Hey vs Shortwave
Hey and Shortwave are both Productivity tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Hey | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | 37signals | Shortwave |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Key features | Screening inbox for strangers, Imbox / Feed / Paper Trail, Hey World pages | AI summaries and drafts in Gmail, Bundles and shortcuts, Gmail-native, not a new mail stack |
| Headquarters | Chicago, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2020 | 2020 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Shortwave has a higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★).
- Hey is Paid, while Shortwave is Freemium.
- Hey runs on Web, Mobile; Shortwave runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hey or Shortwave better?
By user rating, Shortwave scores higher (4.5★ vs 4.4★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Hey or Shortwave?
Hey is Paid and Shortwave is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Hey and Shortwave open source?
No — neither Hey nor Shortwave is open source.