8 Best SMS Gateway API Providers (2025)

Best SMS Gateway API Providers

Delivering SMS messages across multiple countries is tricky, as you may encounter unreliable carrier networks, delayed sending, inaccurate sending addresses, and un-delivered messages, amongst many other problems. SMS APIs overcome these problems and allow your business to send bulk SMS messages to various networks.

After thoroughly researching 28+ Best SMS gateway API to send text messages tools over 96+ hours, I have shortlisted the top, featuring both free and paid solutions. My trusted and insightful guide covers pricing, customer support, and key features. This comprehensive review may help you find the best-fit tool for your needs. Be sure to read the full article for exclusive, must-see insights.
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Top Pick
SlickText

SlickText offers an API for developers, an MMS photo library, 2-way SMS, Text forwarding, and auto-replies for smooth automation. It has an autoresponder feature, which keeps customers in the know.

Visit SlickText

Best SMS API for Text Messaging: Top Picks!

Name Free Trial Global Coverage SMS Gateway API Link
👍 SlickText 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
EZ Texting 14-Days Free Trial Yes Yes Learn More
Mobile Text Alerts 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
TextLine 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
Textedly 14-Days Free Trial Yes Yes Learn More
Pro Tip:
Krishna Rungta
Its prudent to select an SMS API Provider that has robust documentation and an active developer community. You should also consider the API endpoints offered and service reliability.

1) SlickText

Best for its SMS marketing and communication program

SlickText provided me with an impressive set of tools for bulk SMS campaigns, including picture messaging and automated workflows. I was really pleased with how easily the API integrated with my existing systems. Features like text forwarding and auto-replies were game-changers, making my communications so much more efficient. Its tiered pricing model allowed me to scale campaigns without breaking the budget. In fact, I could easily set up personalized campaigns for events or surveys.

#1 Top Pick
SlickText
5.0

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Plans start at $29 a month

Free Trial/Refund: 14 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit SlickText

Features:

  • Marketing Campaign Tools: I was impressed with its SMS marketing and communication program. It is perfect for expanding customer reach and specializing in campaigns, such as birthdays or survey collections.
  • Developer API Features: SlickText offers an API for developers, an MMS photo library, 2-way SMS, Text forwarding, and auto-replies for smooth automation.
  • Automatic Marketing: I was impressed with the automatic marketing features like picture messaging, personalization, and automated workflows, which can help save time.
  • MMS and Opt-in Services: It provided me with MMS messaging, text-to-landline, and opt-in services, which are perfect for comprehensive campaign management.
  • Website Integration: You can embed SlickText on your website, allowing me to pop up questions and capture customer information.
  • Platform Support: It works perfectly on Android and iOS platforms, making it one of the best for mobile SMS management flexibility.

Pros

  • Free incoming messaging
  • I found its integration compatibility highly impressive and reliable
  • It has an autoresponder feature, which keeps customers in the know
  • It allows users to build campaigns to send text messages to contacts

Cons

  • Numerous pricing tiers
  • I struggled with its complex analytics reporting interface

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Plans start at $29 a month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: 14-day free trial (No credit card required)

Visit SlickText >>

14-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)


2) EZ Texting

Best overall API for text messaging

I reviewed EZ Texting, which offers a great Text Messaging REST API. EZ Texting’s API is a standout—it’s easy to integrate and works smoothly with HTTP clients. The JSON responses make it a breeze to work with, and I found the overall experience to be remarkably hassle-free.

EZ Texting supports automated text replies for enhanced customer interaction. You will get SMS Analytics on messages sent, click-through rates (CTRs), messages received, campaign reports, and engagement spikes.

#2
EZ Texting
4.9

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Plans start at $20 a month. 16% Discount on Yearly Payments.

