playSMS vs Telerivet

playSMS is free, open-source SMS management software with a web interface for gateways and bulk SMS services. It sends individual or bulk text, flash, and Unicode messages, and receives private SMS that can be forwarded to email or mobile phones or routed to users and URLs. Built-in tools include automatic replies, polls, quizzes, subscriptions, SMS-to-email, and email-to-SMS through mailbox polling. It connects with Gammu, Kannel, SMS Server Tools, Jasmin, Playnet, Uplink, and several SMS providers. Web services support sending, delivery reports, credit checks, and other operations. Plugins can add features, themes, tools, and gateway modules. Routing can use prefixes or users, with destination-based rating and per-user credits. The project reports one user tested 200,000 SMS per day. playSMS itself cannot send or receive messages without a separate gateway application or service. It is available for Android, Linux, self-hosting, web, and API use under GPLv3 or later, without warranty.

Telerivet is a cloud platform for organizations that communicate with customers, operations, and communities by text and voice. Its native channels include SMS, WhatsApp, voice, USSD, MMS, Viber, LINE, Messenger, and Instagram, and the service says it connects to more than 550 mobile networks across more than 150 countries. Teams can build keyword rules, auto-replies, subscriptions, polls, surveys, and conditional workflows without code. Developer access includes REST, webhook, Cloud Script, and MCP APIs, plus JavaScript automations that run inside the platform. Listed integrations include Zapier, Zendesk, CommCare, Viamo, and HubSpot. Its Android Gateway uses a phone and local SIM to send and receive messages, with airtime charges applying. The free plan is free and allows 50 messages per day, 50 stored contacts, and two automated services. Paid plans start with Starter at $49 a month; higher tiers increase routes, message capacity, contacts, users, projects, and automated services. Telerivet says service information is stored and processed on servers in the European Union.