Alternatives to getmail6
A command-line tool that fetches mail from POP3 and IMAP servers into local mailboxes. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
getmail6
A command-line tool that fetches mail from POP3 and IMAP servers into local mailboxes.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as getmail6.
isync
Fast IMAP to Maildir mirroring, usually invoked as mbsync.
isync mirrors IMAP to Maildir quickly and two-way with precise folder control, but it drops POP3 support and its terse configuration can delete mail.
OfflineIMAP
Synchronises IMAP accounts into local Maildir folders.
OfflineIMAP syncs IMAP accounts two-way into Maildir with per-folder rules, but it handles no POP3 and runs slowly on very large mailboxes.
Also worth comparing
These listings name getmail6 as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Got Your Back
A command-line tool that backs up Gmail messages to your computer through the Gmail API.
getmail6 fetches mail from any POP3 or IMAP server into maildir or mbox on macOS and Linux, and includes a Gmail OAuth token helper.
Mail Backup X
A Mac and Windows app that backs up, archives and converts email from many mail clients.
getmail6 is a free, open-source command-line tool for macOS and Linux that fetches POP3 and IMAP mail into maildir or mbox, without an archive viewer.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
msmtp
A small SMTP client that sends mail for terminal mail readers and scripts through a mail server.
notmuch
A fast, tag-based email indexing and search system used from a terminal or text editor.
mu
A Maildir indexer and search tool with mu4e, an email client for GNU Emacs.
Mutt
A text-based email client that runs in the terminal on Unix-like systems.
NeoMutt
A fork of Mutt that gathered decades of scattered patches into one maintained terminal mail client.
imapsync
Command-line tool for migrating or backing up between IMAP servers.