Free Trial/Refund: 14 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit EZ Texting

Features:

  • Messaging and Security: It allowed me to send both SMS and MMS effortlessly, enabling effective communication. Two-factor authentication based on OAuth2 enhances security by requiring two verification steps, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Fast API Response and Scalability:  I was impressed with the API’s performance – it’s lightning-fast, always available, and rarely goes down, making it a rock-solid choice. It also allowed quick scalability, enabling me to send SMS from 1 contact to 1 million seamlessly. 
  • Communication Features:  EZ Texting makes communication a breeze. I can have two-way conversations, set up polls for instant feedback, and automate responses with auto-replies. These features have streamlined my communication and saved me time.
  • App Integration: EZ Texting offers integration with HubSpot, Zapier, Mailchimp, and other popular apps. I found it a great option for connecting with existing tools. 
  • Customer Support: Very helpful 24/7 support ensures you receive assistance whenever you encounter issues, providing continuous service.
  • Platform Support: Supported platforms include Android and iOS, allowing you to reach mobile users across multiple devices for optimal engagement.

Pros

  • I could access dedicated shortcodes for added convenience
  • It provides the option to send recurring messages
  • This app allows you to customize messages based on a customer’s profile

Cons

  • The cost increases as my customer base expands
  • It is not possible to segment customers based on their categories

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Plans start at $20 a month. 16% Discount on yearly payments.
  • Free Trial/Refund: 14-day free trial (No credit card required)

Visit EZ Texting >>

14-Days Free Trial


3) Mobile Text Alerts

Easiest to use SMS service with API

Mobile Text Alerts helped me send mass texts in minutes, avoiding any complex setup. I found the platform and API incredibly easy to use, especially with HTTP clients. The automated reply options, drip campaigns, and delivery status reporting really streamlined my workflow. But what really stood out was the top-notch support – the live chat team was always there to help, and the API documentation was super comprehensive, so I could find answers whenever I needed them.

#3
Mobile Text Alerts
4.8

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Plans start at $19/month. A 25% discount is available on annual plans.

Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit Mobile Text Alerts

Features:

  • API Setup and Documentation: It lets me get started in 5 minutes with the REST API platform. Mobile Text Alerts offer comprehensive documentation, making it easy to access everything needed for setup.
  • SMS and MMS Capabilities: This API lets me engage my audience with rich media, such as images, via SMS and MMS messaging.
  • Automation & Integration: The system automates repetitive tasks and integrates seamlessly with other tools, saving time and allowing me to focus on essential activities.
  • Campaign Insights & List Importing: This feature provides real-time insights for evaluating texting campaigns. It also allowed me to import lists easily to save time and avoid starting from scratch.
  • Web Dashboard: The simple and intuitive dashboard ensures an easy and user-friendly experience for managing texts.
  • Customer Support: It offers 100% human interaction via live chat, contact form, or video consultation without bots.

Pros

  • Desktop, mobile app, and REST API capabilities
  • Easy setup with robust documentation
  • Friendly, available customer support & live 1-on-1 consultation
  • I received immediate updates on the delivery status

Cons

  • Most of the 1,000s of integrations are handled via Zapier.com
  • I found advanced features easily overlooked without better visibility

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Plans start at $19/month. A 25% discount is available on annual plans.
  • Free Trial/Refund: 14-day free trial (no credit card required) and 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases

Visit Mobile Text Alerts

14-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)


4) TextLine

Best for sending two-way API messages

TextLine is an excellent option for any business looking for an SMS API service provider. I appreciated how easily I could send messages to customers via SMS. TextLine made it simple to send SMS messages to customers, and I liked that I had the option to send both one-way and two-way messages, depending on my needs. The most popular feature I used was the automated responses. I could also access message templates and text messaging APIs, which made my tasks simpler.

#4
TextLine
4.7

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Plans start at $59.97 a month.

