9 Best ClickSend Alternatives
for Seamless Business Messaging

In search of worthy ClickSend alternatives? Explore our top 9 options, with detailed comparisons of features and costs, so you can make the best choice.

Enhance your customer experience with the next-generation communications platform

Sergii Diachenko

CEO at DecisionTelecom

31.10.2024

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In today’s rapidly shifting digital world, businesses need reliable messaging services to maintain seamless communication with customers and stakeholders. Messages are used for promotions, updates, or urgent alerts, as reliable communication ensures strong engagement and builds trustful relationships with customers.

ClickSend is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses streamline their messaging across various channels. Its SMS service is a key offering, allowing companies to send bulk messages quickly and efficiently. In addition to SMS, ClickSend offers email marketing, voice messaging, and direct mail services. Key features include two-way messaging, delivery tracking, and easy integration with existing systems.

Why ClickSend users look for alternative communication channels

While ClickSend offers a versatile messaging platform that caters to a wide range of business communication needs, there are some areas where users have expressed dissatisfaction or suggested improvements.

1. Price and Payment Method: Some users find the platform’s pricing higher than competitors, especially for small businesses or those on a tight budget. Additionally, the minimum top-up amount is set at $20, which is not adjustable, potentially forcing users to spend more than necessary at one time.

Screenshot Source: Capterra

2. Weak Customer Support: Many customers report challenges in getting timely assistance when issues arise. Some have mentioned long wait times for responses, particularly when dealing with urgent matters. This can be frustrating for businesses that rely on effective communication and need immediate support to resolve problems.

Screenshot Source: Capterra

3. No Integration with Some Popular Platforms: Users have expressed frustration over ClickSend's lack of integration with certain platforms like Facebook and MailChimp. This limits the overall functionality, especially for businesses​.

Screenshot Source: Capterra

Some other platforms, like DecisionTelecom, offer more extensive reporting and greater flexibility for developers who require custom programming or automation features. This company provides more robust API integrations and supports a wider range of communication channels, which may be better suited for enterprises looking for deeper customization options. Additionally, other competitive platforms may offer more comprehensive templates and more affordable pricing models than ClickSend.

How to choose the most suitable alternative to ClickSend

When evaluating SMS marketing solutions, it’s crucial to consider several key criteria to ensure you select the best option for your business needs:

• The feature set should include essential tools like bulk messaging, automation, and analytics.
• Service quality and support are vital for timely assistance and guidance, especially during complex campaigns.
• Reliability and deliverability rates determine how successfully messages reach your audience.
• Implementation ease and process efficiency can significantly affect onboarding and usage.
• The pricing model and rates should align with your budget, providing flexibility without hidden fees.
• User-friendly interface enhances the overall experience, making it easier to navigate and execute campaigns.
• Scalability ensures that your business will thrive in the future.
• Customization options allow for tailored messaging strategies.
• Security is paramount to protect sensitive customer data and maintain compliance with regulations.

Comparing our 9 best options

1. DecisionTelecom

DecisionTelecom is a leading provider of comprehensive communication solutions, tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across industries, including eCommerce, logistics, healthcare, and more. With a commitment to delivering innovative and reliable services, DecisionTelecom offers solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to streamline their communication processes and enhance customer engagement.

Main features

• One-Way and Two-Way Text Messaging via:

a. SMS Messaging: Reliable text messaging for business communication, allowing businesses to send promotional campaigns, alerts, or engage in customer service through text.

b. WhatsApp: Leverage WhatsApp’s familiar interface for both one-way notifications and two-way customer interactions, ideal for customer support and engagement.

c. Viber: Communicate with users via text, images, and multimedia messages, enhancing engagement beyond standard SMS.

d. RCS Messaging: Offers more interactive and media-rich messages, integrating features like high-resolution images, videos, and chat capabilities.

• Voice Calling: Enables businesses to make voice calls directly from the platform, integrating voice communication with other messaging services for a seamless experience.

• Omnichannel Communication with Global Coverage: Ensures that businesses can reach customers across multiple markets and regions, with various channels (SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, RCS, voice).

• Verification API: Businesses can verify user identities via OTP (one-time passwords), ensuring security for transactions and logins, reducing fraud, and improving user trust.

• HLR Lookup: Check the status and validity of phone numbers before sending messages, ensuring accurate targeting and saving costs on invalid numbers.

