Best SMS Marketing Software 2021

SimpleTexting Competitors & Alternatives

Are you considering purchasing SimpleTexting to manage your SMS marketing needs? Before making the purchase, it’s best to learn about SimpleTexting’s top competitors. The eight best alternatives are listed below, along with details on their features and pricing.

SimpleTexting is one of the most popular all-in-one SMS marketing solutions on the market today. However, it exists in a competitive market. Therefore, we recommend comparing SimpleTexting against its top competitors before purchasing.

There are many excellent competitors in the SMS marketing space that are worth considering. Most of SimpleTexting’s top competitors offer more robust features at higher prices, or are specialized for a specific industry. Here’s a breakdown of our review criteria and how SimpleTexting’s competitors performed in each category.

Software CompanyAnalyst RatingFeaturesUsabilityPricingCustomer Support
SlickText9010988.5
SMSBump88998.59
SimpleTexting87898.59
Emotive879979.5
Postscript858899.5
Avochato8487.5810
ZipWhip837999
EZ Texting827.59710
Textedly8178.597

Throughout this article, we’ll provide an overview of the main SimpleTexting competitors and alternatives, which are:

  • SlickText
  • SMSBump
  • Emotive
  • Postscript
  • Avochato
  • ZipWhip
  • EZ Texting
  • Textedly

In this guide, we examine SimpleTexting’s features and pricing, and compare these factors against competitors. To gain a better understanding of SimpleTexting as a solution, you can read our in-depth SimpleTexting review.

All of the information in this article is based upon research, discussions with SMS marketers, and dozens of hours spent hand-testing the leader SMS marketing software platforms. To learn more about our research and reviews, read about our unbiased review process.

Table of Contents

SimpleTexting Features

Before we compare SimpleTexting against its competitors, it’s important to understand the features included in SimpleTexting. As a mid-tier platform, SimpleTexting offers robust SMS marketing features relative to its affordable price.

The seven most important features that SimpleTexting offers are described in the table below. SimpleTexting’s subscriber list builders and campaigns are its standout features. This is because there are strong opportunities for customer data collection, and unique campaigns built around customer engagement.

FeatureDescription
Subscriber List BuildingSimpleTexting offers a wide range of subscriber list building tools. Its web form creator can be combined with its unlimited custom fields to capture subscriber data. Additionally, SimpleTexting is one of the only SMS marketing platforms that offers unlimited opt-in keywords across all its plans.
SegmentationSimpleTexting’s segmentation is more robust than similarly priced alternatives, but its lack of and-or statements limits targeted marketing opportunities.
Message CreationMessage creation in SimpleTexting comes with a number of features helpful for your business. These included unlimited custom fields and a multitude of message templates. These both allow you to send personalized messages efficiently.
Campaign BuildingSimpleTexting has very good and diverse campaigns at its price point. The only drawback is that there are no campaigns that collect customer data. Still, you have access to a number of unique campaigns such as text to win contests, text to vote surveys, subscriber polls, and birthday texts.
Two-Way ConversationsSimpleTexting’s inbox is comparable to what you would usually find in other solutions. You have access to relevant info such as what list subscribers are in, when they first subscribed, and opt-in source. Additionally, you can add team members and delegate specific inboxes to them for customer support.
Automated MessagesSimpleTexting’s automated message capabilities are limited. You can set triggers, or sub-keywords, that subscribers can text after they opt-in. This is a unique feature, but ultimately doesn’t make up for the lack of drip campaigns.
AnalyticsSimpleTexting’s analytics dashboard is comprehensive and user-friendly. You have access to two different reports, your messaging report and subscriber report. Each has metrics regarding your list builders, campaigns, and automated messages.

SimpleTexting Competitor Overview: Features

Below is a chart that compares each platform’s features and affordability. They differ primarily based on how advanced each platform is and the user base each is best suited for. For example, solutions like Textedly or ZipWhip do not support robust segmentation. This means they are best suited for businesses looking to send text blasts rather than targeted marketing campaigns.

We also recommend looking into tools that are specialized for specific industries. For example, SMSBump and Postscript might both have the same features as alternative tools, but these features are designed specifically for ecommerce businesses integrated with Shopify or BigCommerce. This contrasts with SimpleTexting, which is more of an all-in-one solution for a variety of businesses.

SMS Marketing Competitors Feature Chart

SimpleTexting Competitor Overview: Pricing

SimpleTexting’s pricing begins at $25 per month. Additional numbers cost $10 each per month. Compared to its competitors’ pricing, SimpleTexting generally falls in the middle.

