The Truth About Text Request Pricing: Is It Really Cost-Effective?

If you’ve looked into texting tools for your business, you’ve probably run into the same issue as everyone else. The pricing looks fine at first, but once you start reading the details, things get murky. Extra users? That’s more money. Basic features? Some of those are locked behind higher plans. And suddenly, the numbers don’t add up.

Text Request is one of the names that comes up early in the search. It’s everywhere, and at first glance, it feels like a solid choice. But once you start breaking things down, you have to ask: Are you really getting what you’re paying for?

That’s what we’re going to cover in this blog: what Text Request really costs, what’s included, what’s not, and how it compares to Emitrr. Let’s get into it.

How Much Does Text Request Cost?

Text Request offers a range of pricing plans, but once you look past the base numbers, the real cost can grow fast, especially when your team needs more dashboards, sends higher volumes of messages, or relies on features tucked behind add-on fees.

Here’s a breakdown of how their pricing works across standard, high-volume, and political texting plans, along with the extras you might end up paying for.

Standard Plan

Text Request has four core plans targeted at small to mid-sized businesses. These are priced monthly and come with a set number of included messages. Go over the limit, and you’re charged per additional message.

Name of the plan	Price if billed monthly	Number of included texts
Basic	$59 per month	1000, plus $0.055 for every additional text
Starter	$139 per month	2500, plus $0.05 for every additional text
Corporate	$279 per month	6500, plus $0.04 for every additional text
Enterprise	$549 per month	20000, plus $0.03 for every additional text

Each of these plans includes 10 dashboards, which are essentially user logins or team views. If your team needs more, you’ll be charged $5 per additional dashboard. That adds up quickly for growing teams or those working across multiple locations.

High Volume Plan

Designed for larger businesses or organizations with heavier texting needs, these plans scale up the message volume, but they also come with steeper monthly fees. 

Name of the plan	Price if billed monthly	Number of included texts
High Volume Tier 1	$850 per month	50,000, plus $0.0175 for every additional text
High Volume Tier 2	$1400 per month	100,000, plus $0.015 for every additional text
High Volume Tier 3	$2750 per month	250,000, plus $0.0125 for every additional text

These plans are better suited for large teams with aggressive outreach goals. But even at this level, the same dashboard limit applies, and the per-text average costs, though lower, can still climb if usage isn’t carefully monitored.

Political Texting Plan

Text Request also offers a plan tailored for political campaigns. This comes with a one-time setup fee of $139 per campaign. Pricing for ongoing usage depends on messaging volume and may align with the high-volume tiers mentioned above.

Key Features Across Text Request Plans

Regardless of the plan you choose, Text Request offers some essential features to enhance business communication, including:

• Two-way text messaging – With two-way texting have real-time conversations with customers, one-on-one, from a shared dashboard.
• Mass texting – Send announcements, updates, or promotions to large groups at once with bulk texting.
• Scheduled messages – Set up messages to go out at a later date or time (note: this may require an add-on depending on the plan).
• Payments – Accept payments through text using integrated links, making it easier for customers to pay on the go.
• Integrations – Connect with CRMs, marketing tools, and other software platforms to streamline workflows.

Text Request Pricing – Add-ons

Here’s where the pricing gets more complicated. To unlock tools that many businesses consider standard, you’ll need to pay extra. Here are some key add-ons:

Feature	Cost
Review management	$100 per month
Scheduled messages	$20 per month
Chrome extension	$15 per month
Location requests	$15 per month
SMS chat	$20 per month
Custom merge	$15 per month
API access	$50 per month
HIPAA compliant account	$50 per month
Keywords	$15 per month

These add-ons can easily push your total cost well beyond the base plan. For example, a business on the Corporate plan adding review management, keywords, and API access would be looking at $279 + $100 + $15 + $50 = $444/month, not counting overage fees or extra dashboards.

Text Request Pricing vs Emitrr Pricing: Comparison

Before choosing any texting platform, it’s important to look beyond the base price. What really matters is how much value you get for what you pay, and how well the pricing structure fits your business as it grows. Text Request has been around for a while and offers a tiered pricing model that works for certain use cases. But as we break it down, it becomes clear that while it may suit some businesses, it’s far from the most cost-effective or flexible option.

Let’s start with the upsides and then take a closer look at where it falls short.

Pros of Text Request Pricing

• Clear tiered plans – Text Request lays out its pricing by usage level, which helps businesses roughly estimate costs based on how many texts they send.
  
