An XstReader alternative that runs in your browser
XstReader is a solid open-source PST viewer — if you are on Windows and can install software. Mailward does the same job in a browser tab: drop a .pst or .ost file and read it on any OS, with nothing installed and nothing uploaded.
Open this page on any OS — Mac, Windows, ChromeOS, or Linux.
Drop the .pst or .ost file; it is parsed locally, nothing is uploaded.
Browse folders, read messages, and search across the whole archive.
Export one message free, or batch-export folders to MBOX / EML with Pro.
An XstReader alternative that runs in your browser
XstReader deserves its reputation: it is free, open source, and reads PST and OST files properly — on Windows desktops. The gap appears the moment you are on a Mac or a locked-down work machine where you cannot install anything.
Mailward fills exactly that gap: the same read-and-export job, done in the browser with the File API and a Web Worker, so it runs identically on macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux. Nothing is uploaded — the file is parsed on your own machine, and you can go offline after the page loads.
Reading, browsing, and search are free; batch export to MBOX/EML is the one-time paid step. If you are on Windows and happy installing software, XstReader remains a fine choice — this page exists for everyone else.
On a Mac? macOS ships nothing that opens PST — readpst needs Homebrew and a terminal, and new Outlook for Mac won't export mail files. A browser tool needs no install at all.
Before you trust a mail file to a website
Q. How is this different from XstReader?
XstReader is a Windows desktop app you install; Mailward runs in the browser on any OS with no install. Both read PST and OST locally without Outlook — the difference is where they run and what you have to install.
Q. Is Mailward also free?
Reading, folder browsing, search, and single-message export are free. Batch export of whole folders or search results is a one-time $19 license — there is no subscription.
Q. Does my file get uploaded?
No. Like a desktop app, Mailward parses the file on your own machine — in a Web Worker via the File API. You can disconnect from the network after the page loads.
Q. When is XstReader the better choice?
If you are on Windows, can install software, and prefer a desktop app, XstReader is excellent and open source. Mailward wins when you are on a Mac or Chromebook, cannot install anything, or want zero setup.
Simple, one-time pricing
Opening, reading, searching, and single-message export are free forever. Batch conversion is a one-time unlock — no subscription, no recurring fees.
Everything you need to open and read an archive.
- Open & read PST, OST, MBOX, EML — locally
- Full-text search across every folder
- Export a single message
- Files never leave your device
Unlock batch conversion for good — a single payment, yours to keep.
- Batch-convert whole folders to MBOX or EML
- Export all search results as .eml files in one click
- Extract every attachment to a ZIP
- Lifetime license — no renewals
Other formats & archives
Same local-first engine, every common mail format.