vs
Spark Mail vs Shortwave
Spark Mail scores higher overall (8 vs 7.6), but the right pick depends on what you need.
Choose Spark Mail if…
People juggling several email accounts who want AI help at a low price
8.0/10★★★★★Full review →Choose Shortwave if…
Gmail and Google Workspace users who want an AI-first inbox
7.6/10★★★★★Full review →Side by side
| Spark Mail | Shortwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Rank in category | #3 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | Freemium · from $8.25/month | Free trial · from $30/month |
| Free version | Smart Inbox, unlimited accounts and calendar; only a limited preview of AI | — |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop app |
| Made by | Readdle | Shortwave Communications, Inc. |
| Email help quality | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Features | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Value for money | 8.5 | 5.5 |
| Platforms | 10 | 9 |
Spark Mail: what the AI does
- AI writing assistant for drafts and translation
- Thread summaries
- Quick AI replies
- AI Assistant to search and summarise mail
- AI meeting notes
- Free plan with unlimited accounts
- AI at a low price on Plus
- Apps on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows
- Good team collaboration features
- Free plan only previews the AI
- Some users report sync problems across devices
- AI uses monthly credit limits
Shortwave: what the AI does
- AI assistant that searches threads and attachments
- Writing in your own style, with autocomplete
- Plain-English AI filters that label and archive
- Meeting scheduling from your calendar
- Choice of Claude models by plan
- Excellent AI search and summaries
- Assistant can act on mail, not just draft
- Team comments and thread sharing
- Apps on every major platform
- 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