My Review of the 10 Best SMS Marketing Software

As a marketer, I’ve relied on email marketing tools to boost customer engagement for as long as I can remember. The results were solid, but as the business grew, I realized that relying solely on email wasn't enough to stay competitive.

So, I decided to explore SMS marketing. With thousands of contacts to engage, manually sending messages would be time-consuming and error-prone. I began searching for the best SMS marketing software that would meet my needs—something that could help me automate campaigns, track results, and, most importantly, deliver targeted messages that felt personal.

According to G2's software trends report, the number of marketing tools has increased by 15% year-over-year, reflecting its growing role in customer engagement strategies. So after testing over 20 solutions, I finally found the 10 best SMS marketing software solutions that provided the flexibility, scalability, and ease of use I was looking for. My decision was guided by insights from trusted platforms like G2, where real user experiences and feedback helped narrow down the best options.  

The tools listed have been invaluable in helping me optimize my SMS campaigns, ensuring that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.

10 best SMS marketing software: My picks for 2025

These SMS marketing software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.

I’ll share my experience with these best SMS marketing tools I tested so you can make an informed choice without going through my trial-and-error process. 

My top 10 best SMS marketing software recommendations for 2025

SMS marketing is one of the most engaging channels. According to G2, 91% of consumers are open to receiving texts from brands, and SMS campaigns boast a 98% open rate, far surpassing email engagement.

SMS marketing software enable businesses to send promotional, transactional, or personalized messages directly to customers via text. These platforms helped me automate and manage SMS marketing campaigns, allowing me to engage with my audience effectively and efficiently.

As a writer and marketer, I needed SMS marketing software to streamline client engagement. After researching and testing various tools, I’ve narrowed down the top 10 solutions. I focused on tools that offer a strong balance between automation, customization, and ease of use.

In this section, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the best SMS marketing software to help you make an informed decision and unlock your business's full potential through SMS marketing.

How did I pick the best SMS marketing software? 

When evaluating SMS marketing software, there are several key factors I consider to ensure the tool will meet my needs and help achieve my marketing goals effectively:

• Compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is essential for avoiding legal complications and maintaining customer trust. I prioritize platforms offering built-in compliance features, consent management tools, opt-in/opt-out options, and clear preferences management to ensure I can easily meet legal requirements. 
• Deliverability is a key factor in ensuring my messages reach the intended recipients. Poor deliverability means wasted resources and reduced impact. I look for platforms with high deliverability rates, especially for bulk SMS marketing, ensuring messages are delivered consistently across multiple carriers and networks without getting flagged as spam. 
• Segmentation allows me to target specific groups within my audience based on various factors such as location, demographics, and behavioral data. I value platforms that enable advanced segmentation capabilities, such as grouping contacts by purchase history, product preferences, or engagement levels. 
• Personalization plays a crucial role in engaging customers and increasing response rates. I seek platforms that allow me to tailor my messages with personalized content like the customer’s name, location, or previous purchase details. Features like dynamic content insertion and automated message customization ensure that each recipient gets a message that feels unique to them, increasing their likelihood of interacting with the campaign. 
• Comprehensive analytics is vital for tracking campaign performance. I look for platforms that track key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Detailed analytics also allow me to monitor subscriber behavior, such as when and how they engage with my messages. This helps me fine-tune my messaging and optimize my campaigns for better results. 
• Integration with other marketing tools and CRM systems is essential for creating a seamless, unified marketing strategy. I value platforms that allow easy integration with email marketing tools, social media management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. With integration, I can streamline workflows, trigger SMS messages based on customer actions across multiple channels, and maintain a single customer view for more personalized marketing. 
• Scalability is an important consideration as I plan to grow my business. I need SMS marketing software that can handle increasing volumes of messages as my customer base expands. The platform should be able to scale with my needs, whether it's accommodating larger customer lists, managing complex campaigns, or automating workflows across multiple channels. 
• Automation is a critical feature that allows me to streamline my SMS campaigns and save time. I prioritize platforms that offer robust automation tools, such as automated welcome messages, birthday greetings, or abandoned cart reminders. Automation ensures timely and consistent customer communication, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring messages are sent at the right moment. 

