Claire FountainSounds too good to be true, but there are a few options out there for SMS marketing that are entirely free, or offer free trials.
Like most of you out there, we’re a big fan of free.
So we put together this list of the best free SMS software out there. While Twilio is known for its flexibility and customizable nature, other SMS marketing services may offer different features or be more user-friendly.
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
11 Best Free SMS Software
These picks make it hard to believe their services are free.
1. Klaviyo
Best completely free SMS software
Our top pick for totally free SMS software is Klaviyo.
Klaviyo offers free SMS services for up to 250 contacts, 500 monthly email sends, and 150 free monthly SMS/MMS sends.
They also offer email and chat support for free, which is a feature that most SMS services charge for.
This free service also comes with over 220 pre-built integrations, built-in forms, pop-ups, and templates that come with built-in best practices. Users can personalize and segment contacts, creating targeted SMS marketing campaigns and easily send messages in bulk or automate responses.
Pros
- Completely Free
- Email and Chat Support
- Pre-Built Integrations
- Personalization and Segmentation
- 150 Free Monthly SMS/MMS Sends
Cons
- Limited to 250 Contacts
- Basic Plan Limitations
- Limited Monthly Email Sends
2. SimpleTexting
Best free trial with mobile app
SimpleTexting is a favorite here at DDIY, and their free trial is one of the things we love the most about them.
SimpleTexting offers new users a free 14-day trial to try out their product and see if it’s right for them.
One of the unique features that SimpleTexting offers is polling, which allows businesses to get valuable customer feedback regarding their experiences. Another interesting feature that’s not as common is a mobile application, allowing businesses to manage SMS campaigns from their phones. Additionally, SimpleTexting enables businesses to automate responses, making customer interactions more efficient and effective.
Businesses that use SimpleTexting can also track clicks and engagements for each SMS, see how many people unsubscribed, and see detailed breakdowns for each marketing campaign.
Read my review here.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- Polling Feature
- Mobile App
- Engagement Tracking
- Integration with Other Tools
Cons
- Trial Limited to 14 Days
- Limited Features in Trial
- Post-Trial Cost
3. TXT180
Longest free trial
Offering a 15-day free trial (one day longer than most), TXT180 gives potential customers plenty of time to test before they buy.
Upon signing up, businesses are given a unique dedicated texting number. Using that number, they have 15 days to send up to 50 messages to customers. If your business decides TXT180 isn’t right for you, you can simply quit without having to sign any contracts or pay a cancellation fee.
Businesses have the option to send bulk SMS, send appointment reminders, send mobile coupons, and set up an auto-responder to keep customers engaged.
Pros
- 15-Day Free Trial
- Unique Dedicated Texting Number
- No Contracts
- Appointment Reminders
- Auto-Responder
Cons
- Only 50 Messages in Trial
- Short Trial Duration
- Limited Trial Features
4. Text Magic
The seamless integrations and available support team are what make Text Magic a favorite for free trials.
Their no-credit-card-required free 14-day trial includes access to all of its features, allowing businesses to get a true feel for what Text Magic has to offer. Users also get credit for using the free trial.
Businesses of all sizes have access to advanced analytics and reporting. Additionally, the software includes SMS functionality, which enhances communication strategies with higher open rates and convenient two-way messaging. Businesses that use TextMagic’s services can use audit logs, role-based access, and SSO features to keep track of SMS campaigns while saving time.
Read our Text Magic Review.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- No Credit Card Required
- Advanced Analytics
- Audit Logs and Role-Based Access
- SSO Features
Cons
- Limited Trial Duration
- Credit Required for Trial Use
- Post-Trial Pricing
5. RapidSMS
With a free 10-message, a trial with free incoming messages and two-way conversations, RapidSMS is another great option to try out for free.
You can send media-rich content with your free trial, giving you more freedom and variety with your text messaging campaign.
RapidSMS also offers a free Android and iPhone app that users can download with the free trial, making it easy to send and receive your free SMS messages during your free trial.
Pros
- Free 10-Message Trial
- Free Incoming Messages
- Two-Way Conversations
- Media-Rich Content
- Free Android and iPhone App
Cons
- Only 10 Free Messages
- Limited Trial Features
- Requires App Download
6. Skebby
With one entirely free plan, Skebby allows businesses with small (or nonexistent) budgets access to SMS marketing.
This one isn’t just a free trial, guys. For $0, businesses can send up to 100 SMS messages per month on Skebby’s basic plan.
If your business does grow, you can upgrade your services to access premium features and more messages each month for a low price.
On monthly advanced plans, businesses pay less per message when they send more messages.
Pros
- Completely Free Plan
- 100 Free SMS Messages/Month
- No Budget Required
- Upgrade Options Available
- Low-Cost Advanced Plans
Cons
- Limited to 100 Messages/Month
- Basic Plan Limitations
- Premium Features Cost Extra
7. EZ Texting
EZ Texting is one of our favorites and the 100 free texts per month they offer is just another reason why.
