Shortwave vs Instantly
Shortwave: AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox. Instantly: Cold email outreach platform with inbox warm-up, a lead database and AI-written sequences. 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.
Instantly
Best for: Agencies and sales teams running cold email campaigns.
Stands out for: Built for deliverability; Scales to many inboxes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit shortwave.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit instantly.ai (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox. | Cold email outreach platform with inbox warm-up, a lead database and AI-written sequences. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Free trial |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Category | AI Email & Inbox | AI Email & Inbox |
| Editor rank | #3 in category | #9 in category |
| Made by | Shortwave | Instantly |
| Best for | Busy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email. | Agencies and sales teams running cold email campaigns. |
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Shortwave vs Instantly: questions
Is Shortwave better than Instantly?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Shortwave slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but Instantly can be the better fit: Agencies and sales teams running cold email campaigns.
Which is free, Shortwave or Instantly?
Shortwave can be used for free (free + paid), while Instantly is free trial.
Can I use Shortwave and Instantly together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask your inbox when a contract was sent with Shortwave, and launch a cold email sequence to prospects with Instantly.