Convert MBOX to PST using Stellar Converter for MBOX (Online Service + Desktop Software)

If you are trying to move your email data from Gmail, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird to Outlook, one issue that you will obviously encounter is the unsupported file format. As these email clients offer the export file in MBOX format, what you need for Outlook is a PST file. Hence, you have to convert MBOX to PST file and then import it to Outlook, and there are plenty of converters available out there.

Among them, Stellar Converter for MBOX stands out as a great option. It has two versions: one for your desktop, or you could use their online service. However, if you haven’t heard of the tool before, this guide will explain all about it.

What Is MBOX, and Why Can’t Outlook Open It?

MBOX is a file format used for storing email messages. It’s the default storage format for many popular email clients like Thunderbird, Gmail, Apple Mail, etc. Also, if you have ever exported your Gmail data through Google Takeout, the export file also comes as MBOX.

MBOX is a file format used to store email messages, and it’s been around for a long time. It’s the default storage format for Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and several other email clients. If you’ve ever exported your Gmail data through Google Takeout, that export also comes as MBOX files.

However, Outlook doesn’t use the MBOX format at all. Instead, it uses a PST file, which is built differently from an MBOX file. Also, Outlook has no built-in way to open an MBOX file directly. Hence, you need a converter in between, one that reads the MBOX data and rebuilds it as a PST file that Outlook can open, and this is where the Stellar Converter for MBOX comes in.

Overview: Stellar Converter for MBOX (Online Service + Desktop Software)

Before we talk about how you can use the tool, let’s get an overview.

Stellar Online MBOX to PST Converter

This is a browser-based solution. So you don’t have to install any software. It converts your MBOX exports to a PST file. The whole workflow is also pretty straightforward: just upload your MBOX file, then you will get a preview, and finally, you can download the PST file and import it into your Outlook client.

Stellar Converter for MBOX (Desktop Software)

The desktop software works in a similar way. But you have to install its client on your computer. The benefit of this is that all your data stays local. Plus, it has no size limit, so no matter how large your MBOX file is, it will have no trouble converting it.

Stellar Online MBOX to PST Converter: Hands-On

Using the online service is extremely straightforward. As there is nothing to install, here’s what you have to do:

Open your browser, go to their website, and create an account.
Click on the Convert MBOX File button and upload your file. (The online tool supports a maximum file upload size of up to 5GB).
After that, your file will get uploaded, and it will automatically convert the file for you.

Once the file is converted, you will get a preview in the form of an HTML file that you can open and check if the conversion worked.
Finally, click on Save PST File to download your file, and you are all set to import it into Outlook.

Stellar Converter for MBOX (Desktop): Hands-On

Start by downloading the MBOX to PST Converter tool from their website.

Next, install it by following all the on-screen steps.
Once the application is opened, select your email client, then select the file path and click on the Convert button.
Wait for the conversion process to end, and you will soon have a preview.
Finally, click on Save Converted File to save the converted PST file, which you can later import into Outlook.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both tools work in an identical way. However, the choice between the right tool comes down to a few things, such as how many files you are converting, what the file size is, and whether you want privacy.

The online tool is great if you want a quick solution, are using a non-Windows machine, and your file size is under 5GB.

However, the desktop tool is better if you have several MBOX files to convert. As a full mailbox export often comes as multiple MBOX files, one per folder, converting each file will take a lot of time. Also, if you want to convert files larger than 5GB and you wish to migrate straight into Office 365.

The right choice depends on one user to another. So pick the tool that fits your needs the most.