I Evaluated the 10 Best SMS Marketing Software for 2026

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.

25% of businesses opt for SMS Marketing due to its efficiency and effectiveness, 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.

These 10 best SMS marketing software include Attentive, Insider One, Podium, Birdeye, HighLevel, SlickText, Textedly, Close, Braze, and EZ Texting. My decision was guided by insights from trusted reviews on G2, where real user experiences and feedback helped narrow down the best options.  

My top 10 best SMS marketing software recommendations for 2026

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 enables 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 evaluating 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.

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 prioritized 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 looked 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 valued 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 sought out platforms that tailor 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 looked for platforms that track key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Detailed analytics also allow for monitoring subscriber behavior, such as when and how they engage with my messages. This helps fine-tune messaging and optimize campaigns for better results. 
• Integration with other marketing tools and CRM systems is essential for creating a seamless, unified marketing strategy. I valued platforms that allow easy integration with email marketing tools, social media management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. With integration, one 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 for growing businesses. I prioritized SMS marketing software that can handle increasing volumes of messages as the customer base expands. The platform should be able to scale, whether it's accommodating larger customer lists, managing complex campaigns, or automating workflows across multiple channels. 
• Automation is a critical feature that allows for streamlined SMS campaigns and saves time. I prioritized 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. 

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 via 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 2026. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. Attentive: Best for AI-driven SMS personalization for e-commerce

Attentive is an SMS marketing platform that optimizes message performance through 1:1 SMS and email interactions. According to G2 Data, it is used by 60% small businesses and 35% mid-market teams.

Attentive 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 helps create a comprehensive profile for each individual. This level of granularity helps 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 saves time while maintaining a personalized touch that helped drive results. It also has in-built AI trained on 2T+ customer interactions to personalize every message.

Compliance was another strong point for Attentive. The platform has built-in adherence to regulations like TCPA and GDPR. It seamlessly manages opt-ins, consent tracking, and unsubscribe requests, ensuring the campaigns meet legal requirements without adding extra work. Their focus on data security and privacy reinforced confidence in the platform's reliability.

Attentive is highly praised for its white-glove customer support. Many users highlighted the hands-on guidance from dedicated account managers and responsive support teams who act as an extension of their marketing function. From onboarding and migration to ongoing campaign optimization, the support team provides strategic recommendations, quick issue resolution, and proactive check-ins. 

The SMS marketing platform can integrate smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and tools like Klaviyo, enabling a connected marketing ecosystem. Users also value the ability to manage both SMS and email within a single platform, reducing tool fragmentation and improving workflow efficiency. 

Reporting, analytics, and attribution can take some getting used to, especially for teams that want deeper customization or clearer visibility. Some G2 reviewers mention that certain metrics are harder to find, and more advanced reporting or attribution analysis may require extra effort. The platform still gives teams a strong view into campaign performance overall, making it a solid fit for marketers who prioritize execution and can supplement reporting with a more hands-on analytical workflow.

Some G2 users also mentioned that a more interactive dashboard would make campaign analysis more efficient. It provides plenty of insights, but navigating them can take some time. Once users are comfortable with the layout, Attentive still offers a capable environment for managing SMS programs efficiently, especially for teams that value functionality alongside ease of use. 

Overall, Attentive delivers strong engagement and revenue impact when used strategically. Its combination of performance-driven features, ease of execution, and dedicated support makes it a compelling choice for growing e-commerce brands.

What I dislike about Attentive:

• Reporting, analytics, and attribution are comprehensive, though teams seeking deeper customization or clearer visibility may need to spend some time exploring available insights. While key metrics are accessible, extracting more advanced analysis can require a hands-on approach.
• Navigating the dashboard may take some initial familiarity. Once accustomed, users can efficiently manage and optimize SMS campaigns within a well-equipped environment.

What G2 users dislike about Attentive:

"What I dislike about Attentive is that sometimes the reporting insights are limited, and deeper analysis requires extra effort. Also, some features feel restrictive when trying to customize campaigns more flexibly."

- Attentive Review, Chirag G.

2. Insider One: Best for AI-powered omnichannel SMS marketing

Insider One brings everything marketing and customer engagement teams need in one place, so they can reach their peak potential. According to G2 Data, it is used by 29% small businesses, 49% mid-market teams, and 22% enterprises. 

What stood out to me about Insider One was how easy it was to get started. The user interface is intuitive. Setting up SMS campaigns is simple, and the templates they provide make it easier to craft messages quickly.

