# HeyGen vs Shortwave

> HeyGen: Create avatar videos from text and translate them into 175+ languages
> Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts

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

## Verdict

HeyGen is listed under Video AI and Shortwave under AI Assistants. HeyGen scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.3 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only HeyGen is available on Web and CLI and offers an API. Only Shortwave is available on Windows and macOS.

### Choose HeyGen if

- You want a tool built for Avatar-presented training and explainer videos.
- Free plan with no time limit, though capped at 3 videos a month.
- Video Translation with voice preservation and lip-sync in 175+ languages.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | HeyGen | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Studio | Yes | Not listed |
| Avatars | Yes | Not listed |
| Video Translation | Yes | Not listed |
| Video Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiple input types | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice cloning | Yes | Not listed |
| Interactive video and SCORM export | Yes | Not listed |
| Developer API | Yes | Not listed |
| Identity verification and moderation | 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 | HeyGen | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | Yes | No |

## HeyGen strengths

- Free plan with no time limit, though capped at 3 videos a month
- Video Translation with voice preservation and lip-sync in 175+ languages
- Text-based editor with Brand Kit, captions and multi-user editing
- Custom avatars and voice cloning on every plan, including Free
- Public API with CLI and MCP server, and iOS and Android apps
- Business plan adds SAML/SSO, SCORM export and LMS integrations

## HeyGen limitations

- Free plan limits videos to 1 minute and 3 per month
- 4K export and advanced AI models need Pro at $49 per month or higher
- Credit-based pricing makes the cost of a video depend on model, length and complexity
- Business starts at $149 per month plus $20 for each extra seat
- Android app is stated as available in the U.S. only

## 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 HeyGen better than Shortwave?**

It depends on your workflow. HeyGen is built for Avatar-presented training and explainer videos. 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 HeyGen and Shortwave?**

HeyGen: Create avatar videos from text and translate them into 175+ languages. Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts. HeyGen is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

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

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