Independently tested ranking
Best SMS Marketing Software in 2026
The best SMS marketing software compared on automation, list growth, two-way texting, compliance tools and how pricing works, from ecommerce suites to simple texting apps.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 3 of 10
- Median entry price
- $20/mo
- Average rating
- 4.6
On this page
What is the best SMS marketing software?
The best SMS marketing software in 2026 is Klaviyo for ecommerce brands that want email and SMS on one customer profile, Attentive for large retailers where SMS drives major revenue, Postscript for Shopify stores that want a dedicated SMS tool, SimpleTexting for small businesses outside ecommerce, and Twilio for developers building their own texting. Klaviyo's paid plans start at $20/mo, with SMS added on top, while Attentive is sold on custom annual contracts.
Our top picks
Best overall
Klaviyo
Email and SMS share one customer profile and store data, so texts are targeted, automated and tied to revenue.
Paid plans from $20/mo + SMS add-on
See why we picked itBest for small businesses
SimpleTexting
Keywords, scheduled campaigns and a two-way inbox on every plan, easy enough for any local business to run.
Paid plans from By monthly credits
See why we picked itBest for Shopify SMS
Postscript
Built only for Shopify, with fast setup, ready-made store flows and clear revenue attribution.
Paid plans from Plan fee + per message
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Ecommerce brands get the most from tools that read store data, such as Klaviyo, Attentive, Postscript and Omnisend, because cart and order events trigger the texts that earn money.
- Local businesses, churches, schools and service firms are better served by simple text marketing services like SimpleTexting, SlickText and EZ Texting, which focus on keywords, campaigns and a two-way inbox.
- SMS marketing pricing is almost always usage-based: you pay per message or buy monthly credits, and MMS and long texts use more credits than a short SMS.
- Collect clear opt-in consent before you text anyone. Look for built-in opt-out handling, quiet hours and TCPA tools, and expect US carrier registration (A2P 10DLC) for business texting on local numbers.
- There is no truly free SMS marketing software for real campaigns. Free plans from Klaviyo, Omnisend and Brevo cover email; texting costs extra or needs a paid plan.
What is SMS marketing software?
SMS marketing software is a platform for sending promotional and automated text messages to people who have opted in to hear from your business, and the best SMS marketing software handles list growth, automation and compliance in one place. It collects subscribers through keywords, forms and popups, sends campaigns to segments of your list, runs automated texts such as welcome or abandoned cart messages, and handles replies, opt-outs and reporting from one place.
Good text message marketing software also has to keep you compliant. Every subscriber needs to have agreed to receive texts, every message needs a way to opt out, and sends should respect quiet hours. Beyond that, the right tool depends on your business: online stores need deep store-data automations and revenue attribution, while local businesses need easy keywords, scheduling and a shared inbox for two-way texting.
Best SMS marketing software compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Klaviyo |
Ecommerce email plus SMS | Yes (250 profiles, email) | $20/mo + SMS add-on | ★4.7 |
| 2 |  Attentive |
Large ecommerce brands | No | Custom (annual contract) | ★4.5 |
| 3 | Postscript |
Shopify SMS | No | Plan fee + per message | ★4.6 |
| 4 | SimpleTexting |
Easy small-business texting | No (14-day trial) | By monthly credits | ★4.6 |
| 5 |  SlickText |
Keywords and simple automations | No | By monthly messages | ★4.9 |
| 6 | EZ Texting | Mass texting for organizations | No | By monthly credits | Not yet reviewed |
| 7 |  Omnisend |
Budget ecommerce email and SMS | Yes (250 contacts, email only) | $41.30/mo (Pro, includes SMS) | ★4.5 |
| 8 |  Brevo |
Email plus SMS credits | Yes (300 emails/day) | $9/mo + SMS credits | ★4.4 |
| 9 | Textmagic | Pay-per-message, many countries | No (free trial) | Pay as you go | Not yet reviewed |
| 10 | Twilio | Custom texting via API | No (trial credit) | Pay as you go | Not yet reviewed |
Ratings are MakeSuccessOnline's own. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026; most SMS tools also charge per message or by credits.
The 10 best SMS marketing software in 2026
SMS marketing software splits into ecommerce platforms that text from store data, simple texting services for local businesses, and pay-per-message tools and APIs. Each pick below leads a specific use case.
