Skiff Mail vs Shortwave: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Skiff Mail 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:
Skiff Mail
Private, end-to-end encrypted email that protects your inbox and gives you the power to communicate freely.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You need email clients features specifically
- • Provides end-to-end encrypted email for maximum privacy and security.
- • Offers 10 GB free storage, custom domains, unlimited aliases, and tracker blocking.
Shortwave
Automate your email with AI for enhanced productivity and inbox management.
Best for you if:
- • You need ai assistants features specifically
- • AI-powered email assistant for organizing, writing, and searching emails.
- • Enhances team collaboration with shared threads, comments, and AI-searchable archives.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Clients | AI Assistants |
Rating | 82/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Skiff Mail | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email ClientsPassword Managers | AI AssistantsEmail Clients |
Understanding the Differences
Both Skiff Mail and Shortwave solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Skiff Mail positions itself as "private, end-to-end encrypted email that protects your inbox and gives you the power to communicate freely." while Shortwavefocuses on "automate your email with ai for enhanced productivity and inbox management.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Skiff Mail
Skiff Mail makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Shortwave
Shortwave is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Skiff Mail lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Skiff Mail
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Skiff Mail handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Skiff Mail
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Skiff Mail
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Skiff Mail, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Skiff Mail higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Shortwave more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Skiff Mail Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Shortwave If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Skiff Mail (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Skiff Mail scores higher in our analysis, but Shortwave might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skiff Mail or Shortwave better?
Based on our analysis, Skiff Mail scores higher with 82/100. Skiff Mail isfreemium while Shortwave is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Skiff Mail to Shortwave easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Skiff Mail and Shortwave offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Skiff Mail is freemium with a free tier.Shortwave is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.