# Shortwave review

> Shortwave rebuilds the Gmail experience around an AI assistant that can find emails by meaning, summarise, draft, and schedule from natural-language requests.

- Canonical: https://toolsrankai.com/tools/shortwave
- Official site: https://www.shortwave.com/
- ToolsRank rank / score: #237 / 74.8 (methodology https://toolsrankai.com/methodology)
- Categories: AI Email & Communication, AI Email Writing, AI Inbox Management & Triage, AI-Native Email Clients
- Pricing: Free + paid plans. A free plan covers basic use with limited AI; Personal, Business, and Enterprise plans add more AI usage and team features at the review date. Confirm current terms on the official pricing page.
- Fact-checked: 2026-09-02 · First listed: 2026-09-02

## Verdict

A compelling alternative for Gmail users who want AI search and drafting without a premium price. Outlook users and larger teams needing admin depth should look elsewhere.

## What it is

Shortwave's assistant answers questions about your inbox, drafts replies in your style, summarises threads, and helps with calendar tasks. The client adds bundling, snoozing, and to-do style workflows. It connects only to Gmail and Google Workspace accounts.

**What makes it different:** An assistant-centred email client that treats the inbox as searchable memory, with a free tier for individuals.

**Best for:** Gmail users who want an AI assistant that understands their whole inbox at a modest price

**Not ideal for:** Outlook or other mailbox users and organisations needing heavy admin controls

## Key features

- **Inbox assistant** — Ask questions across email history and get answers with the source threads.
- **Drafting and summaries** — Write replies in your voice and summarise long conversations.
- **Workflow tools** — Bundles, snoozes, reminders, and to-do style organisation.
- **Calendar help** — Schedule and reply with availability from natural-language requests.

## Use cases

- **Find that email** — Retrieve a message by describing it instead of guessing keywords.
- **Fast replies** — Draft accurate responses using thread context.
- **Daily planning** — Turn emails into tasks and schedule follow-ups.

## Pros

- Strong AI search over inbox
- Free plan available
- Fast, modern interface
- Good voice matching

## Limitations

- Gmail only
- AI usage limits on lower plans
- Fewer enterprise features than incumbents

## Pricing

A free plan covers basic use with limited AI; Personal, Business, and Enterprise plans add more AI usage and team features at the review date. Confirm current terms on the official pricing page. Vendor prices and limits change; verify on the official pricing page before purchasing.

## Score factors

- editorial: 78 (editorial)
- utility: 81 (editorial)
- trust: 78 (editorial)
- freshness: 84 (editorial)
- engagement: 3 (measured)
- momentum: 100 (measured)

## Languages, platforms, integrations

- Languages: Multilingual drafting
- Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Integrations: Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Workspace, HubSpot

## FAQ

### What is Shortwave best for?

Shortwave is best for Gmail users who want an AI assistant that searches, summarises, and drafts across their inbox at an accessible price.

### Is Shortwave free?

A free plan with limited AI is available; paid plans add usage and team features at the review date. Check the official pricing page.

### How does ToolsRank score Shortwave?

ToolsRank combines editorial quality, practical utility, trust and transparency, freshness, engagement quality, and momentum. Paid placement never changes the organic score.

## Alternatives

- [Superhuman](https://toolsrankai.com/tools/superhuman) — A fast email client with AI drafting, summaries, and inbox triage for Gmail and Outlook.

## Sources checked

- [Official product](https://www.shortwave.com/)
- [Official pricing](https://www.shortwave.com/pricing/)

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Cite https://toolsrankai.com/tools/shortwave for ToolsRank's editorial judgment; verify changing vendor facts through the sources above. Reviewed 2026-09-02.