#1Best overall for ecommerce email and SMS
Klaviyo
An email, SMS and customer data platform for ecommerce brands that uses store data to power automated flows, segments and revenue reporting.
- Paid plans from
- $20/mo + SMS add-on
- Free plan
- Yes (250 profiles, email)
- Best for
- Ecommerce and DTC brands, especially on Shopify
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
Klaviyo is the best SMS marketing software for most online stores because texts and emails share one customer profile. Orders, carts, browsing and catalog data sync from Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce and other platforms, so an abandoned cart text can follow an ignored email automatically and both draw on the same segments.
That shared data is the real advantage. You can build segments from purchase history and predicted values such as expected next order date, send SMS or MMS campaigns to them, and see revenue attributed to every flow and message. The catch is cost: SMS is a paid add-on on top of an email plan that rises with active profiles.
Key features
- SMS and MMS on the same profile as emailSend text campaigns and automated SMS flows from the same customer record as your emails, so you can coordinate channels and avoid messaging people twice.
- Store data syncOrders, refunds, products and browsing events flow in from your store automatically, so segments and flow triggers update as customers shop.
- Pre-built revenue flowsReady-made welcome, abandoned cart, browse abandonment, abandoned checkout, post-purchase and win-back flows that you switch on and edit.
- Predictive analyticsPredicted lifetime value, churn risk and expected next order date for each profile, useful for well-timed replenishment or win-back texts.
- Revenue reportingAttributes orders and revenue to each campaign, flow and message, so you can see whether SMS is earning more than it costs.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 250 active profiles and 500 emails a month |
| $20/mo | 500 active profiles (rises with list size), 5,000 emails a month, full flows, segmentation and reporting | |
| Marketing | $25/mo | Email plan features plus unlimited review orders, with AI and helpdesk tools as add-ons |
| SMS add-on | Higher | SMS and MMS campaigns and flows, added on top of an email plan |
| Custom | Custom | Over 150,000 active profiles, priced through sales |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Plan prices rise with active profiles, and SMS is billed as an add-on.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Email, SMS and reviews on one customer profile
- Deepest use of store data for targeting texts
- Clear revenue attribution per flow and message
- Predictions for next order date and lifetime value
Cons
- SMS is an add-on on top of the email price
- Cost climbs quickly as active profiles grow
- Less suited to non-ecommerce businesses
Is it right for you?
Choose Klaviyo ifYou run an online store and want email and SMS automations driven by the same store data and reporting.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a local business, school or nonprofit without an online store, where a simple texting tool costs less and is easier to run.
#2Best for enterprise retail SMS programs
Attentive
An AI-powered SMS and email marketing platform for ecommerce and retail brands, known for high-converting sign-up units and personalized texting.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual contract)
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Mid-market and enterprise ecommerce and retail brands
- Works on
- Web, API
Attentive is built for brands where SMS is a major revenue channel rather than an extra. It is best known for its sign-up units, mobile-friendly popups with two-tap SMS sign-up, which help large stores grow text lists quickly. Journeys then cover welcome, browse abandonment, cart abandonment and post-purchase messages across SMS and email.
Its strengths at scale are AI personalization of content, timing and targeting, two-way conversations with AI or human-assisted replies, and compliance tools for consent, quiet hours and TCPA. It connects with Shopify, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Adobe Commerce and BigCommerce. Pricing is quoted by sales on annual contracts, which puts it out of reach for small stores.
Key features
- Sign-up unitsMobile-optimized popups, including two-tap SMS sign-up, built to grow your SMS and email lists quickly from site traffic.
- JourneysAutomated welcome, browse abandonment, cart abandonment and post-purchase flows across SMS and email.
- Attentive AIPersonalizes message content, send timing and targeting for each subscriber instead of sending the same text to everyone.
- Two-way conversationsSubscribers can reply to texts, with options for AI or human-assisted responses, so questions turn into sales.
- Compliance toolsBuilt-in handling for SMS consent, quiet hours and regulations such as TCPA, which matters more as list size grows.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Attentive platform | Custom | Sales-quoted annual contract based on volume and products: SMS and email, sign-up units, journeys, segmentation and AI features |
Attentive does not publish list prices; pricing is quoted by sales on annual contracts as of November 2026. No free plan or self-serve trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong list-growth sign-up units
- SMS and email in one platform
- AI personalization of content and timing
- Good compliance tooling and support
Cons
- No public pricing; annual contracts only
- Expensive for small stores
- Email side is newer than its SMS product
Is it right for you?