I also liked how well the tool integrated with other platforms, like  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 analyze customer data more effectively and deliver highly customized content. According to G2 Data, 96% users are satisfied with its personalization abilities. 

The reporting dashboard is detailed and gives insights into delivery rates and click-throughs without being overwhelming. Users can see how campaigns performed almost in real-time, which helps tweak the 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.

One of Insider One’s biggest strengths is its ability to unify multiple channels, like web, app, email, SMS, push, and WhatsApp, into a single platform. This makes it easy to design and manage end-to-end customer journeys without switching tools. Teams can coordinate messaging across touchpoints seamlessly, improving consistency and overall campaign efficiency.

Some users note occasional slowdowns or delays in campaign execution and setup. These instances are typically situational and short-lived, and do not significantly impact overall usability. With responsive support and regular product updates, teams are still able to run campaigns reliably at scale and maintain consistent performance.

Insider One offers a broad and flexible feature set, though certain advanced use cases may require additional setup or are still expanding in depth. Some users mention needs around multi-brand management, expanded templates, or deeper channel capabilities. However, the platform’s rapid innovation and strong support structure help teams adapt quickly and extend their functionality as their needs grow.

Insider One stands out as a versatile, all-in-one platform for orchestrating personalized, omnichannel customer experiences at scale. With its strong feature set, continuous innovation, and hands-on support, it’s a compelling choice for teams looking to unify and elevate their marketing efforts.

What I dislike about Insider One:

• Occasional slowdowns or delays in campaign execution may occur, but these are typically short-lived and situational. With responsive support and frequent updates, teams can still run campaigns reliably and maintain consistent performance at scale.
• The platform offers a broad feature set, though some advanced use cases may need additional setup or are still evolving. Needs around multi-brand management, templates, or channel depth come up, but ongoing innovation and strong support help teams extend functionality as they grow.

What G2 users dislike about Insider One:

“The platform has a learning curve, particularly around the more advanced segmentation and automation features. New team members need some ramp-up time before they can fully utilize everything Insider offers. A more structured in-platform onboarding guide would help. Also, certain reporting exports could be more customizable for our internal BI requirements — a minor but recurring inconvenience."

- Insider One Review, Merve.

3. Podium: Best for text-based communication and payments

Podium is an AI native communications platform that deploys AI Employees to help businesses turn every conversation into revenue. According to G2 Data, it is used by 63% small businesses and 33% mid-market teams.

Podium does a great job organizing conversations across different channels, such as SMS, email, and webchat. I liked how the interface allows the tracking and management of messages in one place, with a unified inbox that consolidates all interactions. 

The ability to handle multiple channels simultaneously was a huge plus, as it allows seamless engagement with customers, whether they reached out via SMS, email, or web chat.  Its features, like folders, assignments, and templates, keep all conversations in one place. The best part is the use of a 'conversational AI employee' to handle customer responses.

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

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

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

Beyond communication, Podium stands out for its ability to facilitate payments directly through messaging. Users highlight how easy it is to send secure payment links via SMS, reducing friction in the buying process and speeding up transactions. This makes it especially valuable for service-based businesses looking to close deals faster and improve cash flow.

Podium delivers consistent day-to-day performance, though some users note occasional glitches or minor inconsistencies in messaging and calling features. These can include brief app refresh issues, duplicate messages, or delays in notifications. However, such instances tend to be infrequent and manageable, and the platform continues to improve with updates, allowing teams to maintain reliable communication workflows overall.

The platform offers a comprehensive feature set, though pricing and plan structures may require closer evaluation as needs grow. Some advanced features are available in higher tiers, and elements like messaging limits or add-ons can influence overall costs. That said, many businesses find that the value delivered through improved customer communication, efficiency, and revenue impact justifies the investment over time.

Overall, Podium is a practical and effective solution for modern customer communication, helping businesses connect with customers in faster, more convenient ways. 

What I dislike about Podium:

• Podium delivers reliable day-to-day performance, though occasional glitches or minor inconsistencies can occur. These may include brief refresh issues, duplicate messages, or notification delays, but they are typically infrequent and manageable, with ongoing updates improving overall stability.
• The platform offers a strong feature set, though pricing and plan tiers may require evaluation as needs grow. Some advanced features and messaging limits sit behind higher plans, but many businesses find the value in efficiency, communication, and revenue impact justifies the investment.

What G2 users dislike about Podium:

“The main downside is the pricing. For smaller businesses, the cost can feel high, especially if you're not using every feature regularly. Some advanced settings and integrations also take time to understand, and the onboarding could be a bit clearer for first-time users.”

