Ascend vs Text Request
Ascend
ascendmessaging.orgText Request
textrequest.comSide by side
| Figure | Ascend | Text Request |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $575/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Nonprofit Text Messaging Software | 7.4 (#22) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include EveryAction, Action Network, Mobilize, ActionKit, ActBlue, Salesforce, Facebook, Instagram, and IMIS. | The service offers API and webhooks plus direct integrations including HubSpot, Square, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Pipedrive, Zapier, Help Scout, Angi, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. |
| Security | Ascend states that its platform is SOC-2 Type II certified. | Text Request encrypts data in transit and at rest, supports SSO and MFA, and describes its service as 100% cloud-based with redundant servers. |
| Support | The company says each team gets a dedicated account manager and that professional development services and new features are not charged separately. | Every plan includes ongoing customer support from an in-house team located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. |
Plans
Text Request
- Enterprise$575 a month
- High Volume Tier 1$890 a month
- High Volume Tier 2$1,460 a month
- High Volume Tier 3$2,900 a month
- BasicPrice not published
- CorporatePrice not published
- StarterPrice not published
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.
Text Request
Text Request is business texting software that lets small businesses send messages from their business number. It supports SMS and MMS, two-way conversations, scheduled messages, reminders, and mass texting; Sequences arrange messages around a date important to customers. Its SMS Chat website widget can open a text conversation and gather contact details for follow-up. Businesses can request and collect secure payments through SMS using their own processor or Text Request's. API access, webhooks, and direct integrations include HubSpot, Square, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Pipedrive, Zapier, Help Scout, Angi, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Access options include web, Android and iOS apps, a Windows desktop app, a Mac web app, and a Chrome extension. Mobile apps omit P2P messaging, reports, integrations, and custom merge messages. Pricing is paid from $59.99/mo, with a 14-day trial. During the trial, texting is limited to the sales support number and verified phone number, and reviews, payments, integrations, and extra dashboards are excluded. Every plan includes ongoing in-house support; HIPAA-compliant accounts cost an additional $50/mo.