Choose Attentive ifYou are a mid-market or enterprise retailer and want an AI-driven SMS program with strong list growth.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a small or new store, or a business outside ecommerce and retail.
#3Best dedicated SMS tool for Shopify stores
Postscript
An SMS and MMS marketing platform built specifically for Shopify stores, with campaigns, automations and list-growth tools.
- Paid plans from
- Plan fee + per message
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Shopify and Shopify Plus brands, mainly in the US
- Works on
- Web app, Shopify app
Postscript does one thing: SMS for Shopify. Because it is built only for Shopify, it pulls customers, orders, products and carts straight from your store with no extra setup, and its automations for welcome series, abandoned cart, browse abandonment and post-purchase texts trigger from live store events. Setup is quick because there is nothing to connect beyond the Shopify app.
It pairs well with an existing email tool. A Klaviyo integration syncs subscribers and events so email and SMS share data, while Postscript handles list growth through popups, text-to-join keywords and checkout opt-in. Revenue reporting shows what each campaign earns. Costs are a plan fee plus per-message charges, and it is mainly a US and Canada product.
Key features
- Shopify-native data syncCustomers, orders, products and carts come straight from Shopify, so segments and automations use live store data without setup work.
- AutomationsPre-built welcome, abandoned cart, browse abandonment and post-purchase flows that trigger from store events.
- List-growth popups and keywordsMobile and desktop popups, text-to-join keywords and checkout opt-in to collect compliant SMS subscribers.
- Two-way messagingSubscribers can reply and your team answers from the inbox, turning texts into a sales and support channel.
- Compliance toolsBuilt-in opt-in, opt-out and quiet-hours handling to help stores stay within TCPA and carrier rules.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Higher | Plan fee plus per-message charges: campaigns, automations and list-growth tools for smaller stores |
| Growth | Higher | Starter features plus more advanced segmentation and support |
| Professional | Higher | Higher-volume sending and more hands-on support |
| Enterprise | Custom | Sales-quoted annual plan with dedicated strategy support |
Plan structure as of November 2026; every plan adds per-message charges on top of the plan fee, so check the vendor's pricing page and estimate your monthly volume before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast setup and deep data for Shopify stores
- Strong library of core ecommerce flows
- Revenue attribution shows SMS ROI clearly
- Good compliance defaults for US texting
Cons
- Shopify only, no WooCommerce or BigCommerce
- No email channel, so you still need an email tool
- Costs scale with message volume on top of the plan
Is it right for you?
Choose Postscript ifYou run a US Shopify store and want a specialist SMS channel alongside your existing email platform.
Look elsewhere ifYour store is not on Shopify, you text mainly outside the US and Canada, or you want email and SMS in one tool.
#4Best for small businesses outside ecommerce
SimpleTexting
An easy-to-use SMS marketing and two-way texting platform for businesses of all kinds, priced by monthly message credits.
- Paid plans from
- By monthly credits
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized US and Canadian businesses, churches, schools and service firms
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
SimpleTexting is the easiest SMS marketing software for small businesses that do not run an online store. A gym, salon, church or school can set up a keyword, collect sign-ups with a form, schedule a campaign and answer replies from the same app on the web or a phone, with no ecommerce setup needed.
Two-way texting and keywords are included on all plans, and autoresponders and drip campaigns handle follow-ups after someone joins. Integrations with Shopify, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Salesforce and Zapier connect it to the rest of your stack. Pricing is by monthly credits, and MMS and long messages use more credits than a standard text. A 14-day free trial lets you test it first.
Key features
- KeywordsPeople text a word to your number to join a list, the classic way to grow a compliant list from signs, receipts and social posts.
- Two-way inboxReply to customers one-to-one from the web or mobile app, so one tool covers promotions and conversations.
- Text campaignsSend and schedule SMS and MMS campaigns to segments, with merge fields to personalize each message.
- Autoresponders and drip campaignsSend automatic follow-ups after someone joins a list or texts a keyword, such as a welcome offer or appointment reminder.
- Mobile appsiOS and Android apps for sending campaigns and answering replies away from your desk.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Credit-based plans | Higher | Monthly message credits, with price rising as credits increase: campaigns, keywords, two-way inbox and automations; annual billing is discounted |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to learn
- Two-way texting and keywords on all plans
- Free trial before you pay
- Works for many industries, not just stores
Cons
- MMS and long messages use more credits
- Ecommerce automation is shallower than Shopify-native tools
- Mainly US and Canada, with no email channel
Is it right for you?
