The best Shortwave alternatives in 2026
AI-first Gmail app with an assistant that searches, drafts, filters and schedules. Shortwave scores 7.6/10 in our AI email assistants ranking. 3 alternatives score higher. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI email assistants ranking →- 1
Gmail with Gemini
Best forAnyone already using Gmail who wants AI help without switching apps
Gemini built into Gmail: free thread summaries, Help Me Write and suggested replies
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Free plan includes AI features
Free plan · paid from $7.99/month
Our Gmail with Gemini verdict →Shortwave vs Gmail with Gemini
8.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Superhuman Mail
Best forProfessionals who handle a lot of email every day and will pay for speed
Fast, keyboard-driven email app with AI drafts, summaries and Ask AI for Gmail and Outlook
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts
From $25/month
8.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Spark Mail
Best forPeople juggling several email accounts who want AI help at a low price
Cross-platform email app with a smart inbox, Spark +AI writing and team features
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts
Free plan · paid from $8.25/month
8.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Outlook with Copilot
Best forPeople and companies already on Microsoft 365
Microsoft Copilot inside Outlook for thread summaries, drafting and writing coaching
From $9.99/month
7.5/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Canary Mail
Best forPrivacy-conscious users with several accounts who want cheap AI help
Privacy-focused email app with an AI Copilot for drafts and summaries, from $3 a month
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts
Free plan · paid from $3/month
7.5/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Spike
Best forPeople and small teams who want email to feel like chat
Chat-style email app with Magic AI summaries and drafts, team chat and video calls
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts · Free plan includes AI features
Free plan · paid from $6/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Fyxer
Best forMeeting-heavy professionals who want help with email without switching apps
Sorts your Gmail or Outlook inbox, drafts replies in your voice and takes meeting notes
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts
Free plan · paid from $37/month
7.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
Apple Mail with Apple Intelligence
Best foriPhone and Mac users who want basic AI email help for free
Free AI in Apple Mail: summaries, priority messages, smart replies and categories
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Free plan includes AI features
Free
7.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Missive
Best forSmall teams sharing client, sales or support email
Shared team inbox for email, SMS and chat with a bring-your-own-model AI assistant
Has that Shortwave doesn't: Works with both Gmail and Outlook accounts
Free trial · from $11.20/month
6.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Shortwave?
In our AI email assistants ranking, Gmail with Gemini scores highest among the alternatives (8.3/10). Best for: Anyone already using Gmail who wants AI help without switching apps. Shortwave scores 7.6/10.
Is there a free alternative to Shortwave?
Yes. Gmail with Gemini has a free plan (Thread summaries, Help Me Write and suggested replies (US English first, expanding)), and scores 8.3/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Shortwave alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Gmail and Google Workspace accounts only. No free plan any more, and AI usage is capped by tier. You have to switch to a new email app.