Side by side
MeshDesk vs TextBox
Both stand on business texting software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose MeshDesk if your telecom team needs a shared texting inbox with agent assignments, private collaboration, and NetSapiens integration. The main reasons to look elsewhere are the paid-only entry point and the potential extra carrier or messaging fees on add-ons.
Visit MeshDesk Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Choose TextBox if your business wants shared two-way texting on an eligible business number, with team tools and contact organization. Look elsewhere if you need mobile-number or short-code messaging, or international texting now.
Visit TextBoxThe facts
| MeshDesk | TextBox | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Small Business: $69 a month |
| Plans published | 10 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | meshdesk.app | businesstextbox.com |
| On business texting software | #16 of 27 | #12 of 27 |
MeshDesk: what it does well
- Shared inbox includes assignments and conversation status indicators.
- Internal notes and @mentions keep team coordination private from customers.
- Supports SMS, MMS, RCS, two-way messaging, and inbound keywords.
- Native NetSapiens integration supports existing infrastructure and provisioning workflows.
- Mobile apps offer inbox access, push notifications, assignments, and replies.
What to know first
- No free plan is available.
- Core service requires at least 1 active DID.
- WhatsApp support is on the roadmap rather than listed as available today.
- Carrier or messaging fees may apply to some add-ons.
TextBox: what it does well
- Multiple users can share a number and add internal conversation comments.
- Supports texts, pictures, and PDFs for one-to-one or small-group messaging.
- Templates, timed auto-replies, scheduled messages, and reminders are included.
- Plans include unlimited contacts, tags, notes, and searchable message history.
- Zapier connects with over 9,000 apps, including Salesforce and Slack.
What to know first
- Mobile numbers and short-code traffic are unsupported.
- International texting is on the roadmap; domestic US texting is supported.
- Paid plans start at $69/mo, with message-segment limits and overage charges.
- Texting requires ownership verification and carrier campaign registration.
Alternatives to MeshDesk Alternatives to TextBox The whole list