Shortwave is an AI-native email client that builds AI autocomplete, summaries, attachment analysis, AI-powered search and MCP-based integrations directly into the inbox rather than bolting an assistant onto Gmail or Outlook. It is aimed at professionals and teams who want AI woven into every part of composing, reading and organizing email. Shortwave is a paid-only product with no permanent free tier, starting at $30 per seat/month for the Business plan, with Premier at $45 and Max at $120 per seat/month for more advanced features, backed by a 14-day free trial.
Who builds it
Shortwave is developed by the Shortwave team as a dedicated AI-native email client. Rather than layering an AI panel onto an existing inbox, Shortwave rebuilds the email experience itself around AI features, which is the core distinction from browser-extension style AI email tools.
Core features
- AI autocomplete for drafting emails faster inside the client.
- Summaries and attachment analysis, condensing complex threads and documents into digestible context.
- AI-powered search across the inbox.
- MCP-based integrations, letting external tools and models connect to Shortwave.
- Automatic CRM logging by BCC-adding recipients to log emails in Salesforce and HubSpot.
- Self-service account and data deletion at any time.
Who it is for
Shortwave fits professionals and teams ready to fully switch their email client for a premium, AI-native experience, particularly those already using Salesforce or HubSpot who want emails logged into CRM automatically. Its pricing, starting well above many competitors, positions it for buyers who prioritize a polished, AI-first workflow over the lowest cost.
Data and privacy
Shortwave states that your data will never be used to train third-party LLMs, and that you can delete your account and all associated data at any time. The company does not publish a specific EU-hosting guarantee, so DACH teams with strict DSGVO data-residency requirements should confirm hosting region and processing terms directly with Shortwave before rollout.
Bottom line
Shortwave suits professionals and teams who want a premium, fully AI-native email client with automatic CRM logging and a clear "never used to train third-party LLMs" privacy stance, at a higher price point than most inbox-layer competitors. With no permanent free tier, evaluating it means using the 14-day trial before committing to the $30-per-seat starting price.