Messagebird

What is messagebird

MessageBird is a cloud communications provider that delivers programmable messaging, voice, and omnichannel customer engagement tools. The platform combines low-level APIs for SMS, Voice, and Verify services with a higher-level Conversations product and a visual Flow Builder to create cross-channel workflows. Customers use MessageBird to send notifications, operate contact centers, manage two-factor authentication, and connect chat channels into a single inbox.

MessageBird operates as a global carrier aggregator, offering direct connections to major mobile networks and chat channel providers, which helps reduce latency and improve deliverability. The product suite targets developers building communications into applications, operations teams running support at scale, and enterprise architects integrating messaging into customer journeys.

Key components include SMS and Voice APIs, the Conversations inbox and API for omnichannel messaging, Verify for authentication, and the Flow Builder for no-code/low-code automation. MessageBird also provides SDKs for common languages, webhooks, and enterprise features such as dedicated numbers, short codes, and account administration controls.

MessageBird features

What does messagebird do?

MessageBird exposes cloud APIs to send and receive SMS, MMS, and chat messages, initiate and control voice calls, and verify phone numbers for authentication. It also offers the Conversations platform, which unifies multiple channels (WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger, Line, WeChat, RCS) into a single API and inbox for agents and automation.

The platform includes a visual Flow Builder for assembling message routes, conditional logic, and automated responses without writing code, alongside developer SDKs and API references for building custom integrations. For customer support, MessageBird provides an omnichannel inbox with routing rules, agent assignment, and reporting.

Additional capabilities include phone number provisioning (local, mobile, toll-free), short code support, two-factor authentication flows via Verify, advanced message templates for WhatsApp, delivery and engagement analytics, and compliance tools to handle opt-ins and local regulations.

MessageBird supports global scale through direct carrier and channel partnerships, offering redundancy and regional routing options to optimize throughput and cost. The platform also supports enterprise requirements such as single sign-on (SSO), role-based access control, and audit logging.

MessageBird pricing

MessageBird offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month trial credit and limited access to APIs for evaluation
• Starter: $29/month and pay-as-you-go messaging/voice usage
• Professional: $199/month with higher usage allocations, advanced support, and more concurrent Conversations seats
• Enterprise: Contact sales for custom pricing, volume discounts, and SLA guarantees

Pricing for channels and features is typically broken into subscription components and per-usage fees: messaging costs per SMS or per WhatsApp template, voice costs per minute, and short code or phone number monthly fees. For full up-to-date pricing and per-country rates for SMS, voice, and chat channels, consult MessageBird's official pricing information on MessageBird's pricing page (https://www.messagebird.com/en/pricing).

Because MessageBird sells both platform access and usage-based carrier services, total monthly cost depends heavily on message volume, the channels used, and optional features such as dedicated numbers or premium SLA. Typical mid-market deployments combine a monthly Conversations seat fee plus per-message or per-minute charges.

How much is messagebird per month

MessageBird starts at $29/month for the Starter package described above, plus pay-as-you-go usage charges for SMS, voice and chat channels. That base fee typically covers access to the platform and limited features; actual monthly spend will grow with message throughput, number provisioning, or additional Conversations seats.

How much is messagebird per year

MessageBird costs $348/year for the Starter plan when billed monthly equivalent over 12 months ($29/month × 12 = $348/year). Annual contracts for the Professional or Enterprise tiers may carry discounts and negotiated terms; confirm discounts and billing options directly with MessageBird's sales team via the Conversations or enterprise pricing information on MessageBird's pricing page (https://www.messagebird.com/en/pricing).

How much is messagebird in general

MessageBird pricing ranges from $0 (free) to $199+/month. Entry-level evaluation is free with trial credits, small-scale startups can operate on a $29/month starter fee plus low usage charges, while enterprise customers commonly budget $199/month or higher for platform seats plus significant per-message and number fees. Large-volume users or enterprise integrations typically end up on custom-priced contracts based on throughput, service levels, and integration scope.

What is messagebird used for

MessageBird is used for programmatic notifications, two-factor authentication, conversational customer service, and multichannel marketing or transactional messaging. Businesses use the SMS API for appointment reminders and system alerts, the Verify service for user authentication, and Conversations for customer support across WhatsApp, SMS, and social channels.

Typical use cases include: unified customer support where agents handle requests from multiple chat channels in one inbox; marketing automation that sequences messages across email and chat channels; and operational messaging where banks, logistics providers, or healthcare services need reliable, auditable delivery.

Developers integrate MessageBird into mobile apps, web applications, CRMs, and backend systems to trigger messages from events (orders, signups, fraud checks) and to capture inbound customer replies. The platform also supports call-based workflows—interactive voice response (IVR), click-to-call, and call-recording—for voice-centric use cases.