Choose SimpleTexting ifYou run a local or service business and want simple campaigns, keywords and two-way texting your team can learn in an afternoon.
Look elsewhere ifYou run a Shopify store that needs deep cart and order automations, or you text outside the US and Canada.
#5Best for keyword-driven texting at retailers and restaurants
SlickText
An SMS marketing platform with keywords, campaigns, automations and a two-way inbox, sold on monthly message plans.
- Paid plans from
- By monthly messages
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized US businesses, including retail, restaurants and online stores
- Works on
- Web, API
SlickText suits US retailers, restaurants and small stores that grow their list with text-to-join keywords on signs, menus, receipts and social posts. Campaigns can go out now or be scheduled for later, and workflow-style automations handle welcome messages, birthday offers and follow-ups without manual work. Segments built from tags, custom fields and engagement keep each offer relevant.
It covers both local and online selling. Website popups and forms collect subscribers with consent, a shared inbox handles replies, and a Shopify integration adds abandoned cart and order-based texts. Its ecommerce depth is behind Postscript or Attentive, but for a straightforward text club with segments and automations it is easy to run. Costs rise with your monthly message volume.
Key features
- Text-to-join keywordsCustomers text a keyword to join your list, which works well on in-store signs, menus, receipts and social posts.
- AutomationsWorkflow-style automations for welcome messages, birthday texts and follow-ups that run on their own.
- Campaigns and schedulingSend SMS and MMS blasts now or schedule them for later, to your whole list or a segment.
- Sign-up popups and formsWebsite popups and forms that collect subscribers with consent, so online visitors join the same list.
- Shopify integrationConnects to Shopify for abandoned cart and order-based messages without moving to a dedicated ecommerce tool.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly message plans | Higher | Priced by monthly message volume, billed monthly or annually: campaigns, keywords, automations and inbox |
| Enterprise | Custom | Sales-quoted annual plan with high-volume sending and dedicated support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Price depends on monthly message volume.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Straightforward interface
- Keywords and automations on standard plans
- Works for local businesses and online stores
- Shopify integration for basic ecommerce flows
Cons
- Mainly US-focused
- Ecommerce depth trails Postscript and Attentive
- No email channel
Is it right for you?
Choose SlickText ifYou run a US retailer or restaurant and want a keyword-based text club with birthday and welcome automations.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a large Shopify brand needing advanced store-event segmentation, or you send texts internationally.
#6Best for straightforward mass texting
EZ Texting
A long-running SMS marketing platform for sending text campaigns, keywords and two-way messages from the web or mobile.
- Paid plans from
- By monthly credits
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized US businesses, schools and nonprofits
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
EZ Texting is an established mass texting service for US organizations that need to reach a list quickly. Retailers, real estate teams, schools and nonprofits use it to send promotions, alerts and reminders, with keywords for opt-in and hosted or embedded forms to collect numbers with consent. Setup is simple enough for staff with no marketing background.
Two-way texting is included, and the web and mobile apps let staff hold one-to-one conversations wherever they are. Auto-replies and drips handle follow-ups, contact groups and custom fields support targeting, and the API, Zapier, HubSpot and Salesforce connections link it to your CRM. Like most credit-based tools, MMS costs more than plain SMS, and ecommerce automation is limited.
Key features
- Mass text campaignsSend and schedule SMS and MMS campaigns to lists and segments, for promotions, alerts or reminders.
- KeywordsPeople opt in by texting a keyword to your number, the simplest way to grow a list at events and in stores.
- Two-way messaging inboxHold one-to-one conversations with contacts from the web and mobile apps.
- Auto-replies and dripsSend automatic messages when people join a list or reply, so new subscribers get a response right away.
- API and integrationsConnect to CRMs and other apps through the API, Zapier, HubSpot and Salesforce.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly credit plans | Higher | Monthly message credits, billed monthly or annually: campaigns, keywords, inbox and automation features by tier |
| Enterprise | Custom | Sales-quoted annual plan with high volume and dedicated support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. MMS uses more credits than SMS.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Established, widely used texting tool
- Simple setup for basic campaigns
- Two-way texting included
- Mobile apps for messaging on the go
Cons
- US-focused
- Limited ecommerce automation
- Credit-based pricing makes MMS more expensive
Is it right for you?
