Discover the best MessageBird alternatives that provide superior features, integration capabilities, and customer satisfaction for business communication.
CEO at DecisionTelecom
26.08.2024
The modern business heavily relies on multiple efficient communication channels to connect with and engage their customers, manage operations, and streamline workflows. Messaging services are essential to these communications, offering a range of functionalities from SMS and voice calls to more advanced integrations and automation. These services help businesses manage customer interactions, support marketing campaigns, and facilitate internal and external communications.
Among the popular options available is MessageBird, a platform known for its diverse set of features and global reach.
MessageBird, now operating under and known as Bird, is a comprehensive messaging platform known for its wide range of features designed to enable and help seamless communication. Key functionalities include:
However, no messaging service is perfect, Bird being no exception. Users might encounter limitations in several areas, such as integration options, customer support, or pricing, or it may simply not meet their evolving needs.
Fortunately, alternatives exist that can address these gaps and potentially offer enhanced solutions tailored to a business’s specific needs.
We explore some of the top alternatives to MessageBird, providing a detailed comparison and analysis to help you choose the best messaging platform for your business.
|
Decision Telecom
|
EZ Texting
|
Plivo
|
SimpleTexting
|
Twilio
|
Avochato
|
Telnyx
|
Emitrr
|
MessageMedia
|
Multi-channel communication |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
A2P messaging |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
SMS API |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
RCS messaging |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
VOIP calling |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Viber for Business |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
WhatsApp Business |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Verify API |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
SMS firewall |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
HLR lookup |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes, automated |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Documentation |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
SDK libraries |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Global coverage |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
24x7 support |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Dedicated account manager |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Multilingual capabilities |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Security protocols |
TLS/SSL enctryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption, data encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
TLS/SSL encryption |
Regulatory compliance |
GDPR, TCPA |
TCPA, CAN-SPAM |
GDPR, CPRA, HIPAA |
TCPA, CAN-SPAM |
GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA |
GDPR, CCPA |
GDPR, CCPA |
GDPR, CCPA |
GDPR, CCPA |
Free trial |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Pricing |
Pay-as-you-go; starting from as low as €0.0312 per SMS |
Starting at $20/month |
Pay-as-you-go; SMS prices start at $0.0055 per SMS |
Approximately $39/month + $4 one-time fee for carrier registration |
Pay-as-you-go; starting at $0.0079 per sent or received SMS |
Starting at $19/month |
Pay-as-you-go; starting at $0.0040 per sent or received SMS |
Starting at $149/month |
Starting at $42/month |
Selecting the right messaging service provider involves evaluating several factors to ensure that the chosen platform aligns with your business needs. Here are some important criteria to keep in mind when weighing your options.
Evaluate the core features offered by each messaging platform. Look for essential functionalities such as SMS and rich messaging, voice calling, APIs, SDKs, automation capabilities, and reliable support.
Consider whether the provider offers global coverage or is limited to specific regions. This is crucial to consider if your business operates internationally or plans to expand.
Assess how easily the messaging service integrates with your existing systems. This includes CRM systems, marketing platforms, and other internal systems and tools.
Access to detailed real-time analytics, custom reports, and critical data insights is essential for tracking message performance, monitoring message delivery, and optimizing customer interactions.
Examine the pricing models and structures of different providers. Check whether they offer pay-as-you-go, subscription-based, or tiered pricing options. Make sure they provide a clear breakdown of costs and fees for various features and services. Assess the overall value offered by the platform in relation to its pricing.
Check the types of businesses that are part of the provider’s portfolio and whether their needs align with yours. Also, look up customer reviews and feedback to gauge the reliability and effectiveness of the service.
Assess the provider’s reliability, including
Various providers promise 24x7 support, dedicated account managers, and priority support options. See if they are available via multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Evaluate the quality of customer support, too.
A user-friendly interface can significantly impact your team’s efficiency. Look for an interface that is easy to navigate and use and comes with sufficient training materials and user guides.
If you operate in multiple regions, consider whether the provider supports multiple languages and also offers features tailored to specific regional needs and preferences.
Make sure the provider can scale with your business growth, with the ability to handle increased messaging volume and user demand. It should also ideally offer features and workflows that can be modified to meet your specific business needs.
Verify the provider’s compliance with regulatory standards and their implementation of security protocols. Key aspects include compliance with relevant data protection regulations and careful implementation of encryption and other security measures to protect your business and customer data.
Now that you have an idea of what you should be looking for, let’s dive into the details of our best recommendations for Bird alternatives.
A Communication-Platform-as-a-Service provider, Decision Telecom gives businesses a premium chance to create an omnichannel experience for their customers. Collaborating with over 200 mobile network operators and partners all over the world, they cater to firms of all sizes belonging to a plethora of industries.
Pros of Decision Telecom
Speed: Rapid delivery of solutions to clients, often instant or within 15-30 minutes for non-standard requests.
Pricing flexibility: Strong partnerships and contracts with telecom operators enable competitive pricing.
Technological strength: Proprietary in-house developed platform with robust IT infrastructure, considered one of the best globally.
Cons of Decision Telecom
In addition to offering a wide range of services spanning from SMS and voice calling to OTT messaging, Decision Telecom also impresses with its uptime, delivery rates, and affordable pricing. The HLR lookup and SMS firewall also stand out.