Pros and cons of messagebird

MessageBird's strengths include broad channel coverage (SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, RCS), a developer-friendly API surface, and a combined platform approach that brings messaging, voice, and automation together. The platform makes it straightforward to centralize communications workflows and provides SDKs, webhooks, and a visual Flow Builder for both developers and non-developers.

On the downside, pricing can be complex due to per-country messaging rates, channel-specific template fees (for WhatsApp), and the combination of subscription and usage charges. Enterprises with very specific regulatory or localization needs may need custom arrangements for local compliance and number provisioning.

Operationally, teams should plan for message template management, opt-in handling, and monitoring of delivery rates per region. Integrations with legacy CRMs or on-prem systems may require additional middleware or professional services. For organizations that need a pure open-source communications stack, MessageBird is a commercial platform rather than an on-prem solution.

MessageBird free trial

MessageBird provides an initial free credit and trial account for developers to test APIs, send messages, and evaluate channel behavior. The trial typically allows sending a limited number of messages and provisioning of test phone numbers so teams can validate workflows before committing to paid usage.

During the trial, some premium channels or numbers (for example, short codes or WhatsApp templates) may remain restricted until provisioning and verification are completed. Trial accounts are intended for functional validation; production-level throughput, guaranteed delivery, and dedicated numbers usually require paid plans or contacting sales for enterprise onboarding.

To start a trial and understand current trial limits, see MessageBird's developer documentation and trial sign-up on MessageBird's developer center (https://developers.messagebird.com/).

Is messagebird free

Yes, MessageBird offers a free trial with credits for initial testing and API access, but full production use requires paid usage for messages, calls, and number provisioning. The free tier is sufficient for development and functional checks, while sustained production traffic is billed on pay-as-you-go rates and/or subscription seats.

MessageBird API

MessageBird publishes a broad set of APIs for messaging, voice, verification, and omnichannel conversations. Core APIs include SMS API, Voice API, Verify API for OTP and phone validation, and the Conversations API that abstracts multiple channels into a single messaging model.

The Conversations API is designed to receive messages from multiple channels and route them through a unified message object, making it simpler to build bots and human-assisted workflows that operate across WhatsApp, SMS, Facebook Messenger, and other channels. Webhooks deliver inbound events and delivery receipts to customer endpoints for real-time processing.

MessageBird provides SDKs and client libraries for major programming languages (JavaScript/Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java), plus sample code for common patterns such as sending transactional SMS, starting a voice call, or implementing multi-factor authentication with the Verify API. Developers can find detailed integration instructions, API references, and rate limits on the MessageBird developer documentation hub (https://developers.messagebird.com/).

The API supports features important for production usage: idempotency, batching, message scheduling, message templates for WhatsApp, and configurable webhook security. Enterprises can request dedicated throughput, private link connectivity, and negotiated SLAs when operating at scale.

10 MessageBird alternatives

Below are alternatives to MessageBird that cover programmable messaging, omnichannel customer engagement, and voice APIs.

1. Twilio — Broadest API ecosystem for SMS, voice, and chat with extensive global coverage and many add-on services.
2. Vonage — Developer-friendly voice and messaging APIs with a focus on conversational and contact center integrations.
3. Infobip — Global communications platform with strong carrier relationships and enterprise channel management.
4. Sinch — Messaging and voice APIs with emphasis on verification and high-volume messaging services.
5. Plivo — Programmable voice and SMS APIs with simplified pricing for medium-volume users.
6. Bandwidth — Operator-owned communications APIs focused on voice and messaging with direct network ownership in some markets.
7. Nexmo (Vonage API platform) — Known for SMS and voice APIs and global reach (now part of Vonage).
8. Kaleyra — Messaging and voice services focused on enterprise and financial services use cases.
9. Zenvia — Latin America-focused digital engagement and messaging provider with omnichannel tools.
10. Routee — Messaging and verification services with a focus on notification workflows and marketing campaigns.

Paid alternatives to MessageBird

• Twilio: Extensive APIs for SMS, voice, email, and video, plus a large marketplace of add-ons and connectors. Often chosen for deep feature set and global coverage.

• Vonage: Offers programmable voice, SMS, and a Conversations API; integrates tightly with contact center workflows and has enterprise support options.

• Infobip: Enterprise-focused, with strong carrier relationships and omnichannel engagement tools, often used by global brands.

• Sinch: Known for verification and high-volume messaging, with strong reseller and carrier relationships in certain regions.

• Plivo: Simpler pricing model for voice and SMS APIs and a focus on developers who want predictable costs.

Open source alternatives to MessageBird

• Asterisk: A mature open-source PBX and telephony toolkit for voice call handling, IVR, and SIP-based integrations; requires self-hosting and infrastructure.

• Kamailio: An open-source SIP server for handling large-scale real-time communications, suitable for voice routing and SIP trunking architectures.

• FreeSWITCH: Open-source telephony platform for building custom voice and video applications; supports SIP and media handling but requires significant engineering.

