Overview
Transferring emails is still one of the most popular IT tasks for both businesses and individuals working with Microsoft Outlook data. If you are migrating to Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, eM Client or another email client that supports EML files, converting Outlook PST files to EML format is often the first step. Choosing reliable software is crucial to ensure emails, attachments, metadata and folder structures remain intact during the migration.
This comparison blog reviews 5 popular PST to EML converters available in 2026:
· SysInfo PST to EML Converter
· Softaken PST to EML Converter
· GainTools PST to EML Converter
· eSoftTools PST to EML Converter
· DataVare PST to EML Converter
The aim of this comparison is to review these utilities on features, price, interface, conversion speed, and best use case to help users choose the right software for their migration needs.
What is the PST and EML file format?
What is a PST file?
PST (Personal Storage Table) is a proprietary file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store data. It stores mailbox information locally and contains:
· Emails
· Attachments
· Contacts
· Calendar
· Notes
· Journals
PST files are commonly used to back up Outlook, archive mailboxes and move Outlook data from one computer to another.
What is an EML file?
EML is a standard file format for email supported by many desktop email applications. An EML file contains one email message, which includes:
· Email message
· Sender and recipient information
· Enclosures
· Subject lines
· Headings
· Information on date and time
The EML files are supported by many applications such as Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Apple Mail, eM Client, SeaMonkey and a number of forensic and document management applications.
PST to EML conversion improves email portability and allows users to migrate Outlook data to multiple email platforms.
Why Use Dedicated PST to EML Converter Software?
Outlook has migration facilities but it does not have any direct option to convert complete PST mailbox to EML format. Professional converters help users to:
· Convert multiple PST files at once
· Preserve folder structure
· Preserve email metadata
· Convert attachments safely
· Selective mailbox migration
· Reduce manual migration time
Best 5 PST to EML Converter Software Comparison (2026)
Software | Feature | Pricing | Interface | Speed | Best Uses |
SysInfo PST to EML Converter Tool | Advanced Mailbox Recovery, Batch Conversion, Preview | Premium | Professional | High | Enterprise Recovery Projects |
Softaken PST to EML Converter | Selective export; preserve folders; simple workflow | Reasonable Price | Easy to learn | High | Individual users & small businesses |
GainTools PST to EML Converter Tool | Batch migration, keeps metadata, multiple export options | Reasonable price | Clean interface | Fast | Daily Outlook migrations |
1. SysInfo PST to EML Converter
SysInfo PST to EML Converter is a one-stop solution for performing complex outlook mailbox migration.
Features
· Bulk PST to EML Conversion
· Fix corrupted and healthy PST files
· Preview mail before export
· Preserves attachments and formatting intact
· Provides folder structure
Pricing
Sophisticated recovery capabilities with premium pricing.
User Interface
Advanced professional user interface.
Speed
Good conversion performance, especially for large mailboxes.
Best for
· Enterprise migrations
· Outlook archives large files
· Advanced mailbox recovery
2. Softaken PST to EML Conversion Tool
Softaken PST to EML Converter is committed to providing a straightforward conversion experience, while preserving essential mailbox features.
Features
· Batch PST conversion
· Selective folder export
· Maintains email formatting
· Keeps the folder hierarchy
· Supports attachments
Pricing
Individual & business rates are reasonably priced.
User interface
Clean and simple. Easy for novices.
Speed
Fast processing, little configuration.
Best For
· Individual users
· Small businesses
· Initial Outlook migration
3. GainTools PST to EML Converter
GainTools PST to EML Converter is meant for those users who want to migrate their Outlook emails in a quick and simple way.
Features
· Batch PST to EML Conversion
· Retention of metadata
· Folder structure preservation
· Various export formats
· Retention of attachments
Pricing
Affordable, with several licensing options.
User Interface
Easy workflow and simple to navigate.
Speed
Fast conversion of small and large PST files.
Best For
· IT support teams
· Migrations Outlook routine
· Transfers of business emails
4. eSoftTools PST to EML Converter
eSoftTools PST to EML Converter is offering advanced mailbox management features for users who deal with large Outlook archives.
Features
· View mailbox items
· Supports large PST files
· Selective Mailbox Migration
· Maintains formatting
· Attachment conversion
Pricing
Mid-level price with high-end features.
User Interface
Rich interface, built for experienced users.
Speed
Efficiently handles large mailboxes.
Best For
· IT admins
· Business environments
· Large email archives
5. DataVare PST to EML Converter
For everyday Outlook migration needs, DataVare PST to EML Converter offers simplicity and reliable conversion performance.
Features
· Batch PST to EML conversion
· Preview mailbox details
· Maintain folder structure
· Export as email attachment
· Selective pricing for conversion
· Economical for home users and businesses.
User Interface
The interface is simple and requires little technical knowledge.
Speed
Fast conversion of normal company mailboxes.
Best For
· Home users
· Small business
· Cost-conscious organizations
Suitable For
Different converters are built to meet different migration requirements.
Corporate IT Departments: SysInfo, Softaken
Small Businesses: Softaken, DataVare
Home Users: DataVare, Softaken
IT Consultants: GainTools, SysInfo
Email Migration Service Providers: DataVare, eSoftTools
Organizations moving to Thunderbird: GainTools, Softaken
Users Creating EML Archives: DataVare, Softaken
FAQs
Why Convert PST to EML?
The PST to EML conversion makes the Outlook emails accessible in various email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Windows mail, and eM Client.
Can I convert multiple PST files simultaneously with these tools?
Most of the professional converters reviewed here support batch conversion for more efficient use.
Do attachments in emails get preserved?
Yes. These tools are built to preserve attachments, formatting, and metadata during conversion.
Which is the easiest software for beginners?
DataVare and Softaken are easy to use with less technical knowledge required.
Which converter is appropriate for enterprise environments?
SysInfo and eSoftTools provide advanced features for enterprise-level mailbox migrations.
Is it possible to convert selective folders?
Yes. Most of the tools mentioned allow selective conversion of folders to reduce the processing time.
What factors should I consider before selecting a PST to EML converter?
Consider data preservation, speed of conversion, ease of use of the interface, batch processing capabilities, options for selective export, cost and compatibility with your version of Outlook.
Conclusion
Your migration goals, technical skills, and budget will influence your choice of a PST-to-EML converter. Softaken & SysInfo are best for organizations that need advanced recovery features and enterprise-level functionality. GainTools has a secure option for regular business migrations. At the same time, Softaken and DataVare are also worth mentioning due to their low cost, user-friendly interface, and reliable conversion features. Users can compare features, pricing, speed and usability to confidently select a solution that ensures accurate, efficient and secure migration of Outlook emails in 2026.
