If you're reading this, chances are, you want to add a text messaging service to your business communication suite.
Smart move.
After all, SMS is less intrusive than a phone call. It's more convenient than an email. And a cost-effective way to create positive customer experiences.
But how do you decide which is the best text message service for business?
We get it.
There are dozens of options, all promising the perfect solution. The problem is, some have hidden fees. Others lock you into long-term contracts. Many offer features you may not need.
Thus, we selected 7 top-rated business SMS services to help you make an informed decision.
To compile this list, we zeroed in on each software's:
Let’s get started.
Mobile Text Alerts comes with all the trappings of the best text messaging service for business.
Let's start with flexibility.
The software has intuitive features to handle your texting needs, whether you want to send bulk messages, automate SMS campaigns, or ease internal company communication bottlenecks.
In addition, Mobile Text Alerts is easy to set up.
You can have it up and running in minutes. Plus, your subscription includes done-for-you onboarding and coaching to help you maximize the platform's features and capabilities right out of the box.
Furthermore, the platform sports a minimalist interface for quick navigation. Meanwhile, reliable customer support is available 24/7 via phone, email, web chat, and social media to ensure you get answers to pressing questions quickly.
And, unlike most competitors, Mobile Text Alerts offers indefinite rollover on all plans, so you’ll never lose unused messages.
Pros
Cons
Features
Top Mobile Text Alerts features include:
See all Mobile Text Alerts Features
Pricing
Mobile Text Alerts has a competitive 8-plan pricing structure broken down as follows.
Plan | Annual | Monthly | Start a Free Trial |
---|---|---|---|
500 messages | $20/mo | $25/mo | Try Free |
1,000 messages | $36/mo | $44/mo | Try Free |
2,000 messages | $58/mo | $74/mo | Try Free |
5,000 messages | $119/mo | $149/mo | Try Free |
10,000 messages | $219/mo | $274/mo | Try Free |
20,000 messages | $389/mo | $499/mo | Try Free |
50,000 messages | $874/mo | $1,074/mo | Try Free |
Enterprise | Custom | Custom pricing | Contact Mobile Text Alerts |
Note:
All plans have an annual or monthly billing option
Each plan includes a 14-day trial, which gives you access to all premium features and capabilities without upfront financial commitment.
Reviews
Mobile Text Alerts has attracted positive reviews and impressive ratings on platforms like G2, Capterra, and SoftwareAdvice.
Here’s what some customers had to say about the platform...
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Easy to use service for your business
This service is very user-friendly and an asset to communication and advertising for small businesses.
—Kari W. (G2)
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Mobile Text Alerts is perfect for all marketing purposes.
Very happy with being able to send mass texts to groups and target audiences.
—Nicole S. (Capterra)
Twilio is a good SMS app for businesses that want more control over their messaging infrastructure.
Unlike most options on this list, Twilio offers robust messaging APIs, allowing business owners to create custom texting solutions.
The software is reasonably versatile as well. It can send messages across multiple channels, including SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Furthermore, Twilio’s availability in 180+ countries makes it easy for businesses to reach a global audience.
However, Twilio’s flexibility comes with a steep learning curve. It’s not a plug-and-play solution like Mobile Text Alerts. Hence, unless you have solid web developers, you may experience hiccups setting it up.
Pros
Cons
Features
Twilio offers a wide range of features for businesses that need a scalable, customizable messaging solution:
Pricing
Twilio follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model.
Prices vary depending on the type of message, location, and additional features like compliance and verification.
Because Twilio’s pricing is usage-based, costs can be hard to predict.
However, to give you an idea of Twilio’s pricing, here’s how much SMS costs you if you’re in the United States.
Phone Number Type | SMS Outbound | SMS Inbound | MMS Outbound | MMS Inbound |
---|---|---|---|---|
Long Codes (10-digit numbers) | $0.0079 | $0.0079 | $0.0200 | $0.0100 |
Toll-Free Numbers (e.g., 877, 888) | $0.0079 | $0.0079 | $0.0200 | $0.0200 |
Short Codes (5-6 digit numbers) | $0.0079 | $0.0079 | $0.0200 | $0.0100 |
Note:
Reviews
Twilio is popular with developers, as evidenced by this review:
First class SMS API Platform for developers.
