AI Email Writing Tools Compared: Best Options for Business in 2026
The best AI email writing tool for business in 2026 depends on your volume and integration needs. For occasional use, built-in AI in Gmail or Outlook works well. For heavy email workflows, integrated platforms like Dewx, Superhuman, or Lavender offer better results. Standalone tools like Jasper or Copy.ai excel at marketing emails.
Key Takeaways
- Built-in AI (Gmail, Outlook): Good for occasional use, free with subscriptions
- Email-focused tools (Superhuman, Lavender): Best for sales professionals and heavy email users
- Content platforms (Jasper, Copy.ai): Best for marketing emails and templates
- Integrated platforms (Dewx): Best for unified communication across channels
Introduction: Why AI Email Writing Matters
Professionals spend 28% of their workweek on email. For a small business owner, that's 11+ hours weekly. AI email tools don't just save time; they improve quality by helping you:
- Write clearer, more professional messages
- Maintain consistent tone across communications
- Respond faster to customers and partners
- Scale personalized outreach
This guide compares the leading options so you can choose what fits your needs.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail AI | Gmail users | Free (with Google Workspace) | Seamless integration |
| Outlook Copilot | Microsoft users | Free (with M365 subscription) | Microsoft ecosystem |
| Superhuman | High-volume email | $30/month | Speed and keyboard-first |
| Lavender | Sales emails | $29/month | Real-time coaching |
| Jasper | Marketing content | $49/month | Brand voice training |
| Copy.ai | Quick drafts | $49/month | Templates and workflows |
| Dewx | Unified messaging | Free beta | Multi-channel integration |
Tool Deep Dives
Gmail's Built-In AI (Help Me Write)
What it does: Generates email drafts based on context, can adjust tone, and refine existing text.
Pros:
- Free with Google Workspace
- No app switching
- Uses email context intelligently
- Improving rapidly
Cons:
- Basic compared to dedicated tools
- Limited customization
- No analytics or optimization
Best for: Google Workspace users with moderate email volume who want convenience without additional cost.
Outlook Copilot
What it does: AI-powered drafting, summarization, and response suggestions within Outlook.
Pros:
- Native Microsoft integration
- Works across Office apps
- Enterprise-grade security
- Meeting and calendar awareness
Cons:
- Requires M365 subscription
- Can be slow
- Less innovative than dedicated tools
Best for: Microsoft-centric businesses wanting AI without new tools.
Superhuman
What it does: AI-first email client with drafting, auto-complete, and instant reply features.
Pros:
- Extremely fast experience
- AI that learns your voice
- Keyboard-first design
- Snooze and reminders
- Read status tracking
Cons:
- Expensive ($30/month)
- Gmail/Outlook only
- Learning curve for shortcuts
Best for: Executives and professionals who live in email and value speed.
Lavender
What it does: AI email coach that analyzes and improves sales emails in real-time.
Pros:
- Real-time feedback as you type
- Personalization suggestions
- Mobile number and data enrichment
- Team coaching features
Cons:
- Sales-focused (less useful for other email)
- Requires integration setup
- Limited to email
Best for: Sales teams wanting to improve email effectiveness and response rates.
Jasper
What it does: AI content platform with email templates, brand voice training, and team collaboration.
Pros:
- Excellent for marketing emails
- Brand voice consistency
- Templates for common emails
- Team workflows
Cons:
- Overkill for simple emails
- Requires separate email client
- Learning curve
Best for: Marketing teams creating campaigns, newsletters, and branded communications.
Copy.ai
What it does: Quick content generation with email-specific templates and workflows.
Pros:
- Large template library
- Fast draft generation
- Workflow automation
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Quality varies
- Not email-client integrated
- Generic output needs editing
Best for: Quick first drafts and template-based emails.
Dewx
What it does: Unified inbox with AI drafting across email, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and other channels.
Pros:
- Multi-channel consistency
- Context from CRM and history
- Dew assistant for complex requests
- Native workflow integration
Cons:
- Requires platform adoption
- Currently in beta
- New entrant
Best for: SMBs wanting AI across all communication channels in one platform.
How to Choose
Choose Built-In AI (Gmail/Outlook) If:
- You have low to moderate email volume
- You're already in Google or Microsoft ecosystem
- You want free/included features
- Simple drafting is sufficient
Choose Superhuman If:
- Email is a core part of your job
- Speed and efficiency are priorities
- You'll invest time learning shortcuts
- $30/month is justified by time saved
Choose Lavender If:
- You send lots of sales/outreach emails
- Response rates matter to your metrics
- You want coaching, not just drafting
- Team training and analytics are valuable
Choose Jasper/Copy.ai If:
- You create marketing emails and campaigns
- Brand consistency is important
- You need templates and workflows
- You have a separate email-sending platform
Choose Dewx If:
- You communicate across multiple channels
- You want AI integrated with CRM
- Unified inbox appeals to you
- You're comfortable with beta software
Tips for Better AI-Assisted Emails
- Start with context: Give AI the background it needs
- Review and edit: AI drafts, you finalize
- Maintain your voice: Edit AI output to sound like you
- Use for first drafts: AI accelerates; you polish
- Learn the shortcuts: Speed comes from muscle memory
- Track what works: Note which AI suggestions perform well
The ROI Case
Assume you spend 10 hours/week on email and AI tools save 30% of that time:
- Time saved: 3 hours/week = 156 hours/year
- Value at $50/hour: $7,800/year
- Tool cost: $360-600/year
- Net benefit: $7,200+/year
Even conservative estimates show strong ROI for most professionals.
FAQ
Q: Will AI make my emails sound robotic? A: Not if you edit them. AI provides drafts; your edits add personality. The best approach is AI + human review.
Q: Can AI handle sensitive or complex emails? A: Use AI for structure and first drafts, but always review carefully. For sensitive matters, AI can help organize thoughts but shouldn't auto-send.
Q: Is my email content being used to train AI models? A: Check each tool's privacy policy. Enterprise versions typically offer stronger privacy guarantees. Dewx, for example, doesn't use your data for training.
Q: Should I tell recipients I used AI? A: Generally no, just as you wouldn't mention using spell check. The email is still your communication, AI just helped draft it.