Shortwave Alternative: What MsgMaster Does
Updated October 2026 · 5 min read · Written by MsgMaster. This is our own comparison.
About Shortwave
Shortwave is an email client built around AI features. Its supported providers, features and pricing change over time, so read the current details on shortwave.com before you decide.
MsgMaster features
| Capability | MsgMaster |
|---|---|
| Gmail | Chrome extension inside Gmail |
| Outlook | Outlook add-in |
| AI inbox chat | Ask questions about your inbox |
| AI priority triage | Priority scoring with VIP senders and needs-reply detection |
| AI reply drafting | Every plan; tone presets. Business plan drafts match your writing style, learned from your sent mail |
| Follow-up queue | Sent emails with no reply, plus emails you flag, with AI-drafted nudges |
| Daily briefing | Summary of urgent and needs-reply email |
| Smart tags and auto-sort | Rules you set; tags can appear as Gmail labels or Outlook folders |
| Meeting notes (coming soon) | Not available yet. When it launches, you will be able to record a meeting in your browser or upload a recording, and MsgMaster will transcribe it and write the summary, action items and follow-up email |
| Keeps your existing email client | Yes |
MsgMaster may suit you if:
- You use Gmail, Outlook, or both.
- You do not want to change email clients.
- You need a follow-up queue for sent emails that have not had a reply.
- You want to dictate emails by voice.
How to switch from Shortwave to MsgMaster
- Keep your Gmail account. Nothing changes there.
- Decide whether to keep or remove Shortwave.
- Join the MsgMaster waitlist and install the Chrome extension at launch.
- Sign in with Google. The same MsgMaster account works in the Outlook add-in.
- Turn on auto-apply tags and check the follow-up queue.
Our view
This is our opinion as the maker of MsgMaster: if you want AI help without changing email clients, or you also use Outlook, MsgMaster is worth trying. Compare it with Shortwave's current offering before you decide.
Get AI help in your inbox without changing clients
We are launching soon. MsgMaster works inside Gmail and Outlook. MsgMaster starts with a 7-day free trial (card required). Pro is $14.99 USD/month or $79.99 USD/year, plus applicable taxes, and waitlist members get 50% off their first 2 months.
Join the waitlist →Frequently asked questions
Is MsgMaster a Shortwave alternative?
MsgMaster is one option to consider. Shortwave is an AI-powered email client. MsgMaster instead runs inside Gmail and Outlook and adds AI triage, reply drafting, follow-up tracking and inbox chat. Check shortwave.com for Shortwave's current features and pricing.
Does MsgMaster work with Outlook?
Yes. MsgMaster has an Outlook add-in and a Chrome extension for Gmail. Connecting more than one mailbox requires the Business plan.
Does MsgMaster have AI chat over your inbox?
Yes. MsgMaster includes an AI chat where you can ask questions about your inbox (for example, 'what did Sarah send me last week?').
How much does MsgMaster cost?
MsgMaster starts with a 7-day free trial (card required). Pro is $14.99 USD/month or $79.99 USD/year, plus applicable taxes. Join the waitlist at msgmaster.ca/waitlist for 50% off your first 2 months.
Do my Gmail labels stay the same?
Yes. MsgMaster works on top of Gmail, so your labels and filters stay in place.
Shortwave and other product names are trademarks of their owners. MsgMaster is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Comparison based on publicly available information as of October 2026; check each vendor's site for current features and pricing.