A Guide To Choosing The Best Twilio Alternative

Introduction

Are you looking for a Twilio Alternative? We are sure you must be either an existing Twilio user or someone hunting for a good communication platform. In either case, you have come to the right place. In this guide, let us understand different aspects of Twilio, how it can be beneficial for a business to go for a solution similar to what Twilio offers and also alternative solutions that come at a cheaper and more efficient cost. 

But before we begin saying anything, let us understand what Twilio is. 

What Is A CPaaS Platform?

Did you know that Twilio is a CPaaS platform? Well, some of you might know what a CPaaS platform means, but for the rest of you who do not know, let us break it down further and make it easier to understand. 

CPaaS, short for Communications Platform as a Service, is a cloud-based programmable solution enabling businesses to integrate real-time communication features like SMS, voice calls, and video chat into their applications via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This allows for seamless integration of these functionalities without the need to build complex infrastructure.

Twilio is a CPaaS platform that offers feature rich-API to the developers for building communication features. Let us discuss the best alternatives available for Twilio in the market. 

In the coming sections, we will also discuss the features, customer support, reviews and use cases to be able to choose the best solution for your business. 

Twilio CPaaS Alternatives

Emitrr

Bandwidth

MessageBird

Sinch

Syniverse

Infobip

Emitrr

Emitrr is a customer communication and engagement platform that offers a developer API. You can build all the communication features like SMS, voice calls, emails and more via API. For accessing Emitrr’s API, you simply need to create an account with Emitrr.  

Emitrr Features

• Two-Way Texting: Communicate efficiently with two-way texting.

• Secure Links: Send secure links via text messages.

• Group Texting: Improve teamwork with group texting.

• Text Alerts: Get instant alerts for urgent situations.

• Mass Texting: Easily send mass texts for outreach.

• Send Media: Send and receive images, GIFs, and videos.

• Automated Review Requests: Automatically request reviews from patients.

• CRM Integration: Easily integrate your existing CRM system.

• Unified Review Inbox: Read all review responses in one place.

• Automated Reminders: Send automated text reminders to customers.

• Live Chat: Offer immediate customer support with live chat.

• No-Show Follow-Up: Follow up on no-shows via text and calls.

• Payment Follow-Up: Automate payment and cancellation follow-ups.

• Track Metrics: Monitor missed calls, open rates, and more.

• Editable SMS Templates: Personalize messages with customizable templates.

• Landline Texting and 10DLC: Text-enable your landline with 10DLC support.

• VoIP Functionality: Enhance communication with VoIP features.

Emitrr Pricing

• Starts at $99 per month (You pay for what you use)

Emitrr Customer Support

• Phone
• Live rep
• Chat support
• Email
• FAQs
• Knowledge base 

Emitrr Reviews

Bandwidth

Bandwidth provides communication services and APIs for businesses to integrate various communication functionalities into their applications. It offers voice, messaging, and emergency services through its platform, allowing businesses to add these features without building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.

Bandwidth Features

• API
• Activity Dashboard
• Alerts/Notifications
• Chat Transcript
• Chat/Messaging
• Dashboard
• SIP Trunking
• SMS Messaging
• Voice Calling

Bandwidth Pricing

You need to have a minimum contract of $500 per month and a website to start using Bandwidth. They have a long verification process before you start using their platform.

Bandwidth Customer Support

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

Bandwidth Reviews

MessageBird

MessageBird is a global communications platform that allows businesses to connect with their customers via SMS, Voice, and Chat. It provides reliable and scalable solutions for enhancing customer engagement. By integrating various communication channels into one platform, MessageBird streamlines operations and improves customer interactions.

MessageBird Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Appointment Scheduling
• Automated Responses
• Call Recording
• Campaign Scheduling
• Chat/Messaging
• Confirmation/Reminders
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• SMS Messaging
• SMS Reminders
• Scheduled Messaging
• VoIP

MessageBird Pricing

The price starts at $45 per month for 3000 contacts.

MessageBird Customer Support

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

MessageBird Reviews

Sinch

Sinch is a cloud communications platform, offering solutions for messaging, voice, and video to help businesses connect with their customers. It acts as an aggregator platform, providing access to multiple communication channels through a single API. By simplifying and streamlining communications, Sinch enables businesses to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Sinch Features

• Activity Dashboard
• Alerts/Notifications
• Chat/Messaging
• Inbox Management
• SMS Messaging

Sinch Pricing

Sinch has a pricing plan of $100 per month.

