AppFlowy vs Shortwave
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both AppFlowy and Shortwave are credible productivity collaboration tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose AppFlowy if you want broader platform coverage. Open-source Notion alternative you can self-host.
Choose Shortwave if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.5/5). AI email client for Gmail.
AppFlowy vs Shortwave: side by side
| Dimension | AppFlowy | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free - $10/user/mo | Free - $7/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Best for | Developers, Privacy Conscious Teams | Professionals |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Self HostedWinner | Web, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5Winner |
AppFlowy key facts
- Vendor
- AppFlowy
- Pricing
- Open source - Free - $10/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Developers, Privacy Conscious Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- USA
Shortwave key facts
- Vendor
- Shortwave
- Pricing
- Freemium - Free - $7/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, iOS, Android
- Best for
- Professionals
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is AppFlowy better than Shortwave?
Neither is universally better - Shortwave edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is AppFlowy or Shortwave cheaper?
AppFlowy is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free - $10/user/mo. AppFlowy starts at free - $10/user/mo; Shortwave starts at free - $7/mo.
Can AppFlowy replace Shortwave?
Yes for most teams - both are productivity collaboration tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.
Side-by-side software breakdowns and pricing changes - in your inbox monthly.