• Lower per-message cost at higher volumes – For companies sending 50,000+ messages per month, the per-text rate drops significantly, making it workable for high-volume outreach.
  
• No contracts required – You can pay month-to-month without being locked into a long-term commitment, which is helpful for seasonal businesses or short-term campaigns.
  
• Multiple plan types – The platform offers a political texting plan, in addition to business-focused tiers, which some niche users may find useful.
  
• Basic features are available on all plans – Every plan includes two-way texting, mass messages, and some integration options, so even the lower tiers aren’t entirely stripped down.

Cons of Text Request Pricing

• High starting price for small businesses – The entry-level plan begins at $59/month for just 1,000 messages, more than many competitors charge for significantly higher limits.
  
• Limited included texts across plans – Even the $549/month Enterprise plan only includes 20,000 messages. Go over, and you’re paying per text, which adds up fast.
  
• Extra charges for essential features – Tools like scheduled messages, review requests, SMS chat, and even keyword use come at an added monthly cost.
  
• Add-ons quickly inflate the price – Once you tack on a few extras—say, review management ($100), API access ($50), and a HIPAA-compliant account ($50)—you could be doubling your monthly bill.
  
• Dashboard/user limits – All plans cap you at 10 dashboards. Need more users or locations? It’s $5/month per extra, even if you’re already on a high-tier plan.
  
• No automation without upgrade – Automation tools are either limited or behind a paywall, which restricts efficiency for busy teams unless they’re willing to pay more.
  
• Steep jump between plans – Moving from 6,500 texts ($279) to 20,000 texts ($549) is a huge leap in cost, with no flexible middle tier to bridge the gap.
  
• Lack of transparency on political texting costs – Aside from the one-time setup fee, ongoing costs for political campaigns aren’t clearly listed, which makes budgeting harder.
  
• No unlimited messaging options – Every plan includes a set number of messages and overage fees. There’s no plan that allows for predictable, flat-rate unlimited usage.
  
• Not built for multi-location scalability without extra cost – If you’re managing multiple offices or franchises, the added dashboard fees and per-user charges can quickly become unmanageable.
  
• Basic integration list – While it does offer integrations, the list is relatively limited unless you pay for API access, which itself is an additional cost.
  
• Add-on fatigue – When nearly every useful feature is separated into a line-item charge, it creates friction for teams that just want one solid, all-in platform.

So, where does that leave businesses that want straightforward pricing without all the extra fees? That’s exactly the gap Emitrr is filling. Let’s take a look at how Emitrr approaches pricing and why it’s quickly becoming the better choice for teams who want more value without the fine print.

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr takes a different approach to pricing, one that is built around flexibility, clarity, and fairness. Instead of bundling essential features into expensive add-ons or restricting usage by user count or dashboard limits, Emitrr keeps things simple: you only pay for the number of messages you send. Everything else, core tools, user access, support, and most features come standard.

There are three tiers: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Standard Plan

The Standard plan gives access to all the core messaging tools needed for day-to-day business communication. It’s best suited for small businesses or teams who want a full-featured texting platform without going overboard on cost. Everything from two-way texting to group chats, shared inboxes, and marketing campaigns is included here.

Pro Plan

The Pro plan is designed for teams who want more control and automation in their communication. It includes everything in the Standard plan, plus access to AI-powered tools like automated responses, message tuning, translation, and an AI rule engine. If your business handles a high volume of incoming messages or wants to reduce manual effort, this plan makes that easier.

Enterprise Plan

The Enterprise plan is built for large businesses or multi-location organizations with advanced needs. Instead of fitting into a one-size-fits-all package, this tier is fully customized. Pricing is built around your message volume, user requirements, and any specific tools or integrations your team needs. You’ll need to reach out to the Emitrr team to get a tailored quote.

Emitrr Pricing by Message Volume

Below is a detailed view of how pricing scales depending on the number of text message credits you purchase each month. This allows teams to pick a level that matches their real-world usage, without paying for capacity they don’t need.

