Shortwave vs Superhuman
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
An AI-first Gmail client with an assistant that searches, summarises, drafts and organises email.
AI tool · Paid
A fast email client with keyboard shortcuts, AI drafting, split inboxes and reminders.
The short answer
Choose Shortwave if you need…
- Gmail users wanting an AI assistant
- Bundled inbox triage
Choose Superhuman if you need…
- Heavy email users
- Keyboard-driven triage
Side-by-side
| Shortwave | Superhuman | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Productivity · Email | Productivity · Email |
| Price | Freemium | Paid |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Works with | Google Workspace | Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
Shortwave
An AI-first Gmail client with an assistant that searches, summarises, drafts and organises email. Powerful AI on Gmail. Gmail only, and requires granting broad inbox access.
Superhuman
A fast email client with keyboard shortcuts, AI drafting, split inboxes and reminders. Genuinely faster email. Premium price for something your provider gives away free.
Best for
Shortwave
- Gmail users wanting an AI assistant
- Bundled inbox triage
Superhuman
- Heavy email users
- Keyboard-driven triage
Strengths
Shortwave
- AI assistant over your inbox
- Bundles and to-dos
- AI search
- Team features
Superhuman
- Keyboard-first email
- AI write and summarise
- Split inbox
- Follow-up reminders
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Shortwave and Superhuman?
Shortwave: An AI-first Gmail client with an assistant that searches, summarises, drafts and organises email. Superhuman: A fast email client with keyboard shortcuts, AI drafting, split inboxes and reminders. Shortwave suits gmail users wanting an ai assistant, while Superhuman suits heavy email users.
Are Shortwave and Superhuman free?
Shortwave: Freemium. Superhuman: Paid.
What are other alternatives to Shortwave and Superhuman?
Other options people compare them with include Motion, Reclaim.ai.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.