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Klaviyo vs Shortwave

Klaviyo: Email and SMS marketing for online stores, with AI that builds segments, flows and campaign copy. Shortwave: AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Klaviyo

Best for: Online shops on platforms such as Shopify that want data-driven email.

Stands out for: Powerful store-based targeting; Strong e-commerce focus.

Shortwave

Best for: Busy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.

Stands out for: Strong AI search and drafting; Fast, modern design.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Klaviyo, Shortwave
Visit klaviyo.com (opens in a new tab)Visit shortwave.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isEmail and SMS marketing for online stores, with AI that builds segments, flows and campaign copy.AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Email & InboxAI Email & Inbox
Editor rank#2 in category#3 in category
Made byKlaviyoShortwave
Best forOnline shops on platforms such as Shopify that want data-driven email.Busy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.
Key features
  • Deep online store integrations
  • Automated flows like abandoned cart
  • AI segments and copy help
  • Email and SMS together
  • AI assistant that searches your inbox
  • Thread summaries and reply drafts
  • Bundles to group similar emails
  • Works with Gmail accounts
Pros
  • Powerful store-based targeting
  • Strong e-commerce focus
  • Strong AI search and drafting
  • Fast, modern design
Cons
  • Can get pricey as your list grows
  • Only for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts
Use it to
  • Send an abandoned-cart reminder
  • Target customers likely to buy again
  • Write copy for a seasonal sale
  • Ask your inbox when a contract was sent
  • Draft a polite reply in seconds
  • Clear newsletters in one bundle
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac

Klaviyo vs Shortwave: questions

Is Klaviyo better than Shortwave?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Klaviyo slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but Shortwave can be the better fit: Busy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.

Which is free, Klaviyo or Shortwave?

Both can be used without paying: Klaviyo is free + paid and Shortwave is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Klaviyo and Shortwave together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send an abandoned-cart reminder with Klaviyo, and ask your inbox when a contract was sent with Shortwave.

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