Save as EML vs MSG Which is Better in 2026? Updated Guide
When saving emails from mailbox to desktop, users usually come across these two file formats – EML and MSG. While both the formats are used to store email data but they serve different purposes and work in different environments.
In this article, we are going to discuss what these file formats stand for, purpose and differences to get a clear view for save as EML or MSG which is better. However, choosing the wrong format can create issues in future while opening, sharing or importing those emails. So, read the complete article till the end.
What does “Save as EML vs MSG” Mean?
In simple terms, it means choosing the format to store email messages in a downloadable file on your local drive which can be further easily shared or accessed.
EML- It saves email in a standard format with .eml extension. This is a widely supported format and can be opened in email clients like Thunderbird, Outlook, Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail and eM Client. It stores files separately along with attachments and other data.
MSG- This is an Outlook-specific format that stores complete email data in .msg extension. It is introduced by Microsoft and is mainly used within Microsoft Outlook and Exchange environments which make it the best format for those who work with this ecosystem.
Comparison: EML vs MSG
| Feature | EML | MSG |
| Full Form | Electronic Mail Format | Outlook Message Format |
| Developed by | Open Standard (RFC 5322) | Microsoft |
| Email Structure | Plain text + MIME-based | Binary format based on MAPI |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android | Primarily Windows as it is depends on Outlook |
| Portability | High | Limited to outlook ecosystem |
| Long-term Storage | Ideal as it follows digital preservation standards | Risky. Old files can become orphaned once Microsoft will change its MAPI structure. |
Which Format Should You Choose EML or MSG?
Choosing between EML and MSG depends on your requirements and plan you want to execute. However, both the formats are useful and fit for specific scenarios. We have discussed some of them below:
Choose EML format:
- When you want to access email messages on different platforms.
- If you want to keep files as a long-term backup.
- You are planning to migrate emails to Gmail or Thunderbird email client.
- To provide evidence to courts or to use for legal documentations.
- To open emails without installing Outlook.
Why Choose EML?
It is a universal format that is accessible on more platforms as compared to MSG without showing any compatibility errors.
Choose MSG format:
- When you are a regular Outlook user.
- You need emails for internal business use.
- If you want to maintain the Outlook account structure.
- When you want to preserve complete email properties like categories or formatting.
- In case, when you work in a corporate or Exchange environment.
Why Choose MSG?
MSG keeps all the Outlook related data in the original form which makes it an ideal format for professional use within the Microsoft ecosystem.
In short:
- EML is best known for its simplicity, flexibility and compatibility.
- MSG is perfect for Outlook users and its advanced features.
Have Emails in EML Format? Here’s What to Do
In some situations choosing the formats is not just enough, you may have email messages saved in EML format on your system and want to open them in Outlook, then you need to convert EML to MSG.
For a secure conversion, experts always suggest using tools like MailsWare EML Converter. While there are manual methods also but they consume a lot of time and sometimes result in losing data especially when a user has a large amount of files. Whereas, this tool supports a simple-to-operate interface and provides a direct way to convert EML files without affecting the data integrity and originality. With the help of this utility, users can bulk convert files in a single go regardless of the file size. Whether you are a home user or a professional user, you can hassle-free transform your EML files in just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is MSG more advanced than EML?
Yes, MSG is a more advanced format as compared to EML, because it stores Outlook specific data like flags, categories and formatting. However, it is less compatible than EML.
Q2. Should I save emails as EML or MSG?
It totally depends on your usage. Save emails as EML when you need to share files across different platforms and choose MSG if you are working on Outlook and want to keep all data at one place in an organized way.
Q3. When should I convert EML to MSG?
You should convert EML files to MSG format when you want to import these emails into Microsoft Outlook.
Q4. Can I share MSG files with others?
Yes, you can share MSG files with other users but the recipient should have Outlook to open them.
Q5. Which format is better for email migration?
EML is better for migration use because it is compatible with multiple email clients and platforms.
Conclusion
We hope now you have a clear understanding of the difference between save as EML vs MSG as both the formats have their own advantages and come into play in different cases. Always choose the right format to avoid the future hassle and to manage your emails efficiently. We have also mentioned about a smart tool to ensure seamless conversion. If you face any difficulty while operating the tool, contact the support team.
