VS

Mailchimp vs Shortwave

Mailchimp: Email marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists. 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

Mailchimp

Best for: Small businesses that want a familiar, all-round email marketing tool.

Stands out for: Easy to start; Lots of templates and integrations.

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 Mailchimp, Shortwave
Mailchimp
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Shortwave
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What it isEmail marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists.AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox.
Pricing
Free + PaidFree plan; paid plans add more contacts and features
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Email & InboxAI Email & Inbox
Editor rank#1 in category#3 in category
Made byIntuitShortwave
Best forSmall businesses that want a familiar, all-round email marketing tool.Busy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.
Key features
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • Automated customer journeys
  • AI help with copy and send times
  • Audience segments and reports
  • AI assistant that searches your inbox
  • Thread summaries and reply drafts
  • Bundles to group similar emails
  • Works with Gmail accounts
Pros
  • Easy to start
  • Lots of templates and integrations
  • Strong AI search and drafting
  • Fast, modern design
Cons
  • Free plan is limited and costs rise as your list grows
  • Only for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts
Use it to
  • Send a monthly newsletter to customers
  • Set up a welcome email series
  • Write a subject line that gets opened
  • 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

Mailchimp vs Shortwave: questions

Is Mailchimp better than Shortwave?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Mailchimp 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, Mailchimp or Shortwave?

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

Can I use Mailchimp and Shortwave together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send a monthly newsletter to customers with Mailchimp, and ask your inbox when a contract was sent with Shortwave.

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