• SMS Firewall: Provides additional protection by filtering unwanted or fraudulent messages, ensuring that only legitimate communications are sent or received.

• Accompanying Documentation and SDKs: DecisionTelecom provides thorough documentation and SDK libraries that make it easy for businesses to implement and integrate the communication services into their existing systems, ensuring smooth onboarding and setup.

• Business Messaging Templates: Pre-designed messaging templates are available for various business communication needs, such as promotional messages, customer service responses, and transactional notifications, allowing for quicker and more consistent messaging.

• Scheduling and Automation: Schedule messages for future delivery and automate recurring communication workflows, making it easier to manage long-term campaigns or regular updates without manual intervention.

• Personalization and Customization: Integrate customer data to personalize messages, leading to more effective engagement and higher response rates.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of DecisionTelecom

• Speed: Prompt delivery of solutions, typically within 15–30 minutes for non-standard requests, and often even faster.
• Pricing flexibility: Competitive pricing thanks to robust partnerships with telecom operators.
• Technological strength: Supported by a cutting-edge IT infrastructure, widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Cons of DecisionTelecom

• Incomplete global direct connections: Still working on establishing direct connections with all mobile operators worldwide.

Why DecisionTelecom is better than ClickSend

DecisionTelecom excels in offering RCS (Rich Communication Services) and comprehensive omnichannel communication, features that ClickSend lacks. DecisionTelecom also provides advanced security features like SMS Firewall and HLR Lookup, boosting the security and accuracy of business communications.

Customer reviews

DecisionTelecom is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing global reach, advanced messaging solutions, and communication security.

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2. SlickText

SlickText is a successful SMS marketing platform that allows businesses to stay in touch with their audiences through text messaging. Known for its user-friendly interface, SlickText helps businesses send bulk SMS campaigns, manage subscribers, and automate marketing processes.

Main features

• Mass SMS Messaging: Effortlessly deliver bulk SMS campaigns to large audiences, ideal for promotions and customer updates.
• MMS Messaging: Share multimedia content like images, videos, and GIFs to boost customer engagement.
• Two-Way Texting: Engage in real-time interactive conversations with customers for support or feedback.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of SlickText

• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design ensures accessibility for users of all technical skill levels.
• Comprehensive Automation: Includes drip campaigns and workflows to simplify marketing strategies.
• Strong Compliance Tools: Ensures adherence to SMS marketing regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties.

Cons of SlickText

• Limited Integrations: SlickText connects with fewer third-party apps compared to larger platforms.
• Pricing: SlickText’s pricing can become expensive for larger contact lists or high-volume messaging, especially for small businesses.
• Basic API: While the platform offers an API, it’s not as feature-rich as some competitors, limiting customization for tech-heavy users.

Why SlickText is better than ClickSend

SlickText stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust SMS marketing features, such as detailed list segmentation, advanced autoresponders, and built-in marketing tools like SMS surveys and drip campaigns. SlickText specializes in helping businesses create highly personalized SMS campaigns, a focus that sets it apart from ClickSend, which offers broader communication services but lacks the same level of personalization.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

3. Textedly

Textedly is a cloud-based SMS marketing platform designed to help businesses communicate with their customers via mass text messaging. It provides a simple yet powerful solution for businesses looking to engage customers through SMS for marketing, notifications, or customer service.

Main features

• Contact Management & Segmentation: Organize contacts into groups and segment them based on criteria such as demographics or behavior for more targeted messaging.
• Drip Campaigns: Automate follow-up messages to keep customers engaged over time with scheduled drip campaigns.
• Analytics and Reporting: Get detailed reports on message delivery, open rates, and overall campaign performance to optimize messaging strategies.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Textedly

• Unlimited Subscribers: Businesses can extend their subscriber lists without limits.
• Scalable Pricing Plans: Textedly’s price plans grow according to your business needs, offering flexibility as your needs expand.

Cons of Textedly

• Limited Global Reach: Primarily focused on the U.S. and Canadian markets, with fewer international SMS capabilities.
• No Voice Support: Textedly is strictly an SMS and MMS platform, lacking voice calling or other communication channels.
• Limited API Capabilities: While offering basic integrations, the API is not as robust as those of more advanced platforms like Twilio.

