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Top 6 Best CRMs For SMS & Texting In 2024

Searching for a CRM that masters the art of SMS and texting? You've arrived in the right place. In this in-depth guide, we're spotlighting the top CRMs of 2024, specially designed for businesses looking to harness the power of text message communication. These aren't your standard CRMs; they all excel in automating your businesses text messaging, ensuring compliance with global texting regulations, and enabling dynamic two-way SMS. We delve into the nitty-gritty of their SMS capabilities, assessing everything from WhatsApp support to the underlying technology powering SMS delivery. Our aim is to unravel how these CRMs stack up in terms of pricing, value and SMS features. Without further ado let’s jump into the crux of it. 

Klaviyo Logo

Klaviyo

Effective SMS marketing automation platform with user-friendly workflows.

$45+/mo

Pricing scales as you add more users and credits.

Top Choice

shape-logo-color

Shape

Overall best CRM for SMS & texting with robust features for seamless sales and marketing communication. 

$119/user/mo

Fixed pricing plan

Agile CRM logo

Agile CRM

A good sales and marketing platform with keyword text messaging.

$29.99+/mo

Price increases per plan and with credits

5 essential features every good SMS CRM should have

So, what makes a good CRM for SMS and texting? Below are some of what we believe to be the key features that define an effective tool. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in making managing text-based customer engagement efficient and effective.

5 ways SMS and text message CRMs can add value to your sales and marketing function

Having a CRM with texts and SMS capability can be a significant asset for any business, but what other advantages do they offer? The features below demonstrate just how much value adding a decent CRM with an array of messaging features can add. 

1. Seamless outreach with automation

With text message automation, businesses can send out messages effortlessly. For instance, a clinic can set up automatic appointment reminders, saving time and reducing no-shows.

2. Staying compliant with regulations

For businesses operating in multiple countries, CRMs that ensure compliance with SMS regulations like TCPA and GDPR are essential. They can tailor their text message campaigns to meet diverse legal requirements, avoiding penalties.

3. Engaging customers with two-way texting

CRMs with two-way SMS capabilities turn messages into interactive conversations. A retail store, for example, can quickly address customer inquiries via text, enhancing the overall customer service 

4. Quick feedback collection

Companies are using messaging capabilities in CRMs for rapid feedback collection. A restaurant, for example, might send a text survey to diners after their visit, encouraging immediate responses while their experience is fresh, leading to higher response rates and more actionable feedback.

5. Dual-channel outreach for increased reach

Companies are adopting a strategy that combines email with SMS maximize their chances of reaching customers or leads. For instance, if a marketing email goes unread, the same message can be followed up with a text, significantly increasing the likelihood of engagement. Texts have a much higher open rate, with some studies suggesting that texts are opened up to 98% of the time compared to emails' 20%, thereby doubling the chances of your message being seen and acted upon.

Alright, now that we've covered the essentials, let's delve a little deeper! In this section of the article, we’ll cover 6 of the best CRMs designed specifically for SMS and texting in 2024. 

Quick comparison of the top 6 best CRMs for SMS & Texting in 2024

Software Intro Price Differentiator
Shape
$119
Comprehensive and effective CRM for SMS with personalized message automation, bulk texting, and adherence to compliance rules
Klaviyo
$60
Advanced marketing automation platform with dynamic SMS subscribe links and cross-channel automation
Agile CRM
$8.99
Sales and marketing CRM with SMS automation, keyword texting, and GDPR compliance.
Close
$49
Features a built-in one-click SMS for on-the-go communication
ActiveCampaign
$29
Comprehensive SMS marketing automation with features like pre-built SMS recipes and two-way communication.
Keap
$45
Automates customer interactions through SMS, supporting personalized and bulk messaging campaigns.

