Apptoto vs MessageDesk

Apptoto provides appointment reminders and client communication tools that fit with a business’s existing calendar workflow. It can send reminders, confirmations and follow-ups by text, email or voice call, with client replies able to update the calendar. Clients can book online against real-time availability across calendars such as Google Calendar, Outlook and Exchange. The service also supports two-way messaging, targeted text and email campaigns, review requests after appointments, and appointment payments through Square and Stripe. Listed integrations include Google, Office 365, Outlook, iCloud, CalDAV, ICS, CSV, Zapier, Clio, Redtail CRM, Stripe and Square. Access is available through a browser portal, Android and iPhone apps, a Google Calendar add-on, and public and REST APIs. Plans start at $30/mo, with a 14-day trial and no free plan; the pricing page also lists $10 for each additional user. Automated messages use credits, and messages outside the US and Canada count as two credits. If overages are enabled, extra messages cost $0.12 per credit.

MessageDesk brings business texting for multiple teams and phone lines into a shared inbox, with access on web, Android, and iOS. Teams can route and assign conversations, add labels and comments, mention teammates, and schedule messages. It supports individual and group SMS and MMS, with group texts for up to 7 contacts. Automated Relays can send out-of-office replies, respond to keywords, identify contacts, assign teammates, and apply labels. Integrations include Twilio, Zapier, webhooks, and VoIP providers such as RingCentral, Ooma, Zoom Phone, and Microsoft Teams Phone. Sending uses 10-digit US or Canada numbers, including existing landline and VoIP numbers, but not cell phone numbers. The Team plan includes carrier registration; the company guides businesses through A2P 10DLC registration. Team starts at $29 a year per user, billed annually, with a three-user minimum. A 14-day trial requires a credit card to start. MessageDesk says SMS is not end-to-end encrypted, is not for protected health information, and it does not currently sign BAAs.