Free Trial/Refund: 14 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit TextLine

Features:

  • SMS Messaging Capabilities: It lets me send and receive SMS messages seamlessly across multiple platforms. I appreciated the extra layer of security provided by two-factor authentication, and the global SMS delivery meant I could reach customers anywhere in the world, which was really convenient.
  • API Framework: TextLine API is based on REST and offers a scalable framework for developers. It also provides sample API integration code on GitHub, essential resources for easy implementation.
  • Developer Community & Features: The active Discord community allows developers like me to collaborate and troubleshoot integration issues easily. The API supports MMS photo libraries, two-way SMS, and auto-reply capabilities, offering great options for customization.
  • Review Management Tools: It lets me capture online reviews and sends automated review invitations. This feature is extremely helpful in boosting customer feedback.
  • Customer Communication Analytics: I would rate it as one of the best analytics tools for managing customer communications and improving response strategies.
  • Platform Support: It is supported on both Android and iOS, which allows you to reach users across different mobile platforms.

Pros

  • It allows me to handle transactions smoothly and securely
  • It helps you capture online reviews instantly
  • Provides support for 2-way SMS
  • Offers support for segmentation capabilities and text marketing campaigning

Cons

  • You need a Facebook/google account for customers to leave reviews
  • I noticed it lacks the text-forwarding functionality I needed

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Plans start at $59.97 a month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: 14-day free trial (No credit card required)

Visit TextLine >>

14-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)


5) Textedly

Best SMS marketing

Textedly helps me manage my campaigns and review user analytics from its clear web platform. I particularly liked how it makes handling free incoming messages simple. Textedly really impressed me with its 300-character message limit, which made it perfect for sending detailed texts. It’s a top choice for businesses with features like API support, photo library, and auto-replies. Using them, I could easily have meaningful conversations with customers. The online documentation and training were also super helpful.

#5
Textedly
4.6

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Plans start at $24 per month. 20% Discount on Annual Plan.

Free Trial/Refund: 14 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit Textedly

Features:

  • Comprehensive SMS Solution: I was impressed by the service’s robust SMS API, which delivered messages quickly and reliably. The free 50 SMS credits for testing were a nice touch, and the global coverage was a major plus for businesses with international ambitions. 
  • Communication & Security: This SMS service provider offered me dedicated toll-free numbers for seamless global communication. It also supports two-factor authentication for enhanced account security and transactions.
  • Subscriber Analytics: Textedly provides detailed analytics for subscriber activity, including user history, time stamps, and performance metrics.
  • Easy CRM Integration: I could easily integrate with CRM tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zapier, simplifying my workflow management.
  • Marketing Platform Integration: This API allows me to easily integrate with marketing tools such as Mailchimp and Pipedrive to streamline my communication strategy.
  • Customer Support: It provides multiple customer support options, including Contact Form, Chat, Phone, and Email, to address any concerns quickly.
  • Platform Support: Textedly works smoothly on Android and iOS mobile phones, allowing you to manage services effortlessly on the go.

Pros

  • I enjoy having no restrictions on the subscriber count
  • It offers easy online documentation and training
  • It provides SMS analytics on subscriber time stamps, activity feeds, and performance metrics

Cons

  • I cannot switch back to a lower-pricing plan
  • It can be an expensive API texting app for a start-up business

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Plans start at $24 per month. 20% Discount on the annual plan.
  • Free Trial/Refund: 14-day free trial (No credit card required)

Visit Textedly >>

14-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)


6) BirdEye

Best Omni-channel communication API

BirdEye is one of the best SMS gateway APIs for text messaging, and I found it great for creating customer experiences. I could design and deploy messages using the easy conversation tool without any hassle. It allowed me to quickly get a virtual phone number to send and receive messages. It is essential to note the short-code messaging option. BirdEye works seamlessly, and I did not need any extra hardware or apps.