The top 6 best CRMs for SMS & Texting in 2024 are: 

1. Shape

Founded: 1999
HQ: Irvine, California, United States
Key info
Price: $119 per month
Free plan: No
Support: 24/7 (In-product support + email)
Best for
Businesses looking for a CRM with robust, efficient, and cost-effective SMS and texting capabilities.
Pros
+ Easily manage calls, texts, emails, and mass marketing campaigns all from one seamless platform.
+ Effortlessly prospect via email, text, and phone campaigns on large datasets.
+ Easy to track and manage all message conversations. 
Cons
– Some users may experience a steep learning curve, requiring extra time and effort.
– Although customer support is quick and helpful, it lacks phone support.
Integrations
Zapier, Salesmsg, ClickSend SMS, TextMagic, and many more.
Pricing Model
Sales & Marketing CRM: $119/user/mo
Point of Sale: $47/user/mo
Lead Funnels: $299/mo

Shape CRM is an easy to use, all-in-one system packed with CRM features designed to help small and medium-sized companies centralize their sales and marketing processes. These include SMS, texting and other communication tools that ensure you are always connected with clients.

Shape’s SMS automation particularly stands out for being very robust. With features like personalized bulk texting, automated texting campaigns, pre-built templates, and voice dictation, you can reach more prospects and convert more deals in a shorter time. 

Bulk messages are personalized in Shape through segmentation. Within the CRM, you can segment your contacts based on criteria like customer behavior, purchase history, or demographics and send them bulk messages that are relevant to each group. 

To add an extra layer of personalization, you can add relevant personal details such as recipient name, location, etc through placeholders, and each recipient will receive a version of the message that includes their specific information.

Shape CRM texting inbox

Shape doesn't just roll out messages indiscriminately, it also ensures your messages are delivered by adhering to compliance rules. This includes using throttling to regulate the rate of your bulk messages to one every 4 seconds in order to mimic normal human texting patterns.

Apart from throttling your messages, Shape is also compliant with 10 DLC Texting Compliance in North America and automatically handles opt-out and opt-in when a recipient replies with specific keywords.

This SMS CRM system also prioritizes your user experience with its text messaging inbox that allows you to see all your messages in one place so you can easily track all your conversations. But Shape’s text messaging inbox is more than just a centralized location, it supports 2-way communication, allowing you to text your customers directly from the list page. 

Shape CRM MMS template management

All you have to do is click on a chat, and a popup with your previous chat history will appear. You can reply either by creating a new message, choosing from an available template, or using the microphone for voice-to-text dictation. 

Despite all its packed features, Shape does not overlook the little details that capture your recipients’ attention such as photos, GIFs, and videos, and audio. You can attach these multimedia elements with MMS so your messages are not bland and you don't lose your recipient’s interest at first glance.

Shape’s pricing is straightforward. The Sales & Marketing CRM costs $119 per month and requires the communications package as an add-on at just $39 per month for call, text, and email marketing functionalities. 10DLC texting also attracts additional fees but considering the CRM’s comprehensive SMS capabilities, it is good value for money.

Ultimately, thanks to its packed features and ease of use, executing mass marketing via texts, calls, and emails on Shape is seamless. However, as expected from an all-in-one CRM system, some users experience a steep learning curve, requiring time and effort. But from user reviews, the quick and helpful customer support team quickly resolves this even though no phone support is available.

2. Klaviyo

Founded: 2012
HQ: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Key Info
Price: Starts at $0
Free plan: Yes; Trial: No
Support: Email, Live Chat, Community
Best For
Small to medium businesses requiring advanced segmentation and automation capabilities in their SMS communications.
Pros
+ Carrier fees are built into the pricing
+ Offers auto-segmentation that categorizes customers based on data and attributes for efficient targeting.
+ The comprehensive SMS templates streamline messaging for convenience and effectiveness.
Cons
– Message credits do not roll over
– Billing can be complex
– Configuring settings like opt-ins can be hard for businesses that operate in several geographies.
Integrations
Zembula, Gorgias, Zendesk, etc
Pricing Model
Email & SMS: $20/month (Scales with usage)
Email: $35/month (Scales with usage)

Klaviyo is a marketing automation platform designed to help you engage with your customers where they are most active. Whether it’s over text or emails, it connects you with your most valuable customers faster. This CRM for texting includes features like subscription links, MMS, cross-channel automation, and more to help you build and strengthen customer relationships. 

With Klaviyo, adding customers to your sales pipeline is easy. It allows you to create shareable SMS subscribe links so you can gather new sign-ups through email CTAs, social media campaigns, and QR codes. And since many of your customers will be on mobile, Klaviyo provides dynamic text blocks that allow you to create one SMS sign-up form that automatically optimizes for mobile visitors. 