By focusing on these factors, I can ensure that the best SMS marketing software I choose aligns with my objectives and helps me maximize the impact of my campaigns.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best SMS marketing software category page. To be included in this category, software must:

• Reach mobile users by SMS messaging
• Provide an opt-in opportunity for new subscribers
• Track interaction data related to each SMS campaign
• Provide analytics or insights into SMS marketing efforts

*This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. Insider: best for AI-powered omnichannel SMS marketing

When I tested Insider, what stood out to me was how easy it was to get started. The user interface is intuitive, so I didn’t feel lost navigating it. Setting up SMS campaigns was simple, and the templates they provided made it easier to craft messages quickly.

I also liked how well the tool integrated with my other platforms, like my CRM software. It felt like Insider had thought about how businesses operate and built something to make those workflows smoother.

One feature I truly appreciated was the audience segmentation capability. When combined with artificial intelligence-powered personalization, it helps me analyze customer data more effectively and deliver highly customized content. 

The reporting dashboard was another highlight—it’s detailed and gave me insights into delivery rates and click-throughs without being overwhelming. I could see how my campaigns performed almost in real-time, which helped me tweak my approach for better results. 

Another thing I appreciated about Insider was its solid foundation in automation and messaging capabilities. It handled bulk SMS campaigns effectively, ensuring that messages reached my audience without much hassle. However, I did feel there was room for improvement in predictive analytics. While the platform offers some insights, I found myself wanting deeper data to help anticipate customer behavior rather than just reacting to it. This sentiment was echoed by several G2 users, who noted that more advanced predictive analytics could elevate campaign effectiveness.

Delivery speed was generally reliable, but there were occasional delays. Most messages went out promptly, but I did experience a few instances where messages lagged, which could be a concern for time-sensitive promotions. A few G2 reviewers pointed out similar inconsistencies, mentioning that while these delays weren’t a dealbreaker, they could impact urgent campaigns.

The automation features were another mixed bag. Insider provides a good starting point with basic automation, but I, along with some G2 users, want more advanced options, such as deeper behavioral triggers across multiple channels or more granular workflow customization. G2 review data shares that while the automation tools are useful, they lack the flexibility in other platforms.

Overall, Insider delivers a strong SMS marketing experience, but refining its predictive analytics, delivery consistency, and automation depth could improve it.

What I dislike about Insider:

• The predictive analytics insights in Insider could be improved to help anticipate customer behavior. Instead of just reacting to data, more forward-looking features would have enabled me to better prepare for future trends.
• I experienced occasional delays in message delivery, which could impact time-sensitive campaigns. While not frequent, these delays could be problematic for urgent promotions or announcements.

What G2 users dislike about Insider:

“One aspect of Insider that could be improved is the onboarding experience, as it can take some time to get fully acquainted with all the platform's advanced features. While it’s powerful, the breadth of tools available can initially feel overwhelming. Additionally, the reporting customization could be more adaptable to meet unique business requirements, and integrating with certain legacy systems sometimes requires more technical workarounds than expected."

– Insider Review, Yuchen C.

2. Birdeye: best for SMS-driven review management and feedback 

I really liked how Birdeye allows for automation in follow-up messages. The platform's automation feature saves time by triggering messages based on customer behavior, interactions, or specific timelines. This ensures timely communication without manual intervention. 

Birdeye’s AI-powered review generation and integration with review sites like Google and Yelp worked seamlessly. When I sent out SMS messages asking for feedback, customers left reviews easily, and all responses were aggregated in one central dashboard. This saved time and helped improve our reputation management process by allowing me to address any negative feedback quickly. 

Reporting was another standout feature. The analytics were clear and well-organized, allowing me to quickly assess the performance of individual campaigns. Key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates were prominently displayed, which helped me identify which messages were working and which weren’t. 

I found Birdeye easy to navigate on desktop, but the mobile app felt clunky. Some features were less responsive, and sending bulk messages or checking analytics was slower. Some G2 users mentioned similar issues, noting that real-time campaign management on mobile could be smoother.

Also the SMS templates worked well but lacked customization. I couldn’t adjust font sizes, colors, or add images, making it harder to create branded messages. Having more design flexibility would be ideal.

