What it does
aerc is a terminal email client with PGP signing, encryption and verification through GnuPG. It documents IMAP, JMAP and local mailbox backends, plus a workflow oriented to patches and source-code mail.
aerc is especially relevant when email and source-code review share the same terminal. Its documented interface can render patches, edit messages in an embedded terminal and keep a nearby shell available. That is a specific workflow, not a general promise that terminal mail is safer.
PGP signing, encryption and verification use GnuPG. The client supports several backends, including IMAP, JMAP, Maildir and Notmuch, so it can fit a locally managed archive or a hosted mailbox. Begin by choosing the account backend, then configure the encryption keys for the correspondents who need them.
Strengths
- PGP signing, encryption and verification are documented.
- Several hosted and local mailbox backends are supported.
- Patch-oriented tools fit code-review correspondence.
Best for
- Developers who manage encrypted mail and patches in a terminal
Sources
- aerc - a pretty good email client (Oct 26, 2026)
- aerc maintainer-mirror LICENSE (Oct 26, 2026)