# Recraft vs Shortwave

> Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export
> Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts

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

## Verdict

Recraft is listed under Image & Visual AI and Shortwave under AI Assistants. Recraft scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.3 vs 8.1 out of 10), led by value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Recraft is available on Web and Chrome Extension and offers an API. Only Shortwave is available on Windows and macOS.

### Choose Recraft if

- You want a tool built for vector graphics and icons.
- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free.
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Recraft | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Raster and vector generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Custom styles | Yes | Not listed |
| Color palettes | Yes | Not listed |
| Vector Editor and canvas | Yes | Not listed |
| Image tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Mockups | Yes | Not listed |
| Agentic chat and Design Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| External models | Yes | Not listed |
| Video generation | 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 | Recraft | Shortwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Chrome Extension | Yes | No |

## Recraft strengths

- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand
- Single workspace for generation, vector editing, upscaling, background removal and mockups
- Gives access to external models such as Flux, GPT Image, Imagen and Nano Banana
- Paid plans include private images and full commercial rights
- Apps for iOS and Android, Figma and other plugins, and a public API and MCP server

## Recraft limitations

- Free plan images are public and not licensed for commercial use
- Monthly credits expire each cycle, and costs per image vary by model (for example 2 credits for V4.1 and 10 for V4.1 Pro)
- Video generation is not available on Free or Basic plans
- Plan prices depend on credit tier, so cost rises quickly for heavy use

## 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 Recraft better than Shortwave?**

It depends on your workflow. Recraft is built for vector graphics and icons. 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 Recraft and Shortwave?**

Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export. Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts.

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

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

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

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