A full comparative review of Clicksend and DirectSMS (based on Australian bulk SMS providers) is presented to you.
Based on the two SMS providers’ features, prices, customer service, reliability and other key factors, ClickSend is the better option.
The latest update was on 6 January 2024.
Here are three key reasons why ClickSend might be recommended over DirectSMS:
These are three key reasons why ClickSend might be recommended over DirectSMS. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the specific features and benefits of each platform will depend on your requirements and needs.
ClickSend pricing can be as low as A$0.0550 per SMS for large volumes of text message delivery of over 150,000 or more. It starts at A$0.0700 for under 5,000 SMS. Other costs include $19 per month for a dedicated number and $320 per month for a dedicated short code (with a setup fee of $750). There are no setup fees. Inbound text messages with ClickSend are free as is the setup for a dedicated number.
On the other hand, DirectSMS pricing is quite different. It starts at $0.074 per SMS for less than 650 text messages per month and $0.056 for 1400 SMS per mother. For the distribution of 3800 SMS per month, the price is $0.052 That’s comparable in price between both distributors for low distribution SMS numbers. However, there is no mention of costs for larger bulk numbers over 5000+ from DirectSMS.
ClickSend is more transparent with larger numbers of SMS to be sent out per month. DirectSMS has no detail on a dedicated inbound number of costs, depending on the plan you choose.
ClickSend offers 24/7 help, sales and support. This is available via national and local numbers as well as online. There is also the option of live chat which can be suitable when using an SMS gateway online and requiring quick assistance. DirectSMS has phone support or e-mail support only from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during weekdays. The availability of hours can be an issue for those who work long hours or during the weekend. This makes ClickSend more suitable for all businesses.
ClickSend has 4.5 – 3052 reviews on Trust Pilot reviews (based on 6 January 2024). This in part is due to their up-time guarantee which contributes to their service level agreement (SLA). This ensures a rebate is provided if a score lower than 100% is achieved for a month with <95% up-time leading to a full refund for the month.
DirectSMS also has a strong review score of Rating: 4.6 – 35 reviews but from only a few reviews it is less impressive. They also have an Up-time guarantee but it’s minimal in detail as are their up-time statistics.
Overall, across these three areas, ClickSend had the strongest offering which is why they are the recommended provider in this Clicksend vs DirectSMS comparison.
Two of the major players in the Australian SMS business world are ClickSend and directSMS. Both these SMS providers offer a wide range of bulk text messaging services that meet business and organisation needs whether it is for promotional, communication or marketing requirements. Also important for reminders or urgent matters that need to be notified to your customers, stakeholders or staff.
Both these Australian reputable companies provide a range of online text messaging features that will ensure that information is promptly and effectively sent to end-users via any web-enabled computer system without the business requiring any special software to be installed.
These companies are well established and are operational for a long period with directSMS established in 2001 and ClickSend in 2006. They are privately owned and operated with directSMS head office in Melbourne, Australia and ClickSend in Perth, Australia.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of ClickSend compared to DirectSMS:
ClickSend:
DirectSMS:
These are some of the key features and benefits of ClickSend and DirectSMS. When choosing a bulk SMS provider, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and needs and compare different options to find the one that best meets your needs.
In reviewing these two SMS providers, they do offer several similar features such as:
Both directSMS and ClickSend provide seamless integration with any email software. This means that these text messaging companies can save, store and manage the business contacts which leads to ensuring that when a request is made to distribute SMS to end-users, it can be carried out within a short period.
The difference between these two SMS providers is that directSMS provides the option of a two-way MS product unlike ClickSend and the availability of premium telecommunication carriers that provide huge reliability is not mentioned in the directSMS website but is part of the ClickSend distribution carrier system. There is also no mention of a global distribution option for directSMS, unlike ClickSend which offers businesses global coverage.
Regarding charges outlined by both ClickSend and directSMS, both disclose their charges and costs to businesses in different ways but are still able to be reviewed. ClickSend pricing schedule is easier to comprehend and therefore appears more open and transparent about all its charges.
Both SMS providers have no set-up fees and no monthly fees. Inbound SMS is free from ClickSend but is an optional extra for DirectSMS. With the need for a dedicated number, ClickSend charges per month and DirectSMS does have this service available and would need to request details from the company.
Both SMS companies state that they have a money-back guarantee.
In summation, ClickSend is considered to be more open about its pricing schedule and charges.
Both directSMS and ClickSend have a sophisticated, feature-rich Application Programming Interface (API) that makes it easy for developers to integrate SMS into their applications and systems.
Through the review of these providers regarding uptime reliability, only ClickSend states a 100% money-back guarantee for their uptime, performance and customer satisfaction. However, they both offer have SLA guarantee.
They are both compliant with the requirements of anti-spam compliance and similar General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) standards which means that their data collection, storage and security arrangements reflect the security and privacy principles, including individual rights of access and right to be forgotten. They both present their Privacy Policy details on their website.
Therefore, these two SMS providers offer the same, reliable and compliant services.
Concerning customer care, ClickSend provides a 1 800-contact number which is available on a 24/7 basis while directSMS has a 1 300 number during business hours, although it does state on its website a 24-hour service is available, there may be a charge.
They can be also contacted by email and have a range of other communication methods from social media avenues to blogging.
The offer of a free trial basis is also available. In the case of ClickSend, it offers 25 free SMS while directSMS offers 15 free SMS.
Both companies display a range of clients that they either served or have served. The range can be viewed on their website.
The SMS Comparison Table and site have been developed for use at no cost to you.
The concept began some years ago when the authors, who had previously worked extensively in the SMS area but now moved to other IT areas, realized that companies required some assistance in selecting an SMS provider that suited best their needs and requirements. Therefore, the authors have provided you with an independent assessment of the features and value of several reputable SMS providers in Australia.
Should there be an anomaly of information on the site, the authors would appreciate you letting them know so that changes can be made if required.
Updated on 6 January 2024.