Why Textedly is better than ClickSend

Textedly is known for its simplicity and affordability, making it especially appealing to small businesses and organizations requiring straightforward, no-frills SMS marketing solutions. One feature that sets Textedly apart is the ability to have unlimited subscribers on all plans, allowing businesses to grow without scaling costs. In contrast, ClickSend offers a wider variety of communication services, but it doesn't provide the same simplicity and unlimited subscriber benefit for SMS marketing.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

4. Brevo

Brevo (formerly known as Sendinblue) is a comprehensive digital marketing platform evolved from Sendinblue. Originally established as an email marketing platform, Brevo now offers an all-in-one solution for marketing and CRM needs. Its services include email marketing, SMS marketing, marketing automation, transactional emails, and CRM management.

Main features

• SMS Marketing: Send personalized and automated SMS messages to engage customers on mobile devices.
• Marketing Automation: Automate customer journeys with workflow creation, triggered messages, and advanced segmentation.
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Manage customer information, track interactions, and maintain detailed customer profiles.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Brevo

• All-in-one platform: Brevo combines email, SMS, CRM, and marketing automation into one integrated solution.
• Affordable pricing: Offers a free plan and budget-friendly paid plans, especially for email marketing.

Cons of Brevo

• Limited SMS functionality in some regions: SMS features may not be available or optimized for all countries.
• Limited templates: Fewer design templates compared to some competitors in email marketing.

Why Brevo is better than ClickSend

Brevo stands out from ClickSend due to its comprehensive marketing suite that combines email marketing, SMS, CRM, and marketing automation tools. ClickSend focuses more on transactional messaging and SMS but lacks the deeper email marketing and CRM management tools that Brevo provides.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

5. SendPulse

SendPulse is an all-in-one communication platform designed to help businesses manage multichannel marketing campaigns. It engages customers through email, SMS, web push notifications, Viber messages, and chatbots. The platform also offers tools for transactional messaging and a visual marketing automation builder to streamline communication workflows.

Main features

• Web Push Notifications: Reach website visitors with notifications, even when they are not on the site.
• Viber Messaging: Send targeted messages via Viber for more personal communication.
• Chatbots for Facebook and Instagram: Automate responses and engage users on social media through chatbots.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of SendPulse

• Multichannel marketing: Supports email, SMS, web push, Viber, and chatbot messaging within a single platform.
• Free plan: Offers a generous free tier, including email marketing and push notifications.

Cons of SendPulse

• Limited SMS customization: SMS marketing features are basic compared to some competitors.
• Learning curve for complex automations: Although the visual automation builder is user-friendly, mastering complex workflows can take time.

Why SendPulse is better than ClickSend

SendPulse excels in providing a true multichannel marketing experience, combining email, SMS, web push, and chatbot tools into one unified platform. ClickSend, while effective for SMS and transactional messaging, lacks the comprehensive multichannel marketing capabilities that SendPulse offers.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

6. Twilio

Twilio is a leading cloud communications platform that provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance and streamline business communication. From messaging and voice to video and email, Twilio provides scalable solutions tailored to diverse business needs. Their platform allows businesses to seamlessly integrate communication features into their applications, enabling smooth interactions across multiple channels.

Main features

• SMS and MMS Messaging: Reliable and scalable messaging solutions for sending and receiving text and multimedia messages globally.
• Voice: High-quality voice services for making and receiving calls, with advanced features like call recording, transcription, and interactive voice response (IVR).
• Video: Real-time video interactions integrated into applications.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Twilio

• Scalability: Effortlessly adapts to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, offering flexible pricing and capacity.
• Global Reach: Supports global messaging and voice services with extensive coverage and local number provisioning in numerous countries.

Cons of Twilio

• Cost: Twilio can become expensive, especially for high-volume usage or complex implementations.
• Complexity: The wide array of features and customization options can create a steep learning curve for new users.

Why Twilio is better than ClickSend

Twilio is known for its powerful and highly customizable APIs, allowing developers to build sophisticated, scalable communication solutions. While ClickSend provides ready-to-use messaging services, Twilio stands out by offering unmatched flexibility for integrating SMS, voice, video, and chat directly into applications.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

7. Textmagic

TextMagic is a cloud-based SMS marketing and business communication platform that allows companies to send bulk SMS messages, notifications, alerts, and reminders to customers and employees globally.