• SignalWire (community components): While SignalWire is a commercial provider, it publishes tooling and libraries that can be combined with open-source telephony stacks for programmable communications.

Frequently asked questions about MessageBird

What is MessageBird used for?

MessageBird is used for programmable messaging, voice calls, and omnichannel customer engagement. Organizations use it to send transactional SMS, operate contact center inboxes across multiple chat channels, run verification flows, and build automated customer workflows using Flow Builder and the Conversations API.

Does MessageBird support WhatsApp Business API?

Yes, MessageBird supports WhatsApp Business templates and messaging through the Conversations API. You can send template messages, receive replies, and use WhatsApp alongside SMS and Messenger within a single inbox, subject to WhatsApp verification and template approval requirements.

How much does MessageBird cost per user or seat?

MessageBird starts at $29/month for entry-level platform access, but most production implementations include per-message and per-number charges that determine final costs. For large teams, add-on seats for Conversations and priority support are usually available under Professional or Enterprise plans.

Can I send SMS globally with MessageBird?

Yes, MessageBird supports sending SMS to many countries via direct carrier connections and routing. Per-country pricing and delivery rates vary, and you should review the per-destination SMS rates and local compliance rules on MessageBird's pricing documentation (https://www.messagebird.com/en/pricing).

Does MessageBird have SDKs and developer documentation?

Yes, MessageBird provides SDKs and comprehensive developer documentation. The developer hub includes code samples, API references, and guides for implementing SMS, voice, Verify, and Conversations integrations: see MessageBird's developer documentation (https://developers.messagebird.com/).

Can MessageBird handle two-factor authentication and verification?

Yes, MessageBird offers the Verify API for OTP-based authentication and phone number verification. The Verify service supports one-time codes delivered via SMS or voice and includes configurable code length, time-to-live, and retry behaviors for secure authentication flows.

Is MessageBird suitable for large enterprises?

Yes, MessageBird offers enterprise features and custom contracts. Enterprises can request SLAs, dedicated account support, higher throughput, and private connectivity options; pricing and terms are typically negotiated with MessageBird's sales organization.

How does MessageBird handle message delivery reporting?

MessageBird provides delivery receipts, status callbacks, and message-level metadata via webhooks and API endpoints. Developers can subscribe to delivery events to track success rates, retries, and failures across channels for monitoring and compliance purposes.

Can I provision phone numbers and short codes with MessageBird?

Yes, MessageBird offers number provisioning for local, mobile, and toll-free numbers and can arrange short codes in supported markets. Availability and cost depend on the country and regulatory requirements; short code provisioning often requires additional application and approval steps.

Does MessageBird support contact center or live agent workflows?

Yes, MessageBird includes the Conversations inbox and routing features for agent-based support. The platform routes incoming messages from multiple channels to agents, supports message assignment and notes, and integrates with automation and bots to provide hybrid human+bot workflows.

messagebird careers

MessageBird recruits across engineering, product, sales, and customer success teams to support global communications services. Roles commonly include backend and infrastructure engineers working on high-throughput messaging systems, SDK and API developers, and product managers focused on messaging and contact center workflows.

The company typically lists openings for regional sales and compliance specialists to handle local telecom regulations and for onboarding engineers to assist enterprise customers with number provisioning and integration. Benefits and compensation packages vary by role and location; candidates should review the MessageBird careers portal for current opportunities and job descriptions.

For engineers, working with MessageBird often involves scale concerns (throughput, latency), telecommunications protocols (SMPP, SIP), and integrations with major chat channels. Candidates should expect technical interviews that probe distributed systems, networking, and API design.

messagebird affiliate

MessageBird offers partner and reseller programs aimed at agencies, systems integrators, and platform partners that resell messaging and conversational services. These programs normally include access to partner pricing, lead referrals, and technical enablement to integrate MessageBird into client solutions.

Affiliate and partner arrangements often require registration and a commercial agreement that defines margins, billing responsibilities, and support obligations. Agencies that embed MessageBird in customer solutions typically combine messaging with CRM, marketing automation, or contact center services.

If you are evaluating partnership, consult MessageBird's partner program page for current partner tiers and benefits, or contact their partner team to discuss eligibility and go-to-market support.

Where to find messagebird reviews

Independent reviews and user feedback for MessageBird appear on software review platforms and industry publications that cover CPaaS and contact center tools. Look for user reviews on technology review sites and developer forums to understand real-world experiences with deliverability, support, and API usability.

Product-specific comparisons and benchmarks from analysts and community posts can help you compare throughput, pricing, and channel coverage against alternatives such as Twilio and Vonage. For enterprise references and case studies, consult MessageBird's customer case studies and technical whitepapers on MessageBird's resources page (https://www.messagebird.com/en/resources).

When assessing reviews, pay attention to geography-specific feedback because messaging rates, local carrier behavior, and regulatory compliance differ significantly by country, which often influences customer experience and costs.