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Shortwave vs Spark Mail

Shortwave: AI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox. Spark Mail: Smart email app from Readdle with an AI writer, priority inbox and team features. 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.

Spark Mail

Best for: Anyone who wants a tidy, cross-device email app with light AI help.

Stands out for: Clean design on every platform; Free plan for personal use.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Shortwave, Spark Mail
Shortwave
Visit shortwave.com (opens in a new tab)
Spark Mail
Visit sparkmailapp.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isAI-first Gmail client that summarises threads, drafts replies and finds anything in your inbox.Smart email app from Readdle with an AI writer, priority inbox and team features.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Email & InboxAI Email & Inbox
Editor rank#3 in category#4 in category
Made byShortwaveReaddle
Best forBusy professionals on Gmail who get a lot of email.Anyone who wants a tidy, cross-device email app with light AI help.
Key features
  • AI assistant that searches your inbox
  • Thread summaries and reply drafts
  • Bundles to group similar emails
  • Works with Gmail accounts
  • Works with most email providers
  • Smart inbox that sorts priority mail
  • AI writer and thread summaries
  • Shared drafts and team inbox
Pros
  • Strong AI search and drafting
  • Fast, modern design
  • Clean design on every platform
  • Free plan for personal use
Cons
  • Only for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts
  • AI features need a paid plan for heavy use
Use it to
  • Ask your inbox when a contract was sent
  • Draft a polite reply in seconds
  • Clear newsletters in one bundle
  • Write a reply from a few bullet points
  • Summarise a long email chain
  • Snooze emails until next week
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac

Shortwave vs Spark Mail: questions

Is Shortwave better than Spark Mail?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Shortwave slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but Spark Mail can be the better fit: Anyone who wants a tidy, cross-device email app with light AI help.

Which is free, Shortwave or Spark Mail?

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

Can I use Shortwave and Spark Mail together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example ask your inbox when a contract was sent with Shortwave, and write a reply from a few bullet points with Spark Mail.

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