Sinch Customer Support

• Phone
• Email
• Knowledge base 

Sinch Reviews

Syniverse

Syniverse is a communications provider that helps businesses connect with their customers through messaging, voice, and data services. As an aggregator platform, Syniverse offers access to multiple communication channels via a single API, simplifying and enhancing customer interactions. By leveraging its extensive network and technology, Syniverse ensures reliable and efficient communication solutions for businesses worldwide.

Syniverse Features

• Global Messaging Services
• Voice Services
• Data Services
• Mobile Engagement
• Roaming Solutions
• Analytics and Reporting
• Security Solutions
• Single API Access

Syniverse Pricing

The pricing plan starts at $99 per month.

Syniverse Customer Support

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

Syniverse Reviews

Infobip

Infobip is an omni-channel communication platform, offering a platform for messaging, voice, email, and chat. With a unified API for multiple communication channels, Infobip helps businesses enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. Its emphasis on reliability, security, and scalability empowers organizations to connect with their customers more effectively.

Infobip Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Appointment Scheduling
• Automated Responses
• Campaign Management
• Chat/Messaging
• Chatbot
• Drip Campaigns
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• Push Notifications
• Real-Time Notifications
• SMS Messaging
• Scheduled Messaging

Infobip Pricing

The pricing plan for Infobip starts from $150 per month.

Infobip Customer Support

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

Infobip Reviews

What Is A SaaS Texting Platform?

A SaaS (Software as a Service) texting platform is a software service that businesses use to send and receive text messages from their customers. Instead of buying, installing, developing software like in the case of CPaaS platforms, companies access the platform through the internet, paying a subscription fee. 

This type of service makes it easy to manage large-scale texting without needing specialized equipment or technical expertise. By using a SaaS texting platform, businesses can improve their communication, marketing, and customer service efforts efficiently.

Let us have a look at some of the Twilio SaaS texting alternatives in the coming sections.

Twilio SaaS Texting Alternatives

Emitrr

Simpletexting

Avochato

Textline

SlickText

HeyMarket

Emitrr

Emitrr is one of the best in class SMS software offers a variety of features such as sending personalized messages, bulk/mass texting, reminders, confirmations, online scheduling, missed call to text, group texting and more. Along with a vast range of features, Emitrr also offers the most efficient support channels for better user engagement. Emitrr’s features ensure customer satisfaction and high level of customer engagement which is vital for businesses. 

Emitrr Features

• Two-Way Texting: Communicate efficiently with two-way texting.

• Secure Links: Send secure links via text messages.

• Group Texting: Improve teamwork with group texting.

• Text Alerts: Get instant alerts for urgent situations.

• Mass Texting: Easily send mass texts for outreach.

• Send Media: Send and receive images, GIFs, and videos.

• Automated Review Requests: Automatically request reviews from patients.

• CRM Integration: Easily integrate your existing CRM system.

• Unified Review Inbox: Read all review responses in one place.

• Automated Reminders: Send automated text reminders to customers.

• Live Chat: Offer immediate customer support with live chat.

• No-Show Follow-Up: Follow up on no-shows via text and calls.

• Payment Follow-Up: Automate payment and cancellation follow-ups.

• Track Metrics: Monitor missed calls, open rates, and more.

• Editable SMS Templates: Personalize messages with customizable templates.

• API and Activity Tracking: Analyze and scale with API and tracking.

• Landline Texting and 10DLC: Text-enable your landline with 10DLC support.

• VoIP Functionality: Enhance communication with VoIP features.

Emitrr Pricing

• Starts at $99 per month (You pay for what you use)

Emitrr Support Channels

• Phone
• Live rep
• Chat support
• Email
• FAQs
• Knowledge base 

Emitrr Reviews

SimpleTexting

SimpleTexting is an SMS marketing platform that helps businesses connect with their customers through text messaging campaigns. It offers easy-to-use tools for creating and managing SMS campaigns, enhancing customer engagement. Recently, SimpleTexting was acquired by Sinch, further expanding its capabilities and reach in the communication industry.

SimpleTexting Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Alerts/Notifications
• Automated Responses
• Automated Scheduling
• Autoresponders
• Campaign Scheduling
• Customizable Templates
• Drip Campaigns
• MMS
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• Reminders
• SMS Messaging
• Scheduled Messaging
• Social Media Integration
• Survey Builder

SimpleTexting Pricing

The pricing plan for SimpleTexting is $39 per month. 

SimpleTexting Support Channel

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

SimpleTexting Reviews

Avochato

Avochato is a messaging platform designed for businesses to streamline communication with their customers via SMS, live chat, and messaging apps. It offers features like automated responses, CRM integrations, and team collaboration tools to enhance customer engagement and support. 

