Before You Convert PST to MBOX, Read This Top 5 Software Comparison

Overview

A common requirement of users migrating from Microsoft Outlook to Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, and other MBOX-supported email clients is to migrate Outlook mailbox data to MBOX format. There are manual methods to do this, but they can be time consuming, complicated and can lead to loss of data. Therefore, many users use dedicated However, not all PST to MBOX converters offer the same level of accuracy, reliability and performance.

Some tools are speed oriented, some are data integrity focused, batch migration or large PST files.

In this article, we are comparing the top 5 PST to MBOX converter tools:

1. Softaken PST to MBOX Converter
2. GainTools PST to MBOX Converter
3. DataVare PST to MBOX Converter
4. WholeClear PST to MBOX Converter
5. TrustVare PST to MBOX Converter

Let’s dig into their features, benefits, drawbacks, and best use cases.

Why Convert PST Files to MBOX Files?

PST (Personal Storage Table) is the proprietary file format used by Microsoft Outlook. MBOX, though, is supported well by a wide variety of email clients on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Common reasons for converting PST to MBOX are:

• Change from Outlook to Thunderbird
• Mac systems for opening Outlook emails
• Making portable mailbox backups
• Moving Emails to Linux Mail Applications
• Keeping legacy Outlook archives in an open format

General Steps to Use PST to MBOX Converter Tool

Most professional PST to MBOX converter follow the following workflow:

Step 1: Obtain the Software

Download and install the PST to MBOX Converter on your system.

Step 2: Import PST Files

Browse and choose the PST file(s) for conversion.

Step 3: Preview the Mailbox Data

See a preview of emails, folders, attachments, contacts and other mailbox items before conversion.

Step 4: Choose MBOX as Output Format

Choose MBOX from the list of export options.

Step 5: Specify Destination Path

Pick a place where you want to save the converted MBOX files.

Step 6: Conversion Begins

Hit the Convert button and wait until the process is finished.

1. Softaken PST to MBOX Converter

Softaken PST to MBOX Converter is one of the top solutions in the class. Designed for individual users and organizations requiring secure and accurate Outlook mailbox migration. It supports large PST files, batch migration, password-protected PST files and even damaged mailbox recovery through deep scanning technology.

Benefits

• Enables you to batch convert multiple PST file
• Manages very large PST mailboxes efficiently
• Converts PST files protected with password
• Organizes folder hierarchy and email metadata
• Deep scan technology to restore damaged PST
• Outlook not required to be installed
• Preview function prior to conversion
• Compatible with all Outlook versions

Cons

• Advanced features available only in licensed version
• Windows only application

Suitable For

• Businesses
• IT admins
• Large mailbox migrations
• Users dealing with corrupt or large sized PST files

General Rating: 9.8/10

2. GainTools PST to MBOX Converter Tool

GainTools PST to MBOX Converter is a simple, lightweight software for easy Outlook to MBOX migration. The software is made to be simple and maintains the mailbox structure and attachments during conversion. It has preview functionality and selective conversion capabilities.

Benefits

• A user-friendly interface
• Keep the email formatting and attachments
• Offers a mailbox preview feature
• Provides selective folder conversion
• Compatible with all Outlook PST files
• Prices are reasonable

Cons

• Partial support for damaged PST files

Suitable For

• Home Users
• Small business
• Basic Outlook migration projects

General Rating: 9.1/10

3. DataVare PST to MBOX Converter

DataVare PST to MBOX Converter is well-known for its simple conversion process and support of multiple Outlook versions. The software is designed to preserve the integrity of mailboxes during the export and offers a simple migration experience for non-technical users.

Benefits

• Simple installation and operation
• Folder hierarchy maintained
• Supports attachments and email properties
• Compatible with various Outlook versions
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• No advanced filtering options
• Less enterprise-centric features
• Basic preview features

Suitable For

• Beginner users
• Outlook individual users
• Mailbox conversion (small scale)

General Rating: 8.8/10

4. WholeClear PST to MBOX Converter

WholeClear PST to MBOX Converter is a trusted tool for users who want to convert their mailbox within a short time with easy settings. It’s meant to allow a seamless migration, keeping your email structure and attachments in place.

Benefits

• Fast conversion speed
• Keeps the original mailbox data intact
• Works with Outlook in multiple versions
• Intuitive user interface
• Requires few system resources

Cons

• Few customization options
• No fancy recovery mechanisms
• Fewer enterprise user features

Suitable For

• Individual users
• Small office environments
• Fast mailbox moves

General Rating: 8.7/10

5. TrustVare PST to MBOX Converter Tool

The TrustVare PST to MBOX Converter is an ideal mixture of performance & usability. It provides an easy migration process and ensures that email properties are maintained during conversion.

Benefits

• A user-friendly interface
• Maintains email format
• Support for migrating attachments
• Works with all major editions of Outlook
• Dependable conversion engine

Cons

• Basic Filter
• Fewer recovery features
• Not optimized for large-size PST files

Suitable For

• Individual users
• Learners
• Small business settings

General Rating: 8.6/10

Quick Chart Comparison

FAQs

Is it safe to convert PST to MBOX?

Yes. Professional PST to MBOX conversion tools preserve emails, attachments, metadata and folder hierarchy during migration.

Do I need to install Outlook?

Not necessarily. Many high-end converters work standalone without installing Outlook.

Can I convert multiple PST files at one time?

Yes. Depends on software. Most professional software has batch mode conversion.

Will attachments be preserved?

Yes. Best PST to MBOX converters preserve attachments, embedded images and email formatting.

Can PST files get corrupted?

Not all tools have recovery functionality. Performance of deep scanning technology solutions is better for damaged PST files.

Which email clients use MBOX?

Some of the popular applications supporting MBOX are:

• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Mail (Apple)
• Entourage
• Eudora Mail
• SeaMonkey
• Different Linux mail clients

Conclusion: Which PST to MBOX Converter is the Best in the Market?

All five tools discussed in this comparison are capable of converting Outlook PST files to MBOX. But there are major differences in their ability to handle large mailboxes, recovery features, batch processing and overall reliability.

For users who want to convert their data without any complex needs, GainTools, DataVare, WholeClear and TrustVare are reliable options.

But, when overall features, scalability, support of MailBox recovery, capacity of bulk migration and handling of large PST, Softaken PST to MBOX Converter is the best software in this comparison. It is a strong choice for both individual and enterprise users alike with its advanced deep scan technology, support for oversized mailboxes, batch migration capabilities, password-protected PST conversion and Outlook-independent operation.

If your primary interest is highest data integrity, advanced migration features, and support for complex Outlook environments, Softaken PST to MBOX Converter is the most complete solution of the five tools reviewed.