You’re standing in line for coffee, checking your phone, and there it is, a text from your favourite store with a 20% off code. You use it without a second thought. That’s SMS marketing at work.
It’s simple, effective, and fast. But if you’re a business owner or marketer, there’s one question you’ve probably asked, which is, How much does SMS marketing cost?
The short answer is that it depends. The long answer involves message volume, location, carrier fees, platform charges, and the kind of support you get from your SMS marketing agency. With so many moving parts, navigating SMS marketing pricing can feel a bit overwhelming.
Today, we’ll walk you through the real text messages costs, help you understand what goes into them, and explain how to choose a solution that fits your goals and your budget.
Let’s go in and make sense of what you’re really paying for.
What Is the Cost of SMS Marketing?
On average, SMS marketing pricing ranges from $0.01 to $0.05 per message, depending on the provider, the volume of texts you send, and whether you’re sending SMS or MMS (messages with images or media). But that’s not the whole picture.
Some platforms charge a monthly platform fee, usually starting around $10 – $90/month, on top of your per-message cost. And if you’re using a 10DLC (10-digit long code) number, which most businesses do for compliance and better deliverability, you might see an extra $15–$30 per month for campaign registration.
That’s why it’s important to look beyond just the price tag. A good SMS marketing agency will help you understand the full cost structure, align it with your goals, and ensure your investment pays off.
So when you see different marketing pricing models, don’t just ask “what’s the cheapest?” Ask, “what gives me the best return for my budget?”
What are The Key Factors That Influence SMS Marketing Pricing?
There are several behind-the-scenes factors that affect your final bill, and knowing them can help you plan smarter.
Here are 11 specific factors that influence SMS marketing pricing:
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Message Volume
The more messages you send, the lower your cost per message. Providers offer bulk pricing tiers, so a business sending 10,000 texts monthly will pay less per SMS than one sending 500.
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Message Type: SMS vs MMS
Basic texts (SMS) are cheaper than multimedia messages (MMS), which include images, GIFs, or videos. If your campaign includes rich media, expect to pay more per send.
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Geographic Region
Domestic text messages are cheaper than international ones. For instance, sending to the US may cost $0.01 – $0.03, while international delivery may double or triple that rate.
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Short Code, Long Code, or Toll-Free Numbers
Your sending number matters. Short codes (5–6 digits) are premium, fast, and built for volume, but they cost more upfront. 10DLC numbers are more affordable and popular with small to medium businesses.
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Platform Subscription or Access Fees
Many SMS platforms charge a monthly software access fee. This can range from $10 to $100+, depending on included features like automation, segmentation, or analytics.
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Opt-in & Opt-out Compliance Tools
Managing opt-in and opt-out flows legally (as per TCPA and CTIA rules) can come at a cost, especially if you’re using automation to handle subscriptions or consent.
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Automation & Workflow Features
Want to trigger texts based on user behavior or cart abandonment? Automation tools are powerful, but often included in higher-tier pricing plans.
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Reporting & Analytics
Detailed reporting helps you optimize campaigns and understand ROI. Platforms with better analytics tools often bundle them in mid- or top-tier plans.
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Customer Support & Onboarding
Hands-on support or a dedicated success manager adds value, but may come with a premium, especially if you’re working through an SMS marketing agency.
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Integration with Other Marketing Channels
Platforms that sync your SMS with email marketing services, CRMs, or e-commerce platforms often charge more, but the convenience can be worth the investment.
Each of these factors impacts sms messages costs in its own way. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option upfront, focusing on your business needs will help you find the right balance between pricing and performance.
What are The Additional Costs to Consider for SMS Marketing Campaigns?
While many platforms promote a low per-message rate, there are often hidden or extra fees that can sneak up on your monthly bill. Knowing these ahead of time will help you budget smarter and avoid surprises.
Here are a few additional costs to keep on your radar:
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10DLC Registration Fees
It costs $15-$30/month for brand and campaign registration in the US.
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Carrier Pass-Through Fees
Mobile carriers (like AT&T and Verizon) often charge a small fee per message, especially for high-volume or promotional messages.
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Dedicated Short Code Rental
It costs $500-$1,000/month for short codes, excluding messaging fees.
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Longer Message Segments
SMS messages are limited to 160 characters. When you send SMS marketing messages, going beyond that can result in your message being split and billed as two (or more) messages. Even emojis can increase your character count.
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Multimedia Messages (MMS)
Sending images or GIFs? It costs around $0.03 – $0.10 per send depending on your plan.
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Advanced Automation or Segmentation
Features like behavioral triggers, cart abandonment messages, or A/B testing are often locked behind higher-tier plans. If you’re also using email marketing campaign services, bundling with text messages might get you better value, but check the fine print.
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Customer Support and Onboarding
Extra costs may apply for onboarding, priority support, or dedicated success managers in SMS marketing campaigns.
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List Cleaning or Data Management
Data management like list cleaning can incur additional charges.
Understanding these extras is key to getting the full picture when asking, “how much does SMS marketing messages cost?”
Text Message Marketing Pricing Breakdown: 2025
So, what does SMS marketing pricing really look like in 2025? With more providers and features on the market than ever before, costs vary widely, but here’s a realistic snapshot based on current trends:
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Entry-Level Plans (Startups/Small Businesses)
- Monthly fee: $10 – $50
- Cost per SMS: $0.015 – $0.04
- Features included: Basic automation, simple list segmentation, and basic reporting.
