It’s no secret that SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which service to use.
Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between Twilio and Plivo that could make one better suited for your needs than the other. However, both services offer a great way to reach your customers through text messages.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular SMS marketing services: Twilio and Plivo. We’ll discuss the key features of each, and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
What Is Twilio?
Twilio is a cloud communications platform that allows developers to programmatically make and receive phone calls and texts using web service APIs. The company provides a web-based interface and SDKs for the building and scaling of voice and text applications.
With Twilio, businesses can send SMS and MMS messages, make and receive phone calls, and track the delivery of messages with webhooks. The platform also offers a variety of features for building voice and text applications, including call forwarding, caller ID, conference calling, voicemail, and more.
Twilio is unarguably the most popular API for Programmable Communications. The company has powered some of the world’s most popular applications, including Lyft, Airbnb, and Netflix.
How Does Twilio Work?
Twilio enables businesses to communicate with their customers using SMS, voice, and video. The company provides a web-based interface and API that businesses can use to build applications that send and receive text messages, place and receive phone calls, and build video chat applications.
When a business signs up for Twilio, they are given a unique Twilio number. This number can be used to send and receive SMS messages, as well as to make and receive phone calls. The Twilio API allows businesses to integrate these features into their own applications.
To send an SMS message, businesses simply use the Twilio API to send a request to the Twilio number with the desired message. Twilio will then send the message to the recipient’s phone number. To receive an SMS message, businesses can use the Twilio API to set up a webhook that will be called when an SMS is received.
To make a phone call, businesses use the Twilio API to send a request to the Twilio number with the desired phone number. Twilio will then place the call and connect the two parties. To receive a phone call, businesses can use the Twilio API to set up a webhook that will be called when a call is received.
To build a video chat application, businesses use the Twilio API to create a room. Twilio will then provide a unique URL that can be used to access the room. Businesses can then use this URL to embed the video chat application into their own website or application.
How Twilio Helps Businesses Send Mass SMS Campaigns
Twilio offers a few different ways to help businesses send mass SMS campaigns. One way is to use Twilio’s Campaign Manager tool, which allows businesses to create and manage SMS campaigns from a single interface. businesses can also use Twilio’s APIs to send SMS messages to large groups of people programmatically.
With additional features like shortcodes and MMS support, Twilio makes it easy for businesses to reach large groups of people with their SMS campaigns. Lastly, Twilio’s pricing is very reasonable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes.
Twilo Key Features
1. SIP Trunking
Twilio features an Elastic SIP Trunking service that lets your business make and receive communication over an internet connection. This SIP trunking service can be deployed with your existing VoIP phone system or PBX. Twilio offers a wide range of features with its SIP trunking service, including:
- Number porting
Number porting allows you to keep your current phone numbers when you switch to new phone service.
- Numbering services
Numbering services allow you to choose local or toll-free phone numbers for your business.
- Emergency call routing
Emergency call routing ensures that your calls are routed to the right people in the event of an emergency.
2. Cloud Communications Platform
Twilio offers a cloud communications platform that lets you build, scale, and manage your communications applications. Also, Twilio provides APIs that let you add voice, video, and messaging to your applications. The Twilio platform includes:
- Programmable voice
This lets you add voice calling to your applications. This feature includes call recording, call monitoring, call queuing, and call routing.
- video
Programmable video lets you add video calling to your applications. This feature includes video conferencing, video recording, and video streaming.
- Text messaging
Programmable text messaging lets you add text messaging to your applications. This feature includes text message alerts, text message notifications, and text message reminders.
3. Twilio Studio
Twilio Studio is a visual application builder that lets you build, scale, and manage your communications applications. Twilio Studio includes a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to add voice, video, and messaging to your applications. Twilio Studio also includes a library of pre-built applications, templates, and integrations.
4. Twilio Flow
Twilio Flow is a visual workflow builder that lets you automate your communications applications. Twilio Flow includes a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to add voice, video, and messaging to your applications. Twilio Flow also includes a library of pre-built applications, templates, and integrations.
What Is Plivo?
Plivo is a cloud-based voice and SMS platform that enables businesses to communicate with their customers on a global scale. The Plivo platform provides a robust set of APIs that allow businesses to build sophisticated voice and SMS applications. Plivo’s mission is to make global communications more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Furthermore, Plivo messaging solutions make it easier for businesses to keep in touch with their customers and employees. The Plivo platform provides a variety of features that allow businesses to automate their communication processes and keep track of their interactions with customers. Plivo also offers a number of value-added services that businesses can use to further enhance their customer communication strategies.