Choose EZ Texting ifYou need dependable mass texting for alerts and promotions at a US business, school or nonprofit.
Look elsewhere ifYou run a Shopify brand that needs cart and order automations, or you text internationally.
#7Best budget email and SMS for online stores
Omnisend
An ecommerce marketing platform that combines email, SMS and web push with ready-made store workflows.
- Paid plans from
- $41.30/mo (Pro, includes SMS)
- Free plan
- Yes (250 contacts, email only)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized ecommerce stores and the agencies that run them
- Works on
- Web; store apps for Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce and Wix
Omnisend gives smaller online stores email and SMS in one tool for less than most ecommerce suites. Its pre-built workflows for cart abandonment, browse abandonment, welcome, order confirmation and win-back work as soon as you connect Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce or Wix, and you can add SMS and web push steps to the same workflow as your emails.
SMS sits on the Pro plan, from $41.30/mo at 2,500 contacts, with texts billed per message on top. That is the plan to compare against Klaviyo's email plan plus SMS add-on. Segmentation and reporting are less detailed than Klaviyo, but popups, sales reporting and 24/7 support on every plan make it a practical first email and SMS platform.
Key features
- SMS and web push in workflowsAdd SMS steps (Pro plan) and web push to the same workflow as your emails, to recover carts from shoppers who ignore email.
- Pre-built ecommerce workflowsCart abandonment, browse abandonment, welcome, order confirmation and win-back workflows ready as soon as your store is connected.
- Popups and signup formsPopups, embedded forms and landing pages on every plan, so list growth and follow-up messages live in one place.
- SegmentationSegments built from shopping behavior, campaign engagement and profile data for targeted texts and emails.
- Sales reportingOrders and revenue for each campaign and workflow, with more detailed reports on Pro.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 250 contacts, 500 emails a month, pre-built workflows, popups and segmentation (no SMS) |
| Standard | $11.20/mo | 500 contacts (rises with list size), 6,000 emails a month, custom workflows, unlimited web push, no Omnisend branding |
| Pro | $41.30/mo | 2,500 contacts (rises with list size), unlimited emails, SMS billed per message, advanced reporting |
| Custom | Custom | Large lists, sales-quoted |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. SMS requires Pro and is billed per message on top of the plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Email, SMS and web push in one account
- Core store workflows ready on day one
- Low price for an all-in-one ecommerce tool
- 24/7 support on every plan
Cons
- SMS needs the Pro plan
- SMS is billed per message on top of the plan
- Segmentation and reporting are less detailed than Klaviyo
Is it right for you?
Choose Omnisend ifYou run a small Shopify or WooCommerce store and want email and SMS automations in one affordable tool.
Look elsewhere ifYou only want SMS, you are not an ecommerce business, or you need Klaviyo-level data and reporting.
#8Best for pay-as-you-go SMS alongside email
Brevo
A marketing platform for email, SMS, WhatsApp and transactional messages, with plans priced by monthly email volume.
- Paid plans from
- $9/mo + SMS credits
- Free plan
- Yes (300 emails/day)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized businesses, ecommerce stores and developers
- Works on
- Web; API and SMTP relay
Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, suits small businesses that want texting without a separate SMS subscription. You buy SMS credits as you need them and send SMS campaigns and transactional texts from the same account you use for email, so an occasional promotion or order update does not lock you into a monthly SMS plan.
The rest of the suite is affordable. Starter costs $9/mo for 5,000 emails, and Standard at $18/mo adds marketing automation, A/B testing and send time optimization. WhatsApp campaigns, popups and push sit on the Professional plan at $499/mo. Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, Stripe and Zapier. It lacks the ecommerce depth of Klaviyo.
Key features
- SMS marketing with creditsSend SMS campaigns and transactional texts, paid for with SMS credits bought separately, so you only pay for what you send.
- Marketing automationUnlimited multi-step workflows triggered by behavior and events on Standard and higher.
- Transactional messagesEvery plan can send order confirmations and receipts by API or SMTP relay, next to your marketing campaigns.
- Advanced segmentationFilter contacts by demographics, website activity, engagement and custom events, with unlimited saved segments.