I have been using Twilio for three years. Actually, this is a very suitable Platform for SMS.
—Ajay Kumar G. (Capterra)
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On the flip side, the pricing structure is a major concern:
“As you scale, it gets very expensive (no discounts at all for loyalty).”
—Sebastian P. (Capterra)
SlickText claims to be one of the best text messaging services. Sure, this view may vary depending on who you’re asking. However, the platform packs some serious texting capabilities.
Its drag-and-drop automation builder, for instance, is a powerful tool. With the click of a button, you can automate multiple facets of your workflows, including text messages, re-engagement campaigns, and more.
SlickText is best for retailers and e-commerce businesses looking for an SMS platform to manage large-scale campaigns and private customer interactions effectively.
Pros
Cons
Features
Notable SlickText features include:
Pricing
SlickText offers nine pricing plans structured as follows:
Plan | Price/Month | Credit/Month |
---|---|---|
Basic | $29 | 500 |
Starter | $49 | 1,000 |
Growth | $79 | 2,000 |
Pro | $129 | 3,500 |
Premium | $169 | 5,000 |
Elite | $319 | 10,000 |
Ultra | $579 | 25,000 |
Max | $939 | 50,000 |
Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom |
Note:
SlickText has a 14-day trial, albeit with limited access to premium features.
Reviews
Most users hail SlickText’s ease of use. Here are some customer reviews...
Slick text made it incredibly easy to connect with my clients, streamlining communication.
—Real Estate Expert (G2)
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Loved having Slick text for our business.
—Restaurant Owner (G2)
Textmagic is an all-in-one text messaging service for business.
The software thrives on its ability to handle omni-channel communication, allowing you to manage SMS, email, voice, WhatsApp, and live chat from one platform.
While versatile, Textmagic lacks some of the plug-and-play convenience of services such as Mobile Text Alerts. And its pay-as-you pricing structure means digging deeper into your budget if you’re a large-scale user.
Pros
Cons
Features
Some Textmagic features include:
Pricing
Textmagic has a pay-as-you-go pricing structure.
However, costs vary depending on your location.
For instance, the platform charges $4.90 for 100 SMS for United States users and $6.80 for 100 SMS if you’re in the United Kingdom.
In addition, toll-free and 10-digit long code numbers cost $10 monthly in the U.S. On the other hand, virtual numbers cost $4.10 per month in the United Kingdom.
Reviews
Most users praise TextMagic’s ease of use and reliable customer service, as seen in this review by Mary H., a mining and metals controller:
"It’s easy to use. I have multiple groups set up so that I can communicate with specific groups of people instantaneously."
Joseph S., an owner in education management, said:
“The customer service I receive from Textmagic is excellent."
Matt M., complaining about Textmagic’s pricing, noted:
“I would prefer if we could purchase packs or plans rather than paying per message.”
As the name suggests, SimpleTexting is all about making text messaging for businesses simple.
The platform allows you to send bulk messages, automate SMS campaigns, and manage two-way conversations, like most options in this roundup.
In addition, SimpleTexting comes with a unique data collection tool that enables users to send personalized messages based on customer responses.
It is important to note, though, that while SimpleTexting offers rollover credits, they expire at the end of the following month. That’s a significant difference compared to Mobile Text Alerts' rollover credits for up to a year (on annual plans).
Pros
Cons
Features
Stand out SimpleTexting features include:
Pricing
Item | Cost | Details |
---|---|---|
Base plan | $39/mo | $20 for 500 credits and $10 for a local number |
Extra Texts | $0.055 | Charged per extra seat |
One-time set-up fee | $4 | Carrier registration fee |
Add-ons | ||
Additional teammates | $20 | Extra user seat |
Additional numbers | $10 | Multiple numbers for agents or location |
Note:
SimpleTexting has a 14-day trial.
