Shortwave vs Superhuman
Which Email AI tool is better in 2026?
Shortwave
AI-native email built on Gmail with bundles, AI search, and chat.
Superhuman
The fastest email experience ever made, with AI triage and reply.
Side-by-side
Shortwave is cheaper to start; funding signals are comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Shortwave | Superhuman |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI-native email built on Gmail with bundles, AI search, and chat. | The fastest email experience ever made, with AI triage and reply. |
| Foundedi | 2020 | 2014🏆 |
| HQi | US | US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 60 | 60 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | — | — |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | From $30/mo |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | Paid · From $30/mo |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Shortwave and Superhuman.
| Capability | Shortwave | Superhuman |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Shortwave
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- Lower starting price ($9/mo)
- Newer company (2020)
🔵 Strengths of Superhuman
- More mature (2014)
Which should you choose?
Choose Shortwave if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $9/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Email tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Superhuman if you want the most established option — it has raised Undisclosed, 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
Shortwave vs Superhuman — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Shortwave is the leaner option; Superhuman has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Shortwave cheaper than Superhuman?
Yes — Shortwave's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Superhuman's is Paid · From $30/mo.
Do Shortwave and Superhuman offer free plans?
Shortwave: Yes, has a free plan. Superhuman: Paid only.
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