Email takes up more time than most people realize. The average professional spends over 3 hours per day on email. AI email writing tools can cut that time dramatically by drafting, editing, and organizing your emails. Here are the best options.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT / Claude | Any email writing | Free / $20/mo | Web, mobile |
| Grammarly | Email editing and tone | Free / $12/mo | Browser, desktop |
| Superhuman | AI-powered email client | $30/mo | Web, mobile |
| Lavender | Sales emails | Free / $29/mo | Browser extension |
| Flowrite | Quick email drafts | $5/mo | Browser |
| Microsoft Copilot | Outlook integration | $20/mo+ | Outlook |
1. ChatGPT / Claude - Versatile Email Drafting
Best for: Any type of email
The simplest approach is to use a general AI assistant for email writing. Describe what you need, and it generates a draft.
How to use:
- “Write a professional email declining a meeting invitation”
- “Draft a follow-up email after a job interview”
- “Write a friendly reminder about an overdue invoice”
- “Create a cold outreach email for my web design services”
Pros:
- Handles any email type
- Can adjust tone (formal, casual, persuasive)
- Free tier works well
- Can rewrite existing emails
Cons:
- Requires copy/pasting between tools
- No direct email integration
- Needs context about the situation
Pro tip: Create a template prompt for recurring emails. For example:
Write a professional follow-up email. Context: [situation].
Tone: friendly but professional. Keep it under 100 words.
Include a clear call to action.
2. Grammarly - Real-time Email Enhancement
Best for: Polishing emails as you write
Grammarly works inside your email client (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) and improves your writing in real-time.
Pros:
- Works directly in Gmail, Outlook, and other clients
- Catches grammar and spelling errors instantly
- Tone detector ensures you sound right
- Suggests clarity improvements
- Free version covers the basics
Cons:
- Not a full email generator
- Premium suggestions can be overly formal
- Tone suggestions sometimes miss context
Pricing: Free tier available. Premium at $12/month.
3. Superhuman - AI Email Client
Best for: Email power users
Superhuman is a premium email client that uses AI throughout the email experience. It is designed for people who live in their inbox.
AI features:
- AI drafts replies based on your writing style
- Auto-summarizes long email threads
- Smart routing and prioritization
- Keyboard shortcuts for speed
- Follow-up reminders
- Read receipts
Pros:
- Learns your writing style over time
- Fastest email experience available
- Beautiful, distraction-free interface
- AI-generated replies save significant time
Cons:
- Expensive at $30/month
- Waitlist or invitation required sometimes
- Only works with Gmail and Outlook
- Learning curve for keyboard shortcuts
Pricing: $30/month.
Our take: If email is a core part of your job and you spend 3+ hours daily in your inbox, Superhuman pays for itself in time saved.
4. Lavender - Sales Email Optimization
Best for: Sales teams and cold outreach
Lavender is specifically designed for sales emails. It scores your emails, suggests improvements, and helps you write emails that get replies.
AI features:
- Email scoring (rates your email on how likely it is to get a reply)
- AI suggestions for improving subject lines and body
- Prospect research integration (shows you info about the recipient)
- A/B testing recommendations
- Integration with Gmail, Outlook, and Sales tools
Pros:
- Specifically optimized for sales emails
- Data-driven scoring system
- Integrates with CRM tools
- Free tier for individuals
Cons:
- Focused on sales use cases only
- Team plans get expensive
- Limited value for non-sales emails
Pricing: Free tier for individuals. Starter at $29/month.
5. Microsoft Copilot for Outlook
Best for: Outlook users in corporate environments
If you use Outlook at work, Microsoft Copilot integrates AI directly into your email workflow.
AI features:
- Draft emails from brief instructions
- Summarize long email threads
- Suggest replies based on context
- Pull information from other emails and documents
- Meeting scheduling assistance
Pros:
- Seamless Outlook integration
- Access to your organization’s data
- Enterprise-grade security
- No new tool to learn
Cons:
- Requires Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription
- Corporate environments only
- Quality varies by use case
Pricing: Microsoft 365 Copilot at $30/user/month.
Email Writing Tips with AI
1. Provide Good Context
The more context you give, the better the output:
Bad: "Write a follow-up email"
Good: "Write a follow-up email to a potential client (John at Acme Corp)
who I met at a conference last week. We discussed their need for a new
website. I want to schedule a 30-minute call to discuss next steps."
2. Specify Tone and Length
"Write this in a warm but professional tone, keep it under 150 words"
3. Edit, Don’t Just Send
Always review AI-generated emails before sending. Check for:
- Accuracy of names, dates, and details
- Appropriate tone for the relationship
- Any information you did not intend to share
4. Create Templates for Recurring Emails
Save prompts for emails you write frequently:
- Follow-ups after meetings
- Project status updates
- Client onboarding messages
- Invoice reminders
FAQ
Can AI write professional emails?
Yes, very well. AI generates professional, well-structured emails that often need minimal editing. The key is providing good context.
Will people know my email was written by AI?
Usually not, if you edit the output. AI-generated emails can sound generic if sent without review, but with minor personalization they are indistinguishable from human-written ones.
Which tool is best for cold emails?
Lavender for sales outreach (it optimizes for reply rates). ChatGPT or Claude for general cold emails (they handle varied contexts well).
Is it ethical to use AI for email?
Yes. AI is a writing tool, similar to using spell check or templates. You are responsible for the content and accuracy of what you send.
Bottom Line
For most people, the best setup is ChatGPT or Claude for drafting + Grammarly for polishing. Both have free tiers that work well. Upgrade to Superhuman if email is a major part of your workday.