HEY vs Shortwave: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between HEY 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:
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Best for you if:
- • Email reimagined by Basecamp
- • Screener for incoming mail
Shortwave
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • AI-powered email assistant for organizing, writing, and searching emails.
- • Enhances team collaboration with shared threads, comments, and AI-searchable archives.
| At a Glance |  HEY |  Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moHEY for Domains | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Clients | Email Clients |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose HEY or Shortwave?
Choose HEY if
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
- Innovative approach
- No tracking pixels
- Clean design
Choose Shortwave if
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
- AI email client
- Good for productivity
- Gmail integration
- Budget matters (Free vs $12/mo)
| Feature | HEY | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 18 reviews | ★4.5/5 69 reviews |
| Categories | Email ClientsProductivity | Email ClientsAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
HEY
Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
Strengths
- +Innovative approach
- +No tracking pixels
- +Clean design
Weaknesses
- -Requires new email address
- -Expensive
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: HEY vs Shortwave
| Plan | HEY | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $99 HEY for You | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $12 HEY for Domains | $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 HEY pricing and Shortwave pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Shortwave has a free tier. HEY is paid only.
Go with: Shortwave
Want the highest-rated option?
HEY: 4.0/5 (18 reviews). Shortwave: 4.5/5 (69 reviews).
Go with: Shortwave
Value user reviews?
HEY: 18 reviews (4.0/5). Shortwave: 69 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Shortwave
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
HEY is paid. Shortwave is freemium. Shortwave lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are email clients tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Shortwave is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Shortwave
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (69 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HEY
- Choose if you want control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies
The Bottom Line
Shortwave is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HEY or Shortwave better?
Shortwave is rated in our evaluation. HEY is paid and Shortwave is freemium.
What are HEY and Shortwave used for?
HEY: Control your inbox with email filtering and organized replies. Shortwave: Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management..
What does HEY cost vs Shortwave?
HEY is a paid tool. Shortwave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.