offers speed and bulk conversions and is therefore well suited for users converting many Outlook mailboxes at the same time. eSoftTools provides extra versatility and solid performance when working with large PST files.
Before choosing a specific converter softwares, you should try out the free trial version of the softwares on a sample PST file that will help ensure conversion accuracy, speed, compatibility with your Outlook version, and that your attachments, metadata, and folder structure are preserved according to your needs.
Final Verdict
A dependable PST to EML converter can greatly streamline migrating email message files from MS Outlook while ensuring essential mail folder contents remain intact. Each tool we looked into had different capabilities that would be helpful, depending on the complexity of your migrations.
WholeClear was designed for ease of use and a solid way to convert PST files; whereas PST Walker provides the ability to both view PST files and export the email messages. MailsDaddy provides a fast method for doing batch conversions, and eSoftTools provides reliable conversions of larger Microsoft Outlook archive files.
The best solution will depend on the size of your PST files, your budget, and the amount of functionality that you need. The most effective way to determine which converter will meet your requirements and deliver accurate PST to EML conversions is by evaluating the various products based on their respective trial versions prior to making a purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a PST to EML Converter?
A PST to EML Converter is a software application that converts Microsoft Outlook PST files into the EML format. EML files can be opened by various email clients such as Windows Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, eM Client, and Windows Live Mail.
2. Why should I convert PST files to EML?
Converting PST to EML makes it easier to migrate Outlook emails to other email clients that support the EML format. It also allows you to save individual emails for archiving, sharing, or backup purposes without relying on Microsoft Outlook.
3. Can I convert multiple PST files at once?
Yes. Most professional PST to EML converters support batch conversion, allowing you to convert multiple PST files or entire mailbox folders in a single operation, which saves considerable time.
4. Will my email attachments be preserved during conversion?
Most reliable PST to EML converters preserve attachments, email formatting, inline images, metadata, and folder hierarchy throughout the conversion process. However, it's always recommended to test the software using its trial version before converting important mailbox data.
5. Do I need Microsoft Outlook installed?
The requirement depends on the software you choose. Some PST to EML converters can process PST files without Microsoft Outlook, while others can require Outlook to be installed on the system.
6. Can these tools convert password-protected PST files?
Many commercial PST to EML converters support password-protected PST files. Before purchasing, verify this feature on the vendor's official website if your Outlook data file is password protected.
7. Is there a free PST to EML Converter?
Most software vendors provide a free trial or demo version that allows users to evaluate the software before purchasing. Trial editions often have limitations, such as converting only a limited number of emails or folders.
8. Which is the best PST to EML Converter?
The best converter depends on your specific needs. If you need a simple and user-friendly solution, WholeClear is a good option. PST Walker is suitable for users who also need mailbox viewing and recovery features, while MailsDaddy and eSoftTools offer reliable batch conversion and support for larger Outlook mailbox files.
