HubSpot vs Shortwave
Neutral, data‑driven comparison to evaluate productivity & collaboration.
Comparing 2 AI tools.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
Upvotes | 147 | 7 |
Avg. Rating | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Slogan | Grow better | Supercharge your email with AI. |
Category | ||
Pricing Model | Freemium Enterprise | Freemium Enterprise |
Pricing Details | HubSpot offers a free tier (Free CRM and limited Free Hubs), core plans on a seat-based subscription model. Starter plans begin at $9-$20/month per seat depending on the Hub as of mid-2025. Professional and Enterprise plans have higher base prices (e.g., Sales Hub Professional $90-100/month/seat, Enterprise $150/month/seat) and require annual commitments and onboarding fees for upper tiers. Pricing is modular by Hub (Sales, Marketing, Service, Content, Operations, Commerce), with distinct add-on, core, and sales seat charges; major 2024/2025 changes emphasize seat-based and modular options. Some bundles exist, such as a Starter Platform plan including multiple Hubs at a low entry cost. Pricing details may vary by region and bundle choice. | Free tier, Personal at $8.50/month, Pro at $18/month, Business at $30/month, Premier at $45/month |
Platforms | ||
Target Audience | Marketing Professionals, Business Executives, Entrepreneurs, Customer Service, Product Managers | Business Executives, Product Managers, Entrepreneurs, Marketing Professionals, Content Creators, Remote Workers, Educators, Students, AI Enthusiasts |
Website |
Why this comparison matters
This comprehensive comparison of HubSpot and Shortwave provides objective, data-driven insights to help you choose the best productivity & collaboration solution for your needs. We evaluate both tools across multiple dimensions including feature depth, pricing transparency, integration capabilities, security posture, and real-world usability.
Whether you're evaluating tools for personal use, team collaboration, or enterprise deployment, this comparison highlights key differentiators, use case recommendations, and cost-benefit considerations to inform your decision. Both tools are evaluated based on verified data, community feedback, and technical capabilities.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose HubSpot if:
- Developer-friendly—HubSpot provides comprehensive API and 7 SDKs for custom integrations, while Shortwave has limited developer tools
- Variable usage patterns—HubSpot offers pay-as-you-go pricing, ideal for fluctuating workloads
- Advanced analytics—HubSpot provides deeper insights and data visualization capabilities
- Community favorite—HubSpot has 147 upvotes (2000% more than Shortwave), indicating strong user preference
- Specialized in marketing automation—HubSpot offers category-specific features and optimizations for marketing automation workflows
Choose Shortwave if:
- Security-first design—Shortwave prioritizes data security and compliance features
- Multilingual support—Shortwave supports 5 languages vs HubSpot's 1
- AI-powered capabilities—Shortwave highlights advanced AI features: "Supercharge your email with AI."
- Unique features—Shortwave offers ai email assistant and email summarization capabilities not found in HubSpot
Pro tip: Start with a free trial or free tier if available. Test both tools with real workflows to evaluate performance, ease of use, and integration depth. Consider your team size, technical expertise, and long-term scalability needs when making your final decision.
When to Choose Each Tool
When to Choose HubSpot
HubSpot is the better choice when you prioritize specific features and capabilities. HubSpot making it ideal for teams valuing community-validated solutions.
Ideal for:
- Developer-friendly—HubSpot provides comprehensive API and 7 SDKs for custom integrations, while Shortwave has limited developer tools
- Variable usage patterns—HubSpot offers pay-as-you-go pricing, ideal for fluctuating workloads
- Advanced analytics—HubSpot provides deeper insights and data visualization capabilities
- Community favorite—HubSpot has 147 upvotes (2000% more than Shortwave), indicating strong user preference
- Specialized in marketing automation—HubSpot offers category-specific features and optimizations for marketing automation workflows
Target Audiences:
When to Choose Shortwave
Shortwave excels when you need specific features and capabilities. Shortwave making it ideal for teams with specific requirements.
