SMS Comparison is an independent resource published for informational purposes. As of 2026 this site is not operated for profit.
Every provider on SMS Comparison receives one overall score out of 10. That score is the equal-weighted average of six sub-scores, each also out of 10: value for money, features, reliability, reputation, compliance and customer service. This page explains what each sub-score measures and what a given score means.
What a US business pays per SMS at real sending volumes, plus joining fees, monthly fees, contract terms and credit-expiry rules, measured against the market. A 9 or above means consistently among the cheapest at most volume brackets; a 5 means mid-market; below 5 means expensive for what you get.
Breadth and depth of the platform: two-way SMS, MMS, scheduling, automation, number types (short code, toll-free, 10DLC), API and SDK coverage, and named integrations. A 9 or above means a complete, well-documented platform; a 5 means the basics only.
Delivery dependability: published uptime or SLA, carrier routing (direct versus hybrid), and throughput. A 9 or above means a 99.9 percent or better SLA with direct US carrier routing; a 5 means no stated SLA or hybrid routing.
Independent standing: third-party review scores such as Trustpilot, named enterprise customers, and time in market. This sub-score is informed by the third-party score but is not identical to it.
How well the provider handles US requirements: A2P 10DLC, TCPA, CAN-SPAM, and data-security certifications such as HIPAA and ISO 27001. A 9 or above means full 10DLC support plus recognised security certification.
Support availability and quality: channels offered such as live chat, phone and email, hours, and documentation depth. A 9 or above means 24/7 multi-channel support with strong documentation.
Overall equals the sum of the six sub-scores divided by six, rounded to two decimals. Each sub-score carries equal weight. For example, a provider scoring 9.5, 8, 9, 8, 10 and 9 has an overall score of 8.92.
10 is best-in-class for US business messaging. 7 to 9 is strong with specific trade-offs. 5 to 6 is average: usable, but bettered by rivals on most criteria. Below 5 signals a real weakness a buyer should weigh. We spread scores across this range so the ratings discriminate between providers.
SMS Comparison is published for informational purposes and, as of 2026, is not operated for profit. Where any affiliate relationship exists it does not change a provider score or rank. Scores are based on the six criteria above, using public provider data and our own testing. Where a provider scores poorly, we say so.
We re-check pricing, third-party review scores and feature sets periodically, and re-date each review when we do.