Android SMS Gateway vs simhook

Android SMS Gateway connects a cloud panel and REST API to an Android phone and SIM so software can send and receive SMS through the mobile operator. Messages use the connected SIM’s real mobile number, and replies can return to that SIM’s inbox. Features include two-way SMS, scheduled sends, auto-replies, bulk campaigns from Excel or CSV with column-based personalization, and delivery reports when supported by the device and carrier path. MMS and USSD are available where the handset and operator support them. The HTTPS REST/JSON API has webhooks for delivery reports, inbound messages, and system events, with examples in several programming languages. Multi-device plans can route traffic among Android phones and SIMs, with failover if a device drops. The free plan includes one device, 300 SMS for the account lifetime, and 300 contacts; paid plans start at $19 a month. Customers supply the Android device, SIM, operator SMS credit, power, and internet, and carrier costs apply separately. The app requires Android 5.0 or newer; USSD and some other features require Android 8.0 or newer.

SimHook turns an Android phone with a SIM into an SMS gateway and API for sending and receiving texts. API messages travel through the paired phone, while incoming texts can be forwarded as webhooks. Signed webhooks report sent, delivered, and failed status changes; they are retried for two days and paused if an endpoint keeps failing. The service also supports scheduled sends, multiple recipients, and dual-SIM phones, with a SIM selectable for each message. Its TypeScript SDK supports Node and edge runtimes, and an MCP server provides eight tools for AI agents. API keys can be limited by scope, including a send-only option. The Android app requires Android 8.0 or newer and is distributed as a signed APK. The full stack can be self-hosted from one Compose file under AGPL-3.0, which the maker says is free without limits. Hosted accounts are currently on Free; listed paid plans open soon. The maker says the service is not for bulk marketing or unsolicited texts.