On the integration side, I appreciated that Birdeye connects with popular CRM platforms, but I ran into occasional hiccups with customer data not syncing automatically. Instead of real-time updates, I had to manually refresh or adjust information, which sometimes led to inconsistencies in segmentation or follow-ups. G2 feedback suggests better auto-syncing would improve efficiency.

Despite these drawbacks, Birdeye is a strong SMS marketing tool. Enhancing mobile usability, templates, and data syncing would make it even better.

What I dislike about Birdeye:

• The mobile app’s interface was hard to navigate, especially when trying to manage or monitor campaigns in real time. Tasks like sending bulk messages or viewing detailed analytics were slower, which was inconvenient when I needed to act quickly.
• The SMS templates, while functional, lacked customization options. I couldn’t easily adjust design elements like font sizes or colors, which limited my ability to create more visually appealing, branded messages.

What G2 users dislike about Birdeye:

“Onboarding multiple departments to the platform can be challenging, so offering more robust training for more employees would be a valuable addition. Resources that could be shared with training departments would be especially helpful. Additionally, it would be great if Birdeye could assist businesses in working with Google or Facebook to have fraudulent or malicious reviews removed.”

– Birdeye Review, Conor M.

3. SlickText: best for simple SMS marketing with list-building tools

SlickText is a pretty solid SMS marketing tool with several useful features. One feature I really liked was the ease of setting up drip campaigns, and they worked exactly as expected, sending messages at the right times without any issues. 

The process of building campaigns, lists, and conversion pop-ups felt smooth and intuitive. I could easily create and segment my contact lists, ensuring my messages were targeted and relevant. I particularly liked the integrations, especially the Zapier connection, which allowed me to effortlessly sync contacts with my CRM. 

One downside is that while the integration works well for most CRMs, some smaller platforms might require extra configuration or support to sync correctly. Additionally, some contact segmentation options felt too basic, especially when targeting specific audience subsets. 

The text-to-join feature was another great addition, helping me quickly grow my subscriber list. Implementing this feature on my website and social media platforms was easy, and it provided an additional point of entry for new subscribers. 

Another feature that stood out was the platform's compliance tools. Managing opt-ins and opt-outs was made very easy, and the platform automatically handled these processes to ensure I was staying compliant with regulations. 

I liked how the platform handled SMS campaigns, but scheduling felt restrictive. I couldn’t easily set up advanced rules for specific times or events, which limited my ability to fine-tune campaign timing. G2 users also noted that more flexible scheduling would improve targeting.

Subscriber management was another challenge. Organizing large lists wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped, and filtering or sorting options felt too basic. Some G2 reviewers mentioned similar struggles, wishing for better tools to manage subscriber data efficiently.

Text formatting options were also limited. I couldn’t customize fonts or adjust layouts to match my brand’s style, making messages feel plain. G2 feedback suggests that adding more design flexibility would help businesses create more engaging SMS content.

Overall, the platform is solid but could benefit from better scheduling, subscriber management, and formatting options.

What I dislike about SlickText:

• Integrating smaller CRMs can be tricky, requiring extra configuration or support to ensure everything syncs correctly. This could be a challenge for businesses using niche or less common CRM platforms that might not have seamless compatibility with the tool.
• The text formatting options are limited, preventing me from personalizing my messages or enhancing their layout to match my brand's style. Without more control over fonts, colors, or layouts, my messages felt generic and lacked the visual appeal that could better engage my audience.

What G2 users dislike about SlickText:

“The user interface and experience could be improved, especially by extending the character count per text. It would also be great if emojis were included as a standard part of the text process without an extra charge. Additionally, it would be helpful to track unsubscribes and customize a prompt to collect information on why someone unsubscribed. I’d also like to see if messages are successfully delivered to individuals on our list.”

- SlickText Review, Verified User in Marketing and Advertising

4. Podium: best for text-based communication and payments

Podium does a great job organizing conversations across different channels, such as SMS, email, and webchat. I liked how the interface let me track and manage all messages in one place, with a unified inbox that consolidated all interactions. 