Businesses using EZ Texting can send a mass amount of messages in a short amount of time, offering a speedy service in addition to a free one.
It’s also EZ (of course). I tried this one myself, and I found the user interface intuitive and easy to sign up, pick a plan, and begin messaging customers. They have templates for everything from sign-up forms for new customers to the messages themselves. It’s also easy to generate a QR code, add pictures or videos to your text messages, and create shortcodes for users to opt-in or make use of special promotions.
Read my review here.
Pros
- 100 Free Texts/Month
- Mass Messaging Capability
- User-Friendly Interface
- Template Availability
- QR Code and Media Options
Cons
- Limited Free Messages
- Basic Plan Limitations
- Additional Cost for More Messages
8. Bitrix24
As a full CRM, Bitrix24 is a one-stop shop for cheap and free customer connection solutions.
Free SMS services are just a small part of what this entirely free (with the option to pay a flat fee for extra premium features) CRM software has to offer.
Small businesses can use Bitrix24 to organize workflow, stay on task, and collaborate. There are solutions for marketing, site building, SEO and mobile-friendly templates, and HR and automation functions.
The on-premise edition is self-hosted, scalable, and has over 100 integrations available.
Pros
- Full CRM Capabilities
- Free SMS Services
- Workflow Organization
- Marketing and SEO Tools
- HR and Automation Functions
Cons
- CRM Learning Curve
- Limited SMS Focus
- Premium Features Cost Extra
9. Textedly
Textedly offers a free, no credit card required 14-day trial so that small or new businesses can test out their services before making any sort of long-term financial commitment.
Features of this free two-week trial include 50 messages and one custom keyword that allows people to subscribe to your SMS list, as well as free incoming messages for the duration of the two weeks.
After the free trial period, pricing starts at just $24 per month and is broken up into over 10 different tiers that offer more keywords and messages per month. All plans include MMS and unlimited free incoming SMS. As one of the leading SMS marketing platforms, Textedly provides comprehensive features that cater to small businesses seeking user-friendly and affordable solutions for two-way communication with their customers.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- 50 Messages and One Keyword
- Free Incoming Messages
- Tiered Pricing Post-Trial
- MMS and Unlimited Incoming SMS
Cons
- Limited Trial Messages
- Short Trial Period
- Post-Trial Commitment
10. Heymarket
Offering a free 14-day trial, Heymarket is another SMS solution worth mentioning.
Users love how easy Heymarket is to set up and the customer support for users is well above average.
The API integrations are also a huge plus, making it easy to automatically transfer contacts and connect your company’s existing CRM. Additionally, Heymarket's sms marketing services offer customizability, automation through no-code options, and integration with popular tools, making it a versatile choice for driving business growth.
After the free trial, customers get access to full reports and analytics which allows them to constantly check and revise SMS campaigns.
Read our review.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- Easy Setup
- Excellent Customer Support
- API Integrations
- Post-Trial Analytics
Cons
- Limited Trial Duration
- Limited Trial Features
- Post-Trial Pricing
11. SlickText
Setting up any new SMS service, even a free one, can be a hassle.
To make things easier for new SMS software users, SlickText offers a 1-on-1 account set up to help to guide new users through the process of uploading their contacts and creating their first SMS campaign. The experts at SlickText use their extensive knowledge of what works for their previous clients to educate new customers on best practices.
SlickText offers even more features to make free SMS marketing easy for beginners, including a large library of SMS templates and easy options for automation. As one of the top SMS marketing tools, it helps businesses engage directly with customers while managing tight marketing budgets.
Customers can take advantage of up to 50 free SMS messages every month and use integrations to connect with their business’s CRMs and calendars.
Pros
- 1-on-1 Account Setup
- 50 Free SMS Messages/Month
- Template Library
- Automation Options
- CRM and Calendar Integrations
Cons
- Limited Free Messages
- Setup Assistance Required
- Basic Plan Limitations
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS marketing, also known as text message marketing, is a form of mobile marketing that involves sending short message service (SMS) messages to customers or potential customers. These messages can be used to promote products, services, or events, and can be sent to individuals or groups. SMS marketing is a powerful tool for businesses to reach their audience directly on their mobile devices, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
Definition of SMS Marketing
SMS marketing is a type of mobile marketing that uses SMS messages to communicate with customers or potential customers. It is a form of permission-based marketing, meaning that customers must opt-in to receive SMS messages from a business. This ensures that the messages are welcomed and relevant, increasing the likelihood of positive engagement and response.
Benefits of SMS Marketing
There are several benefits to using SMS marketing, including:
- High Open Rates: SMS messages have a high open rate, with most people reading their text messages within minutes of receiving them. This immediacy makes SMS marketing highly effective for time-sensitive promotions and updates.
- Targeted Marketing: SMS marketing allows businesses to target specific groups of customers with personalized messages. By segmenting your audience, you can send relevant offers and information that resonate with each group.
