# ElevenLabs vs Shortwave

> ElevenLabs: Text-to-speech, voice cloning, dubbing and voice agents built on in-house audio models
> Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts

- ElevenLabs profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/elevenlabs
- Shortwave profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/shortwave
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/elevenlabs-vs-shortwave
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

ElevenLabs is listed under Audio & Speech AI and Shortwave under AI Assistants. ElevenLabs scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (9.1 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only ElevenLabs is available on Web and offers an API. Only Shortwave is available on Windows and macOS.

### Choose ElevenLabs if

- You want a tool built for Voiceovers, audiobook narration, video dubbing, voice cloning, and real-time voice agents.
- Broad product range in one account: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, cloning, dubbing, sound effects, music and agents.
- Language coverage of 90+ languages on Eleven v4 and Scribe v2.

### Choose Shortwave if

- You want a tool built for heavy Gmail users who want AI search, drafting and inbox triage inside the email client itself.
- AI search covers up to five years of email on Business and unlimited history on Premier and Max.
- Native apps on iOS, Android, Mac and Windows, with a 4.7 average rating on the App Store.

## Pricing

| | ElevenLabs | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | ElevenLabs | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Text to Speech | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice Cloning | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice Design | Yes | Not listed |
| Speech to Text (Scribe) | Yes | Not listed |
| Dubbing Studio | Yes | Not listed |
| Sound Effects and Music | Yes | Not listed |
| ElevenAgents | Yes | Not listed |
| API and SDKs | Yes | Not listed |
| AI Assistant | Not listed | Yes |
| AI Search | Not listed | Yes |
| Write in Your Voice | Not listed | Yes |
| AI Filters | Not listed | Yes |
| Bundles and Split Inboxes | Not listed | Yes |
| AI Scheduling | Not listed | Yes |
| Team Collaboration | Not listed | Yes |
| Tracking and Reminders | Not listed | Yes |
| App Connections and MCP | Not listed | Yes |
| Privacy Controls | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | ElevenLabs | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## ElevenLabs strengths

- Broad product range in one account: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, cloning, dubbing, sound effects, music and agents
- Language coverage of 90+ languages on Eleven v4 and Scribe v2
- Low-latency models: Flash v2.5 at about 75 ms and Eleven v4 Turbo at about 100 ms median
- Free plan with 10,000 credits per month for testing
- Official SDKs for Python and TypeScript, plus mobile and React SDKs for agents

## ElevenLabs limitations

- Credits are consumed quickly on long-form work; the Starter plan's 30,000 credits is about 30 minutes of text-to-speech
- The Free plan has no commercial license and needs attribution when published
- Professional Voice Cloning requires Creator ($22 per month) or higher
- Plan structure is complex, with credits, concurrency limits and different per-model API rates

## Shortwave strengths

- AI search covers up to five years of email on Business and unlimited history on Premier and Max.
- Native apps on iOS, Android, Mac and Windows, with a 4.7 average rating on the App Store.
- Team features such as shared threads, comments and assignments sit inside the inbox.
- AI connects to outside tools including Notion, HubSpot, GitHub and MCP servers.
- Per-plan model tiers let users pay for stronger models only when needed.

## Shortwave limitations

- Paid plans are priced per seat from $30 (Business) to $120 (Max), higher than many email clients.
- Built around Gmail; support for other providers is limited or unclear.
- AI usage is capped by plan, with Business allowing roughly 150-300 Standard requests per day.
- The free tier is not clearly documented on the official pricing page.

## FAQ

**Is ElevenLabs better than Shortwave?**

It depends on your workflow. ElevenLabs is built for Voiceovers, audiobook narration, video dubbing, voice cloning, and real-time voice agents. Shortwave is built for heavy Gmail users who want AI search, drafting and inbox triage inside the email client itself.

**What are the key feature differences between ElevenLabs and Shortwave?**

ElevenLabs: Text-to-speech, voice cloning, dubbing and voice agents built on in-house audio models. Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts.

**Does ElevenLabs or Shortwave have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. ElevenLabs is freemium and Shortwave is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, ElevenLabs or Shortwave?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.