The ability to handle multiple channels simultaneously was a huge plus, as it allowed me to engage with customers seamlessly, whether they reached out via SMS, email, or web chat.  Its features, like folders, assignments, and templates, kept all my conversations in one place. The best part is that I could use 'conversational AI employee' to handle customer responses while I was absent while still sounding like myself.

The software’s smooth integration with CRM systems improved it, enabling me to easily track customer journeys and add valuable context to our conversations.

Another feature I appreciated was the automation workflows. Using Podium's drag-and-drop workflow builder, I set up automatic follow-ups for leads and customer inquiries. This allowed me to reduce manual efforts, trigger follow-ups based on specific actions (like a customer submitting an inquiry or leaving feedback), and save time while ensuring prompt responses. These workflows can also be used to manage review requests, which helps boost customer engagement. 

The customer feedback tools worked well, too—Podium’s feedback collection process was seamless, and the tool helped me organize and analyze responses quickly, offering sentiment analysis to gauge customer satisfaction levels.

However, I found it a bit difficult to drill into specific metrics. Breaking down conversion rates or segmenting data by customer actions wasn’t as intuitive as I’d hoped. G2 users mentioned similar challenges, noting that deeper analytics would improve campaign insights.

The workflow setup is easy to use, but it lacks multi-step automation. I couldn’t create complex actions based on customer behavior, limiting engagement opportunities. A/B testing options were also minimal, making it harder to optimize messages. Some G2 reviewers highlighted that better testing tools would improve performance tracking.

Segmentation felt basic. While I could group customers by location or purchase history, there were no advanced behavioral triggers, like targeting cart abandoners. G2 feedback suggests that deeper segmentation would help personalize campaigns more effectively.

Podium does offer an API, but the documentation is limited. Implementing technical integrations required extra effort, which G2 users also found hard to deal with. Despite these drawbacks, Podium is a strong platform that could be even better with improved analytics, automation, and segmentation.

What I dislike about Podium:

• I found that Podium’s segmentation options were basic, which made it difficult to target customers based on specific behaviors like cart abandonment or page interactions. This lack of deeper segmentation limited my ability to personalize campaigns as effectively as I would have liked.
• Podium doesn't provide robust A/B testing features, making it challenging to optimize campaigns based on different variables such as message formats or send times. This lack of flexibility hindered my ability to test and refine strategies for better engagement and results.

What G2 users dislike about Podium:

“Sometimes the auto-generated responses are sent too often (i.e., when customers send multiple messages, it seems like a robot is responding, which could be more personalized.) If there were a maximum limit of the auto-generated response, this would probably be more beneficial to our customers. It would also be helpful to see what inbox the notifications are coming from so we know how urgent the message is or how much time we have that we can wait to get back to our customers, as we are often quite busy.”

– Podium Review, Ashley L.

5. Attentive: best for AI-driven SMS personalization for e-commerce

Attentive is a powerful SMS marketing platform that stands out for its advanced segmentation capabilities. I could create detailed customer segments based on specific behaviors, such as product views, cart abandonments, purchase history, or engagement with previous messages. 

Their patented two-tap mobile technology helped me create a comprehensive profile for each individual. This level of granularity allowed me to craft personalized campaigns tailored to each audience segment, significantly improving customer engagement and conversion rates.

Another major advantage was the automation features. Setting up triggered campaigns was straightforward. For example, when a customer abandons their cart, Attentive automatically sends a follow-up SMS. This feature saved me time while maintaining a personalized touch that helped drive results. I could also use in-built AI trained on 2T+ customer interactions to personalize every message.

Compliance was another strong point for Attentive. The platform’s built-in adherence to regulations like TCPA and GDPR gave me peace of mind. It seamlessly managed opt-ins, consent tracking, and unsubscribe requests, ensuring my campaigns met legal requirements without adding extra work on my end. Their focus on data security and privacy reinforced confidence in the platform's reliability.

Attentive offers a smooth start for SMS marketing, but I found the message templates a bit rigid. They were useful for quick campaigns, but I wanted more flexibility, like conditional logic and deeper personalization, to craft truly dynamic messages. G2 reviewers echoed this, pointing out that the templates could use more advanced customization options.