Main features

• Bulk SMS Messaging: Send large volumes of SMS to customers, employees, or subscribers worldwide with delivery tracking.
• SMS Scheduling: Schedule messages for future delivery based on customer time zones or campaign timing.
• Two-Way SMS Chat: Engage in two-way conversations through SMS directly from the platform, ideal for customer support.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Textmagic

• Easy to use: The user-friendly interface ensures that even non-technical users can manage SMS campaigns effectively.
• Global SMS coverage: Send SMS to over 190 countries with reliable delivery.

Cons of Textmagic

• Limited multichannel support: Focuses primarily on SMS and lacks broader communication channels like email or chatbots.
• No marketing automation: Lacks advanced automation features for creating workflows or multichannel marketing campaigns.

Why Textmagic is better than ClickSend

TextMagic excels in two-way SMS communication and seamless integration of email-to-SMS features, which set it apart from ClickSend. While ClickSend offers a range of communication services, TextMagic focuses on SMS and perfects it by offering personalized features like real-time two-way conversations and easy email-to-SMS functionality.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

8. EZ Texting

EZ Texting is a popular SMS marketing platform that provides businesses with tools to easily reach customers via text messaging. EZ Texting focuses on streamlined communication, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes that want to send mass texts, engage in two-way conversations, and automate their marketing campaigns.

Main features

• Drip Campaigns: Set up automated campaigns to send sequential messages to customers over time, nurturing leads and driving conversions.
• Scheduling: Schedule text messages to be sent at specific times for better campaign management.
• Contact Segmentation: Organize contacts into segments based on customer behavior, demographics, or preferences to send targeted messages.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of EZ Texting

• Quick Setup: The platform is designed for quick implementation, allowing businesses to launch campaigns without significant setup time.
• User-Friendly Interface: EZ Texting’s interface is accessible even for businesses with little technical expertise.

Cons of EZ Texting

• Limited Global Reach: Primarily focused on U.S.-based businesses, with fewer international SMS capabilities.
• No Voice Integration: Unlike some other platforms, EZ Texting doesn’t have an option for voice calling.

Why EZ Texting is better than ClickSend

EZ Texting is particularly known for its robust features, tailored specifically for small to medium-sized businesses looking to engage customers through SMS marketing. One standout aspect of EZ Texting is its extensive library of pre-built templates and keywords, which simplify the process of creating campaigns and managing responses.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

9. Emitrr

Emitrr is a customer engagement platform designed to streamline communication between businesses and their customers via SMS and voice messaging. With a focus on enhancing customer experience, Emitrr provides tools for appointment reminders, customer feedback collection, and marketing campaigns.

Main features

• SMS Messaging: Send personalized SMS messages for reminders, promotions, and updates directly to customers.
• Appointment Reminders: Automated reminders help reduce no-shows and keep customers informed about their appointments.
• Customer Feedback Collection: Tools to easily collect customer feedback through SMS surveys and polls.

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Emitrr

• Focus on customer engagement: Emitrr offers features specifically designed to enhance customer interactions and satisfaction.
• Automated reminders: The platform’s appointment reminder system significantly reduces no-show rates.

Cons of Emitrr

• Limited channels: Primarily focuses on SMS and voice messaging, lacking broader communication channels like email or social media.
• Pricing structure: Some users may find the pricing higher for small businesses depending on usage.

Why Emitrr is better than ClickSend

Emitrr stands out from ClickSend due to its strong emphasis on customer engagement through appointment reminders and feedback collection, specifically tailored for service-based businesses. While ClickSend offers a broader range of communication options, Emitrr provides features that enhance the customer experience and streamline appointment management.

Customer reviews

Screenshot Source: Capterra

ClickSend alternatives for your SMS marketing campaigns: A quick summary

Choosing a comprehensive business messaging solution

As you can see, there are many alternative options to ClickSend. In this article, we’ve considered nine of them. Selecting the right messaging platform for your business involves a thoughtful evaluation of your unique needs and goals. Although ClickSend provides a comprehensive range of features, several alternatives may offer distinct advantages and align better with your requirements. Each platform has its own strengths and potential drawbacks. By evaluating these options based on the outlined criteria, businesses can make informed decisions and choose the messaging solution that best suits their needs.

DecisionTelecom is a great option for businesses in need of reliable and scalable communication solutions tailored to diverse needs. Whether for customer outreach or internal communication, DecisionTelecom provides affordable plans and world-class support, making it a great choice for enhancing messaging capabilities.

Make DecisionTelecom your choice for seamless, secure, and tailored communication solutions that support your business’s growth and connectivity.

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