- WhatsApp campaignsWhatsApp is listed as an additional channel on the Professional plan, next to popups and web and mobile push.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 300 emails a day, email campaigns, transactional email, forms, Brevo branding |
| Starter | $9/mo ($97/yr annual) | From 5,000 emails a month (500 contacts), editor, AI content generator, segmentation; SMS credits sold separately |
| Standard | $18/mo ($194/yr annual) | Starter plus marketing automation, A/B testing, advanced reporting, send time optimization, no Brevo logo |
| Professional | $499/mo | From 150,000 emails a month, 10 seats, WhatsApp, popups, web and mobile push, phone support |
| Enterprise | Custom | Multi-account management, dedicated IP, SSO, tailored onboarding |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. SMS credits are bought separately and priced by destination.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low entry price and a free plan
- Pay-as-you-go SMS credits, no SMS subscription
- Email, SMS and transactional messages in one account
- Full API and many integrations
Cons
- Marketing automation requires Standard or higher
- WhatsApp needs the $499/mo Professional plan
- Less ecommerce depth than Klaviyo
Is it right for you?
Choose Brevo ifYou want email and occasional SMS in one affordable account and prefer buying text credits as you go.
Look elsewhere ifSMS is your main channel and you need ecommerce flows, keyword list growth and a two-way texting inbox.
#9Best for international and occasional texting
Textmagic
A pay-as-you-go business texting service for sending bulk SMS, notifications and two-way messages worldwide.
- Paid plans from
- Pay as you go
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized businesses that text internationally or irregularly
- Works on
- Web, desktop, iOS, Android, API, email-to-SMS
Textmagic is the simplest option if you text customers in several countries or only send now and then. There is no monthly subscription: you top up prepaid credit and pay per message, with prices that vary by destination country, and every account gets the core features including bulk SMS, an inbox, lists, automation rules and the API.
It offers many ways to send. Teams can text from the web, desktop or mobile apps, by writing an email to a special address, or from their own systems through the SMS API. That makes it useful for reminders and notifications as well as promotions. Marketing features are lighter than dedicated SMS platforms, and per-message costs add up at high US volumes.
Key features
- Bulk SMS campaignsSend texts to contact lists with personalized fields and scheduling.
- International coverageSends to many countries with per-country pricing, which suits businesses outside the US or with customers abroad.
- Two-way messagingReceive replies in a shared inbox and answer customers directly.
- Email to SMSSend texts by writing an email to a special address, handy for teams that live in their inbox.
- Automation rulesTrigger auto-replies or actions based on keywords and incoming messages.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go | Higher | Prepaid credit charged per message, varying by destination country; all core features including bulk SMS, inbox, lists, automation rules and API |
Prices as of November 2026 vary by destination country, so check the vendor's pricing page for the countries you text. Free trial with a small amount of credit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No monthly subscription
- Wide international coverage
- Send from web, apps, email or API
- Simple for occasional senders
Cons
- Per-message costs add up at high volume
- Light ecommerce and marketing features
- Per-country prices make budgeting harder
Is it right for you?
Choose Textmagic ifYou text customers in several countries, or you send irregularly and do not want a monthly plan.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a high-volume US marketer or a Shopify brand that wants automated revenue flows.
#10Best SMS API for developers
Twilio
A developer platform for sending SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, voice and email through APIs, billed per message.
- Paid plans from
- Pay as you go
- Free plan
- No (trial credit)
- Best for
- Developers and product teams building texting into their own apps
- Works on
- API, SDKs for major languages, web console
Twilio is not a ready-made SMS marketing tool. It is a developer messaging platform, and it belongs on this list for teams with developers who want full control. You send and receive SMS and MMS from your own code, rent local, toll-free and short-code numbers, and pay per message segment plus carrier fees and number rental.
That flexibility comes with work. Campaign builders, lists and opt-in forms must be built or added yourself, and US business texting on local numbers requires A2P 10DLC registration, which Twilio's tools help you complete. In return you get global reach, Messaging Services for opt-outs and routing at scale, WhatsApp and email on the same platform, and detailed delivery logs.
Key features
- Programmable Messaging APISend and receive SMS and MMS from your own code, with full control over when and what you text.
- Messaging ServicesPool numbers, handle opt-outs and route messages at scale without managing each number by hand.
- A2P 10DLC registrationTools to register your brand and campaigns with US carriers, required for business texting on local numbers.
- Phone numbers and short codesRent local, toll-free and short-code numbers in many countries.