Here are the prices of SimpleTexting and its top competitors based on the amount of messages sent per month:

CompanyPrice for 500 MessagesPrice for 5,000 MessagesPrice for 10,000 MessagesPrice for 25,000 Messages
SlickText$29$189$350$750
SMSBump$26$93$168$391
SimpleTexting$25$155$195$375
Emotive$210$300$400$700
Postscript$25$50$100$250
Avochato$92$182$332$782
ZipWhip$30$60$60$60
EZ Texting$42$224$424$1,024
Textedly$24$70$140$350

Top SimpleTexting Competitors

Below are one-to-one comparisons between SimpleTexting and the top alternatives. SimpleTexting is best for marketers who want an affordable solution that has decent targeted marketing opportunities. We’ve ranked SimpleTexting’s top eight competitors based on their features, pricing, and usability.

#1: SlickText

SlickText is a more expensive, yet more powerful alternative to SimpleTexting. In fact, SlickText is the top rated SMS marketing platform we’ve analyzed. SlickText offers more subscriber data collection opportunities and more advanced segmentation than SimpleTexting. SimpleTexting’s features generally offer less target marketing opportunities than SlickText. Still, SimpleTexting can be up to 50% more affordable than SlickText if you’re planning on sending more than 25,000 messages.

For more details, read our in-depth analysis of SlickText vs. SimpleTexting.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You are looking for an affordable SMS marketing solution
  • You need unlimited keywords and custom fields for subscriber list building
  • You utilize SMS marketing more for mass texting than two-way engagement
You'll prefer SlickText if:

  • You want multiple ways to collect subscriber data for targeted messages
  • You need to leverage advanced segmentation to target your subscribers
  • You want to creatively acquire subscribers with QR codes and posters
SlickText
Rating: 90
Starting Price: $29 per month

SlickText is an all-in-one SMS marketing tool that has been used by over 70,000 businesses. It is ideal for small and medium sized businesses looking for a SMS marketing solution with flexible subscriber data collection and powerful list building options. Although SlickText is an all-in-one tool designed for all types of businesses, ecommerce stores might prefer more specialized solutions for their use cases.

Pros:
  • SlickText's web forms are extremely effective for capturing subscriber information
  • SlickText's unlimited custom fields enable marketers to collect data for segmentation and personalization
  • Analytics are highly detailed with individual pages dedicated to every campaign and automation you build
Cons:
  • SlickText is one of the more expensive SMS marketing solutions
  • SlickText is not as specialized for ecommerce businesses as SMSBump or Postscript
  • SlickText does not offer a diverse selection of native integrations, although Zapier is supported

#2: SMSBump

SMSBump is a similarly priced alternative to SimpleTexting designed specifically for Shopify and BigCommerce store owners. SMSBump’s specialization towards ecommerce is clear in every aspect of its platform. Not only is segmentation more powerful, but it is specifically tied to Shopify and BigCommerce customer activity. Because both solutions are similarly priced, we recommend ecommerce businesses consider SMSBump for their marketing needs.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You are not an ecommerce store owner
  • You have less complex targeted marketing needs
  • You leverage SMS marketing more so for business communications
You'll prefer SMSBump if:

  • You are looking for the most robust SMS marketing solution for ecommerce businesses
  • You need to utilize complex and relevant segments based on your customers
  • You want to create complex drip campaigns for customer retention
SMSBump
Rating: 88
Starting Price: $0.0149 per message

SMSBump is a SMS marketing platform for Shopify and BigCommerce used by over 90,000 businesses. Standout features like campaign flows, segmentations, and automations make SMSBump the most powerful text marketing solution for ecommerce businesses.

Pros:
  • SMSBump's flow builder is one of the most powerful SMS marketing campaign builders
  • SMSBump has a plethora of segment conditions specific to ecommerce businesses
  • Relevant and helpful templates are provided for both segmentations and automations
Cons:
  • Flow building and A/B testing are not available for BigCommerce
  • Custom fields cannot be created to store alternative customer information
  • A/B testing is only available in SMSBump's most expensive plan

#3: Emotive

Emotive is a more expensive alternative to SimpleTexting dedicated for fast-growing ecommerce businesses. Emotive is also less hands-off than SimpleTexting. Each user in Emotive has access to a dedicated customer success manager and copywriter for their business. Emotive's segmentation and automated messaging are also both much stronger than they are in SimpleTexting. However, if you're not an ecommerce business and you're in need of an affordable all-in-one solution, we recommend SimpleTexting.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You are looking for an affordable SMS marketing solution
  • You need unlimited keywords and custom fields for subscriber list building
  • You utilize SMS marketing more for mass texting than two-way engagement
You'll prefer Emotive if:

  • You want a dedicated customer success manager and copywriter for your business
  • You leverage segment dimensions related to customer activity
  • You need access to complex SMS flows and automated messaging
Emotive
Rating: 87
Starting Price: $200 per month

Emotive is an SMS marketing platform for fast-growing ecommerce businesses looking to execute successful SMS marketing campaigns. Over 750 businesses have used Emotive for their ecommerce stores. Its standout features are its segmentation and automated messaging flows.