#6
BirdEye
4.6

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Custom

Free Trial/Refund: Free Demo

Visit BirdEye

Features:

  • Private SMS Messaging: It offered me an excellent option for ensuring complete data privacy while sending SMS. This feature was extremely helpful in protecting sensitive information.
  • Long Message Handling: Using this feature, I could keep the long messages readable and actionable without needing to split URLs and emails. It might be helpful to maintain clarity.
  • Customer Authentication: The BirdEye Verify API allows you to authenticate customers globally using patented 2FA technology. I found this helpful in verifying users instantly.
  • Adaptive Routing: It helped me by re-routing messages to avoid congestion and ensure smooth delivery.
  • Campaign Insights: This tool provided detailed insights into my SMS campaign’s performance. It helped me to improve future messaging strategies.
  • Customer Support: BirdEye provided me with reliable customer support via email and chat, a solution for efficiently addressing user queries.
  • Global Connectivity: It allows you to connect with virtually anyone in the world through a single API, making global communication seamless.

Pros

  • You need to pay only for successful conversions or a flat monthly fee for frequent logins
  • I could test and evaluate campaigns seamlessly
  • It provides an enhanced end-user experience with advanced reporting

Cons

  • Does not offer good customer service
  • I faced issues with poor call quality

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Custom
  • Free Trial/Refund: Free demo

Link: https://birdeye.com/mass-texting/


7) Plivo

Best global coverage, 190+ countries

Plivo made it possible for me to send and receive texts efficiently through code. I noticed it offered me the ability to connect with customers worldwide using SMS APIs. Plivo really shone when it came to scaling my operations. I was able to easily send dynamic verification codes to users, giving me peace of mind that they were protected. For businesses like mine, Plivo is a no-brainer – it’s the perfect choice for secure and scalable SMS solutions.

Toll-free numbers in the US and Canada allow you to send and receive SMS messages. SMS-enabled local numbers are available in 14 countries. SMS offers robust compliance features like message body pruning, sensitive data protection, and automatic opt-out handling.

#7
Plivo
4.6

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: The pricing plan starting at $35 per month.

Free Trial/Refund: Yes, Free Credit after signing up.

Visit Plivo

Features:

  • Bulk SMS Campaign Management:  With a single API request, I could send multiple SMS messages at once and get instant updates on delivery status. This made managing large campaigns a breeze, and I could keep track of everything in real time.
  • Transaction Capacity: The system supports over a billion transactions each month and maintains a reliable 99.99% API uptime.
  • Comprehensive Messaging: It supports number pooling, message queuing, and sending SMS in local languages for personalized communication. I was able to use SMS to engage with customers in new ways, like sending surveys and multimedia content like photos and videos. This not only enhanced our interactions but also helped reduce costs, making it a really effective solution.
  • Developer Support & Security: There is a dedicated API for developers that allows integration and customization according to my project needs. The two-factor authentication and customizable alphanumeric sender ID added a level of security and professionalism to our SMS communications that I really valued.
  • Customer Support: It provides 24×7 premium support and a consultative customer success team to assist with any issues.
  • Platform Support: Plivo works fine on both Windows and Mac platforms, offering flexibility across different operating systems.

Pros

  • This tool allows me to create a brand-specific sender ID
  • Send and receive high throughout and large volumes of SMS messages using shortcodes in the US and Canada
  • Offers transparent Pay as you go, model

Cons

  • Does not offer detailed API documentation
  • The dashboard feels overwhelming and confusing to me

Pricing:

  • Pricing: The pricing plan starts at $35 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: Yes, free credit after signing up.

Link: https://www.plivo.com/sms/


8) Sinch

Best for providing limitless global scalability

I evaluated Sinch during my research. It enabled me to send targeted messages directly to my customers’ inboxes. Its smart routing engine efficiently manages both cost and speed. With its easy integration and comprehensive documentation, I suggest it as a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable SMS API.

