9 Worthy MessageBird Alternatives
for Business Messaging

 

Discover the best MessageBird alternatives that provide superior features, integration capabilities, and customer satisfaction for business communication.

Sergii Diachenko

CEO at DecisionTelecom

26.08.2024

Consult an expert


 

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:

  • SMS and MMS messaging
  • Voice calls
  • Omnichannel services
  • Automations
  • Analytics and reporting

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

 

How to choose the right messaging services provider

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.

 

Feature set

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.

 

Service coverage

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.

 

Integration options and ease

Assess how easily the messaging service integrates with your existing systems. This includes CRM systems, marketing platforms, and other internal systems and tools.

 

Analytics and reporting 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.

 

Pricing

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.

 

Clientele and past reviews

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.

 

Reliability and delivery rates

Assess the provider’s reliability, including

  • Uptime: The percentage of time the service is operational and available
  • Delivery rates: The success rate of message delivery and the handling of undelivered messages.

 

Support options and service quality

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.

 

User-friendliness and ease of use

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.

 

Localization

If you operate in multiple regions, consider whether the provider supports multiple languages and also offers features tailored to specific regional needs and preferences.

 

Scalability and customization

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.

 

Compliance and security

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.


 

1. Decision Telecom

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and RCS messaging: Easily integrable API for bulk SMS messaging, along with RCS messaging capabilities for rich messaging
  • VOIP features: Voice calling to reach customers who are more open to more direct and instantaneous forms of communication
  • Global coverage: Reach customers across the world via channels of your choice
  • Multi-channel marketing: One-way and two-way texts and calls, Viber and WhatsApp Business
  • Automation capabilities: Campaign scheduling and chatbots for better performance
  • Reports: Analytical reporting for monitoring campaign performance
  • Validation: HLR lookup, to confirm the validity of your subscriber list
  • Text-to-join: Facilitates customer sign-ups through SMS

 

Notable pros and cons

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

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

 

What Decision Telecom does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

Reach customers all over the world via text and call with Decision Telecom’s favorably-priced communication platform.
Learn more
See pricing

 


 

2. EZ Texting

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and MMS messaging: Enables sending text and multimedia messages
  • Automated campaigns: Allows for the creation of automated messaging campaigns for marketing purposes
  • CRM integration: Integrates with customer relationship management systems to streamline data and interactions
  • Keyword alerts: Set up keyword-triggered responses for customer inquiries

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of EZ Texting

  • User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise
  • Excellent customer support: Responsive support team available to assist with any issues

Cons of EZ Texting

  • Limited international coverage: Primarily focuses on the US and Canada, with limited global reach
  • Higher pricing tiers: Can be expensive for businesses that require advanced features or higher message volumes

 

What EZ Texting does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 

 

 


 

3. Plivo

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.

 

Features

  • Voice API and SMS API: Supports voice and SMS functionalities through robust APIs
  • Advanced security features: Includes encryption and other security measures to protect data
  • Real-time analytics: Provides detailed analytics and reporting tools
  • 2FA and OTP: Options to set SMS or call 2FA and OTP notifications

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Plivo

  • Global reach: Extensive coverage allows for international communication
  • Competitive pricing: Offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model that can be cost-effective for scalable solutions

Cons of Plivo

  • Complex setup: May require technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities
  • Limited customer support options: Support may not be as extensive as some other providers

 

What Plivo does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 

review


 

4. SimpleTexting

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and MMS messaging: Comprehensive support for text and multimedia messaging
  • Marketing automation: Tools for creating automated campaigns and responses
  • Text-to-keyword: Allows customers to opt-in to messages using keywords
  • Segmentation: Enables businesses to segment their audience for targeted messaging

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of SimpleTexting

  • Ease of use: The platform is designed to be simple, with the goal of maximum usability for people of all skill levels
  • Effective marketing tools: Strong automation and segmentation features enhance marketing efforts

Cons of SimpleTexting

  • Limited international features: Primarily focused on the North American market, with limited global capabilities
  • Pricing structure: May become expensive as message volumes increase

 

What SimpleTexting does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 


 

5. Twilio

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.

 

Features

  • Voice API and SMS API: Robust APIs for integrating voice and SMS functionalities into applications
  • Video and chat APIs: Additional APIs for video and real-time chat services
  • Global coverage: Extensive network supporting communication across numerous countries
  • Advanced analytics: Detailed reporting and analytics tools for tracking performance
  • User authentication: Authentication and identity tools to keep accounts secure

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Twilio

  • Extensive API suite: Offers a wide range of APIs for various communication needs
  • Global reach: Extensive international coverage ensures reliable communication worldwide
  • Strong developer support: Provides extensive documentation and support for developers

 

Cons of Twilio

  • Complex pricing: The pricing model can be complex and may require careful management
  • Challenging learning curve: It may take new users some time to get a hang of the system
  • Technical expertise required: Implementing and customizing Twilio’s features may require a higher level of technical knowledge

 

What Twilio does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 

 


6. Avochato

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and chat messaging: Supports both SMS and in-app chat functionalities
  • Keywords: Option to trigger auto-responses to keywords
  • Collaboration tools: Features designed to enhance coordination among team members
  • Workflow automation: Automates repetitive tasks and processes

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Avo

  • Strong team collaboration: Features that support effective team communication and collaboration
  • CRM integration: Seamless integration with CRM systems enhances customer management

 

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

 

What Avochato does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 


 

7. Telnyx

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.

 

Features

  • Messaging API: Provides APIs for SMS and MMS messaging
  • Voice API: Supports voice calling and integration
  • Global connectivity: Extensive global network for reliable communication
  • Advanced security: Features strong security measures, including encryption

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Telnyx

  • Flexible APIs: Highly customizable APIs for various communication needs
  • Strong security: Advanced security features protect data

 

Cons of Telnyx

  • Complex setup: May require technical expertise for setup and customization
  • Limited customer support: Support options may be less extensive compared to other providers

 

What Telnyx does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 


 

8. Emitrr

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and MMS messaging: Supports sending text and multimedia messages
  • Voice integration: Includes voice messaging and call functionalities
  • Integration options: Integrates with various CRM and marketing platforms
  • Analytics tools: Provides detailed analytics and reporting capabilities

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of Emitrr

  • Comprehensive features: Offers a wide range of messaging and voice functionalities
  • Integration capabilities: Strong integration options with other platforms

 

Cons of Emitrr

  • Complex interface: The platform may have a steeper learning curve for new users
  • Higher cost: Pricing can be higher compared to some other messaging services

 

What Emitrr does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 


 

9. MessageMedia

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.

 

Features

  • SMS and MMS messaging: Comprehensive support for text and multimedia messaging
  • Automated messaging: Tools for automating messaging campaigns and workflows
  • Plug and play: Access integrations without adding to your tech stack
  • Analytics and reporting: Detailed analytics and reporting tools to monitor message performance
  • Global reach: Supports international messaging across numerous countries

 

Notable pros and cons

Pros of MessageMedia

  • Reliability: Known for its dependable messaging services
  • Detailed analytics: Provides in-depth reporting and performance tracking

 

Cons of MessageMedia

  • Limited non-SMS features: Primarily focused on SMS, with fewer advanced features compared to some competitors
  • Higher pricing: Pricing may be on the higher side, particularly for businesses with extensive messaging needs

 

What MessageMedia does better than MessageBird

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.

 

Customer reviews

 

 


 

A quick summary of top 9 MessageBird alternatives

  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

 

Conclusion

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.

Sergii Diachenko
CEO at DecisionTelecom
26.08.2024
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