Some G2 users also mentioned that a more interactive dashboard would make campaign analysis more efficient. It provides plenty of insights, but navigating them wasn’t always seamless. While the data was valuable, I often had to export reports to get a clearer picture, which added extra steps. 

I also noticed that while the platform’s core features were easy to grasp, diving into advanced tools, like API integrations, took more effort than expected. It wasn’t impossible to learn, but I had to invest extra time to get the most out of it. G2 user feedback suggests that better onboarding or documentation could make these features more accessible.

Attentive has a strong foundation, but refining template flexibility, streamlining reporting, and making advanced tools more approachable would elevate the experience.

What I dislike about Attentive:

• The message templates felt restrictive, lacking customization options for advanced personalization or dynamic content. This limitation made it harder to craft unique and engaging messages tailored to my brand.
• While the reporting provided valuable insights, the interface was not user-friendly. I frequently had to export data for deeper analysis, which was time-consuming and interrupted my workflow.

What G2 users dislike about Attentive:

"Some of the capabilities are lacking, especially with pop-ups. I feel other platforms have stronger capabilities with triggering in cart or repeat site visitor targeted models that don't require custom-built cookies."

– Attentive Review, Elena W.

6. Close: best for sales-focused SMS automation with CRM integration

Close is a CRM that simplifies SMS marketing while offering robust features for managing contacts and automating workflows. 

The contact management system stands out with its detailed segmentation capabilities, allowing me to filter contacts based on attributes such as past interactions, geographic location, and behavioral data like message clicks or time spent on links. 

Another strong feature is the automation workflows. I could design sophisticated workflows triggered by message opens, link clicks, or specific time delays. This allowed me to nurture leads automatically without manual intervention, creating a hands-free process for ensuring timely follow-ups.

The platform's real-time analytics provided valuable insights into campaign performance. Metrics such as delivery rates, click-through rates, and conversions were presented in an intuitive dashboard. This allowed me to monitor results in real-time and make data-driven adjustments to improve ROI.

The message editor felt a bit too basic for what I needed. Without dynamic content blocks, image embedding, or custom font options, my messages lacked the visual impact I was hoping for. G2 users have pointed out similar limitations, mentioning that more design flexibility would help create stronger brand-driven campaigns.

Navigating the platform also took some adjustment. With so many features packed into the interface, managing large contact lists felt overwhelming at first. A more intuitive layout would have made multitasking smoother. Some G2 reviewers noted that while the platform is powerful, it takes time to get fully comfortable with its setup.

Importing contacts was another hurdle. Large lists took longer than expected to process, and some data didn’t always transfer correctly, forcing me to make manual fixes. G2 feedback suggests that a more seamless import process would save users a lot of time, especially for businesses handling high volumes of contacts.

Despite these drawbacks, the platform has plenty of potential. Smoother contact management, a more refined message editor, and a cleaner user experience would make it even more effective.

What I dislike about Close:

• I found the message editor too basic for my needs. It lacks dynamic content blocks, the ability to embed images, and the option to use custom fonts, which would help me create more visually engaging and personalized messages for my audience.
• The user interface felt overwhelming, especially when managing many contacts. With so many features and options, it took me a while to navigate the system. A more intuitive layout would have made the experience smoother, particularly when handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

What G2 users dislike about Close:

“I’d like the SMS and email conversations displayed under the contact's name, just like the calls. It would also be helpful if workflow delays could be measured in minutes. I'm unsure if Facebook or Meta can be integrated for lead generation purposes.”

- Close Review, Allan Benedict D.

7. WebEngage: best for omnichannel engagement with deep segmentation

WebEngage is a robust CRM and marketing automation platform with strong SMS marketing capabilities and features that enhance campaign efficiency.

One of its standout features is its omnichannel marketing capability, seamlessly integrating SMS with email, push notifications, and web messaging. This allows for consistent and coordinated messaging across multiple channels in a single campaign.

I found the behavioral segmentation tool particularly powerful. It let me target specific audience segments based on real-time actions, such as browsing certain products or abandoning a cart, enabling highly personalized campaigns that resonated with users.

