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Head-to-head · AI Email Assistants

Spark +AI vs Shortwave

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Spark +AI #1 in AI Email Assistants 9.2/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Spark
Shortwave #6 in AI Email Assistants 8.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Shortwave

Spark +AI leads on 1 check, Shortwave on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSpark +AI · 9.2/10
  • Lowest starting priceSpark +AI · $10/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresSpark +AI · 4 of 5

Spark +AI scores higher on our rubric for ai email assistants: 9.2 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Spark +AI is cheaper to start at $10/user/mo against $30/user/mo.

Spark +AI is the better fit for people who want AI help across everyday email tasks. Shortwave is the better fit for AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration.

  • Spark +AI fits best

    People who want AI help across everyday email tasks

  • Shortwave fits best

    AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration

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 Spark +AI 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Shortwave 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.3
Ranking #1 in AI Email Assistants #6 in AI Email Assistants
Best for People who want AI help across everyday email tasks AI Gmail workflows with team collaboration
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $10/user/mo (best) $30/seat/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days 14 days
Free trial length 7 days 14 days · no card needed
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Integrations 14 integrations 7 integrations
Features Spark +AI 4/5 · Shortwave 0/5
Inbox triage ✓ (best) Not checked yet
AI reply drafting ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Automatic sending — Not checked yet
Thread summaries ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Follow-up actions ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Email platforms Other Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Drafts, rewrites, proofreads, translates, and summarizes email
  • Searches email, attachments, calendar, and meeting notes
  • Available on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android
  • 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
Cons
  • The Free plan highlights do not include Spark +AI or AI Assistant
  • Plus includes 40 AI Meeting Notes; unlimited notes require Pro
  • Drafts need user review; automatic sending without approval is not supported
  • Direct sign-in requires Gmail or Google Workspace accounts
  • Other providers generally require forwarding through Gmail
  • Paid monthly plans start at $30 per seat
Our verdict

Spark +AI is the AI feature set within Readdle’s Spark email client, aimed at individuals and teams who want help with routine email work. It covers drafting and quick replies, proofreading, rewriting, tone adjustment, translation, and…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Spark +AIAI Email Assistants 9.2Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. ShortwaveAI Email Assistants 8.3Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Spark +AI — where it wins

    • Drafts, rewrites, proofreads, translates, and summarizes email
    • Searches email, attachments, calendar, and meeting notes
    • Available on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan highlights do not include Spark +AI or AI Assistant
    • Plus includes 40 AI Meeting Notes; unlimited notes require Pro
    • Drafts need user review; automatic sending without approval is not supported

  • 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
  • Spark +AI9.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad AI email toolkit across four platforms, with paid AI features starting at $10 per user monthly.

    Visit SparkFull verdict →
  • 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 →

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