- Cost-Effective: SMS marketing is a cost-effective way to reach customers, especially compared to traditional forms of marketing such as print or television ads. It offers a high return on investment, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
- Measurable Results: SMS marketing allows businesses to track the effectiveness of their campaigns and make adjustments as needed. Detailed delivery reports and analytics provide insights into open rates, click-through rates, and customer engagement.
Importance of SMS Marketing in Business
SMS marketing is an important tool for businesses, as it allows them to communicate directly with customers and promote their products or services. It can be used to:
- Increase Sales: SMS marketing can be used to promote special offers or discounts, driving sales and revenue. By sending timely and relevant promotions, businesses can encourage immediate purchases.
- Improve Customer Engagement: SMS marketing can be used to engage with customers and build brand loyalty. Personalized messages and interactive campaigns can create a stronger connection with your audience.
- Enhance Customer Experience: SMS marketing can be used to provide customers with important information, such as appointment reminders or order updates. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces missed appointments or delivery issues.
What Are the Benefits of Free SMS Software?
It’s Free!
Whether it’s a t-shirt, a sticker, or an SMS service, free stuff is GOOD.
Using a free SMS service is a great way to get all of the other benefits of SMS marketing without paying a cent. There’s no investment, so there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Increase Customer Satisfaction
Communication is key and your customers and clients want to feel like you care about them.
By taking advantage of features like two-way communication and auto-responses for frequently asked questions, you can connect with customers in a more personal yet casual way.
Many services also offer the ability to send surveys which allow you to gauge customer satisfaction and change processes accordingly.
Communicate With Employees
Things like shift coverage, scheduling, and touching base with employees are made easier by using an SMS service. It’s a great way to keep employees up-to-date and on the same page without the intrusiveness of texting them directly from your personal cell number.
Offer Special Deals and Discounts Through SMS Marketing Campaigns
Who doesn’t love a sale?
Sending SMS subscribers special promotions and deals encourages them to stay on your subscriber list while encouraging them to come to buy things.
Key Features of SMS Marketing Software
When choosing an SMS marketing software, there are several key features to consider, including:
Personalization of SMS Messages
Personalization is a key feature of SMS marketing software, allowing businesses to tailor their messages to individual customers or groups. This can include using customer names, locations, or other demographic information to create targeted messages. Personalized SMS messages are more likely to be opened and acted upon, making your marketing campaigns more effective.
Other key features of SMS marketing software include:
- Bulk SMS Sending: The ability to send large numbers of SMS messages at once. This is essential for businesses that need to reach a wide audience quickly and efficiently.
- Automation: The ability to automate SMS marketing campaigns, including scheduling messages and setting up triggers. Automation helps save time and ensures that messages are sent at the optimal times.
- Reporting and Analytics: The ability to track the effectiveness of SMS marketing campaigns and make adjustments as needed. Detailed delivery reports and analytics provide insights into campaign performance and customer behavior.
- Integration with Other Marketing Tools: The ability to integrate SMS marketing software with other marketing tools, such as email marketing software or CRM systems. This ensures a cohesive marketing strategy and allows for better data management and customer insights.
By considering these key features, businesses can choose an SMS marketing software that meets their needs and helps them to achieve their marketing goals.
What Are the Limits of Free SMS Software?
Fewer Bulk SMS Messages Per Month
Every free SMS service comes with a limit to how many SMS messages you can send to customers.
This is a limitation since you can’t send mass campaigns to a large number of customers, and you have to seriously think about what messages are worth sending.
No Premium Features
Free plans sometimes don’t come with the APIs that paid SMS software services come with.
Other premium features like attached CRM software, a higher number of keywords, and templates may come behind a paywall. If you need these features, consider one of these providers.
A Limited Number of Users
Larger enterprise businesses could need a multiple sign-on option, which free SMS services typically don’t offer.
How Is SMS Software Free?
SMS software is usually free because the service offering it would like you to upgrade your service to a paid plan eventually, and giving companies a free option entices them to try the software in the first place.
How To Choose The Right Free SMS Software?
Normally, we would recommend thinking about your budget first. If you’re looking for free SMS software, then this part is already covered.
The next step here is to figure out if you want an entirely free service with a limited number of messages per month or if you want to try software that offers a free trial.
Next, consider functionality. How many customers do you need to communicate with? Do you want two-way communication available to customers? Do you need a way to schedule employee shifts through text? What about a free app to manage SMS campaigns on the go?
After considering everything, do a comparative analysis of the many SMS software options available on the market and decide what is right for your company.
FAQs
What is the best free SMS software?
Klayvio is the best free SMS software.
Is free SMS marketing software safe?
Yes, free SMS marketing is just as safe as paid SMS software.
When should I pay for SMS software?
You should pay for SMS software if you need a multiple sign-on feature, a larger number of SMS messages per month, analytics and reporting, or other premium features. If you have a larger business, free SMS software might not have enough features for you.
Stefan Schulz
Taylor Munsell