Another highlight was the in-app messaging tool. It allowed me to engage users while using my app or browsing my website. By delivering real-time promotions or reminders, I could complement SMS campaigns and increase conversion opportunities. 

Additionally, the customer data platform (CDP) was invaluable for consolidating data from multiple sources, giving me a unified view of customer profiles and enabling hyper-targeted campaigns based on their behaviors and preferences.

WebEngage offers a wide range of features, but the initial setup felt more complicated than it needed to be. Even configuring basic elements like integrations and workflows required multiple steps, making the process longer than expected. Some G2 reviewers mentioned that while the platform is robust, a more intuitive setup would make onboarding far less tedious.

The workflow builder had plenty of potential, but mastering it wasn’t easy. Creating complex, multi-step campaigns took time to figure out, and I found that it didn’t fully support more advanced customer journeys. A few G2 users pointed out similar struggles, saying that while the automation tools are powerful, they could be more user-friendly for those without deep technical knowledge.

Despite WebEngage’s strong campaign-building capabilities, I was disappointed that the message templates weren’t fully optimized for mobile. Some layouts didn’t adjust well on smaller screens, which could affect engagement. According to G2 feedback, others have run into similar formatting issues and would like to see better mobile adaptability for SMS and email templates.

WebEngage has the right foundation, but making setup more seamless, improving workflow flexibility, and ensuring messages look great on any device would take it to the next level.

What I dislike about WebEngage:

• I found the initial setup process to be unnecessarily complex. Configuring even basic features like integrations and workflows required multiple steps, which was time-consuming, especially when just getting started with the platform.
• While the workflow builder is powerful, I struggled with its complexity, especially when setting up workflows with multiple conditions or triggers. Additionally, the lack of support for multi-step actions made it challenging to create more personalized and intricate customer journeys, limiting my ability to run complex, multi-stage campaigns.

What G2 users dislike about WebEngage:

“Currently, there is no option to set a specific target limit for one-time campaigns, which would help control the number of messages sent. This feature could be a valuable addition. Additionally, the onsite surveys could be made more user-friendly by allowing design edits at specific intervals. Right now, the process is heavily dependent on coding, making it challenging for users to make edits.”

- WebEngage Review, Dhivagar R.

8. JustCall: best for SMS and VoIP-based sales and support 

JustCall is an all-in-one cloud-based phone system that integrates SMS marketing with seamless communication features. 

Its SMS automation allows me to send automated SMS messages to customers based on triggers, such as sign-ups, purchases, or abandoned carts. This automation helped me stay connected with leads and customers without needing to manually send each message, which saved me a lot of time and ensured that no opportunity slipped through the cracks.

With its call management system, I managed inbound and outbound calls alongside my SMS campaigns from one platform. This seamless integration between calling and messaging allowed me to keep track of all customer interactions in a single place. 

Another helpful feature is the voicemail transcription. Instead of wasting time listening to lengthy voicemails, I received transcriptions of all my voicemails, which allowed me to quickly assess whether follow-up was needed. 

The CRM Integration was also a huge plus. It effortlessly integrated with my existing CRM tools, automatically pulling in customer data, saving me time on data entry, and keeping all information centralized for quick access. 

JustCall makes SMS and calling convenient, but CRM syncing felt slow. Contact updates didn’t always reflect in real time, which made campaign management less efficient. Some G2 users shared similar delays and wished for faster data updates.

The reporting tools covered the basics, but I wanted deeper insights. Metrics like message response rates weren’t easily accessible, making it harder to refine campaigns. G2 reviewers also mentioned that more advanced analytics would help optimize performance.

Managing both SMS and calls wasn’t as seamless as I expected. Navigating between the two felt clunky at times, which slowed down workflows. G2 user feedback suggests that a more intuitive interface would improve efficiency.

Call management was also fairly limited. Features like advanced routing and prioritization would have made handling high call volumes easier. Some G2 users highlighted that more flexibility would enhance team productivity.

JustCall has potential, but improving syncing, analytics, and usability would make it even stronger.