Once you have your list you can start sending prompt, personalized text messages in response to customers’ real-time behavior and data. Automating these responses is easier with the CRM’s 20+ prebuilt automation flows for multiple scenarios.

But what truly simplified the text messaging automation when we tested Klaviyo was its drag-and-drop flow builder. It is not only easy to use but also gives you complete control over your message sequences, allowing you to easily lay out each of your automation.

Klaviyo form creation window

That’s not all. Like Shape, Klaviyo ensures your texts are personalized by properly segmenting your customers. It has a segment builder that allows you to group your list and send your messages based on factors like predicted lifetime value, previous purchases, discount code usage, and other data. These segments update in real time so your messages are always relevant.

Klaviyo does not just send messages, it supports 2-way conversations by allowing you to respond to each customer in real-time whether directly through the CRM or through third-party integrations with Gorgias and Zendesk.

As expected from any credible CRM for SMS, Klaviyo is compliant with texting regulations across several countries, including GDPR, CCPA, TCPA, and PECR, as well as the Canadian, Australian, UK, and New Zealand Anti-spam legislation. 

Its SMS delivery technology operates via API which ensures seamless integration and reliable message delivery. This also supports the platform's broad compliance with several texting regulations.  

Klaviyo segment builder

Unlike several other providers we tested, Klavioy’s carrier fees are built into its pricing so before sending your messages, you know exactly how many credits you’ll use. However, this cost can run high causing several small business and startup users to point this challenge out in reviews. 

Credit costs per text message vary with location. For example, users in the US require 1 credit per SMS and 3 per MMS while those in Canada require 3 credits per SMS and 5 per MMS. 

When you are starting, it offers a generous free plan perfect for getting familiar with all the workings of the CRM. The free plan includes 150 free monthly SMS/MMS credits and any applicable carrier fees. 

Subsequently, you can upgrade to the E-mail and SMS plan that starts at $45 for up to 1500 contacts, 150 SMS and MMS credits, and at least 15,000 monthly email sends. This fee increases as you add more credits.

Altogether, Klaviyo shines for its auto-segmentation for efficient targeting, comprehensive SMS templates, as well as its built-in carrier fees. However, one major drawback is that message credits do not roll over. You can only use them within the designated period which is not ideal considering the high cost. Also, if your business operates in several geographical locations, configuring settings like opt-ins can be difficult

3. Agile CRM

Founded: 2013
HQ: HQ: Dallas, Texas, United States
Key info
Price: $8.99 per month
Free plan: Yes
Support: Phone & Email
Best for
Managing SMS workflows 
Pros
+ User-friendly interface allows easy navigation and quick access to crucial features
+ The CRM’s advanced automation schedules targeted offers, boosting customer trust and attracting potential clients.
Cons
– Limited product training materials available for user education.
– Agile CRM isn’t regularly updated, and the launch of 500apps may affect future developments. 
Integrations
Twilio, Plivo
Pricing Model
Starter: $8.99 per month
Regular: $29.99 per month
Enterprise: $47.99 per month

Agile is a comprehensive sales and marketing CRM designed specifically for small and midsize businesses. Powered by Twilio, Agile provides mobile marketing functionalities such as phone calls and SMS within the CRM to its customers.

It also provides SMS sales automation features like autoresponders, drip campaigns, and message scheduling as well as personalized messages.

To set up autoresponders, Agile CRM provides triggers to automatically send responses to leads and customers who display already specified behaviors. This could be follow-up messages, welcome messages, or confirmation messages. 

You can even define your campaigns to engage with your contacts throughout their life cycle. Building these workflows during our test was generally straightforward thanks to the drag-and-drop visual designer.  

Agile CRM dashboard

Personalizing your text messages on Agile can be done through custom fields, contact data, and customer behavior. The CRM comes with a variety of custom fields, such as first name, last name, company, and location that you can include to add a personal touch that yields a high response rate. 

Contact data like products owned and customer behavior are also helpful when segmenting your list. The CRM can automatically segment your customers based on these attributes and send relevant bulk messages to everyone in each segment. 