- Multichannel messagingWhatsApp, RCS, voice and email (via SendGrid) on the same platform, so one vendor can cover several channels.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go | Higher | Per message segment plus carrier fees and phone number rental; Programmable Messaging API, numbers and Messaging Services |
| Volume / committed use | Custom | Sales-quoted discounts for committed volume and enterprise support |
Usage-based prices as of November 2026; carrier fees and number rental are added to the per-message price, so check the vendor's pricing page for your country. Free trial account with trial credit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Total flexibility for custom messaging
- Global reach and reliable delivery
- Pay only for what you send
- Strong documentation and SDKs
Cons
- No ready-made campaign builder, lists or opt-in forms
- Needs developer time to set up
- Carrier fees and registration add cost and steps
Is it right for you?
Choose Twilio ifYou have developers and want to build texting into your own app or systems with full control over cost and logic.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a marketer who wants a no-code campaign builder, or a small business without developer help.
Best SMS marketing software by need
- Ecommerce email and SMS in one toolKlaviyo
- Enterprise retail SMS programsAttentive
- Dedicated SMS for a Shopify storePostscript
- Local and service businessesSimpleTexting
- Keyword text clubs for restaurants and retailSlickText
- Mass texting for schools and nonprofitsEZ Texting
- Budget email and SMS for small storesOmnisend
- Occasional SMS with no subscriptionBrevo
- Building texting into your own appTwilio
What to look for in SMS marketing software
- Compliant list growthText-to-join keywords, sign-up forms and mobile popups that capture opt-in consent. Your list size sets the ceiling on what SMS can earn, so this matters as much as any send feature.
- Automations triggered by real eventsWelcome series, abandoned cart, browse abandonment and post-purchase texts for stores, or keyword auto-replies and drip sequences for local businesses. Automated texts reach people at the moment they act, not on a fixed schedule.
- Two-way textingA shared inbox where your team can answer replies. Customers often reply to texts, so SMS can quickly become a sales and support channel.
- SegmentationTarget by purchase history, engagement, tags or custom fields. Texting your whole list every time drives opt-outs and wastes credits.
- Compliance toolsAutomatic opt-out handling, quiet hours, consent records and help with carrier registration such as A2P 10DLC in the US. These protect you from fines and blocked messages.
- Clear pricing and reportingUnderstand how you are billed (plan fee, credits or per message) and whether the tool attributes revenue to each campaign and flow, so you can tell if SMS pays for itself.
How much does SMS marketing software cost in 2026?
SMS marketing software costs a platform fee plus what you send. Almost every tool charges per message or by monthly credits, so your bill depends on list size, how often you text and whether you send MMS.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go | Per message, no plan fee | Textmagic, Twilio, Brevo SMS credits | Occasional senders, international texting and developers |
| Small-business texting plans | Monthly fee set by message credits | SimpleTexting, SlickText, EZ Texting | Local businesses, schools and nonprofits texting every week |
| Email and SMS suites | $9 to $41.30/mo base, plus SMS | Brevo ($9), Klaviyo ($20), Omnisend Pro ($41.30) | Online stores that want email and SMS together |
| Ecommerce SMS specialists | Plan fee plus per message, or custom annual | Postscript, Attentive | Shopify brands and large retailers where SMS drives revenue |
Entry prices from vendor pricing pages, November 2026. Message costs are extra on every tier.
Estimate cost from volume, not the headline price. Multiply your list size by the texts you plan to send each month, then check how each tool counts a message: long texts can count as several segments, MMS usually costs more than SMS, and US local numbers carry carrier fees and registration. Start on a small plan or trial, measure revenue per text, and scale up once SMS pays for itself.
How we chose the best SMS marketing software
We started with the SMS and email marketing tools reviewed in the MakeSuccessOnline directory, then added well-known texting tools we have not yet reviewed, such as EZ Texting, Textmagic and Twilio. We compared each one on list growth, automations, two-way texting, compliance tools, reporting and how pricing works, using hands-on reviews and vendor documentation. Pricing and plan details were checked against vendor sites in November 2026.