Number of message credits	Standard	Pro	Enterprise
500	$42 per month	$45 per month	Contact Sales for a customized quote.
1000	$68 per month	$73 per month
2000	$110 per month	$118 per month
3000	$138 per month	$148 per month
5000	$210 per month	$225 per month
7500	$315 per month	$337 per month
10000	$420 per month	$450 per month
15000	$486 per month	$522 per month
20000	$540 per month	$580 per month
30000	$741 per month	$796 per month
40000	$876 per month	$941 per month
50000	$1011 per month	$1086 per month
100000	$1820 per month	$1960 per month

Note: 

• You only pay for what you use. This pricing is based on the number of messages that you want to send out per month. You can contact sales if you are a large enterprise and want a personalized quote based on your use case. 
• If you’re a healthcare business, then you need to pay an additional $200 fee that will give you access to all the advanced automation capabilities you require. 
• If your business needs AI functionality, upgrading from Standard to Pro activates tools like smart replies, tone suggestions, multilingual support, and intelligent routing via the AI rule engine.
• Enterprise users can discuss bulk messaging, special workflows, or integration support directly with Emitrr’s team to build a custom plan.

Key Features

Emitrr gives businesses a full set of tools to handle conversations with customers without charging extra every time your team needs to do something basic. Here’s a closer look at the core features included across all plans:

• Shared SMS inbox – Your team sees every message in one place. If someone texts your business, it doesn’t go to one person’s phone it shows up in a shared inbox where any team member can pick it up. This avoids crossed wires and keeps replies fast and consistent.
• Two-way text messaging – You can carry out full conversations with customers through text, just like you would on a mobile phone but it’s managed from your desktop or dashboard. Whether it’s answering questions or confirming times, it works the same way customers already text with friends or family.
• Group chat – When you need to talk to someone on your team, there’s no need to leave the platform. You can start a quick chat right there, without switching to another tool. So context is always clear.
• Webchat – The webchat tool turns visitors on your website into leads by letting them send messages that go straight into your text inbox. That way, the conversation doesn’t end when the person leaves your site. You can follow up by text and keep it going.
• Group text messaging – Need to reach a bunch of people at once? You can send a single message to a full list of contacts. You can send one message to a group, like a reminder or announcement, and each reply comes back as its own thread. That way, your team can handle responses one at a time, without everything getting mixed together.
• Chrome extension – If you’re already working in your browser, there’s no need to switch tabs or log into another system. Emitrr’s Chrome extension lets you send and reply to texts directly from the page you’re on. It’s quick, lightweight, and saves time when you just need to check a message or fire off a fast reply.
• Voicemail transcription – When a customer leaves a voicemail, Emitrr turns it into text so you don’t have to listen to the whole thing. It’s faster, easier to scan, and you can search old voicemails by keyword.
• VoIP – You can make and take calls right inside Emitrr. No need for separate phone lines or devices. Everything—texts, calls, voicemails—is handled from one spot. That makes it easier to keep track of who said what and when.
• SMS marketing – Need to send out a promotion, a reminder, or an alert? Emitrr lets you build and send campaigns right from the same place you handle customer service. You can also schedule messages and track how many people open or respond with sms marketing.
• Contact management – You can organize contacts with tags, notes, and history. That way, when a message comes in, your team knows exactly who they’re talking to and what the last interaction was about. No digging around or guessing.
• AI assistance –
  • Auto responses – You can set up responses that go out automatically based on what someone texts. For example, if a customer texts “cancel,” the system can send a quick confirmation without anyone having to reply manually.
  • Message translation – Instantly translate incoming and outgoing messages into multiple languages. Perfect for businesses working with diverse audiences, this feature removes language as a barrier to clear communication.
  • Message tuning – This tool helps you adjust the tone and clarity of your messages before sending. Whether you need to sound more professional, casual, or friendly, Emitrr can suggest edits to match the context.
  • AI rule engine – You can build rules that route incoming messages to the right person, add tags automatically, or send follow-ups after a certain amount of time. It’s useful for teams with high volume or multiple departments handling different types of messages.