Reviews
Most users say SimpleText is reliable, but the app has some downsides, most notably constant glitches.
"Reliable and easy to use, but with some quirks"
—Mike M., Lead Software Developer (G2)
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“The app was sometimes glitchy and did not always update when a new text came through.”
—Small Business Owner (G2
MessageDesk is a strong contender for the best text messaging service for business if you want to add texting to your existing phone lines, including landlines and VoIP numbers.
With MessageDesk, you can text-enable the line your customers recognize, so you don’t need a new number to use the platform.
In addition, the service allows for VoIP and call-forwarding integrations. Hence, if your business relies on phone calls as much as texts, you can forward incoming calls to another number to ensure you don’t interrupt text-based communication.
Pros
Cons
Features
Notable MessageDesk features include:
Pricing
Plan | Price |
---|---|
Base plan | $49 |
Add-ons | |
Additional Phone Lines | $15 per line/month |
Additional User Seats | $10 per user/month |
Extra Message Credits | $0.02 per credit |
Note:
MessageDesk doesn’t expressly show pricing on its website. You must give your name and email to view the price.
Reviews
While most users like MessageDesk's text messaging capabilities, the word limit is a common complaint:
Group Text Made Easy
Overall: Better attendance at meetings as this reaches those who do not check emails frequently.
I didn't like the wording limitation I had.
—Lauren S. (Capterra)
EZ Texting is a well-rounded text messaging service for medium-sized businesses looking for a platform with robust contact management and compliance tools. It lets users upload unlimited contacts, segment audiences, and verify ages for compliance.
EZ Texting stands out primarily because of its textable number options. Based on your communication requirements, you can secure a 10-digit long code (10DLC), a toll-free number, or a dedicated short code.
It also offers text-to-landline functionality, allowing businesses to send and receive texts using an existing phone number, a feature most text messaging software lacks.
Pros
Cons
Features
EZTexting features include:
Pricing
Plan | Price (Billed Annually) | Credits | Number of Contacts | Extra Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Launch | $20/mo | 6,000/yr | Up to 500 | $0.03 |
Boost | $60/mo | 6,000/yr | 500-2,000 | $0.025 |
Scale | $1000/mo | 6,000/yr | 2,000-50,000 | $0.02 |
Enterprise | $3,000/mo | 200,000/mo | 50,000+ | $0.01 |
Note:
EZ Texting offers a 14-day trial for all of its pricing plans.
All text messaging services for business aren’t made equal.
Before you choose one platform over the other, ask yourself these five important questions.
The first thing you want to do is make sure the service you pick has the features your business actually needs.
Do you need bulk messaging, automation, and scheduling? How about two-way communication? Consider all must-haves and compare services side by side. The more a platform meets your specifics, the more value you can get for your money.
Choose a texting messaging service that can integrate with other business tools, such as CRM software, email marketing platforms, or e-commerce systems.
Also, check if the service offers APIs for custom connections. Integration saves time by automating tasks and syncing data.
Look for a provider that offers quality support when you need help. Check if they have a knowledge base or training materials as well.
A smooth onboarding process is important, whether you’re a new subscriber or switching from another service.
Pro Tip: Read reviews to see what other businesses say about their experience with customer support and setup assistance.
Security is a big deal when dealing with customer data.
Thus, choose a text messaging service for business that offers encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with mobile carrier regulations.
If need be, ask about the provider’s data storage policies, such as where the information is kept and who can access it.
Pricing varies from one text messaging service to another, so compare plans carefully.
Some charge per message, while others offer monthly subscriptions. Look out for hidden fees, like carrier fees and additional costs for premium features or extra contacts. Then, consider your budget and texting volume.
A cheap service may lack some important features, while a pricey one might include tools you don’t need.
Thus, choose a service that balances cost and value.
You must be thinking - even after all the considerations above, how do I know if a particular platform is the best text messaging service for my business?
Well, with Mobile Text Alerts, you don't have to second-guess.
We're giving you 50 complimentary messages to test-drive our texting service before committing.
Sound good?
Start sending mass text messages to your entire list today!
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