- Podium Review, Avyan S.

4. Birdeye: Best for SMS-driven review management and feedback 

Birdeye is an agentic marketing platform for multi-location brands. According to G2 Data, it is used by 55% small businesses, 34% mid-market teams, and 11% enterprises. 

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. According to G2 Data, 92% users are satisfied with Birdeye's automated replies.

Birdeye’s AI-powered review generation and integration with review sites like Google and Yelp worked seamlessly. When users send SMS messages asking for feedback, customers can leave reviews easily, and all responses are aggregated in one central dashboard.

The platform provides near-instant alerts for new reviews, messages, and customer interactions, enabling teams to respond quickly and stay on top of feedback. This real-time visibility helps improve customer satisfaction and ensures that no important interaction is missed. It also saves time and helps improve the reputation management process by addressing any negative feedback quickly. 

Reporting was another standout feature. The analytics were clear and well-organized, allowing a quick assessment of the performance of individual campaigns. Key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates are prominently displayed, which helps identify which messages were working and which weren’t. 

Beyond reviews, Birdeye also supports social media management by allowing users to schedule and publish posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. This helps teams maintain a consistent online presence without needing separate tools, saving time and effort.

Birdeye’s customer support is frequently highlighted as a major strength, with responsive teams that provide hands-on assistance during onboarding and beyond. This ensures a smooth setup process and helps users get the most out of the platform quickly.

Birdeye offers a wide range of features in one platform, though getting familiar with all capabilities can take some time initially. Certain settings and workflows may feel less intuitive at first, but this depth also enables greater flexibility for teams managing multiple use cases.

The platform generally performs reliably, though some users note occasional delays in syncing reviews, notifications, or messages. These are usually brief and manageable, and ongoing updates help maintain consistent performance overall.

Birdeye is a strong SMS marketing tool. Teams can manage customer experience, reputation, and communication in one place. 

What I dislike about Birdeye:

• Birdeye offers a wide range of features, though getting familiar with all capabilities may take some initial time. Some workflows may feel less intuitive at first, but the depth enables greater flexibility for managing multiple use cases.
• The platform performs reliably overall, though occasional delays in syncing reviews, notifications, or messages can occur. These are typically brief and manageable, with ongoing updates supporting consistent performance.

What G2 users dislike about Birdeye:

“The UI, while generally clean, can take some time to fully learn when digging into more advanced features. Some features feel a bit hidden, especially when it comes to customizing templates or workflows across multiple locations. Overall, nothing that’s a dealbreaker.”

– Birdeye Review, Nicholas K.

5. HighLevel: Best for all-in-one sales, marketing, and SMS automation 

HighLevel isn’t just an SMS marketing platform. It’s a broader business and marketing system that includes SMS as one part of a larger toolkit. According to G2 Data, HighLevel is used by 95% small businesses. 

HighLevel brings together CRM, funnels, email, SMS, automation, and more into a single platform. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple tools, helping businesses streamline operations and reduce both costs and complexity.

The platform’s automation capabilities are a major strength, allowing users to build highly customized workflows for lead nurturing, onboarding, follow-ups, and retention. The visual builder makes it easy to create complex sequences without needing coding skills. 93% of G2 reviewers are satisfied with HighLevel's automation capabilities. 

HighLevel offers extensive customization, making it adaptable for agencies, small businesses, and larger teams alike. Users can tailor pipelines, dashboards, and workflows to match specific processes, making it a flexible solution as businesses grow.

With support for numerous third-party integrations and an open API, HighLevel fits easily into existing tech stacks. Users can connect tools like CRMs, payment systems, and marketing platforms, enabling seamless data flow and automation.

HighLevel implements AI across various features, from messaging to automation, helping users save time and improve engagement. Frequent updates and a strong product roadmap ensure the platform continues to evolve with user needs.

Users consistently highlight responsive customer support and a strong user community. From live chat assistance to shared resources and feature requests, the ecosystem around HighLevel helps users learn, troubleshoot, and maximize the platform effectively.

HighLevel offers strong value as an all-in-one platform, though costs can vary depending on how extensively you use its features. Add-ons for email, SMS, AI, and certain integrations may increase overall spend, especially for scaling teams or international users. That said, many businesses still find it cost-effective compared to managing multiple separate tools.

The platform covers a wide range of use cases, though some areas may feel less developed depending on specific needs. Features like website building, advanced automation, or niche tools have room to expand, but for most core sales and marketing workflows, HighLevel continues to offer a highly capable and flexible solution.