Text Request vs Emitrr Pricing

Feature	Text Request	Emitrr
Starting Price	$59/month for 1,000 texts	$42/month for 500 texts (Standard)
Included Texts (Mid-Tier)	6,500 texts at $279/month (Corporate Plan)	5,000 texts at $210/month (Standard)
Overage Charges	Yes – ranges from $0.055 to $0.0125 per text, depending on plan	No overage; plans are based on the message volume you choose
User/Dashboard Limits	10 dashboards per plan; $5/month per extra	Unlimited users and dashboards included
Scheduled Messages	Add-on ($20/month)	Included
Review Management	Add-on ($100/month)	Included
SMS Chat Widget	Add-on ($20/month)	Included (via webchat)
Chrome Extension	Add-on ($15/month)	Included
API Access	Add-on ($50/month)	Included in Pro & Enterprise
HIPAA Compliance	Add-on ($50/month)	$200/month for healthcare automation + HIPAA compliance
AI Features	Not included	Included in Pro & Enterprise
VoIP Calling	Not included	Included
Voicemail Transcription	Not included	Included
Group Texting	Not included	Included
Custom Plans for High Volume	Yes – starts at $850/month for 50,000 texts	Yes – Custom Enterprise pricing available
Overall Cost Transparency	Many hidden add-ons and upgrade costs	Flat pricing based on message usage
Best For	Teams with very specific, high-volume text needs	Teams that want full functionality without piecemeal pricing

How Emitrr Offers Better Value for Money as Compared to Text Request?

When you invest in a texting solution for your business, you’re not just paying for software, you’re paying for outcomes. Whether it’s saving time, improving communication, or bringing in more customers, the return on that investment matters. While Text Request has been around and does offer the basics, Emitrr takes a more results-driven approach. It’s built to not just meet expectations but to raise the bar. If you’re comparing the two, it quickly becomes clear that Emitrr gives you more for every dollar spent. 

Here’s why:

Unlimited Contacts, Unlimited Conversations

With Text Request, the size of your contact list and the number of texts you send can quickly drive up your costs. Every conversation counts against your usage. Emitrr doesn’t put a cap on how many people you can reach or how often you interact with them. Whether you’re running a campaign to thousands of contacts or just following up with customers day to day, you won’t see your bill going up just because you’re growing.

No Extra Fees for Inbound Messages

In many cases, receiving a reply from a customer means more charges if you’re using Text Request. Emitrr treats incoming messages as part of the conversation, not a reason to charge more. That means you can encourage two-way communication, answering questions, confirming appointments, and checking in with leads without thinking twice about the cost.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Emitrr doesn’t make you pay more to unlock essential features. There are no paywalls hiding tools like autoresponders, campaign scheduling, or call forwarding. Everything’s included—what you see is what you get. With Text Request, these often come with added costs or require upgrading to a higher tier. Emitrr gives you the freedom to actually use the system to its full potential without needing approval for every little add-on.

AI Texting Built-In

This is where Emitrr really separates itself. It’s not just a place to send messages—it can actually handle conversations for you. The built-in AI responds to common questions, follows up with leads, and even answers after hours. So instead of having to manually check every message or hire someone to do it, you’ve got help 24/7. Text Request doesn’t have this kind of smart automation baked in you’d need another tool (or a lot more time) to match the same results.

Phone + Text Under One Roof

Most businesses still rely on phones to some extent, especially for missed calls, appointment confirmations, or quick updates. Emitrr gives you both texting and VoIP calling in one place. That means fewer systems to manage, fewer logins, and one less bill to pay. Text Request only covers texting, so if you also need phone service, you’re stuck paying for another tool.

Hands-On Support Without Hidden Fees

Getting started with a new platform can feel overwhelming. Some tools make support feel like a privilege, you get it if you’re on a higher plan or you’re willing to wait. Emitrr is different. From onboarding to troubleshooting to strategy, their team is hands-on and easy to reach. You don’t have to submit a ticket and hope for the best. Real help is built into the experience, and you don’t pay extra for it.

Automation That Actually Saves You Time

Emitrr isn’t about sending one message at a time, it’s built to reduce the time you spend on repetitive tasks. You can set it up to handle things like review requests, appointment follow-ups, reminders, and missed call responses. Once it’s set, you don’t have to think about it again. That’s hours back every week for your team to focus on what matters.

FAQs

Conclusion

Thus, when you put Emitrr and Text Request side by side, the difference isn’t just in the features, it’s in how much easier your day becomes. With Emitrr, there’s no second-guessing how many messages you’ve sent or wondering if a key tool is hidden behind another upgrade. Everything you need is already there, working in the background to keep things moving.

Text Request might get the job done for basic texting, but Emitrr goes further. It handles the follow-ups, replies to customers instantly—even after hours—and ties it all together with calling and automation built right in. That’s less juggling between tools and more time focused on what actually grows your business.

If you’ve been managing with workarounds or settling for just enough, now’s a good time to try something that’s built to do more. Switch to Emitrr, and make your communication feel a whole lot easier. Book a demo today!