Ascend vs PureSMS
Ascend
ascendmessaging.orgPureSMS
puresms.ukSide by side
| Figure | Ascend | PureSMS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $10/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Nonprofit Text Messaging Software | 7.4 (#22) | 8.6 (#5) |
| API | Ascend provides API documentation that describes generating an account API key and sending it in the Authorization header. | PureSMS offers a high-performance REST API for integrating its features into other systems. |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include EveryAction, Action Network, Mobilize, ActionKit, ActBlue, Salesforce, Facebook, Instagram, and IMIS. | PureSMS offers direct API integration and no-code connections through Zapier. |
| Support | The company says each team gets a dedicated account manager and that professional development services and new features are not charged separately. | PureSMS says 56% of support requests are solved within 15 minutes and 68% within 30 minutes, seven days a week, without paid support tiers. |
Plans
PureSMS
- AccountFree
- Charity rate$2.35, paid once
- Pay-as-you-go SMS$2.80, paid once
- Standard pay-as-you-go$2.80, paid once
- Virtual Mobile Number$10 a month
In their own words
Ascend
Ascend is a messaging platform for nonprofits, campaigns, and unions using text and Instagram. Teams can send personalized broadcasts and segment supporters by activity, donation history, age, or custom data. Automated sequences can patch calls to US representatives or ask multiple-choice questions. A peer-to-peer inbox supports conversations between supporters and staff or volunteers. Instagram automations can send direct messages after keyword comments, collect information, or share links. Engagement tools include A/B testing, action nudges, branded link tracking, donation ROI tracking, and reports. Listed integrations include EveryAction, Action Network, Mobilize, ActionKit, ActBlue, Salesforce, Facebook, Instagram, and IMIS. Ascend says it is SOC-2 Type II certified, gives each team a dedicated account manager, and allows unlimited Admin and Organizer users at no extra cost. Pricing is on request; billing may include phone-number subscriptions, carrier SMS/MMS fees, usage charges, and quarterly short-code fees. Supporter-time-zone sending hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.