AI Email Assistant: Triage, Drafts & Automation | Inbox Zero

The AI email assistant that works for you

Inbox Zero triages your inbox, drafts replies in your voice, bulk unsubscribes you from noise, and tracks what needs a reply. Open source, privacy-first, and it works with the Gmail or Outlook you already use.

What is an AI email assistant?

An AI email assistant is software that connects to your inbox and uses artificial intelligence to handle email on your behalf. It sorts incoming messages into categories, drafts replies in your writing style, unsubscribes you from mail you never read, and reminds you about conversations that need a response. The best ones go beyond suggestions and act on your inbox automatically, while leaving you in control of what gets sent.

Inbox Zero is an open source AI email assistant that works with your existing Gmail, Google Workspace, or Outlook account. It triages incoming email automatically, writes draft replies in your voice so they're ready the moment you open a thread, bulk unsubscribes you from newsletters and marketing email, and tracks replies so nothing slips. You set the rules in plain English and the assistant works 24/7.

Because the code is open source, you can verify exactly how your email is processed instead of taking it on faith. Teams that want full control can self-host it on their own infrastructure. No other major AI email assistant offers that.

Drafting helpers vs assistants that act

In 2026 the gap between AI email tools is no longer about writing quality. It's about whether the tool acts on your inbox or just makes suggestions.

Passive drafting helpers

Most AI email tools suggest text. They summarize threads, polish your writing, or propose a reply when you ask. Helpful, but your inbox stays your job: you still open every email, decide what to do with it, and clean up the noise yourself.

Active assistants with human review

Inbox Zero is the second kind. It triages every incoming email, drafts the reply before you open the thread, archives the noise, and flags what needs follow-up. You review and send. The work happens before you show up, not after.

One assistant for your whole inbox

A personal assistant at a fraction of the cost. It drafts replies, organizes, and labels emails. Tell it what you want in plain English and it works 24/7.

What Inbox Zero handles for you

Everything an assistant should do with your email, in one place.

Automatic triage

Every incoming email is sorted into categories. Use the built-in ones or create your own, and attach actions like archive, label, or forward.

Drafts in your voice

The assistant learns from your email history and writes draft replies that sound like you, ready the moment a new email lands.

Bulk unsubscribe

See every sender you're subscribed to, how often they email, and how much you actually open. Unsubscribe or auto archive in bulk.

Reply tracking

Know which emails are waiting on you and who hasn't replied to you. Follow-up nudges get drafted so conversations don't die.

Meeting briefs

Before external calls, get a brief on who's joining with your email history and the context that matters.

Open source

Read the code to verify how your email is handled, and self-host it for full control over your data. SOC 2 compliant.

Works with the inbox you already have

Inbox Zero integrates seamlessly with your existing Gmail or Outlook, so there's no learning curve and nothing new to switch to.

Set up in minutes, automate forever

Connect your email and the assistant starts sorting and drafting right away. Custom rules have a simple interface, and the built-in chat can set them up from a plain description.

Step 1

Connect your Google or Microsoft email: Link your Gmail or Outlook in two clicks to get started.

Step 2

Organizes your inbox exactly how you want it: Smart categories set up automatically. Use our categories or create your own.

Step 3

Pre-drafted replies based on your email history and calendar: Every email you get needing a reply will have a pre-written draft.

How Inbox Zero compares to other AI email assistants

Inbox Zero Superhuman Fyxer Shortwave Lindy
Works inside your existing Gmail or Outlook ✅ No (separate client) ✅ No (separate client) ✅
Built specifically for email ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ No (general agent platform)
Automatic triage and categorization ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ Build it yourself
Drafts replies in your voice ✅ ✅ ✅ Pro plan Build it yourself
Custom categories ✅ ❌ ❌ Limited Build it yourself
Custom rules and actions ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅
Bulk unsubscribe report ✅ One-click only ❌ ❌ ❌
Reminds you when you forgot to reply ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Email analytics ✅ ❌ Limited Limited ❌
Meeting briefs ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌
Open source ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Self-hosting ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Pricing From $20/mo ~$30-40/mo From $30/mo Free, paid from ~$7/mo Credit-based

Frequently asked questions

What is an AI email assistant?

An AI email assistant is software that connects to your inbox and uses artificial intelligence to handle email on your behalf. It sorts incoming messages into categories, drafts replies in your writing style, unsubscribes you from mail you never read, and reminds you about conversations that need a response.

What is the difference between an AI email assistant and an AI email client?

An AI email client, like Superhuman or Shortwave, is a new app you move into instead of Gmail or Outlook. An AI email assistant like Inbox Zero works on top of the inbox you already use. It sorts, drafts, and automates in the background while you keep reading email exactly where you do today.

Does Inbox Zero replace my email app?

No. Inbox Zero isn't an email client. It's used alongside your existing email client. You use Gmail or Outlook as normal and the assistant works in the background.

Which email providers does Inbox Zero support?

Inbox Zero supports Gmail, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Outlook email accounts.

Is it safe to give an AI assistant access to my email?

Inbox Zero is open source, so you can read the code and verify exactly how your email is processed instead of taking it on faith. It's SOC 2 compliant, and teams that want full control can self-host it on their own infrastructure.

Will the assistant send emails without my approval?

Drafts are prepared for you to review and send. Beyond drafting, the assistant only does what your rules tell it to, like archiving marketing email or labeling receipts, and you define those rules in plain English.

How much does an AI email assistant cost?

Inbox Zero starts at $20 per month with a 7 day free trial, and because it's open source you can also self-host it.

Try for free, affordable paid plans

Starter

For individuals, entrepreneurs, and executives looking to buy back their time.

$20/user /month

Plus

For power users who need integrations and deeper knowledge base support.

$35/user /month

Everything in Starter, plus:

Professional

For teams and growing businesses handling high email volumes.

$50/user /month

Everything in Plus, plus:

Enterprise

Need SSO, SCIM, on-premise deployment, or a dedicated account manager?