simhook vs Textmagic

SimHook turns an Android phone with a SIM into an SMS gateway and API for sending and receiving texts. API messages travel through the paired phone, while incoming texts can be forwarded as webhooks. Signed webhooks report sent, delivered, and failed status changes; they are retried for two days and paused if an endpoint keeps failing. The service also supports scheduled sends, multiple recipients, and dual-SIM phones, with a SIM selectable for each message. Its TypeScript SDK supports Node and edge runtimes, and an MCP server provides eight tools for AI agents. API keys can be limited by scope, including a send-only option. The Android app requires Android 8.0 or newer and is distributed as a signed APK. The full stack can be self-hosted from one Compose file under AGPL-3.0, which the maker says is free without limits. Hosted accounts are currently on Free; listed paid plans open soon. The maker says the service is not for bulk marketing or unsolicited texts.

Textmagic is a business messaging platform for SMS and email campaigns, automated notices, and two-way conversations. Teams can send bulk texts, schedule campaigns, build automation workflows, manage shared inboxes, and review delivery reports. Described uses include appointment reminders, delivery updates, staff alerts, payment reminders, broadcasts, and lead follow-up. Connections include HubSpot, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Zapier, with BYOC links to Twilio, Vonage, Sinch, and Bandwidth. A REST API handles SMS and email, and an MCP connector is available for compatible AI assistants and coding tools.

The web app has advanced features; Android and iOS apps support SMS conversations and contact management. Textmagic provides consent records and automatic opt-out enforcement, and applicable US messaging requires 10DLC brand and campaign registration. The company states that it is SOC 2 Type II certified and GDPR compliant and describes annual external penetration testing. Its trial includes full feature access without a credit card for up to 30 days. The Essential plan is listed at $0.05 a month, prepaid, with rates varying by destination; the pay-as-you-go option has no monthly minimum, and unused credit does not expire.