As we tested Agile, one of its clearly distinct features was the keyword text messaging. As the name implies, the CRM takes specified action once you receive a text message containing a certain keyword. It could be to immediately send a response based on that keyword or trigger a follow-up action for the support or sales rep. 

Agile CRM triggers setup

Despite being full-featured, Agile >integrates with 50 external applications, including email services and social media apps to extend its functionalities. It also houses all these features and integrations on a clean and simple CRM that doesn't feel cluttered. However, for a CRM that is feature-packed, Agile isn’t regularly updated which limits its adaptability to new market trends.

But what it lacks in frequent updates, it compensates by being compliant. Agile CRM is GDPR Compliant and generally puts compliance at the fore by implementing the required security requirements and tracking any changes in the GDPR implementation policy to ensure constant adherence Additionally, the CRM also sends you suggestions to help you understand and enforce the compliance obligations required for your business within Agile.

Agile has a free plan which unfortunately does not include mobile marketing. The three premium plans include a Starter, Regular, and Enterprise plan at $8.99, $29.99, and $47.99 per month respectively. However, SMS is only supported only in the $29.99 regular plan and upwards. It charges SMS based on credits and 1000 credits cost an additional $2 on your subscription plan.

Overall, with its user-friendly interface for easy navigation and feature-packed marketing automation, Agile well deserves a spot among the best CRM for SMS. However, getting started can be a little challenging because there are limited product training materials available for user education. The lack of regular updates can also affect its overall performance.

4. Close

Founded: 2013
HQ: San Francisco, California, United States
Key info
Price: Starts at $49 per month/user
Free plan: No; Trial: 14 days
Support: Phone, email & chat
Best for
Sales teams prioritizing efficient customer follow-ups through SMS
Pros
+ SMS, email, and calling functionalities are seamlessly integrated, reducing task management challenges
+ Easily track calls, SMS, and emails for all team members.
+ It can set reminders based on triggers for efficient follow-up processes.
Cons
– SMS feature is only available for the USA and Canada.
– Lack of proper notifications for incoming messages impacts real-time responsiveness.
Integrations
Zapier, TextMagic, Octopush SMS, StartADAM, HubSpot CRM and more.
Pricing Model
Startup: $49 per month/user
Professional: $299 per month/user
Enterprise: $699 per month/user

Next on our list of best CRMs with text message functionalities is Close. As a CRM built for sales teams, Close comes with a built-in one-click SMS feature that allows your sales teams to send SMS on the go. 

You don’t even have to switch between windows or multiple texting apps, you can read and respond to all your text messages without leaving your Close Inbox. In one click, you can start sending your SMS using a template or by crafting your message from scratch

Close also supports scheduling and campaigns. You can delay the send date and time until the best moment when your leads are most likely to engage. Additionally, you can leverage API bulk texting, multi-step workflows, follow-up triggers to take your outreach further.

Close is GDPR, CCPA, and SOC 2 Type 2 compliant so your data is safe. However, it not only complies with these regulations but also ensures that you meet the requirements as well. It requires you to register for A2P 10DLC before you can send text messages to the U.S.

Close CRM templates

Provisions like strong data protection controls to prevent unintended disclosure or misuse, industry-standard best information security practices, and rigorous testing to proactively fix bugs and vulnerabilities ensure this.

Close ensures bi-directional communication with customers through its Inbox. It also integrates limitedly with WhatsApp. Although it doesn’t offer a full WhatsApp integration, you can use a Close internal number as a WhatsApp number and create a WhatsApp workflow via Custom Activities.

Pricing within this CRM for texts is straightforward. SMS is automatically enabled for all users on any subscription plan which starts at $49. Close also provides activity insights, that give you an overview of your entire team’s usage and spending. We found this analytics feature particularly insightful when we evaluated CRM as it not only provides a clear understanding of your team’s strategies but also helps you optimize your resources. 

Costs per SMS start at $0.01 for each outgoing message in the U.S. and Canada which are the currently the only supported locations. However, these costs grow rapidly which quickly becomes a challenge for small businesses. 

