# Shortwave vs Udio

> Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts
> Udio: Generate songs with vocals from text prompts and lyrics, with in-browser editing

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

## Verdict

Shortwave is listed under AI Assistants and Udio under Audio & Speech AI. Shortwave scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.1 vs 6.9 out of 10), led by value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Shortwave is available on Windows, macOS and Android. Only Udio is available on Web.

### 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.

### Choose Udio if

- You want a tool built for generating song drafts with vocals.
- Generates songs with vocals from a prompt and lyrics.
- Extend, remix and inpainting tools for editing tracks.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Shortwave | Udio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Assistant | Yes | Not listed |
| AI Search | Yes | Not listed |
| Write in Your Voice | Yes | Not listed |
| AI Filters | Yes | Not listed |
| Bundles and Split Inboxes | Yes | Not listed |
| AI Scheduling | Yes | Not listed |
| Team Collaboration | Yes | Not listed |
| Tracking and Reminders | Yes | Not listed |
| App Connections and MCP | Yes | Not listed |
| Privacy Controls | Yes | Not listed |
| Text-to-song generation | Not listed | Yes |
| Extend and Remix | Not listed | Yes |
| Audio inpainting | Not listed | Yes |
| Audio-guided generation | Not listed | Yes |
| Voices | Not listed | Yes |
| Sessions | Not listed | Yes |
| Library and sharing | Not listed | Yes |
| iOS app | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

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

## 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.

## Udio strengths

- Generates songs with vocals from a prompt and lyrics
- Extend, remix and inpainting tools for editing tracks
- Free plan with daily and monthly credits
- Official iOS app alongside the web app
- Paid credit limits were doubled or raised after the UMG deal

## Udio limitations

- Downloads of audio, video and stems are disabled on all plans
- Free plan is capped at three 2-minute songs per day
- No public API and no Android app
- Licensed platform and new models are announced but have no published launch date

## FAQ

**Is Shortwave better than Udio?**

It depends on your workflow. Shortwave is built for heavy Gmail users who want AI search, drafting and inbox triage inside the email client itself. Udio is built for generating song drafts with vocals.

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

Shortwave: AI email client for Gmail that searches, organizes, drafts and schedules from plain-language prompts. Udio: Generate songs with vocals from text prompts and lyrics, with in-browser editing.

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

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

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

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