Both push notifications and SMS (short message service) are ways to send messages directly to a user’s mobile device. However, there are some key differences between the two.
What are push notifications?
Push notifications are messages that are sent by apps directly to a user’s device. They appear on the device even when the user is not actively using the app. For example, you may get a push notification from a news app about breaking news or from a social media app when someone tags you in a post.
Some key features of push notifications:
- Sent by apps directly to devices
- Appear even when app is closed
- Can include text, images, videos, etc.
- Make sound/vibrate to alert user
- Require user to opt-in to receive them
Push notifications do not use cellular data. They use an internet data connection to send messages through platform-specific services like Apple Push Notification service (APNs) or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).
What is SMS?
SMS stands for short message service. It is a protocol for sending text messages to mobile devices over the cellular network. SMS messages can be sent between mobile phones and can also be used to deliver notifications and alerts to mobile users.
Some key features of SMS:
- Text-only messages limited to 160 characters
- Delivered over cellular network using SMS protocol
- Send messages between mobile numbers
- Requires cellular data or SMS plan
- No need to opt-in, all mobiles can receive SMS
SMS is considered more reliable than internet-based messaging because it uses the cellular network, which has wide coverage. SMS messages are stored and forwarded when a device is not connected, while push notifications may fail to deliver.
Key Differences
Here are some of the main differences between push notifications and SMS:
| Push Notifications | SMS |
|---|---|
| Sent directly by apps | Sent through cellular network |
| Delivered over internet | Delivered over cellular network |
| Can include images, videos, etc. | Text-only with 160 character limit |
| Require user to opt-in | Automatically received by all mobiles |
| Free to receive (uses data plan) | May have a cost from cellular provider |
As you can see, the main differences are in how messages are delivered and the content types supported. Push uses an internet connection while SMS uses the cellular network. Push also allows richer content beyond just text.
When to Use Each
So when should you use push notifications vs SMS?
Here are some guidelines on when each is most applicable:
- Push notifications – Best for sending messages from your app directly to users. For example: chat alerts, promotions, app updates.
- SMS – Best for critical alerts to customers. For example: order updates, delivery notices, 2-factor authentication codes.
Push notifications are great for frequent, app-related messaging as they allow you to reach users anytime. SMS can be better for urgent alerts and notifications where reliability is critical.
Use Cases
Push Notifications Use Cases
- In-app messaging and alerts
- App onboarding
- Promotional messages and offers
- Event reminders
- Content recommendations
- Chat and social media apps
- Engagement and retention
SMS Use Cases
- Order and delivery confirmations
- Appointment reminders
- Alerts about account activity
- 2-factor authentication
- Critical or timely alerts
- Notifications to customers without smartphones
As you can see, push excels at app-to-user comms while SMS fits urgent alerts. Evaluate your specific messaging needs to choose which is best.
Push Notification and SMS Providers
If you want to implement push notifications or SMS capabilities for your business, you’ll need to use a third-party provider. Here are some top options:
Push Notification Providers
- OneSignal – Free and easy to implement.
- Braze – Comprehensive features for marketing.
- Pusher – Great developer features.
- Kumulos – Focused on app performance.
- Amazon SNS – Easy integration with AWS.
SMS Providers
- Twilio – Industry leader with developer-friendly APIs.
- CM.com – Global provider with many channels.
- MessageBird – Great for high-volume SMS.
- Smooch – Two-way conversational messaging.
- OpenMarket – Part of Amdocs, enterprise focus.
Research different providers to find one that best meets your specific use cases. Look for relevant features, integrations, pricing, and ease of implementation.
Push vs SMS: Which Should You Choose?
Should you use push notifications or SMS for your mobile messaging needs? Here are some tips:
- Choose push notifications for in-app alerts and frequent messages.
- Use SMS for critical, urgent alerts sent infrequently.
- Consider audience – Push requires smartphones while SMS reaches more users.
- Evaluate costs – Push uses data plans while SMS may have carrier fees.
- Test both to see which provides better engagement.
- You can also use a multi-channel approach with both push and SMS.
Evaluate the use case, target users, messaging frequency, costs, and performance to decide if push, SMS, or both will be most effective.
Conclusion
Push notifications and SMS serve different messaging needs. Push notifications are great for frequent app alerts and engagement. SMS excels at urgent, critical messaging reaching all mobile users. Evaluate your specific use cases, audience, and business needs to decide if you should implement push notifications, SMS, or a combination of both as part of your mobile messaging strategy.