BrightArrow vs TalkingPoints
BrightArrow
brightarrow.com
TalkingPoints
talkingpts.orgSide by side
| Figure | BrightArrow | TalkingPoints |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · School Communication Software | 7.5 (#17) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Founded | 2001 | 2015 |
| Integrations | The Blackbaud integration page lists API integration, Blackbaud single sign-on and direct integration with Blackbaud Education Management and Raiser's Edge. | TalkingPoints lists Clever, ClassLink, OneRoster and other SIS integrations, plus SSO. |
| Purpose | BrightArrow automatically delivers messages to large groups through voice, email, text, social media posts, push notifications and app messages. | TalkingPoints is a PreK–12 family engagement platform for building partnerships between schools and families. |
| Security | The education page says BrightArrow is designed with privacy and compliance in mind to help schools protect sensitive student information. | TalkingPoints states that it uses TLS, encryption at rest, SSO, audit logs, intrusion detection and periodic penetration testing. |
| Support | The company contact page lists sales and support by phone and email and invites organizations to request a quote. | Support is available through in-app or website chat and [email protected]. |
| Translation | The home page says BrightArrow can automatically translate messages into more than 120 languages. | Messages can be translated with AI and human translators in more than 150 languages, including a K–12 glossary. |
Plans
TalkingPoints
- FamiliesFree
- Individual teacher accessFree
- Personal Teacher AccountFree
- School and District PlansPriced on request
- Schools and districtsPriced on request
In their own words
BrightArrow
BrightArrow is a group-messaging platform for sending voice, text, email, social posts, push notifications and app messages. It supports scheduled and trigger-based delivery and integrates with more than 100 databases. Its education offering is designed for K-12 schools and districts, including routine communications and emergency alerts, while the company also serves nonprofits and public- and private-sector organizations. BrightArrow combines voice, text, email and app messaging, supports two-way messaging, and offers SMS and voice notifications. The home page describes automatic translation into more than 120 languages. ParentHub is available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The service runs on Android, iOS and the web. Subscription fees are due annually at the beginning of the term, usage limits are set in the purchase, and extra usage fees may apply.
TalkingPoints
TalkingPoints is a PreK–12 family engagement platform for communication between schools and families. Educators and families can exchange messages, including through SMS text, and the service translates messages into more than 150 languages using AI and human translator support. Individual teachers can use translated messaging for free, with in-app tips and guidance for building relationships. Families can use the free website or iOS and Android apps; text replies are available at schools with a paid plan. Optional district offerings address attendance improvement, district communications, and academic improvement. Message Mentor helps educators draft and improve family messages. TalkingPoints integrates with Clever, ClassLink, and other student information systems for rostering. Schools and districts can use organization-wide deployment with administrative controls and integrations, with quote-based pricing. The service offers professional learning in person, virtually, or in blended formats. TalkingPoints says it encrypts data in transit and at rest, restricts access to designated users, and does not sell or rent personal information or use it for advertising or commercial purposes. The listed free plan for individual teachers costs nothing.