What I dislike about HighLevel:

• HighLevel offers strong value as an all-in-one platform, though costs can increase with usage. Add-ons for email, SMS, AI, and integrations may raise overall spend, especially for scaling or international teams, but many still find it cost-effective vs. multiple tools.
• The platform covers many use cases, though some areas may feel less developed. Features like website building, advanced automation, or niche tools have room to expand, but it remains highly capable for core sales and marketing workflows.

What G2 users dislike about HighLevel:

“Because HighLevel offers a wide range of features, there can be a learning curve when setting up more advanced automations and workflows. Some areas of the interface require time to configure properly, especially when managing multiple campaigns or clients. However, once set up, the platform is stable and effective for ongoing marketing operations.”

- HighLevel Review, Christian K.

6. SlickText: Best for simple SMS marketing with list-building tools

SlickText is a straightforward SMS marketing platform designed to help businesses connect with their audience quickly and effectively. Its focus on simplicity and speed makes it especially appealing for teams looking to run campaigns without heavy setup or technical complexity.

According to G2 Data, it is used by 75% small businesses and 21% mid-market teams. One feature I really liked was the ease of setting up drip campaigns, sending messages at the right times without any issues. 

SlickText stands out for its reliable message delivery and strong engagement performance. Users frequently highlight how quickly texts are sent and how consistently they reach recipients, leading to higher response and click-through rates compared to other channels like email.

The process of building campaigns, lists, and conversion pop-ups feels smooth and intuitive. Users could easily create and segment contact lists, ensuring the messages were targeted and relevant. I particularly liked the integrations, especially the Zapier connection, which allows effortless syncing of contacts with the CRM. 

The text-to-join feature was another great addition, helping me quickly grow my subscriber list. Implementing this feature on the 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 is very easy, and the platform automatically handles these processes to ensure compliance with regulations. 

Customer support is a major strength, with users praising the quick, helpful, and friendly assistance available via chat and other channels. Whether it’s onboarding or troubleshooting, the support team is responsive and ensures issues are resolved efficiently.

SlickText integrates well with tools like Zapier, though teams looking for more native, out-of-the-box integrations with certain platforms may need additional setup. For more customized workflows or direct connections with tools like CRMs or event systems, some configuration may be required. That said, its Zapier support still provides a flexible way to extend functionality for most common use cases.

The platform provides clear, easy-to-understand reporting, though teams looking for more advanced analytics or deeper campaign comparisons may need additional workarounds. While core metrics like engagement and click tracking are readily available, more granular insights may require exporting data or supplementing with external tools, depending on reporting needs.

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

What I dislike about SlickText:

• SlickText integrates well with tools like Zapier, though some native integrations may require additional setup. For more customized workflows or direct connections, teams may need to rely on APIs or third-party tools, but Zapier still offers flexibility for most use cases.
• Reporting is clear and easy to use, though advanced analytics may require extra effort. While core metrics are readily available, deeper insights or campaign comparisons may involve exporting data or using external tools.

What G2 users dislike about SlickText:

“The only real downside is that you do have to figure out strategy on your own. But if you have a strong strategy in place, SlickText provides the tools to execute it.”

- SlickText Review, Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management

7. 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. According to G2 Data, it is used by 70% small businesses and 26% mid-market teams.

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

Textedly makes it easy to schedule messages ahead of time and automate common communication flows. Users also highlight features like recurring messages, auto-responses, drip campaigns, and conversation triggers, which help reduce manual work while keeping communication timely and consistent.

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

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

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

Reviewers highly praise Textedly's customer support. Many users mention how quickly the team responds through chat or email and how helpful they are during setup, troubleshooting, and everyday use. That level of support makes the platform especially approachable for smaller teams or first-time SMS users.

The pricing can require a closer look as usage grows or needs become more specialized. Some users mention that extra texts, add-ons like additional teammates or personalization, and subscription structures may feel less flexible for seasonal businesses, nonprofits, or smaller teams. That said, many still find the platform worthwhile for its ease of use, responsive support, and practical functionality.

The platform keeps SMS campaigns simple, though message limits and credit usage may require a bit more planning for content-heavy sends. Character counts, company name placement, and media or emoji usage can increase the number of credits used per message, which is worth keeping in mind for more detailed campaigns. For shorter, direct communication, however, Textedly remains an efficient and easy-to-manage option.