- Automation and segmentationEvent-triggered flows, keyword auto-replies and targeting by behavior or custom fields.25%
- List growth and complianceKeywords, forms and popups with consent capture, opt-out handling, quiet hours and carrier registration help.20%
- Pricing clarity and valueHow transparent the plan and per-message costs are, and what you get for a typical small or mid-sized list.20%
- Ease of useHow quickly a small team can launch a first campaign and answer replies.15%
- Two-way texting and reportingA usable inbox for replies and reporting that shows clicks, opt-outs and revenue.10%
- Integrations and reachStore, CRM and API connections, plus which countries the tool can text.10%
How to choose SMS marketing software
- Decide what kind of business you are texting forOnline stores need store-data automations and revenue reporting. Local businesses, schools and nonprofits need keywords, scheduling and an inbox. Developers need an API.
- Check whether you want email and SMS togetherIf you already pay for an email tool, a dedicated SMS app such as Postscript or SimpleTexting may fit. If not, Klaviyo, Omnisend or Brevo put both channels in one account.
- Map how you will grow the listPick a tool that supports your sign-up method: text-to-join keywords for in-store traffic, popups for websites, or checkout opt-in for Shopify.
- Model the real monthly costMultiply list size by texts per month, then price it on each tool, including MMS, long messages, carrier fees and the plan fee.
- Confirm compliance and registration supportMake sure the tool captures consent, handles opt-outs and quiet hours automatically, and helps with US carrier registration if you text on local numbers.
- Test with a trial or a small planSend real campaigns to a small segment, answer replies from the inbox, and check reporting before you commit to a larger plan or annual contract.
Check during the free trial
- How is a message counted, and what do MMS and long texts cost?
- How fast can you set up a keyword or sign-up form with consent capture?
- Do opt-outs and quiet hours work automatically?
- Can your team answer replies from a shared inbox and the mobile app?
- Does reporting show clicks, opt-outs and revenue per campaign?
Red flags
- Selling or importing purchased phone lists
- No built-in opt-out or consent handling
- Vague per-message costs or hidden carrier fees
- Long annual contracts before you can test sending
- No help with US carrier registration for local numbers
SMS marketing software FAQ
What is the best SMS marketing software?
The best SMS marketing software for most online stores is Klaviyo, because texts and emails share one customer profile and store data. Attentive is best for large retailers, Postscript for Shopify stores that want a dedicated SMS tool, and SimpleTexting for small businesses outside ecommerce. Developers who want to build their own texting should use Twilio.
Is there free SMS marketing software?
Not for real campaigns. Every tool on this list charges per message, by credits or through a plan. Klaviyo, Omnisend and Brevo have free plans for email, but SMS needs a paid add-on, the Omnisend Pro plan or Brevo SMS credits. SimpleTexting offers a 14-day free trial, and Textmagic and Twilio give trial credit.
How much does SMS marketing cost?
SMS marketing costs a plan fee plus message charges. Email and SMS suites start at $9 to $41.30 a month before texts, small-business texting tools charge a monthly fee based on credits, and Textmagic and Twilio charge per message with no plan. Attentive sells custom annual contracts. Your real cost depends on list size and how often you send.
Klaviyo vs Attentive: which is better for SMS?
Klaviyo is better for most stores because email and SMS share store data and it has self-serve pricing from $20 a month plus an SMS add-on. Attentive is better for mid-market and enterprise retailers where SMS is a major revenue channel and they want AI personalization, sign-up units and strong compliance tools on an annual contract.
What is the best SMS marketing software for small business?
SimpleTexting is the best SMS marketing software for most small businesses outside ecommerce, thanks to keywords, a two-way inbox and mobile apps on every plan. SlickText suits retailers and restaurants that want birthday and welcome automations, and EZ Texting suits schools and nonprofits. Small online stores should look at Omnisend or Klaviyo.
Is SMS marketing legal?
Yes, if you have permission. In the US, you need clear consent before sending marketing texts, every message needs a way to opt out, and you should respect quiet hours under rules such as TCPA. Business texting on local numbers also requires A2P 10DLC carrier registration. Choose software with built-in consent, opt-out and quiet-hours tools.
Should I use a separate SMS tool or my email platform?
Use your email platform if it handles SMS well and you want one customer profile, which is the case with Klaviyo and Omnisend. Use a separate tool such as Postscript if you want specialist Shopify SMS features, or SimpleTexting if you are not an online store and mainly need keywords and two-way texting.
How do I choose SMS marketing software?
Start with your business type: stores need store-data automations, local businesses need keywords and an inbox, and developers need an API. Then check list-growth tools, compliance features, how messages are counted and priced, and reporting. Run a trial or small plan with a real campaign before you sign anything long term.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.