Side by side
Android SMS Gateway vs playSMS
Both stand on sms gateway software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIWeb
Android SMS Gateway routes software messaging through Android phones and SIMs, with API access and webhook support. Account for the device and carrier requirements, and note the Free plan’s lifetime message limit.
Visit Android SMS Gateway
Free plan Open source AndroidAPILinux+2
playSMS provides a broad set of SMS management tools, but it depends on a separate gateway for message delivery and receipt. The project describes release 1.4.7 as containing security-related updates and advises upgrading older versions.
Visit playSMSThe facts
| Android SMS Gateway | playSMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, Web | Android, API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Developer: $50 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | sms-gateway.app | playsms.org |
| On sms gateway software | #2 of 36 | #1 of 36 |
Android SMS Gateway: what it does well
- Messages use the connected SIM’s real mobile number.
- Supports inbound and two-way SMS.
- Bulk campaigns accept Excel and CSV files.
- Webhooks cover delivery, inbound messages, and system events.
- Free plan includes one device and 300 lifetime SMS.
What to know first
- Customers must provide the phone, SIM, credit, power, and internet.
- Carrier costs and fair-use rules apply separately.
- Free plan is limited to 300 lifetime SMS.
- USSD requires Android 8.0 or newer.
playSMS: what it does well
- Free and open source under GPLv3 or later.
- Supports individual and bulk SMS.
- Can route incoming SMS to users or URLs.
- Web services include delivery reports and credit checks.
- Plugins can add features, themes, and gateway modules.
What to know first
- Requires a separate SMS gateway to send and receive messages.
- The software is distributed without warranty.
- Older versions have critical security vulnerabilities and should be upgraded.
Alternatives to Android SMS Gateway Alternatives to playSMS The whole list