Textedly stands out as a simple and reliable SMS marketing tool that helps businesses communicate quickly and effectively. With its ease of use, strong support, and practical features, it’s a great fit for teams looking for a straightforward way to stay connected with their audience.

What I dislike about Textedly:

• Pricing may require closer evaluation as usage grows or needs become more specialized. Extra texts, add-ons like teammates or personalization, and subscription structures can feel less flexible for smaller, seasonal, or nonprofit teams, though many still find strong value in its ease of use and support.
• Message limits and credit usage may require planning for content-heavy campaigns. Character counts, company name placement, and media or emojis can increase credit usage, but for shorter, direct communication, the platform remains efficient and easy to manage.

What G2 users dislike about Textedly:

“It would be nice to be able to purchase texts in smaller batches than 500, as my company is still small and growing. I also wish that there was an app I could use from my phone to contact customers, so I didn't have to log in to Textedly from a desktop just to respond to customers.”

- Textedly Review, Kennedy K.

8. 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. According to G2 Data, it is used by 76% small businesses and 24% mid-market teams.

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

The platform brings calls, emails, SMS, and tasks into one centralized space, making it easier to manage all customer interactions. This eliminates the need for multiple tools and ensures that all communication history is easily accessible in one place.

Another strong feature is the automation workflows. Users can design sophisticated workflows triggered by message opens, link clicks, or specific time delays. In this way, marketing and sales teams nurture leads automatically without manual intervention, creating a hands-free process for timely follow-ups.

Close makes it easy to visualize deals, track progress, and stay on top of follow-ups with built-in task management. Features like Smart Views and activity tracking help teams prioritize work and ensure no opportunities are missed.

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. Users can monitor results in real-time and make data-driven adjustments to improve ROI.

The platform offers a reliable mobile experience, allowing users to manage leads, make calls, and respond to messages from anywhere. This flexibility is especially valuable for remote or field-based sales teams.

Close is built with a strong sales-first focus, though some teams may find certain advanced use cases require additional workarounds. Features like bulk actions, deeper segmentation, or more robust marketing-style workflows are areas where users see room for expansion. That said, its streamlined approach keeps the platform fast and efficient for core sales activities.

The platform integrates well with many common tools, though some users look for more native integrations or smoother connections with specific systems. In such cases, additional setup or third-party tools may be needed, but Close’s existing integrations and API still provide flexibility for most standard workflows.

Overall, Close stands out as a fast, intuitive CRM designed with sales teams in mind. Its focus on efficiency, combined with strong communication tools and continuous improvements, makes it a reliable choice for teams looking to streamline and scale their sales operations.

What I dislike about Close:

• Close is designed with a strong sales-first focus, though some advanced use cases may need additional workarounds. Features like bulk actions, deeper segmentation, and more robust marketing workflows have room to expand, but the streamlined approach keeps it fast and efficient for core sales tasks.
• The platform integrates well with many tools, though some users look for more native integrations or smoother connections. In such cases, additional setup or third-party tools may be needed, but its API and existing integrations offer flexibility for most workflows.

What G2 users dislike about Close:

“The only time I had a problem with Close was when I couldn't integrate it with lead generation tools like Apollo. That really bothered me because I feel like that would have been the sequence that I would have absolutely loved. If I could have connected the two somehow through integration, then that data would have been very powerful to work with.”

- Close Review, Rashad H.

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. According to G2 Data, it is used by 17% small businesses, 57% mid-market teams, and 26% enterprises.

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

Braze’s Canvas feature makes it easy to design and manage complex customer journeys visually. Its drag-and-drop interface allows teams to map out multi-step campaigns with branching logic, making iteration and optimization much more intuitive without heavy technical involvement.

Reviewers appreciate the ease with which they can switch channels and target customers through the right medium at the right time, which has really elevated their customer engagement strategies.

Another feature I found especially valuable is personalization. Braze creates deeply personalized messages based on customer behavior, preferences, and past interactions. This level of customization ensures that the SMS messages sent are highly relevant to each customer. 

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 allows the testing of different message variations to see which resonates best with the audience. 

Users frequently highlight Braze’s rapid product development and forward-looking roadmap. With regular feature updates, especially around AI and automation, the platform continues to evolve, helping teams stay aligned with modern customer engagement strategies.

Braze offers a wide range of powerful capabilities, though teams often need some time to get fully comfortable with the platform. Because it supports advanced journeys, personalization, and cross-channel orchestration, some areas can feel more technical at first, especially for newer users. However, that depth also makes it a strong fit for teams that want flexibility and are willing to invest in learning the platform well.

