Killer Email vs Shortwave
Updated October 2026
Shortwave wants to be your email client, with deep AI built in. Killer Email wants to be the short list you check before getting on with your day. Both tackle email overload; they take on different-sized jobs.
| Compare | Shortwave | Killer Email |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Full AI email client with its own desktop and mobile apps and an AI assistant. Requires a Gmail or Google Workspace account to sign in. | A separate Gmail and Outlook triage app, not a full email client. Quarantines noise and ranks what matters. |
| What you see | An email client with emails to todos, bundles for promos and newsletters, and splits. | Today, Next Week and Later, with a one-line summary of what you owe for each email. |
| Multiple accounts in one view | Separate inboxes by default; you switch between accounts. A combined view works by forwarding other accounts into one Gmail. | One list across up to 10 accounts on Pro, any mix of Gmail and Outlook. Solo covers 1. |
| Drafts | AI drafting and replies. | Saved as a draft in the account the email came from, only when you choose. Never sent for you. |
| Calendar | Calendar features: see their site. Shortwave site | Calendar blocks on your chosen Google or Outlook calendar only after you confirm. |
| Changes made to your mailbox | Works on your Gmail or Google Workspace account; see their site for sync details. Shortwave site | Nothing moved, labeled or deleted. Mail is marked read only when you tap Done or Archive, or confirm Clear Quarantine. |
| Outlook / Microsoft 365 | Not supported for sign-in; Outlook mail can only be forwarded into a Gmail account. | Connects Outlook directly with Microsoft sign-in — no forwarding — alongside Gmail in one list. |
| Price | Per-seat plans listed at $30, $45 and $120 per month; 14-day trial. Current plan details: see their site. Shortwave site | $5/month Solo (1 account); $9/month Pro (up to 10). First 7 days free. |
When to pick them
Pick Shortwave if you're looking for a full replacement email client with its own apps, a deep AI assistant, drafting, todos, bundles and splits. Visit Shortwave.
When to pick Killer Email
Pick Killer Email if you don't need a replacement email client. You want one action list across your Gmail and Outlook accounts — Outlook connects directly, no forwarding, and accounts combine natively — a line telling you what each email needs, and drafts or calendar blocks when you choose. Less cockpit, more checklist.
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One list. Your next move.
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