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The best open source alternative to Shortwave is Macro Mail. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other open source Shortwave alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Shortwave are: Inbox Zero, Tuta, and Twake Mail.
Shortwave alternatives are mainly Email Clients but may also be AI Personal Assistants or Encrypted Communication Tools. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Shortwave.
An AI-powered email client that combines inbox management, chat, tasks, and AI agents in one shared workspace, built for keyboard-driven workflows.

Macro Mail is an email client built around the opinion that your inbox shouldn't be separate from your tasks, conversations, and AI tools. Unlike Superhuman, It pulls email, chat, tasks, and AI agents into a single shared workspace while still being designed for people who spend a significant chunk of their day in their inbox and want to move fast.
The keyboard-first design is central to how it works. You can navigate, triage, and act on messages without touching the mouse, which adds up over a full workday.
Key capabilities include:
Macro Mail is aimed at professionals and teams who find standard email clients too passive. If you're already using tools like Inbox Zero for triage or exploring AI agent-based email handling, Macro Mail positions itself as an all-in-one alternative that keeps everything in one place.
The AI layer is woven into drafting, summarization, and agent actions throughout the product. That makes it a different category from clients that add AI as a plugin or optional add-on.
Automates Gmail and Outlook with AI-drafted replies, bulk unsubscribe, cold email blocking, attachment filing, and inbox analytics for individuals and teams.

Inbox Zero sits on top of your existing Gmail or Outlook account and handles the parts of email management that eat your day. It's not a replacement for your email client. It works alongside it, adding AI automation, smart categorization, and bulk cleanup tools that your email provider doesn't offer.
The core idea: when you open your inbox, the work is already done. Emails are sorted into categories like Newsletter, Urgent, Cold Email, and To Reply. Anything needing a response has a pre-drafted reply written in your voice, based on your email history, calendar availability, and connected CRM data. You review, adjust if needed, and send.
Key capabilities:
It connects to Gmail, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Outlook. Self-hosting is available for anyone who wants full control over their data. The codebase is open source, SOC 2 Type 2 certified, and doesn't use your emails to train AI models.
Inbox Zero suits busy professionals, executives, and small teams handling high email volume. If you've looked at Fyxer or similar AI email tools and wanted something self-hostable with deeper automation, this covers that ground. Paid plans start at $18/user/month with a 7-day free trial and no credit card required.
Tuta offers encrypted email, calendar and contacts with quantum-resistant security, protecting your privacy without ads or tracking.

Tuta is a secure communication platform that provides end-to-end encrypted email, calendar, and contacts.
Key features:
Tuta uses renewable energy to power its services, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The platform is trusted by thousands of businesses, including financial institutions and human rights organizations, to safeguard sensitive communications.
With Tuta, you can take back control of your data and enjoy private, secure communication without compromising on features or ease of use. Whether for personal or business use, Tuta provides a comprehensive solution for those who value their digital privacy and security.
Open source professional email solution with PGP encryption, JMAP protocol, AI-powered responses, and advanced antispam protection. Control your data privately.

Twake Mail is a next-generation open source email solution that prioritizes security, privacy, and performance for professional use. Built on the cutting-edge JMAP protocol, it delivers 30 times better efficiency than traditional IMAP systems while providing enterprise-grade security features.
Key Security Features:
Modern Technology Stack:
Enterprise Benefits:
Advanced Search & Organization:
Developed by LINAGORA, a leader in European open source with 24 years of experience, Twake Mail is backed by active participation in IETF standardization and Apache Foundation projects. The solution offers complete transparency with code available on GitHub for review and contribution.
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