Avochato Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Alerts/Notifications
• Appointment Management
• Autoresponders
• Campaign Management
• Chat/Messaging
• Customizable Templates
• Group Messaging
• Web Forms
• MMS
• Templated Responses
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• One-to-One Messaging
• SMS Marketing
• Survey Builder
• Transcripts

Avochato Pricing

The pricing plan starts at $19 per month per user.

Avochato Support Channels

• Phone
• Live Chat
• Email
• Knowledge base 

 Avochato Reviews

Textline

Textline is a powerful SMS communication platform designed for businesses to streamline customer interactions. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Textline allows companies to manage text conversations, automate responses, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. This enables businesses to provide timely, efficient, and personalized customer support, driving improved engagement and satisfaction.

Textline Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• Alerts
• Automated Responses
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• Reporting/Analytics
• Scheduled Messaging
• Surveys & Feedback

Textline Pricing

Textline has the following pricing plans –

• Limited: $59.97 per month
• Standard: $89.97 per month
• Pro: $249.95 per month

Textline Support Channel

• FAQs
• Video Library 
• Knowledge Base
• Limited Live Support

Textline Reviews 

SlickText

SlickText is a leading SMS marketing platform that empowers businesses to effectively engage with their audience through targeted text message campaigns. It offers a bunch of features, tools for list building, automated messaging, and detailed analytics. This allows businesses to create personalized, impactful communication strategies that boost customer engagement and drive growth.

SlickText Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Automated Scheduling
• Autoresponders
• Campaign Scheduling
• Chat/Messaging
• Drip Campaigns
• MMS
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• Reminders
• SMS Messaging
• Scheduled Messaging
• Survey Builder

SlickText Pricing

The pricing from $29 per month and it goes up as you choose a suitable plan for your business. 

SlickText Support Channels

• FAQs
• Limited Knowledge Base
• Phone
• Email

SlickText Reviews

Heymarket

HeyMarket is a business messaging platform that enables teams to communicate with customers through SMS, email, and social media. It offers features like shared inboxes, automation, and integrations with popular CRMs to streamline customer interactions.

Heymarket Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• API
• Automated Responses
• Autoresponders
• Campaign Scheduling
• Chat/Messaging
• Customizable Templates
• Drip Campaigns
• MMS
• Mass Texting
• Message Personalization
• Reminders
• SMS Marketing
• Scheduled Messaging
• Survey Builder

Heymarket Pricing

The pricing plans for Heymarket start at – 

• Standard: $19 per month for 2 users
• Plus: $39 per month for 2 users
• Pro: $59 per month for 2 users

Heymarket Support Channels

• Phone
• Chat support
• Email
• Knowledge base 

Heymarket Reviews

Feature-To-Feature Comparison

Understanding the features is key because they show what the software can do for your business. The best features can make a big difference. Let’s take a thorough look at the key features each Twilio alternative offers so you can easily compare them at a glance. 

Key Highlights:

• Emitrr offers a robust set of SMS features that can be very helpful for businesses.
• Twilio along with all other alternatives like SimpleTexting, Textline, SlickText, Heymarket have limited and very basic texting features.

How To Choose Between A CPaaS And A SaaS Texting Platform?

You might wonder and have many questions around whether to use a CPaaS platform or a SaaS texting platform for your business. It is quite genuine and common to have these questions. In the past, we have seen people confusing a lot between the two options and trying to figure out the right solution for their business. 

Here’s how you can make your decision easier. 

When To Choose A CPaaS Platform?

A CPaaS platform offers robust feature building capability to the developers and is ideal for –

• Businesses who already have a cloud-based technology stack and are looking for customization of their communication infrastructure.
• Businesses who are ready to code the functionalities from scratch and require high level customization
• Businesses who have technical expertise and resources who can help them build the required features
• Businesses who have a bigger budget to develop, maintain and grow their communication infrastructure 
• Use Case: 
  • Many businesses, such as Uber and DoorDash, use Communication Platforms as a Service (CPaaS) like Twilio to send notifications and alerts to their customers. These notifications can include one-way messages such as bulk alerts about food deliveries or cab rides. 
  • CPaaS platforms are also used to send confirmation messages, enable customers to call service providers through apps, and provide real-time updates on driver locations via maps. Companies of this scale can afford to set up and customize the entire platform to meet their specific needs.

If these conditions fit your business requirements, then you must definitely go for a CPaaS platform. 

When To Choose A SaaS Texting Platform?