The platform is robust and dependable overall, though users do mention occasional quirks such as minor bugs, slower performance in some workflows, or features behaving less intuitively than expected. These tend to be situational rather than constant, and Braze’s continued product updates help improve the experience over time. For most teams, the breadth of functionality still outweighs these day-to-day friction points.

What I dislike about Braze:

• Braze offers powerful capabilities, though it may take time to get fully comfortable with the platform. Its advanced journeys, personalization, and cross-channel features can feel technical at first, but this depth supports teams looking for flexibility and scale.
• The platform is robust overall, though occasional quirks like minor bugs or slower workflows can occur. These are typically situational, and ongoing updates help improve performance, with functionality outweighing day-to-day friction.

What G2 users dislike about Braze:

“Braze can present a steep learning curve for new users, particularly when configuring complex segmentation and automation flows. Additionally, advanced customization and reporting often require deeper technical involvement, which can increase operational overhead for non-technical teams.”

- Braze Review, Angelos C.

10. EZ Texting: Best for simple, scalable SMS communication for growing teams

EZ Texting focuses on helping teams reach large audiences quickly while keeping communication organized and manageable. According to G2 Data, it is used by 65% small businesses and 29% mid-market teams.

It offers a simple, intuitive interface for quick adoption, making it easy for teams of all skill levels to get started. From creating campaigns to managing contacts, most tasks can be completed quickly without extensive training or technical expertise.

With efficient mass messaging and scheduling capabilities, the platform allows users to send messages to large groups in seconds. Features like scheduling and preplanned texts help teams stay consistent and communicate at the right time without added manual effort. 95% users are satisfied with its bult messaging feature, according to G2 Data.

The platform provides strong contact management and segmentation, enabling users to organize contacts into groups, tags, and subgroups. This makes it easier to target specific audiences and manage communications across multiple teams or locations.

EZ Texting ensures reliable message delivery and real-time tracking, with fast message sending and high deliverability rates. Tools like bounce tracking and delivery confirmations give users visibility into message performance and audience engagement.

Helpful automation and AI-assisted messaging features, such as autoresponders and keyword triggers, streamline communication workflows. The built-in AI also assists in crafting messages, making it easier to create engaging content quickly.

Responsive customer support and smooth onboarding are key strengths, with quick assistance available on chat, email, or phone. This ensures users can resolve issues efficiently and get up and running with minimal friction.

 
EZ Texting keeps things simple and easy to manage, though teams looking for more advanced workflows or deeper customization may find some limitations. Features like automation depth, custom sender options, and campaign flexibility have room to expand, but the platform’s simplicity makes it a strong fit for straightforward communication needs.

The platform works well for desktop-based use, though mobile functionality may feel more limited for teams that rely heavily on on-the-go access. Tasks like sending campaigns or managing messages can be less seamless on mobile, but for users primarily operating from a desktop, the overall experience remains smooth and reliable. 

Overall, EZ Texting delivers a practical and accessible way to manage SMS communication at scale. Its ease of use, reliable performance, and time-saving features make it a dependable choice for teams focused on fast, effective outreach.

What I dislike about EZ Texting:

• EZ Texting keeps things simple, though advanced workflows and customization options are somewhat limited. Features like automation depth, custom sender options, and campaign flexibility have room to expand, but the simplicity works well for straightforward use cases.
• The platform works best on desktop, with more limited mobile functionality. Tasks like sending campaigns or managing messages may be less seamless on mobile, but the desktop experience remains smooth and reliable.

What G2 users dislike about EZ Texting:

“It would be very nice if there were a mobile application dedicated to EZ Texting. Currently, when using mobile phones, I have to open up Google Chrome and then log in to the website as if I am on a computer. I think it could be a better user experience if there were a dedicated app for this purpose.”

- EZ Texting Review, John P.

Best SMS marketing software: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Got more questions? G2 has the answers.

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 top-rated app for SMS marketing campaigns?

Top-rated apps for SMS marketing campaigns include Attentive, Insider One, Birdeyet, EZ Texting, SlickText, and Podium, known for their automation, segmentation, and high deliverability.

3. Which is the best SMS marketing provider for customer support?

Birdeye, HighLevel, SlickText, Textedly, and EZ Texting often receive praise from G2 reviewers for their responsive and proactive customer support.

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

For advanced automation, Braze, Attentive, and Insider One 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 EZ Texting 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, SlickText, Insider One, and HighLevel 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 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!