- Best for: Small retailers, consultants, local service providers
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Mid-Tier Plans (Growing Businesses)
- Monthly fee: $50–$150
- Cost per SMS: $0.01 – $0.03
- Features included: A/B testing, triggered campaigns, basic CRM, or e-commerce integrations.
- Best for: E-commerce stores, franchise businesses, multi-location brands.
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Enterprise Plans (High Volume Senders)
- Monthly fee: $150 – $1,000+
- Cost per SMS: As low as $0.007
- Features included: Dedicated short codes, custom APIs, real-time analytics, and compliance support.
- Best for: National retailers, subscription businesses, and financial services.
If you’re also using email marketing campaign services, many platforms now offer bundled pricing, giving you integrated workflows for both SMS and email. This can streamline communication and lower your text messaging costs over time.
How to Calculate Your SMS Marketing Budget & ROI
Before diving into a campaign, it helps to know what kind of spend you’re looking at. So, how do you plan a realistic SMS budget that aligns with your goals? Start by building a clear SMS marketing strategy – define your audience, messaging frequency, and conversion goals. This ensures your budget is driven by purpose, not guesswork.
Here’s a straightforward budgeting framework to start with:
1. Define Your Audience Size
Are you messaging 500 people or 50,000? Your audience size will directly impact your sms cost.
Let’s say you plan to send:
- 2 messages per month
- To 5,000 contacts
- At $0.02 per SMS
That’s $200/month in message fees alone.
2. Add Your Platform Fees
Most platforms charge a monthly fee, ranging from $10 to $ 150 or more, depending on features such as automation, list segmentation, or analytics. If you’re using a provider that bundles SMS and email marketing campaign services, you might find better value in a combined plan.
3. Account for Additional Costs
- 10DLC registration: $15–$30/month
- MMS messages: Cost 2–3x more than SMS
- Long messages split into multiple segments: More messages = higher text message marketing pricing
- Onboarding or customer support fees (if applicable)
4. Forecast Campaign Volume
If you plan to run promotions weekly or seasonally, that volume will increase. Build in some wiggle room so you’re not caught off guard by spikes during sales, holidays, or launches.
5. Set a Performance Goal & Track ROI
Tie your budget to a business objective like product launches, re-engagement, or promotions. To track SMS marketing ROI easily, maintain a simple spreadsheet with:
- Platform fees
- SMS volume
- Cost per message
- Revenue per campaign
- ROI
This helps you quickly see if your SMS platform spend is driving real results.
Comparison Table: SMS Marketing Platform Pricing & Features
Choosing the right platform can make or break your campaign’s performance and your budget. Below is a comparison of some top SMS marketing platforms, based on real features, text messages costs, and use-case fit.
How to Choose the Best SMS Marketing Tool for Your Business
Picking the right text message marketing tool is about finding a tool that fits your goals, your customer base, and your level of tech comfort. So if you’re stuck wondering how much SMS marketing costs, let’s simplify the decision-making process and ensure your SMS marketing best practices are efficient, effective, and aligned with your overall strategy.
1. Understand Your Messaging Needs
2. Evaluate Platform Features
3. Compare the True Cost
4. Check for Free Credits or Trials
5. Think Long-Term
Conclusion
If you’re still asking, “How much does SMS marketing cost?”, remember, it’s about return on investment, scalability, and ease of execution.
The cost of SMS marketing varies by platform, volume, and features, but the benefits, like fast delivery, high open rates, and better engagement, make it one of the most powerful tools in a marketer’s arsenal. And when paired with email marketing campaign services, SMS becomes even more impactful.
The right tool makes all the difference. So, understand the platform’s features, understand your goals, and always measure what you get back from what you put in.
At the end of the day, text message marketing pricing should align with your business strategy, not just your budget.
If you need help getting started, partner with InboxArmy, an experienced SMS marketing agency that understands both the tech and the strategy. It could be the smartest message you send all year.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMS Marketing Pricing
1. What is the text message marketing cost per message?
The text message marketing cost per SMS in the US typically ranges from $0.0075 to $0.05, depending on the provider, your message volume, and whether you’re using pay-as-you-go pricing or a monthly subscription.
2. Can I try SMS marketing for free?
Yes, several platforms offer free trials or starter credits so you can test the waters. EZ Texting provides up to 1,000 free credits, and SimpleTexting includes 500 credits with its basic plan. Postscript even gives new users a $1,000 credit for the first 30 days.
3. Is there a difference in cost between SMS and MMS messages?
Absolutely. MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), which include images, videos, or GIFs, cost more than standard text messages. While an SMS might cost $0.015 to $0.04, an MMS can run $0.03 to $0.10 or more, depending on the provider.
4. How much does SMS marketing cost?
It varies, but here’s a realistic range. Most businesses spend between $25 to $150+ per month on SMS, depending on how often they send messages and how large their audience is. That includes both per-message fees and any applicable platform subscription fees.
5. Is SMS marketing cost-effective?
In short, yes. Despite the slightly higher SMS marketing cost compared to email, the ROI is often stronger due to SMS’s 98% open rates and 45 %+ response rates.
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