The short version
SaneBox is the folder-based email filter. Inbox Hero is an AI that files the noise, drafts your replies, answers questions about your mail, and quarantines phishing — for one flat $10/mo (or $99/yr) after a 30-day free trial. If you want an inbox that runs itself (and a built-in security layer), Inbox Hero wins; if you specifically want folder-based email filter, SaneBox is worth a look.
Feature-by-feature
| Inbox Hero | SaneBox | |
|---|---|---|
| AI auto-filing to a Later folder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drafts replies in your voice | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ask your inbox in plain English | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fraud & phishing quarantine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom folder routing | ✓ | Partial (higher tiers) |
| One flat price, all features | $10/mo (or $99/yr) after a 30-day free trial | Tiered $7–$36/mo |
| Works with Gmail + IMAP | ✓ | ✓ |
Where SaneBox is a fine choice
SaneBox is an add-on that scores your incoming mail and files bulk messages into folders like SaneLater and SaneBlackHole. It pioneered automated triage, but its model is sorting-only and its features are split across pricing tiers.
Where Inbox Hero pulls ahead
- It only sorts — it can't draft replies, answer questions about your inbox, or protect you from phishing.
- Pricing is tiered, so the features people actually want (like the digest, snooze, or reminders) are gated behind higher plans.
- The folder model feels dated next to an AI that reads and drafts inside your inbox.
- No fraud or phishing quarantine.
On top of that, Inbox Hero adds capabilities most tools in this space simply don't have — an AI you can ask about your inbox, replies drafted in your voice, and a Fraud folder that intercepts phishing and malware.
Frequently asked questions
Is Inbox Hero better than SaneBox?
For hands-off triage plus AI drafting, inbox Q&A, and phishing protection at one flat $10/mo (or $99/yr) after a 30-day free trial, Inbox Hero offers more in a single product. SaneBox ($7–$36/mo (tiered)) is a good fit if you specifically want folder-based email filter.
How much do Inbox Hero and SaneBox cost?
Inbox Hero is free for 30 days ($0 today), then $10/month ($5 per extra mailbox) with everything included. SaneBox costs $7–$36/mo (tiered).
Can Inbox Hero and SaneBox both connect to Gmail?
Yes, both work with Gmail. Inbox Hero also connects to iCloud, Yahoo, Fastmail and other IMAP mailboxes, and layers onto your existing inbox rather than replacing it.
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).
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