Readwise vs Shortwave
Readwise 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 | Readwise | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Readwise | Shortwave |
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Extension | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Key features | Spaced-resurfacing of highlights, Sync to Notion/Obsidian/Evernote, Readwise Reader: read-later with Ghostreader AI | AI summaries and drafts in Gmail, Bundles and shortcuts, Gmail-native, not a new mail stack |
| Headquarters | Remote, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2014 | 2020 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Readwise has a higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★).
- Readwise is Paid, while Shortwave is Freemium.
- Readwise runs on Web, iOS, Android, Extension; Shortwave runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Readwise or Shortwave better?
By user rating, Readwise scores higher (4.7★ vs 4.5★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Readwise or Shortwave?
Readwise is Paid and Shortwave is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Readwise and Shortwave open source?
No — neither Readwise nor Shortwave is open source.