---
title: The Bat!
kind: note
description: e-mail client for Windows
words: 120
readingMinutes: 1
created: '2024-08-18T16:22:13+02:00'
updated: '2026-06-29T20:34:03+02:00'
website: https://www.ritlabs.com/en/products/thebat/
---
## Link

<https://www.ritlabs.com/en/products/thebat/>

"The Bat!" is a commercial [email](/notes/email) client for [Windows](/notes/microsoft-windows), by the <span class="dead-link">Moldovan</span> [software](/notes/software) company <span class="dead-link">Ritlabs</span>.
## Review
I have been using *The Bat!* on and off since 2012 and probably years before that, but that's how far back I have saved my licenses.
### Positive
- Can handle large mailboxes easily
- Supports [PGP](/notes/gnupg) and <span class="dead-link">S/MIME</span>
- Portable mode (e.g. run from a flash drive)
- **Extensive** filtering and automation (rules) options
- Very customizable
- Secure HTML view
- Integrated <span class="dead-link">RSS</span> reader
### Negative
- Only supports [Windows](/notes/microsoft-windows)
- Not open-source (could cease to be developed)
- Stability has gone down-hill the last couple of years/versions
- "Use it or leave" attitude by support staff
## FAQ
### Syncing the address book with Google Contacts
- [How to Sync Google Contacts](https://www.ritlabs.com/en/support/help/70/#gmail)
## Alternatives
- <span class="dead-link">Claws Mail</span>