Pros:
  • Emotive offers a dedicated customer success manager and copywriter for your business
  • Emotive comes with a plethora of segment dimensions related to customer activity
  • Emotive’s automated messaging features are very powerful
Cons:
  • Emotive is generally more expensive than SMSBump and Postscript
  • Unique custom fields cannot be created in Emotive
  • Emotive does not have an analytics dashboard and instead offers downloadable reports

#4: Postscript

Postscript is similar to SMSBump in that it is designed specifically for ecommerce businesses. It is the most affordable SMS marketing tool for ecommerce businesses. SimpleTexting and Postscript are comparable feature-wise. Postscript’s native integration with Shopify is its primary advantage over SimpleTexting for ecommerce businesses. Still, We felt that it suffered from a lack of targeted marketing opportunities. We recommend businesses consider both solutions unless affordability is an absolute necessity.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You are not an ecommerce store owner
  • You have basic targeted marketing needs
  • You leverage SMS marketing more so for business communications
You'll prefer Postscript if:

  • You are looking for the most affordable SMS marketing solution for ecommerce businesses
  • You primarily send text blasts or general automations like abandoned cart messages
  • You do not need robust analytics
Postscript
Rating: 85
Starting Price: $25 per month

Postscript is a SMS marketing tool for Shopify that has been used by over 1,000 businesses. It is ideal for Shopify businesses looking for an effective yet affordable SMS marketing solution designed specifically for ecommerce businesses.

Pros:
  • Postscript is the most budget-friendly SMS marketing tool for Shopify businesses
  • Prebuilt automations are robust and designed specifically for ecommerce businesses
  • Shopify businesses will find ecommerce-specific segment conditions very helpful
Cons:
  • Campaign creation options are limited to solely custom campaign creation
  • Many crucial analytics for Shopify businesses are not available
  • There are very few custom fields for personalized messages

#5: Avochato

Avochato is a more expensive and less robust alternative to SimpleTexting. Avochato’s primary drawback in comparison to SimpleTexting is its weak segmentation. SimpleTexting’s segmentation is basic, but can still be used to execute targeted marketing opportunities. However, Avochato has drip campaigns which pose a very legitimate advantage over SimpleTexting. It also features unique customer list builders that facilitate two-way conversations.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You need decent segmentation for basic targeted marketing
  • You are in need of an affordable all-in-one SMS marketing solution
  • You need SMS marketing analytics with adequate drill down opportunities
You'll prefer Avochato if:

  • You want to utilize drip campaigns for customer retention
  • You leverage SMS marketing more for two-way conversations
  • You do not need advanced segmentation for targeted marketing
Avochato
Rating: 84
Starting Price: $92 per month

Avochato is an affordable SMS marketing solution currently used by over 1,000 businesses. Avochato offers common SMS marketing software features such as customer list building, segmentation, and campaigns. Its standout features are its two-way messaging capabilities and list building options.

Pros:
  • Avochato's plans all include 2000 messages per month
  • Avochato allows you to create unlimited keywords that subscribers can text to opt-in
  • Avochato's text surveys and website widgets are very effective for capturing subscriber information
Cons:
  • You cannot send MMS messages in keyword autoresponders and custom campaigns
  • Segments cannot be stored in Avochato's system and must be exported as .csv files instead
  • There are few drill down opportunities available in Avochato's analytics reports

#6: ZipWhip

ZipWhip is an alternative to SimpleTexting dedicated specifically for business communications. We recommend it over SimpleTexting if you are looking to mass text or two-way message your existing subscriber base. This is because it offers unlimited messages starting at $60, but doesn’t feature engaging campaigns or list builders like SimpleTexting. ZipWhip also doesn’t feature segmentation. If you’re interested in targeted marketing at an affordable price, we still recommend SimpleTexting.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You utilize SMS marketing for targeted marketing
  • You often don’t need to take advantage of two-way messaging for communication
  • You want to utilize subscriber list building to capture subscriber information
You'll prefer ZipWhip if:

  • You are not looking to build your subscriber list through SMS marketing
  • You want unlimited messages per month
  • You leverage SMS marketing for non-personalized messaging
ZipWhip
Rating: 83
Starting Price: $30 per month

ZipWhip is an SMS marketing platform currently used by over 40,000 businesses. It includes a majority of features most SMS marketing tools have, excluding segmentation. Its standout points are its mass texting and two-way messaging capabilities.

