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Head-to-head · AI Email Assistants

Shortwave vs Spike

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Shortwave #6 in AI Email Assistants 8.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Shortwave
Spike #8 in AI Email Assistants 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Spike

Shortwave leads on 0 checks, Spike on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreShortwave · 8.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceSpike · $4/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Shortwave

Shortwave scores higher on our rubric for ai email assistants: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

Spike is cheaper to start at $4/user/mo against $30/user/mo.

Shortwave is the better fit for AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration. Spike is the better fit for low-cost email and calendar workspace.

  • Shortwave fits best

    AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration

  • Spike fits best

    Low-cost email and calendar workspace

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Shortwave 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Spike 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 7.9
Ranking #6 in AI Email Assistants #8 in AI Email Assistants
Best for AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration Low-cost email and calendar workspace
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $30/seat/mo $4/user/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 12 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Shortwave 0/5 · Spike 0/5
Inbox triage Not checked yet Not checked yet
AI reply drafting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Automatic sending Not checked yet Not checked yet
Thread summaries Not checked yet Not checked yet
Follow-up actions Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Email platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines AI search, writing, autocomplete, summaries, and attachment analysis
  • Supports inbox organization, scheduling, calendar tools, and multiple accounts
  • Team features include thread sharing, comments, and assignments
  • Chat-style threads and a unified inbox organize multiple email accounts.
  • AI drafting and conversation summaries are available on free plans.
  • Calendar tools, notes, tasks and calls sit alongside email.
Cons
  • Direct sign-in requires Gmail or Google Workspace accounts
  • Other providers generally require forwarding through Gmail
  • Paid monthly plans start at $30 per seat
  • The free Email App plan limits unified inbox use to one email address.
  • The $4 Team plan and $6 Pro plan serve different product offerings.
  • Video call recording and SAML-SSO are marked SOON on Business.
Our verdict

Shortwave is an AI-powered email client built for Gmail and Google Workspace accounts, serving individuals and teams that want email organization, AI assistance, and collaboration in one workflow. Its capabilities include AI-powered search…

Read the review →

Spike combines email, calendar tools and collaboration features in a chat-style workspace. It is aimed at individuals who want to manage existing email accounts in one app, as well as teams that need shared inboxes and team spaces. AI…

Read the review →
  1. ShortwaveAI Email Assistants 8.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. SpikeAI Email Assistants 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Shortwave — where it wins

    • Combines AI search, writing, autocomplete, summaries, and attachment analysis
    • Supports inbox organization, scheduling, calendar tools, and multiple accounts
    • Team features include thread sharing, comments, and assignments

    Where it doesn't

    • Direct sign-in requires Gmail or Google Workspace accounts
    • Other providers generally require forwarding through Gmail
    • Paid monthly plans start at $30 per seat

  • Spike — where it wins

    • Chat-style threads and a unified inbox organize multiple email accounts.
    • AI drafting and conversation summaries are available on free plans.
    • Calendar tools, notes, tasks and calls sit alongside email.

    Where it doesn't

    • The free Email App plan limits unified inbox use to one email address.
    • The $4 Team plan and $6 Pro plan serve different product offerings.
    • Video call recording and SAML-SSO are marked SOON on Business.
  • Shortwave8.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    An AI-focused Gmail client with team workflows and a free plan; paid tiers start at $30 per seat monthly.

    Visit ShortwaveFull verdict →
  • Spike7.9/10 · Free plan

    Spike brings AI email tools, calendar features and team collaboration into one workspace.

    Visit SpikeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All AI email assistants comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update