What I dislike about JustCall:

• I experienced slow syncing between JustCall and my integrated CRMs. Updates to contact details didn't sync in real-time, which caused delays in using the most up-to-date information for campaigns and impacted my ability to act on customer data promptly.
• Although JustCall allows tracking of basic metrics, the reporting tools lacked more detailed analytics, such as message response rates or deeper customer insights. This limited my ability to fully analyze campaign performance and make data-driven optimizations.

What G2 users dislike about JustCall:

“The Sales Dialer is a completely separate system, sharing only the user base. The HubSpot list sync can be unreliable at times. The mobile app also has intermittent issues with receiving SMS messages on time. When sending SMS via the API with A2P 10DLC approved numbers, there can be significant delays—sometimes several hours—between sending the webhook and the delivered SMS. Reporting could be better, though all the essential data is available.”

- JustCall Review, Jonathan D.

9. Braze: best for enterprise-grade personalized messaging 

Braze is a comprehensive mobile marketing platform that offers an excellent suite of tools for SMS marketing, along with powerful features for personalizing and automating customer interactions. 

One of the things I really like about Braze is its multi-channel messaging capability. It’s not just about SMS; I can seamlessly integrate SMS with email, push notifications, and in-app messages. This allows me to run coordinated campaigns across different channels, creating a cohesive customer experience.

The ease with which I can switch channels and target customers through the right medium at the right time has really elevated my customer engagement strategies.

Another feature I found especially valuable is personalization. Braze allows me to deeply personalize messages based on customer behavior, preferences, and past interactions. This level of customization ensures that the SMS messages I send are highly relevant to each customer, which has improved my conversion rates. 

Real-time analytics is another area where Braze shines. I love the detailed analytics, providing insights into campaign performance, user interactions, and conversion metrics. The A/B testing functionality is also great, enabling me to test different message variations to see which resonates best with my audience. 

Braze offers plenty of functionality, but the UI felt overwhelming at first. With so many options, navigating the platform took some time to get used to. Some G2 users shared similar feedback, saying a more streamlined design would improve usability.

Integrations were solid but not as expansive as I’d hoped. While it connects well with major CRMs, I found integration with other third-party tools somewhat limited. Some G2 users also wished for more seamless connections with additional platforms.

Automation worked well for basic workflows, but more flexibility would help. Adding granular triggers and dynamic responses to customer actions would make campaign management more efficient. As per G2 review data, improving automation depth could enhance personalization and engagement.

Braze is a strong platform, but refining the UI, support speed, integrations, and automation would make it even better.

What I dislike about Braze:

• The platform’s extensive functionality can be overwhelming, especially for new users like me. Navigating through its many options can be confusing at times.
• Additionally, the platform’s automation options feel somewhat inflexible. It lacks granular triggers or responses based on specific customer actions, which I believe could improve campaign effectiveness.

What G2 users dislike about Braze:

“The segmentation tool still requires significant improvement. Currently, it's not possible to segment based on specific properties within events, and we're limited to using most historical data within a 30-day period. For many of our segments, we need access to data beyond those 30 days.”

- Braze Review, Laura C.

10. Textedly: best for budget-friendly bulk SMS marketing

Textedly is a simple and effective SMS marketing platform that offers an intuitive solution for businesses looking to engage customers through text messaging. 

One feature I really appreciate is its ease of use. The platform's clean and simple interface makes it easy for me to set up SMS campaigns without technical expertise.

Another great feature is the unlimited keywords. With Textedly, I can create multiple keywords to categorize and manage different campaigns, which helps organize my SMS outreach. This flexibility has been useful for campaigns for various customer segments without confusion. 

The message analytics tool is also helpful. I could easily track the performance of my campaigns with key metrics like delivery rates, click-through rates, and opt-out rates. These insights allowed me to quickly gauge the success of my campaigns and adjust my strategy if needed. 

Additionally, Textedly offers a dedicated phone number, which gives my business a professional touch and ensures that customers know they’re dealing with a legitimate business.

Textedly made it easy to personalize messages with names, but I found customization options too limited. There was no support for rich media like images or formatted text, which restricted how engaging messages could be. From what I’ve seen in G2 reviews, others have also wished for more flexibility in message design to make campaigns stand out.

Customer support was responsive but didn’t always provide detailed solutions. For more complex issues, I often had to troubleshoot on my own. Some users on G2 noted similar experiences, mentioning that while the team is helpful, deeper technical guidance would be a welcome improvement.