Ideal for:
- Security-first design—Shortwave prioritizes data security and compliance features
- Multilingual support—Shortwave supports 5 languages vs HubSpot's 1
- AI-powered capabilities—Shortwave highlights advanced AI features: "Supercharge your email with AI."
- Unique features—Shortwave offers ai email assistant and email summarization capabilities not found in HubSpot
Target Audiences:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
HubSpot
Value Proposition
Freemium model allows gradual scaling without upfront commitment. Pay-as-you-go pricing aligns costs with actual usage. Multi-platform support reduces need for multiple tool subscriptions. API and SDK access enable custom automation, reducing manual work.
ROI Considerations
- Single tool replaces multiple platform-specific solutions
- API access enables automation, reducing manual work
Shortwave
Value Proposition
Freemium model allows gradual scaling without upfront commitment. Multi-platform support reduces need for multiple tool subscriptions.
ROI Considerations
- Single tool replaces multiple platform-specific solutions
Cost Analysis Tip: Beyond sticker price, consider total cost of ownership including setup time, training, integration complexity, and potential vendor lock-in. Tools with free tiers allow risk-free evaluation, while usage-based pricing aligns costs with value. Factor in productivity gains, reduced manual work, and improved outcomes when calculating ROI.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
HubSpot is Best For
- Marketing Professionals
- Business Executives
- Entrepreneurs
- Customer Service
- Product Managers
Shortwave is Best For
- Business Executives
- Product Managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Marketing Professionals
- Content Creators
Pricing Comparison
HubSpot
Pricing Model
Freemium, Enterprise
Details
HubSpot offers a free tier (Free CRM and limited Free Hubs), core plans on a seat-based subscription model. Starter plans begin at $9-$20/month per seat depending on the Hub as of mid-2025. Professional and Enterprise plans have higher base prices (e.g., Sales Hub Professional $90-100/month/seat, Enterprise $150/month/seat) and require annual commitments and onboarding fees for upper tiers. Pricing is modular by Hub (Sales, Marketing, Service, Content, Operations, Commerce), with distinct add-on, core, and sales seat charges; major 2024/2025 changes emphasize seat-based and modular options. Some bundles exist, such as a Starter Platform plan including multiple Hubs at a low entry cost. Pricing details may vary by region and bundle choice.
Estimated Monthly Cost
$+/month
Shortwave
Pricing Model
Freemium, Enterprise
Details
Free tier, Personal at $8.50/month, Pro at $18/month, Business at $30/month, Premier at $45/month
Estimated Monthly Cost
$+/month
Strengths & Weaknesses
HubSpot
Strengths
- Free tier available
- Multi-platform support (3 platforms)
- Developer-friendly (7+ SDKs)
- API available
- Highly rated (4.5⭐)
Limitations
- Few integrations
- Not GDPR compliant
Shortwave
Strengths
- Free tier available
- Multi-platform support (3 platforms)
- Developer-friendly (2+ SDKs)
Limitations
- Few integrations
- Not GDPR compliant
- No public API
Community Verdict
HubSpot
Shortwave
Integration & Compatibility Comparison
HubSpot
Platform Support
✓ Multi-platform support enables flexible deployment
Integrations
Developer Tools
SDK Support:
✓ REST API available for custom integrations
Shortwave
Platform Support
✓ Multi-platform support enables flexible deployment
Integrations
Limited integration options
Developer Tools
SDK Support:
Integration Evaluation: Assess how each tool fits into your existing stack. Consider API availability for custom integrations if native options are limited. Evaluate integration depth, authentication methods (OAuth, API keys), webhook support, and data synchronization capabilities. Test integrations in your environment before committing.
