AI email assistants , by Shortwave (Onehub Software, Inc.) , since 2020
Shortwave
AI-native Gmail client with Claude-powered search, auto-drafts, and smart filters
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What Shortwave does
Shortwave is an email client built directly on top of Gmail that adds a Claude-powered AI layer: natural-language search across years of email, auto-generated summaries and drafts, custom AI-powered filters, and thread bundling. It targets Gmail/Google Workspace users and small teams who want an AI assistant without switching providers.
What you get: AI natural-language email search, AI auto-draft replies & summaries, Custom AI-powered filters, Thread bundling, Link tracking & read receipts, Team comments on threads, Privacy mode / tracker blocking.
Typical jobs: ai search across gmail history; gmail client with claude ai built in; ai email filters for gmail; team email client with ai summaries.
Worth knowing: Gmail-only; no Outlook/IMAP support and no free tier, only a 14-day trial.
What users complain about: Notes Shortwave is 'Gmail-only (no Outlook, no IMAP), which is the trade-off for how tightly the AI is woven into the experience' and requires learning an unfamiliar thread-bundle UI. (Missive blog comparison of AI email assistants)
Pricing and plan limits
Verified August 2026| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per mo) | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | $30 | n/a | 150-300 AI requests/day, 5-year AI search history, max 50 threads/search, 3 AI filters |
| Premier | $45 | n/a | 2x Business AI usage, unlimited AI search history, max 100 threads/search, 10 AI filters |
| Max | $120 | n/a | 6x Business AI usage, max 150 threads/search, 50 AI filters |
Where it wins
- Deep AI integration (natural-language search, auto drafts) feels native rather than bolted on
- Custom AI-powered filters can automate real triage rules
- 14-day free trial with no credit card required
- Fast-growing feature set tied to newer Claude model releases
- Privacy mode and tracker blocking built in
Where it falls short
- Gmail-only, no Outlook or generic IMAP support
- No free tier at all, and no trial without eventually paying $30+/seat/month
- Daily AI-request caps apply even on the entry paid plan
- Steep price jump between tiers ($30 → $45 → $120/seat/month)
- New thread-bundle UI has a real learning curve versus a normal inbox
How we scored it
Full methodology| Criterion | Weight | Score | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capability | 30% | 8.0 | 2.40 |
| Value for money | 25% | 6.5 | 1.63 |
| Ease of use | 15% | 7.5 | 1.13 |
| Maturity | 15% | 6.5 | 0.97 |
| Support & docs | 10% | 6.0 | 0.60 |
| Momentum | 5% | 8.5 | 0.43 |
| Weighted total | 100% | 7.2 | 7.20 |
Alternatives to Shortwave
Chosen by editors, not sponsors-
MailmeteorFreemiumHas a free tier
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SaneBoxPaidCheaper entry plan at $7/mo
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Spark MailFreemiumHas a free tier
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MissivePaidCheaper entry plan at $11.2/mo
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