A Spark alternative for Gmail on the Mac
Spark is a cross-platform mail app for many kinds of account, with a calendar of its own and a free plan. Hark Mail is narrower: a native Mac app for Gmail only, on Google’s Gmail API, with Google Calendar and Google Tasks in the same window — and no server of ours between your Mac and Google.
Side by side
Including the rows where Hark Mail is behind. Spark facts are from its own website, as of October 2026.
| Feature | Hark Mail | Spark |
|---|---|---|
| Mail accounts it works with | Gmail and Google Workspace accounts only | Google, iCloud, Outlook, Exchange, Yahoo and other IMAP accounts |
| Multiple accounts | One Gmail account per Mac during the beta; the unified inbox is built and switched off | Yes — unlimited, on the free plan too |
| Calendar | Yes — a week view you can edit, in the same window | Yes — a built-in calendar for Google, Exchange and iCloud calendars |
| Google Tasks | Yes | Not listed among its features |
| Where your mail is processed | On your Mac — your mail never touches our servers | Mainly on your device; on Spark’s servers when a feature needs it, such as shared emails or Send Later |
| Keyboard shortcuts | A few today — j, k, the arrow keys and Esc; more coming in updates | Yes — listed as a feature |
| Platforms | Mac (Apple silicon, macOS 14 or later); Windows next | Mac, Windows, iOS and Android |
| Price | Free during the beta; after it, 30 days free, then $5.99/month | Free plan; Plus $10/month and Pro $20/month billed monthly, less billed yearly; 7-day free trial (as of October 2026) |
The server row is about where your messages are handled, not about security in general. Spark’s privacy policy says your mail is mainly processed on your device and that features such as shared emails, shared drafts and Send Later are processed on its servers. Hark Mail has no server for your mail.
Who should stay on Spark
- You have mail outside Google. Spark works with iCloud, Outlook, Exchange, Yahoo and IMAP; Hark Mail is Gmail and Google Workspace only.
- You use several accounts every day. Spark includes unlimited accounts on its free plan; Hark Mail connects one account per Mac during the beta.
- You need the same app on Windows, iOS or Android today. Spark is on all of them; Hark Mail is a Mac app, with Windows next.
- You want a free plan for good. Spark has one. Hark Mail is free during the beta, then $5.99 a month after a 30-day trial.
- You share mail with a team. Spark lists real-time collaboration on emails, private comments and delegation for teams.
Who Hark Mail is for
- You want mail and calendar in one native window. Inbox, a full Google Calendar week view you can edit, and Google Tasks, without a second app or a browser tab.
- You live in one Gmail or Workspace account. That is what the beta supports, and it is where Hark Mail is complete today.
- You want your data to stay between your Mac and Google. Hark Mail has no server for your mail; it talks to Google directly from your Mac.
Questions
Is Hark Mail related to Spark?
No. They are independent products from different companies. Hark Mail is made by Souplin Labs LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Spark Mail Limited.
Can I switch from Spark to Hark Mail?
Yes, for a Gmail or Google Workspace account. Hark Mail reads your Gmail directly from Google, so your mail, labels and filters are there when you sign in. You can keep both installed while you decide.
Does Hark Mail work with iCloud, Outlook or Yahoo mail?
No. Hark Mail works with Gmail and Google Workspace accounts only, through Google’s own APIs.
How much does Hark Mail cost?
Hark Mail is free during the beta. After the beta it is free for 30 days, then $5.99 a month for the whole app — mail, calendar and tasks. Spark lists a free plan, and Plus at $10 a month (as of October 2026).
Spark is a trademark of its owner. Hark Mail is not affiliated with or endorsed by Spark Mail Limited. Comparison based on publicly available information as of October 2026.
Hark is in a free public beta.
macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon.
See the app — the window on the home page is the real interface, and you can change its accent and theme from the page.