Pros:
  • ZipWhip is one of the best SMS marketing tools for customer service
  • All plans over $60 per month come with unlimited messaging
  • ZipWhip’s inbox is very user-friendly for two-way messaging
Cons:
  • Automations and integrations are only available with ZipWhip's most expensive plan
  • You cannot sign up for ZipWhip with a number that is already text enabled
  • Segmentation is not available in ZipWhip, which limits targeted marketing

#7: EZ Texting

EZ Texting is one of the more popular all-in-one SMS marketing solutions on the market today. However, its features and pricing are simply not up to par with SimpleTexting. SimpleTexting has far more powerful segmentation, and also features unlimited keywords and custom fields. EZ Texting has drip campaigns, but more affordable alternatives like SlickText and Avochato do as well.

For more details, read our in-depth analysis of EZ Texting vs. SimpleTexting.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You are looking for an affordable SMS marketing solution
  • You need unlimited keywords and custom fields for subscriber list building
  • You want to segment subscribers for targeted messages
You'll prefer EZ Texting if:

  • You leverage SMS marketing for mass texting more than one-on-one engagement
  • You want to utilize drip campaigns to automate messages
  • You want to capture subscribers creatively with QR codes and posters
EZ Texting
Rating: 82
Starting Price: $24 per month

EZ Texting is an intuitive SMS marketing solution currently used by over 30,000 businesses. It includes a majority of features most SMS marketing tools have, including customer list building, segmentation, and campaigns. Its strongest feature is its custom campaign builder.

Pros:
  • EZ Texting is one of the best SMS marketing tools for text blasts
  • EZ Texting’s web form creator helps your business gain new subscribers and subscriber information
  • There is a diverse range of engaging campaigns to choose from
Cons:
  • EZ Texting is one of the more expensive SMS marketing solutions
  • You can only segment customers by their opt-in sources
  • Drip campaigns have limited scheduling options for more experienced marketers

#8: Textedly

Textedly is one of the most affordable solutions we’ve evaluated in the SMS marketing space. It is, however, far less robust than SimpleTexting, and not designed for targeted marketing. Its customer list building, segmentation, and campaigns are all less advanced. Its standout feature is its 455 single text character limit. Although it is up to 50% more affordable if you’re sending 5,000 messages or less, the trade off in features is not worth it.

For more details, read our in-depth analysis of Textedly vs. SimpleTexting.

You'll prefer SimpleTexting if:

  • You need basic segmentation features to target your subscriber list
  • You need unlimited keywords and custom fields for subscriber list building
  • You want to engage with subscribers through unique campaigns
You'll prefer Textedly if:

  • You want to send 10,000 or less texts per month
  • You do not need segmentation for subscriber targeting
  • You want to send single text messages up to 455 characters long
Textedly
Rating: 81
Starting Price: $24 per month

Textedly is a SMS marketing platform used by a diverse range of businesses. Textedly offers common SMS marketing software features like customer list building, segmentation, and campaigns. These features are serviceable for businesses new to SMS marketing. Businesses looking to leverage diverse campaigns and segmentation will find Textedly limiting.

Pros:
  • Textedly is one of the more affordable SMS marketing solutions on the market today
  • Textedly's inbox helps facilitate two-way conversations between your business and customers
  • Textedly is one of the only solutions that can send single texts up to 455 characters long
Cons:
  • Custom fields, drip campaigns, and autoresponders all must be purchased for seperate one time fees
  • Segments cannot be stored in Textedly’s system and must be exported as .csv files instead
  • There are very few statistics and drill down opportunities available in Textedly's analytics section

Bottom Line

SimpleTexting is an affordable tool for small businesses looking to send a range of SMS marketing campaigns that leverage an above average volume of customer data. Its two main disadvantages are its lack of drip campaigns and its limited segmentation. However, we still feel that marketers with simple SMS marketing needs can take advantage of its unlimited keywords, unique campaigns, and customer data collection methods.

Before you make your purchase, we also suggest comparing SimpleTexting to other highly rated platforms:

  • SlickText is best for marketers looking for the most powerful SMS marketing solution on the market today.
  • SMSBump is best for Shopify and BigCommerce businesses looking for a solution that is specialized for eCommerce.
  • Avochato is ideal for marketers with more simple marketing needs who still require drip campaigns.
Yousef Fatehpour

Yousef Fatehpour is a Junior Research Analyst at SoftwarePundit. He graduated from University of California, San Diego, where he studied Human Centered Design and Communications. His work at UCSD's Design Lab emphasized UX research and product management.

Yousef's primary areas of interest are software design, user journeys, and how user experience is handled across software markets. Yousef also has experience in product design and multimedia content production. You can connect with Yousef on LinkedIn.

Yousef is an expert in several software categories including:

  • SMS marketing software
  • Document management software
  • Human resource software
  • Applicant tracking software
  • Design software

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