The Cheapest Way to Do SMS Marketing: Pinglo vs Every Competitor
We analyzed 15+ SMS marketing platforms to find the most affordable option. Spoiler: It's not about finding the lowest per-message rate—it's about total value.
Finding the cheapest SMS marketing platform isn't as simple as comparing per-message rates. Hidden fees, platform limitations, and missing features can turn a "cheap" platform into an expensive mistake. Here's our comprehensive breakdown.
What Makes an SMS Platform "Cheap"?
True affordability in SMS marketing comes from three factors:
- Low per-message cost: What you pay for each SMS sent ($0.01-0.08 range)
- Reasonable platform fee: Monthly subscription cost ($20-100/month)
- No hidden costs: Everything included (carrier fees, keywords, automation)
Complete Platform Comparison
| Platform | Per SMS | Monthly | Automation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PingloBest Value | $0.01 | $22 | Best Overall Value | |
| Textla | $0.01 | $39 | Basic needs | |
| SimpleTexting | $0.058 | $29 | Mid-market | |
| EZTexting | $0.06 | $25 | Enterprise | |
| Klaviyo | $0.04 | $35 | Email-first users |
Real Monthly Cost Comparison
Here's what you'll actually pay at different sending volumes (platform fee + message costs):
| Monthly Volume | Pinglo | SimpleTexting | EZTexting | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000/mo | $32 | $87 | $85 | $75 |
| 5,000/mo | $72 | $319 | $325 | $235 |
| 10,000/mo | $122 | $609 | $625 | $435 |
| 25,000/mo | $272 | $1,479 | $1,525 | $1,035 |
| 50,000/mo | $522 | $2,929 | $3,025 | $2,035 |
Savings at Scale
At 50,000 messages/month, Pinglo saves you $2,407/month compared to SimpleTexting and $2,503/month compared to EZTexting. That's over $28,000/year in savings.
Why Pinglo is the Cheapest (That Actually Works)
Truly $0.01 Per Message
No carrier fee surcharges, no "overage" rates at higher volumes. One cent means one cent, always.
Enterprise Features Included
Automation, segmentation, analytics, and API access included in all plans. No feature paywalls.
No Hidden Fees
Phone number rental included. No setup fees. No keyword fees. What you see is what you pay.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing platforms, watch for these hidden expenses:
- Carrier fees: Some platforms add $0.003-0.01 per message in "carrier surcharges"
- Keyword fees: $10-25/month extra per keyword on some platforms
- Phone number fees: $1-5/month for your sending number
- MMS surcharges: Picture messages cost 3-5x more on some platforms
- Feature tiers: Automation, analytics, or API access locked behind higher plans
How to Choose the Right Cheap SMS Platform
Ask yourself these questions:
- What's my monthly volume? Calculate total cost (platform + messages), not just per-message rate
- Do I need automation? If yes, factor in development costs for platforms without it
- What support do I need? Developer-only platforms aren't cheaper if you're stuck
- Will I scale? Check pricing at 2x and 5x your current volume
- What's the contract? Monthly billing gives flexibility; annual may save 10-20%
The Verdict: Pinglo Wins on Value
For businesses that want SMS marketing without enterprise budgets or developer resources, Pinglo offers the best combination of low cost and full features. At $0.01 per message with a $22/month platform fee, you get professional SMS marketing at a fraction of competitor pricing.