InboxPilot vs. Hiver: Top Gmail Inbox Automation for Small Businesses in 2025
September 6th, 2025 • 8 min read
Last updated at September 7th, 2025
InboxPilot vs. Hiver: Top Gmail Inbox Automation for Small Businesses in 2025
Your Gmail inbox is a hub for customer support emails, but answering repetitive queries like “How do I reset my account?” can drain your day. Small businesses need tools that simplify inbox management without breaking the bank. InboxPilot and Hiver both offer email automation to streamline customer support automation, but which is better for small teams in 2025? We compare their AI chatbot features, Gmail inbox integration, and pricing to help you decide.
The Need for Email Automation
Email overload is real—studies show professionals spend nearly a third of their workday on emails. For small businesses, managing customer inquiries in a Gmail inbox alongside sales and team tasks is a challenge. Email automation saves time by handling repetitive responses, letting you focus on growth. InboxPilot and Hiver both deliver this, but their simplicity and cost differ significantly.
InboxPilot: Free, Simple Automation
InboxPilot is an AI-powered platform that automates customer support emails with a $0/month plan, including auto-replies and AI drafts. Designed for small teams, it’s easy to set up: connect your Gmail, upload data to the knowledge center, and automate—no code or complex options needed. Key features include:
- AI Email Generator: Crafts personalized, human-like replies using your company’s data.
- Gmail Inbox Integration: Auto-responds to FAQs and prioritizes emails seamlessly.
- End-to-End Encryption: Secures customer data across all plans.
- Inbox Management: Streamlines workflows with analytics for response times.
InboxPilot’s simplicity and free plan make it perfect for small businesses seeking business efficiency.
Hiver: Shared Inbox for Teams
Hiver is a Gmail and Outlook-based platform focused on shared inbox management, offering email automation for ~$24/month (verified for plans with automated drafts). It’s designed for teams but can feel limiting for solo users. Key features include:
- Shared Inbox: Manages emails like support@ with team assignments and collision detection.
- Automation Rules: Auto-routes emails, but AI drafts are capped at 20/day.
- Gmail Integration: Native to Gmail, with basic AI for labeling and drafting.
- Team Focus: Strong collaboration but less emphasis on advanced AI.
Hiver suits teams needing shared inboxes but lacks InboxPilot’s AI depth and affordability.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | InboxPilot | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $0/month | ~$24/month |
| Gmail Inbox Integration | Seamless, AI-driven automation | Native, basic automation |
| AI Chatbot | Unlimited, personalized drafts | 20 AI drafts/day |
| End-to-End Encryption | Standard for all plans | Limited to higher plans |
| Ease of Setup | No-code, small team-friendly | Team-oriented, more setup |
Pros and Cons
InboxPilot:
- Pros: $0/month plan, unlimited AI email generator, end-to-end encryption, easy setup.
- Cons: Fewer team collaboration features.
Hiver:
- Pros: Strong shared inbox, affordable for teams, Gmail-native.
- Cons: $24/month, limited AI drafts, less personalization.
Why Choose InboxPilot?
For small businesses, InboxPilot’s $0/month plan, no-code setup, and unlimited AI chatbot drafts make it a no-brainer. Its seamless Gmail inbox integration and end-to-end encryption ensure secure, efficient inbox management. Hiver’s team-focused features are great, but its cost and AI limitations can’t match InboxPilot’s value for solo users or small teams.
Get Started with InboxPilot
Simplify your Gmail inbox with InboxPilot’s email automation. Sign up for a free trial today and discover how our AI chatbot saves you time. Check out our blog for more, like “InboxPilot vs. Gmelius” or “Creating Email Signature Templates with AI.”