VS

Shortwave vs Canary Mail

Shortwave: AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox. Canary Mail: Secure email app with an AI copilot for writing and summarising, plus encryption options. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Shortwave

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

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

Canary Mail

Best for: Privacy-minded users who still want AI help with email.

Stands out for: Privacy features plus AI; Works with most email providers.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Shortwave, Canary Mail
Shortwave
Visit shortwave.com (opens in a new tab)
Canary Mail
Visit canarymail.io (opens in a new tab)
What it isAI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox.Secure email app with an AI copilot for writing and summarising, plus encryption options.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Email & InboxAI Email & Inbox
Editor rank#3 in category#12 in category
Made byShortwaveCanary Mail
Best forBusy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.Privacy-minded users who still want AI help with email.
Key features
  • AI assistant that searches your inbox
  • Thread summaries and reply drafts
  • Bundles to group similar emails
  • Works with Gmail accounts
  • AI copilot for writing and summaries
  • Encryption options
  • Read receipts
  • Works with most providers
Pros
  • Strong AI search and drafting
  • Fast, modern design
  • Privacy features plus AI
  • Works with most email providers
Cons
  • Only for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts
  • Smaller user base than major email apps
Use it to
  • Ask your inbox when a contract was sent
  • Draft a polite reply in seconds
  • Clear newsletters in one bundle
  • Draft an email from a short prompt
  • Summarise a long thread
  • Send an encrypted message
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac

Shortwave vs Canary Mail: questions

Is Shortwave better than Canary Mail?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Shortwave slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but Canary Mail can be the better fit: Privacy-minded users who still want AI help with email.

Which is free, Shortwave or Canary Mail?

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

Can I use Shortwave and Canary Mail together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask your inbox when a contract was sent with Shortwave, and draft an email from a short prompt with Canary Mail.

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