# Leonardo AI vs Shortwave

> Leonardo AI: AI image and video studio with custom model training and a real-time canvas editor
> Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts

- Leonardo AI profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/leonardo-ai
- Shortwave profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/shortwave
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/leonardo-ai-vs-shortwave
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Leonardo AI is listed under Image & Visual AI and Shortwave under AI Assistants. Leonardo AI scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 8.1 out of 10), led by value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Leonardo AI is available on Web and offers an API. Only Shortwave is available on Windows and macOS.

### Choose Leonardo AI if

- You want a tool built for game and concept art.
- Free plan with 150 tokens per day.
- Many first-party and third-party image and video models in one account.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Leonardo AI | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Canvas | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiple models | Yes | Not listed |
| Personal model training | Yes | Not listed |
| Video generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Blueprints | Yes | Not listed |
| Image editing tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Not listed |
| API and MCP server | 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 | Leonardo AI | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Leonardo AI strengths

- Free plan with 150 tokens per day
- Many first-party and third-party image and video models in one account
- Personal model training on paid plans
- AI Canvas for inpainting and outpainting
- Apps for iOS and Android, plus a pay-as-you-go API

## Leonardo AI limitations

- Free generations are public and the daily allowance is small
- Token costs vary by model and settings, so spend is hard to predict
- Unlimited relaxed video generation needs the $60 Ultimate plan
- Official pricing page blocks automated access, so plan details need checking on the site

## 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 Leonardo AI better than Shortwave?**

It depends on your workflow. Leonardo AI is built for game and concept art. 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 Leonardo AI and Shortwave?**

Leonardo AI: AI image and video studio with custom model training and a real-time canvas editor. Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts.

**Does Leonardo AI or Shortwave have a free plan?**

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

**Which is cheaper, Leonardo AI or Shortwave?**

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