Automation felt too basic for my needs. The platform lacked advanced triggers or real-time behavior-based workflows, which made it harder to create highly personalized interactions. Looking at G2 review data, many users see potential but want more sophisticated automation tools to make campaigns more dynamic.

Textedly is straightforward and easy to use, but expanding customization, automation, and support resources would make it much more powerful.

What I dislike about Textedly:

• The automation features aren’t as advanced as I’d like. They lack sophisticated workflows or triggers based on user behavior, which limits the potential for creating highly personalized, real-time interactions.
• The platform also lacks advanced formatting options and multimedia features, which makes it difficult for me to enhance the visual appeal or variety of messages.

What G2 users dislike about Textedly:

“The platform could be more user-friendly when managing contacts and campaigns. For instance, you can’t change or rename a keyword, and there are limits on the number of keywords available. Additionally, the services offered could be more robust; every month, we need to purchase extra services like text messages or additional keywords. The feedback potential is also limited because the downloadable data is restricted, making it difficult for us to perform our own ROI analyses.”

- Textedly Review, Monica A.

Best SMS marketing software: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the best service for SMS marketing?

The best SMS marketing service depends on your business needs. If you need robust automation, Attentive and Braze offer powerful AI-driven campaign tools. For customer reviews and reputation management, Podium and Birdeye integrate SMS into their broader engagement platforms. If affordability and ease of use are priorities, Textedly and SlickText are great choices.

2. What are the benefits of SMS marketing software?

The best SMS marketing software offers several advantages, such as high engagement rates, thanks to SMS's direct nature. It allows for real-time communication with customers, ensuring that messages can be sent instantly when they're most relevant.

3. Which SMS marketing provider has the best customer support?

Close, JustCall, and Podium stand out for their customer support, offering dedicated account managers, live chat, and phone support. WebEngage also provides extensive onboarding and help center resources.

4. What’s the best SMS marketing service with automation features?

For advanced automation, Braze, WebEngage, and Insider are top-tier options. They offer AI-driven segmentation, workflow automation, and A/B testing to optimize SMS campaigns.

5. What’s an affordable SMS marketing software with high ratings?

Textedly, SlickText, and JustCall offer budget-friendly plans with essential SMS marketing features. They are well-rated for their affordability and ease of use. Explore more free SMS marketing tools. 

6. How to send 500 text messages at once?

A bulk SMS marketing platform is needed to send 500 text messages at once. Textedly is a great tool, allowing users to upload contact lists and send messages to many recipients simultaneously.

7. What’s the best SMS marketing software for small businesses?

For small businesses, SlickText, Textedly, and Birdeye are excellent choices. They offer user-friendly platforms with cost-effective pricing, making SMS marketing accessible without a steep learning curve.

8. What’s the most reliable SMS marketing platform for retailers?

Retailers looking for reliable SMS marketing platforms should consider Attentive, Podium, and Birdeye. These tools specialize in engaging customers through SMS while integrating with loyalty programs and customer feedback systems.

9. Which SMS marketing service integrates with my CRM?

Close, JustCall, and WebEngage provide strong CRM integrations, making them ideal for sales teams. Braze and Insider also integrate with major CRM tools for seamless customer engagement.

10. What’s the best software to boost sales with SMS marketing?

For sales-driven SMS marketing, Close, JustCall, and Podium are excellent options. They offer tools like automated follow-ups, click-to-text features, and CRM integration to drive conversions.

Reach them where they can’t ghost you!

In my experience with the best SMS marketing software, each platform offers unique features that cater to different business needs. Finding the right fit for your strategy can greatly affect how effectively you engage your audience.

A tip I’d share is to start with a tool that aligns with your goals, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Play with features like segmentation, timing, and personalization to see what resonates with your customers.

Most importantly, get creative. Whether it’s a clever call-to-action or a playful tone, adding a creative touch helped me connect with my audience and achieve the best results. So, don’t hesitate to think outside the box—your creativity can be your most powerful tool.

Explore conversation marketing tools to complement your SMS strategy and build stronger customer relationships!