Last updated: 2026-07-01
Shortwave is an AI email client for Gmail starting at $14/month (Pro). The AI Assistant runs on Claude Sonnet 4.6 (standard) or Opus 4.5 (Expert tier), with multi-step reasoning for calendar lookups and email searches. Teams get shared threads, real-time comments, and shared labels via a 2026 team collaboration update.
About Shortwave
Shortwave is an AI-powered email client that transforms how you manage your inbox by combining intelligent automation with sophisticated natural language understanding. Built by ex-Googlers and backed by world-class investors, it uses cutting-edge AI from both OpenAI and Anthropic to deliver an email experience that feels like collaboration between you and a capable assistant. Unlike traditional email clients, Shortwave puts AI at its core—powering everything from inbox organization and email composition to advanced search and workflow automation. The platform integrates seamlessly with Gmail and Google Workspace, offering features like Ghostwriter (AI that learns your writing voice), intelligent email bundling, AI-powered search with multi-step reasoning, and team collaboration tools. For teams seeking hands-off automation beyond email, Shortwave's sister product Tasklet connects to 3,000+ apps including Slack, Notion, Asana, and HubSpot, enabling complex workflow orchestration from your inbox.
Pricing
Free tier includes basic AI features and 90-day email history. Personal plan $7-8.50/mo (gmail.com/.edu only). Pro $14/mo with 3 accounts, full AI features, 3-year history. Business $24/mo with 10 accounts, read receipts, advanced filters, 5-year history. Premier $36/mo with unlimited history, double AI usage, premium support. Max $100/mo with expert intelligence, triple context tokens, 150 thread limits, 50 filters. Annual billing discounts available. Enterprise pricing custom.
Key Features
- Ghostwriter AI Writing Assistant: Industry-unique AI writing that learns your personal communication style from your sent emails, generating responses that sound authentically like you�not generic AI text
- AI-Powered Search & Summarization: RAG-powered semantic search that understands intent and context, with instant AI summaries at the top of every thread using multi-step reasoning for complex queries
- Intelligent Email Bundling: Automatically groups related emails into smart bundles (newsletters, promotions, updates, etc.) and learns your patterns over time without manual setup
- Team Collaboration & Shared Threads: Real-time shared email threads with live updates, private comments between team members, task assignment, and shared AI-searchable archives
- Claude Opus 4.5/4.6 AI Engine: Expert tier now runs Claude Opus 4.5; Basic/Standard use Haiku 4.5. AI Assistant upgraded to Claude Sonnet 4.6 and Opus 4.6 with multi-step planning, running calendar lookups and email searches in sequence before answering.
- Smart Email Filters & Scheduling: Write filters in plain English to automate labeling, archiving, and organization; schedule emails for delivery at optimal times and snooze with AI-suggested timing
Pros
- Superior AI assistant that feels like a true partner with multi-step reasoning and context awareness
- Ghostwriter learns your unique voice—generates emails recipients believe you wrote yourself
- Intelligent inbox organization with AI bundles and splits reduce email triage time by 45%
- Affordable for the feature set—$14/month Pro plan costs less than most alternatives at this capability level
- Fast, intuitive interface with excellent keyboard support—feels more like modern chat than traditional email
- Strong team collaboration features with shared threads, real-time updates, and task tracking
Cons
- Gmail/Google Workspace only—no Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, or other email providers supported
- Free plan includes mandatory 'Sent with Shortwave' signature on all outgoing emails
- Read receipts and advanced features locked behind expensive tiers ($24+ Business plan minimum)
- Requires adoption of 'Shortwave Method'—works best with intentional workflow changes rather than plug-and-play
- AI features require reading entire email content (privacy concern for some regulated industries)
- Limited native CRM integrations compared to competitors like Superhuman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shortwave?
Shortwave is an AI-powered ai agents business ops tool designed to the world's smartest ai email assistant�organize, write, and automate your inbox with natural language prompts. It integrates with popular development tools and offers both free and paid plans.
How much does Shortwave cost?
Shortwave offers flexible pricing with a free tier for basic use, professional plans starting at $20-60/month, and enterprise options for teams and organizations.
What are the main features of Shortwave?
Key features include AI-powered automation, integrations with popular platforms, customizable workflows, real-time collaboration, and comprehensive analytics. The platform supports both individual and team usage.
Is Shortwave free to use?
Shortwave offers a free tier with limited features and monthly usage limits. For unlimited access and advanced features, paid plans are available starting at $20/month.
Who is Shortwave best for?
Shortwave is ideal for developers, teams, businesses, and individual creators looking to automate workflows and leverage AI capabilities. It's particularly well-suited for technical users and organizations.