Thunderbird Pro Launches as Optional Paid Tier, Preserving Core App’s Free Status
Table of Contents
Mozilla’s popular email client, Thunderbird, will remain free and open-source, while a new subscription service, Thunderbird Pro, is being rolled out by its subsidiary, MZLA Technologies. The new offering aims to provide users with enhanced features, including a privacy-focused email service hosted on servers in Germany.
The introduction of Thunderbird Pro represents a strategic move to monetize the platform without compromising the accessibility that has made it a favorite among users. According to a company release, the core Thunderbird application will continue to receive regular monthly updates and maintain its full functionality at no cost.
Entering a New Era: Thunderbird Pro’s Feature Set
Currently in a testing phase with a waiting list, Thunderbird Pro bundles three key services: Thundermail, Thunderbird Appointment, and Thunderbird Send. These services are designed to streamline communication and enhance data security.
- Thundermail: This service offers email hosting directly integrated with Thunderbird, leveraging the latest email standards like JMAP. Users can choose a new domain or utilize an existing one.
- Thunderbird Appointment: Designed to simplify scheduling, this feature allows users to share availability and automatically coordinate meetings, offering compatibility with Google Calendar.
- Thunderbird Send: This service focuses on secure file sharing, providing end-to-end encryption and fewer restrictions for sending large attachments.
Pricing and Availability
The subscription is currently priced at $9 per month, providing access to three domains, 15 email addresses, 30 GB of mail storage, and 300 GB of storage for Send. The service is designed to be cross-platform compatible, ensuring accessibility across various operating systems.
MZLA Technologies plans to release further technical details and announce a general availability date in the coming months. One analyst noted that this tiered approach allows Mozilla to cater to power users while maintaining a robust free offering for the broader community.
Commitment to Open Source and User Choice
Crucially, MZLA Technologies emphasizes that Thunderbird Pro is entirely optional. The company has made a firm commitment to preserving the free and open-source nature of the core Thunderbird application. “Nothing changes for Thunderbird users,” a senior official stated. “The program remains free with full functionality and receives a regular update once a month.”
The launch of Thunderbird Pro signals a new chapter for the email client, balancing the need for sustainable development with a dedication to user freedom and accessibility.
