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Best SMS APIs in 2026

SMS APIs let software send and receive text messages through an API. This list covers paid, freemium and free options for developers and teams choosing a messaging service on a budget.

34 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Clickatell SMS API

Free plan APIWeb

Clickatell combines SMS APIs with web tools, two-way messaging, and a free testing sandbox. Review destination- and message-specific costs before using its pay-as-you-go option.

7.3 Pricing on request Visit site
2

Jasmin SMS Gateway

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

Jasmin provides broad SMS protocol, routing, and API capabilities for teams building messaging services.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
3

Kannel

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

Choose Kannel if you need a free, self-hosted gateway for SMS and WAP services, with HTTP access and support for two-way messaging.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
4

Celcom Africa SMS API

Free plan API

7.2 Pricing on request Visit site
5

Gupshup
by Gupshup
Free plan APIWeb

Gupshup combines conversational agents, campaign tools, channel support, and human escalation.

7.2 From $0.00 Visit site
6

Infobip SMS API
by Infobip SMS API
Free plan APIWeb

Infobip SMS API covers sending, receiving, and delivery reporting, with developer libraries and business integrations.

7.2 60-day trial Visit site
7

MSG91

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2

MSG91 combines SMS delivery and OTP tools with APIs for several other communication channels. India-to-India SMS pricing depends on volume, and displayed rates may be subject to GST where noted.

7.2 Visit site
8

Messente
by Messente
Free plan APIWeb

Messente combines messaging channels with OTP and number-lookup services, plus API and integration options.

7.1 Pricing on request Visit site
9

SMSGatewayHub

Free plan AndroidAPISelf-hosted+2

7.1 Pricing on request Visit site
10

TextBee

Free plan AndroidAPISelf-hosted+1

7.0 Open source Visit site
11

SMSGlobal API

Free plan APIWeb

SMSGlobal API provides application-level SMS sending with scheduling, receipts, and several sender options. Note its one-way description and AEDT scheduling requirement when planning an integration.

6.8 Visit site
12

Textbelt

Free plan APISelf-hosted

Textbelt provides SMS sending, OTP verification, and a self-hosted option, with one free daily text and one-time paid credits.

6.6 Free plan Visit site
13

ClickSend SMS Gateway API

Free trial APIiPhoneMac+1

6.5 14-day trial Visit site
14

Bandwidth Messaging API

Free trial APIWeb

Bandwidth Messaging API combines multiple SMS and MMS routes with monitoring, webhooks, and developer integrations.

6.3 Pricing on request Visit site
15

CM.com Business Messaging API

Free trial APIWeb

CM.com provides a broad messaging API with fallback routing, rich content, analytics, and developer tooling.

6.1 Free plan · paid from €315/mo Visit site
16

GatewayAPI

Free trial APIWeb

GatewayAPI offers a broad messaging mix with developer APIs, integrations, and account security controls.

6.1 30-day trial Visit site
17

CM.com Business Messaging API
by CM.com Business Messaging API
Free trial API

6.0 Pricing on request Visit site
18

SMSAPI
by SMSAPI
Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+1

SMSAPI combines web, API, and mobile tools for business SMS, with inbound messaging, reports, authentication, and integrations.

6.0 Visit site
19

Mitto
by Mitto
Free trial APIWeb

Mitto combines messaging APIs, campaign management, webhooks, and SMS-based 2FA under a pay-as-you-go model.

5.9 Visit site
20

MoceanAPI
by MoceanAPI
Free trial APIWeb

MoceanAPI provides a broad communications API set with global coverage, webhooks, SDKs, and business-platform integrations.

5.9 From $3/mo Visit site
21

Movider
by Movider
Free trial APIWeb

5.9 Visit site
22

46elks

Paid APIWeb

46elks brings SMS, MMS, and voice features under one API, with SDKs and integrations for application workflows.

5.8 Visit site
23

Plivo SMS API
by Plivo SMS API
Free trial APIWeb

Plivo SMS API covers developer messaging, automation, integrations, and global delivery in one service. Review usage rates and carrier surcharges closely when estimating costs.

5.8 From $0.01 Visit site
24

Vonage SMS API

Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+1

Choose Vonage SMS API if an application needs two-way SMS, webhooks, or several number options, with developer tools across multiple languages.

5.8 Pricing on request Visit site
25

MSG91

Paid AndroidAPIiPhone+1

MSG91 combines transactional SMS, campaign features, developer resources, and a broad list of integrations.

5.7 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Review free-plan availability, trial terms and paid pricing, then examine two-way SMS, inbound webhooks, MMS, short codes, toll-free numbers and SDK languages. If code access matters, review the licence; also confirm the platform you need, such as web, mobile, Linux or self-hosting.

Questions

Which SMS APIs list a free plan?

Celcom Africa SMS API, Clickatell SMS API and Jasmin SMS Gateway list a free plan.

Which SMS APIs list a free trial?

ClickSend SMS Gateway API lists a 14-day trial. GatewayAPI lists a 30-day trial.

Which option lists a paid price?

CM.com Business Messaging API lists paid plans from €315 per month.

Which messaging capabilities merit comparison?

Review two-way SMS, inbound webhooks, MMS, short-code and toll-free-number support, plus SDK languages.

What platforms are covered?

The category includes API, web, Android, iOS, self-hosted and Linux platform options.

Questions

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