How Does Plivo Work?
Plivo lets you send messages to customers in over 190 countries. You can use Plivo to send one-time messages or set up recurring messages. Plivo also offers an API that lets you integrate Plivo into your own applications.
Also, Plivo enables you to port your phone number to their service. This keeps your phone number active even if you cancel your mobile service. However, you will have to pay for the porting fee, which is generally around $30.
Plivo offers two-factor authentication to keep your account secure. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile device when you sign in. Plivo offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model. You only pay for the messages you send. There are no monthly fees or contracts.
Plivo also offers a number of add-ons, such as long codes, shortcodes, and toll-free numbers. These add-ons come with additional monthly fees.
Pilvo Key Features
1. Messaging
Pilvo offers an easy-to-use messaging interface that allows you to easily manage messages from multiple channels. You can also create and manage groups, as well as add new contacts.
Also, there’s an automatic MMS feature that lets you send MMS messages to your contacts without having to manually select the recipients.
2. Contacts
Pilvo also offers a comprehensive contacts management system. You can easily add, edit, and delete contacts. You can also add new groups and manage existing groups.
3. Call management
Pilvo also offers call management features. You can easily view your call history, as well as manage your call forwarding and voicemail settings.
4. Security
Pilvo offers a number of security features to help you keep your account safe. For instance, you can enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
Pilvo also offers a fraud monitoring system that helps you identify and prevent fraudulent activities.
How to Choose Between Pilvo and Twilo
Pilvo and Twilo are two popular cloud-based telephony providers. Both offer a wide range of features and are suitable for businesses of all sizes. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a decision.
Pilvo is a cheaper option than Twilo, with lower monthly fees and no contract required. Twilo offers more features than Pilvo, including call recording and voicemail transcription. Twilo also has a more user-friendly interface.
If you are looking for a basic cloud-based telephony solution, Pilvo is a good option. If you need more features and are willing to pay a higher price, Twilo is a better choice.
In terms of support, both Twilio and Plivo offer top-notch customer support and resources to customers. However, Plivo’s premium support options are cheaper than Twilio’s because Plivo does not charge for email support.
Price Comparison
Twilo
SMS sending cost: $0.0075 per message
Receiving SMS costs $0.0075 per.
MMS
SMS sending cost: $0.0200 per message
Receiving SMS is $0.100 each ($0.200 for toll-free numbers).
Phone Calls
Making calls: the first minute costs $0.0130.
Calls are received at a rate of $0.0085 per minute ($0.220 for toll-free numbers).
0.0040 per minute for browsers/apps
Custom price for SIP Trunking (depends on your location and calling zone)
Custom price in a video
Pilvo
SMS API
Cost per SMS sent: $0.0050
Receiving SMS: $0 per SMS
Call API
Making calls: the first minute costs $0.00100.
Receiving calls: $0.0055 per minute
Trunking SIP
Making calls: the first minute costs $0.0065.
Calls received: $0.0025 per minute
Rent a Phone Number
Local Calls: Monthly Cost: $0.80
Monthly fee for toll-free numbers: $1
$500 monthly in shortcodes
Twilo Pros and Cons
Pros
- Voice and messaging APIs
- SIP Trunking Insights and Reports for Video API Flex
- More than 100 countries’ phone numbers
- efficient customer service
- information sources
- Mobile SDKs
Cons
- High price
- a little difficult for beginners
Pilvo Pros and cons
Pros
- Voice and messaging APIs
- Drag and drop console for PHLO
- Over 65 countries’ Phone Numbers
- Reports and insights
- good resources and customer service
- less expensive than Twilo
- Android SDK
Cons
- does not allow video
- only allows for SMS and MMS communications
- Personal accounts
- iOS is not supported.
Conclusion
Pilvo and Twilo are two top-notch companies. Yet, they have distinct characters and offer different services. Twilo provides cloud communication services in the form of APIs. Both companies have the same goal: to provide cloud communications services in the form of APIs. But, Pilvo’s services are more focused on voice and Twilio’s services are more focused on SMS and MMS. So, if you are looking for a cloud communications company that can provide you with both voice and SMS/MMS services, then Pilvo is the better choice.
When choosing the best SMS campaign tool, however, you will still need to consider your specific needs and objectives. We have provided all possible options, so you can easily choose the best package for your business.
