ClickUp vs Shortwave
Which Productivity AI tool is better in 2026?
ClickUp
All-in-one productivity platform with built-in AI for tasks, docs, and project management
Shortwave
AI-native email built on Gmail with bundles, AI search, and chat.
Side-by-side
ClickUp leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($537.5M) and a lower entry price than Shortwave.
| Metric | ClickUp | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | All-in-one productivity platform with built-in AI for tasks, docs, and project management | AI-native email built on Gmail with bundles, AI search, and chat. |
| Foundedi | 2017🏆 | 2020 |
| HQi | San Diego, United States | US |
| Employeesi | 1500🏆 | 11-50 |
| Neuron scorei | 77🏆 | 32 |
| Total fundingi | $537.5M🏆 | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2021 | — |
| Valuationi | $4B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | From $7/mo🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Pricing summaryi | Free · From $7/mo | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for ClickUp and Shortwave.
| Capability | ClickUp | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of ClickUp
- Has raised more capital ($537.5M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (77 vs 32)
- Lower starting price ($7/mo)
- More mature (2017)
🔵 Strengths of Shortwave
- Newer company (2020)
Which should you choose?
Choose ClickUp if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $7/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Productivity tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose ClickUp if you want the most established option — it has raised $537.5M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
ClickUp vs Shortwave — which is better?
It depends on your priority. ClickUp has raised more capital and is the more established option; Shortwave has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is ClickUp cheaper than Shortwave?
Yes — ClickUp's cheapest paid plan is Free · From $7/mo, while Shortwave's is Free.
Do ClickUp and Shortwave offer free plans?
ClickUp: Yes, has a free plan. Shortwave: Yes, has a free plan.
Explore more AI Productivity tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.