Avec vs Shortwave: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Avec and Shortwave comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Avec
Handle your Gmail inbox in seconds with AI-powered prioritization and voice composition.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • AI-powered email prioritization and swipe-based inbox management for Gmail.
- • Voice composition feature drafts emails from spoken key points in your unique style.
Shortwave
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
Best for you if:
- • AI-powered email assistant for organizing, writing, and searching emails.
- • Enhances team collaboration with shared threads, comments, and AI-searchable archives.
| At a Glance |  Avec |  Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Clients | Email Clients |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Choose Avec or Shortwave?
Choose Avec if
Handle your Gmail inbox in seconds with AI-powered prioritization and voice composition.
- Free to use
- Significantly speeds up inbox processing with AI prioritization
- Voice composition saves time and maintains personal tone
- You want a fully free tool (Shortwave requires payment)
Choose Shortwave if
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
- AI email client
- Good for productivity
- Gmail integration
| Feature | Avec | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 69 reviews |
| Categories | Email ClientsAI Writing | Email ClientsAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
Avec
Handle your Gmail inbox in seconds with AI-powered prioritization and voice composition.
Strengths
- +Free to use
- +Significantly speeds up inbox processing with AI prioritization
- +Voice composition saves time and maintains personal tone
- +Reduces cognitive load by presenting emails one by one
- +Intelligent search eliminates manual sifting through emails
Weaknesses
- -Currently iOS only
- -Limited to US users
- -Only supports Gmail
Key features
Shortwave
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
Strengths
- +AI email client
- +Good for productivity
- +Gmail integration
- +Active development
- +Good features
Weaknesses
- -Gmail only
- -Expensive premium
- -Learning curve
- -Feature gaps
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Avec vs Shortwave
| Plan | Avec | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $7 Personal |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $14 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $24 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Avec pricing and Shortwave pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Avec is free. Shortwave is freemium.
Go with: Avec
Want the highest-rated option?
Shortwave is rated 4.5/5. Avec has no ratings yet.
Go with: Shortwave
Value user reviews?
Avec: no ratings yet. Shortwave: 69 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Shortwave
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Avec is free. Shortwave is freemium. Go with Avec if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are email clients tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Shortwave is rated 4.5/5; Avec has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Shortwave
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Avec
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Shortwave is our pick. That said, Avec is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avec or Shortwave better?
Shortwave is rated in our evaluation. Avec is free and Shortwave is freemium.
What are Avec and Shortwave used for?
Avec: Handle your Gmail inbox in seconds with AI-powered prioritization and voice composition.. Shortwave: Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management..
What does Avec cost vs Shortwave?
Avec is completely free. Shortwave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.