A SaaS texting platform is just a plug and play kinda easy to use solution. Here’s how you can evaluate whether your business needs a SaaS texting platform – 

• Businesses wanting to send bulk messages, reminders, online scheduling, VoIP calling, customer follow-ups, 2-way text messages, texting campaigns and schedule bulk messages. 
• Businesses who have smaller operations team with minimal technical background
• Businesses who need a simple customer communication solution without having to build it from scratch
• Businesses who operate at a local level or small level but have a huge customer base and require to constantly keep in touch with their customers.
• Businesses who have comparatively smaller budgets and need a simple, minimally complex solution. 
• Use Case:
  • Businesses like healthcare practices, educational institutions, home service agencies, recruitment firms, real estate agencies, and any local or small businesses require sending messages to their customers/patients/students/candidates for different purposes. These businesses also send out reminders, follow-ups, payment follow-ups, 2-way texts, group texts, etc.  
  • A SaaS texting platform helps businesses to adopt the software by simply choosing a suitable plan and signing in. It requires low cost, no tech background, no development from scratch and easy adaptability. 

CPaaS is advantageous for businesses seeking flexibility, ready for developing complex communication infrastructure, and integration capabilities across multiple communication channels. 

On the other hand, dedicated texting software is ideal for businesses focused primarily on SMS messaging, VoIP calling functionalities with simplicity and ease of use in mind, not looking to develop complex softwares, requiring a plug-and-play solution.  

Why Emitrr Is The Best Twilio Alternative?

Emitrr, a dynamic customer communication and engagement software, enhances business communication through text messaging for great customer experiences. Emitrr offers an API and can act like a CPaaS and it also offers a simple texting software for those of you looking for a plug-and-play solution. 

With a robust toolkit and 1000+ integrations for seamless automation, Emitrr stands out as an ultimate choice. Its exceptional customer service has earned it recognition as an ‘Emerging Favorite’ on top review platforms like Capterra, G2, and Software Advice.

What Makes Emitrr Unique?

It’s more than just texting; it’s a suite of advanced features that are exceptional. A game-changer for businesses looking to save time, boost reviews by 3X, and generate 10X more leads.

Here’s what makes Emitrr an Obvious Choice – 

Automated Reviews and Reputation

With Emitrr, improving your online reputation is a breeze. Our automated review campaigns let you easily request reviews from customers on your preferred channel.

You’re in charge – set the review request frequency and follow-ups to your liking. Receive notifications about new reviews and manage them all from one dashboard, eliminating the need to juggle multiple platforms. Plus, respond to reviews directly from the dashboard.

Converting Phone Calls to Texts

Emitrr performs its magic by transforming missed calls into automated text conversations. With Emitrr’s unique missed call-to-text feature, you can slash 40% of your calls while effortlessly staying connected with customers. 

No More Missed Voicemails

With Emitrr, stay informed with accurate voicemail transcripts. Customize your responses for missed calls according to office hours, ensuring complete control over customer communication.

Elevate your business with Emitrr and never miss a call. It’s the savvy solution to stay connected and delight your customers.

Seamless Team Management And Collaboration 

With Emitrr, team management becomes effortless. Assigning roles, conversations, and more is a breeze, ensuring fair and effective task handling. Plus, seamless collaboration among team members on the platform makes teamwork hassle-free.

Beyond Texting: A Flawless Blend of Capabilities

Emitrr is your ultimate solution for seamless customer communication. From online appointment scheduling to automated text campaigns, reminders, reviews, feedback collection, and surveys, Emitrr has you covered for an exceptional customer experience.

Unlike other options that stick to basic texting, Emitrr takes it up a notch. With easy automation features, we elevate your business to the next level.

In-chat Features

Emitrr goes the extra mile by offering a range of features directly within the chat interface, refining your conversation management.

• Add Depth with Notes: Enhance discussions by adding notes to your conversations.
• Organize Chat Space: Keep things organized by categorizing conversations as read or unread.
• Customize Dispositions: Monitor progress by customizing dispositions, staying informed about every conversation.
• Streamlined Focus: Instantly differentiate between open and closed conversations to streamline your focus.
• Clutter-Free Workspace: Effortlessly organize conversations into folders for a clutter-free workspace.
• Control Contacts: Exercise control by blocking contacts when needed for a secure and focused communication environment.
• Record-Keeping: Securely print conversations for record-keeping, maintaining a tangible archive of important discussions.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to take action. If you’re searching for an exceptional Twilio alternative as a CPaaS or for SMS with enhanced features, competitive pricing, round-the-clock customer support, and a seamless onboarding experience, the solution is clear – make the switch to Emitrr. As you know, you can use Emitrr for your CPaaS needs or even for your simple texting and calling needs. 

Book a Demo now!