Alternatives to isync
Fast IMAP to Maildir mirroring, usually invoked as mbsync. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
isync
Fast IMAP to Maildir mirroring, usually invoked as mbsync.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as isync.
OfflineIMAP
Synchronises IMAP accounts into local Maildir folders.
OfflineIMAP also syncs IMAP into local Maildir with per-folder rules, but is written in Python, performs poorly on very large mailboxes and has no Windows build.
Also worth comparing
These listings name isync as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
getmail6
A command-line tool that fetches mail from POP3 and IMAP servers into local mailboxes.
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.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
imapsync
Command-line tool for migrating or backing up between IMAP servers.
NeoMutt
A fork of Mutt that gathered decades of scattered patches into one maintained terminal mail client.
aerc
A terminal email client with vim-style keys, an embedded terminal for composing, and first-class support for git email workflows.
Himalaya
Manage mail accounts through a command-line client.
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.
