Comparison
Gatherly vs Shortwave
Shortwave rebuilds Gmail around AI, and as a pure email client it's excellent — if you're happy to switch apps and never touch Outlook. Gatherly is an [AI Chief of Staff](/glossary/ai-chief-of-staff) that works on top of Gmail or Outlook: triage, drafting, calendar, and follow-ups, no new client required.
Gatherly vs Shortwave
Why teams choose Gatherly
Gmail and Outlook
Gatherly works with both providers — and you keep the email client you already use.
Beyond the inbox
[Calendar management](/use-cases/calendar-management) with natural-language scheduling, meeting prep, and a knowledge base grounded in your own documents.
Assistant on WhatsApp
Draft emails, set reminders, and approve sends by [text or voice note](/use-cases/whatsapp-assistant) — no app open.
Free to start
A genuine free tier, plus 14 days of the full Advanced plan — see [pricing](/pricing).
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shortwave better?
As an email client. Its AI search and thread summaries are best-in-class, and if you live entirely in Gmail and want a rebuilt app around it, Shortwave is the stronger choice there.
Does Gatherly replace my email client?
No — it connects to Gmail or Outlook and handles [triage](/use-cases/email-triage), drafting, and follow-ups on top. You keep whatever client you like.
Can I use both?
Yes — Gatherly works at the account level, so you can read mail in Shortwave while Gatherly triages, tracks follow-ups, and sends your [daily brief](/use-cases/daily-brief).
What does Gatherly cost?
Free to start (10 knowledge docs, 20 AI email actions a week). Gatherly Plus is $19.99 NZD/mo; Advanced, which adds Marketing Hub, is $29.99. New signups get 14 days of Advanced free.
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