What Shortwave is — and where it stops
Shortwave, from former Google Inbox engineers, is a modern AI email client for Gmail with strong triage and natural-language search. It's excellent — but it's Gmail-only, requires moving to a new client, and its full AI sits at a higher price.
Where teams outgrow Shortwave:
- Gmail-only: no iCloud, Yahoo or other IMAP mailboxes.
- You must switch to a new client instead of enhancing your current inbox.
- Full AI features sit at a higher monthly price.
- No dedicated fraud/phishing quarantine folder.
Why Inbox Hero is the Shortwave alternative people switch to
Inbox Hero isn't just a filter or a cleanup tool — it's an AI that runs your inbox end to end:
- AI auto-filing (Later): bulk mail, newsletters, receipts and notifications move out of your inbox into an Inbox Hero/Later folder automatically — the SaneBox idea, done with AI. Every move is one-tap undoable and it learns from your corrections.
- Ask your inbox: "What am I waiting on?", "Did the contract land?" — ask in plain English and the AI reads your mail and answers.
- Quick Reply: Inbox Hero drafts replies in your voice; glance, tweak, and send with a swipe.
- Fraud & phishing protection: an optional scanner reads incoming links and messages and quarantines phishing, scams and malware into a dedicated Fraud folder — a security layer none of the folder-only tools offer.
- Custom folders: route any sender or keyword into a folder you choose; your rules always win.
- Works everywhere: Gmail via Google, plus iCloud, Yahoo, Fastmail and other IMAP mailboxes with an app password (Outlook.com is not supported yet).
Inbox Hero vs Shortwave, side by side
| Inbox Hero | Shortwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10/mo (or $99/yr) after a 30-day free trial | $14–$40/mo |
| Works beyond Gmail (IMAP) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Enhances your existing inbox | ✓ | New client |
| AI auto-filing to Later | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drafts replies in your voice | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fraud & phishing quarantine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ask your inbox | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Shortwave?
Inbox Hero is a leading Shortwave alternative: it auto-files bulk mail into a Later folder, drafts replies in your voice, answers questions about your inbox, and quarantines phishing and malware. It is free for 30 days ($0 today), then $10/month ($5 per extra mailbox).
Is Inbox Hero cheaper than Shortwave?
Inbox Hero is one flat $10/mo (or $99/yr) after a 30-day free trial with every feature included. Shortwave is priced at $14–$40/mo. Inbox Hero also includes fraud/phishing protection that Shortwave does not offer.
Can I switch from Shortwave without losing my email?
Yes. Inbox Hero connects to your existing Gmail or IMAP mailbox and organizes it in place — your email never leaves your provider, and you can disconnect anytime.
Does Inbox Hero do anything Shortwave can't?
Yes — most notably a dedicated Fraud folder that scans incoming links and messages and quarantines phishing, scams, and malware, plus an AI you can ask questions and that drafts replies in your voice.
Take back your inbox today
Connect Gmail or any mailbox in one click. Inbox Hero files the noise, drafts your replies, and quarantines phishing. It is free for 30 days ($0 today).
Get started free