Developer Experience
HubSpot
SDK Support
API
✅ REST API available
Shortwave
SDK Support
Deployment & Security
HubSpot
Deployment Options
Compliance
GDPR status not specified
Hosting
Global
Shortwave
Deployment Options
Compliance
GDPR status not specified
Hosting
Global
Common Use Cases
HubSpot
+8 more use cases available
Shortwave
+8 more use cases available
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing between HubSpot and Shortwave ultimately depends on your specific requirements, team size, budget constraints, and long-term goals. Both tools offer unique strengths that may align differently with your workflow.
Consider HubSpot if:
- •Developer-friendly—HubSpot provides comprehensive API and 7 SDKs for custom integrations, while Shortwave has limited developer tools
- •Variable usage patterns—HubSpot offers pay-as-you-go pricing, ideal for fluctuating workloads
- •Advanced analytics—HubSpot provides deeper insights and data visualization capabilities
Consider Shortwave if:
- •Security-first design—Shortwave prioritizes data security and compliance features
- •Multilingual support—Shortwave supports 5 languages vs HubSpot's 1
- •AI-powered capabilities—Shortwave highlights advanced AI features: "Supercharge your email with AI."
Next Steps
- Start with free trials: Both tools likely offer free tiers or trial periods. Use these to test real workflows and evaluate performance firsthand.
- Involve your team: Get feedback from actual users who will interact with the tool daily. Their input on usability and workflow integration is invaluable.
- Test integrations: Verify that each tool integrates smoothly with your existing stack. Check API documentation, webhook support, and authentication methods.
- Calculate total cost: Look beyond monthly pricing. Factor in setup time, training, potential overages, and long-term scalability costs.
- Review support and roadmap: Evaluate vendor responsiveness, documentation quality, and product roadmap alignment with your needs.
Remember: The "best" tool is the one that fits your specific context. What works for one organization may not work for another. Take your time, test thoroughly, and choose based on verified data rather than marketing claims. Both HubSpot and Shortwave are capable solutions—your job is to determine which aligns better with your unique requirements.
Top Productivity & Collaboration tools
- 1ChatGPTFree tier
Your AI assistant for conversation, research, and productivity—now with apps and advanced voice features.
- 5n8nFree tier
AI workflow automation for technical teams
Web AppDesktop AppCLI Tool#workflow automation#ai integration#business process automation4.3(3)481Integrations: 1
Explore by audience
FAQ
Is HubSpot better than Shortwave for Productivity & Collaboration?
There isn’t a universal winner—decide by fit. Check: (1) Workflow/UI alignment; (2) Total cost at your usage (seats, limits, add‑ons); (3) Integration coverage and API quality; (4) Data handling and compliance. Use the table above to align these with your priorities.
What are alternatives to HubSpot and Shortwave?
Explore adjacent options in the Productivity & Collaboration category. Shortlist by feature depth, integration maturity, transparent pricing, migration ease (export/API), security posture (e.g., SOC 2/ISO 27001), and roadmap velocity. Prefer tools proven in production in stacks similar to yours and with clear SLAs/support.
What should I look for in Productivity & Collaboration tools?
Checklist: (1) Must‑have vs nice‑to‑have features; (2) Cost at your scale (limits, overages, seats); (3) Integrations and API quality; (4) Privacy & compliance (GDPR/DSA, retention, residency); (5) Reliability/performance (SLA, throughput, rate limits); (6) Admin, audit, SSO; (7) Support and roadmap. Validate with a fast pilot on your real workloads.
How should I compare pricing for HubSpot vs Shortwave?
Normalize to your usage. Model seats, limits, overages, add‑ons, and support. Include hidden costs: implementation, training, migration, and potential lock‑in. Prefer transparent metering if predictability matters.
What due diligence is essential before choosing a Productivity & Collaboration tool?
Run a structured pilot: (1) Replicate a real workflow; (2) Measure quality and latency; (3) Verify integrations, API limits, error handling; (4) Review security, PII handling, compliance, and data residency; (5) Confirm SLA, support response, and roadmap.