#8
Sinch
4.5

SMS Gateway API: Yes

Pricing: Contact Customer Care for pricing

Free Trial/Refund: Yes - (No credit card required)

Visit Sinch

Features:

  • Global SMS Delivery and Reach: It provides top-tier SMS delivery across global networks, ensuring reliable message transmission to 196+ countries.
  • Two-Way Messaging with Virtual Numbers: I could send bulk SMS efficiently while accessing two-way messaging using virtual numbers in 60+ countries.
  • Global Communication: It allowed me to manage limitless two-way messaging, thus expanding real-time customer interaction and scaling SMS campaigns globally.
  • Multichannel Engagement: This option offers versatile communication options like SMS, MMS, and voice, improving customer engagement accuracy.
  • Platform Integrations: Sinch seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Slack, enhancing omnichannel messaging efforts.
  • Platform Support: It is supported on multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. I liked the flexibility that it brings across devices.

Pros

  • Offers shortcodes
  • I have found the number lookup feature quite convenient
  • Prevent fraud with verified SMS
  • Offers rich media-guided responses

Cons

  • Does not provide premium features in the free version

Pricing:

  • Pricing: Contact customer care for pricing
  • Free Trial/Refund: Yes – (No credit card required)

Link: https://www.sinch.com/products/apis/messaging/sms/

How Did We Choose Best SMS Gateway API Providers?

Key Factors in Choosing SMS Gateway API

At Guru99, our commitment to credibility is unwavering. We focus on providing accurate, relevant, and objective information. Through rigorous content creation and review, I ensure reliable resources to answer your questions. After thoroughly researching 28+ SMS Gateway API tools for over 96+ hours, I have shortlisted the top providers. My comprehensive guide covers pricing, customer support, and key features. This review may help you find the best tool for your needs. Let’s explore these factors together.

  • Features: You need to select the SMS API, which offers a wide range of essential features, such as sending SMS/MMS, global coverage, Auto-reply, and Free credits.
  • Multiple Integrations: use an SMS text API app that easily integrates with several tools.
  • Security: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important feature, so it must be present in your selected tool.
  • Cost: You should select a website with the lowest costs for mass SMS text messaging. Ideally, opt for a pay-as-you-go model. 
  • Speed and Reliability: It is also important that your selected API can reliably, quickly, and at scale deliver SMS.

How can I get access to SMS APIs?

Here are steps to access SMS APIs:

Step 1) Sign up for a free SMS API account

Step 2) Find any available SMS API (and subscribe if necessary).

Step 3) Test the Endpoints

Step 4) Grab the Code Snippet for your preferred programming language

Step 5) Integrate into your app

What are essential SMS API Business Use Cases?

Here are some important SMS APIs for Business Use Cases:

  • Promotions and Announcements: Connect your SMS API to a product inventory list or database, triggering automatic customer notification.
  • Product Delivery and Tracking Updates: You can integrate your SMS API with product tracking schedules to provide updates about package delivery.
  • Passwords and Authentication: SMS API is also used for Text one-time passwords or two-factor authentication methods to ensure user identity.
  • Discounts or Coupons: SMS API is also used by companies to send discounts and coupons to their clients.
  • Surveys: You can automate outbound customer satisfaction surveys after appointments.

Verdict

First, let me briefly introduce SMS Gateway APIs and how they benefit businesses like mine by providing efficient, reliable bulk messaging services. I find them crucial for streamlining communication, whether it’s for marketing or operational purposes. To ensure you choose the most suitable API for your needs, check my verdict.

  • SlickText offers an ideal solution for SMS marketing with comprehensive features like personalization and automated workflows.
  • EZ Texting provides a user-friendly, customizable platform with a robust infrastructure that supports automated text replies and extensive API documentation.
  • TextLine is a secure and cost-effective choice, known for its reliable global SMS delivery and powerful two-way messaging capabilities.

Best API For Text Messaging

Name Free Trial Global Coverage SMS Gateway API Link
👍 SlickText 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
EZ Texting 14-Days Free Trial Yes Yes Learn More
Mobile Text Alerts 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
TextLine 14-Day Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Yes Yes Learn More
Textedly 14-Days Free Trial Yes Yes Learn More