Reach customers all over the world via text and call with Decision Telecom’s favorably-priced communication platform.
Learn more
See pricing
EZ Texting is a popular messaging platform designed for businesses seeking an effective SMS marketing and communication solution. It offers a range of features aimed at enhancing customer engagement and streamlining communication processes.
Pros of EZ Texting
Cons of EZ Texting
EZ Texting excels in user-friendly automation tools and keyword alerts, which are particularly beneficial for businesses looking to boost customer engagement via extremely targeted SMS campaigns. Its interface and customer support are designed to be intuitive, making it easier for businesses to implement and manage their messaging strategies.
Plivo is a cloud communications platform that provides APIs for voice and messaging services. It focuses on enabling businesses to build scalable communication solutions with a strong emphasis on flexibility and integration.
Pros of Plivo
Cons of Plivo
Plivo stands out for its flexibility and scalability, especially in terms of API customization. It is ideal for businesses that need a high degree of control over their communication infrastructure and require a platform that can grow with their needs.
SimpleTexting is a messaging platform that focuses on providing an easy-to-use interface for SMS marketing and customer communication. It offers a range of tools designed to enhance engagement and streamline messaging processes.
Pros of SimpleTexting
Cons of SimpleTexting
Living up to its name, SimpleTexting has impressed customers with its user-friendliness. Its intuitive design, coupled with effective segmentation and marketing automation tools, makes it a strong choice for businesses looking to implement straightforward yet powerful SMS marketing strategies.
Twilio is a popular communications platform that offers a comprehensive suite of APIs for voice, messaging, and video services. It is known for its extensive feature set and global reach.
Pros of Twilio
Cons of Twilio
Twilio’s strength lies in its extensive offerings and global coverage. It is particularly well-suited for businesses with complex communication needs that require integration across multiple channels and regions. The platform’s developer-friendly approach and comprehensive documentation make it a top choice for advanced implementations.
Avochato is a messaging platform that focuses on enhancing team collaboration and customer interactions through SMS and chat. It offers tools designed to improve internal communication and streamline customer service.
Pros of Avo
Cons of Avochato
Limited global coverage: Focuses primarily on the US market, with limited international support
Higher pricing: Can be costly for smaller businesses or those with fewer communication needs
Avochato’s emphasis on team collaboration and CRM integration sets it apart from MessageBird. Its tools are designed to facilitate internal communication and streamline customer service, making it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize effective team coordination alongside customer engagement.
Telnyx offers a cloud communication platform with a focus on providing robust and flexible messaging, voice, and connectivity services. It delivers customizable solutions and advanced features for businesses.
Pros of Telnyx
Cons of Telnyx
Telnyx’s flexibility and strong security features make it a strong contender in areas where MessageBird may fall short. Its customizable APIs and global connectivity are well-suited for businesses that require tailored communication solutions with a focus on data security.
Emitrr provides a comprehensive messaging platform with a focus on delivering advanced communication features and integration capabilities. It offers a range of tools designed for businesses seeking robust messaging solutions.
Pros of Emitrr
Cons of Emitrr
Emitrr’s comprehensive feature set and strong integration capabilities make it a competitive alternative to MessageBird. Its advanced analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into messaging performance, which can be crucial for optimizing communication strategies.
MessageMedia is a messaging platform specializing in SMS and related communication services. It is known for its focus on delivering reliable and scalable messaging solutions for businesses.
Pros of MessageMedia
Cons of MessageMedia
MessageMedia’s reliability and focus on SMS services make it a strong alternative for businesses that prioritize dependable messaging solutions. Its detailed analytics and global reach are significant advantages, particularly for businesses with a large customer base.
Best for | Pricing starts at | Free trial available? | |
Decision Telecom | Great prices, multi-channel options, easy integrations, reliable delivery | Pay-as-you-go; starting from as low as €0.0312 per SMS | Yes |
EZ Texting | Extremely user-friendly, easy-to-use automations | Starting at $20/month | Yes |
Plivo | Flexible and scalable | Pay-as-you-go; SMS prices start at $0.0055 per SMS | Yes |
SimpleTexting | Great UI, efficient marketing tools | Approximately $39/month + $4 one-time fee for carrier registration | Yes |
Twilio | Comprehensive API suite, ideal for businesses that require global reach | Pay-as-you-go; starting at $0.0079 per sent or received SMS | Yes |
Avochato | Great CRM integrations available | Starting at $19/month | Yes |
Telnyx | Flexibility, strong security features | Pay-as-you-go; starting at $0.0040 per sent or received SMS | Yes |
Emitrr | Extensive features, various integration options | Starting at $149/month | Yes |
MessageMedia | Dependable, ideal for businesses with a large clientele | Starting at $42/month | Yes |
Selecting the right messaging platform for your business requires that give careful thought to your specific needs and goals. While MessageBird offers a comprehensive suite of features, several alternatives provide unique advantages that might better align with your requirements.
Each platform we’ve discussed today has its strengths and potential drawbacks. By evaluating these options against the outlined criteria, businesses can make informed decisions and choose a messaging platform that best fits their needs.