That’s not all, most of the advanced features that make Close CRM worth a try are only available in the top-tier pricing plans adding to the already high expense for small businesses. For example, the $49 Startup plan is limited to 5 workflows. 

Close CRM phone and voicemail

More workflows require upgrading to the Professional at $299 which itself is limited to $25. When your business’s needs grow and you need more workflows, your next option is a $699 Enterprise plan.

Nevertheless, the platform has a 14 day free trial that gives you a feel of what to expect before deciding if it’s worth the commitment. 

Like Agile CRM, Close’s SMS provider is Twilio so it integrates SMS, email, and telephony functionalities seamlessly, reducing your chances of experiencing multitasking challenges when using the CRM platform. You can easily track your team members’ calls, emails, and text messages while also setting reminders for efficient follow-ups on other customer activities.

However, Close CRM’s SMS feature is only available for users in the USA and Canada. So, if you are located elsewhere or run a global business, you'll need to go for another option. The costs can also go up rapidly as you need more features which is a significant drawback for small businesses with limited budgets. 

5. Active Campaign

Founded: 2003
HQ: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Key info
Price: Starts at $29 per month
Free plan: No; Trial: 14 days
Support: Knowledge Base, Webinars, Email, Live Chat
Best for
Setting up complex SMS marketing sequences 
Pros
+ ActiveCampaign excels in creating complex marketing sequences with email, SMS, push notifications, and site messages.
+Intuitive UI and very easy to setup
Cons
– Unused credits do not carry over to the next period
– The SMS functionality can be problematic, with instances of inactive campaigns still sending messages
– The SMS feature does not support some important functionalities like scheduling
Integrations
Salesmsg, BulkSMS, 46elks, HubSpot CRM and many more. 
Pricing Model
Lite: $29 per month
Plus: $49 per month
Professional: $149 per month
Enterprise: $259 per month

ActiveCampaign’s major selling points are its comprehensive features and functionalities designed to help you engage with your customers and prospects effectively. 

These features include SMS marketing automation, pre-built SMS recipes, custom forms, and integrations with other marketing tools that make your marketing campaigns more efficient. For example,ActiveCampaign’s integration with Salesmsg enables two-way SMS and MMS communication.

Salesmsg is a bi-directional business text messaging platform that helps you send, receive, and manage SMS conversations either online or from your mobile device. With this integration, you can receive and send SMS and MMS messages, personalize your text messages, send bulk texts from your CRM automation, and record text messages and calls using Notes. 

These features and integrations are presented on ActiveCampaign’s user-friendly interface which is intuitive enough to help you create and manage large customer databases, segment your audience, and send them personalized campaigns.

ActiveCampaign automation

Automating your SMS marketing is as easy as adding in an SMS block as a step in your automation workflows to automatically send scheduled text notifications, campaigns, and follow-ups. By defining the precise delivery date and time schedule, you ensure that the messages roll out at the optimal day and time. 

ActiveCampaign also provides SMS Recipes such as New Subscribers, Event Reminders, Referral Generator, etc to save you valuable time in creating these sequences from scratch. All you have to do is import these recipes into your account and add a few changes to tailor them to your preference.

However, ActiveCampaign’s intuitive interface could not fully compensate for the core SMS functionality challenges we experienced during our test. For instance, there were instances of inactive campaigns still sending messages which could lead to confusion and miscommunication with your clients. 

Regarding CRM data security, ActiveCampaign constantly improves measures to adhere to and even exceed several compliance standards. It is compliant with A2P, 10DLC, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA regulations so your customer information is safe.

ActiveCampaign workflows

Starting at $49 per month, you can access ActiveCampaign’s SMS add-on by subscribing to its Plus plan. This add-on costs an additional $21 and provides 1000 credits. It is also available as an add-on to the Professional and Enterprise plans that start at $149 and $259 per month respectively.

 Users on the Plus and Professional plans receive 25 free credits per month while Enterprise users receive 1,000 free credits per month. Like Klaviyo, these credits are only available for that month and do not roll over.

Ultimately, ActiveCampaign excels in setting up complex marketing sequences through email, SMS, push notifications, and site messages. Its intuitive UI makes these sequences very easy to set up. However, it is not very cost-effective as SMS functionality is only available on higher tier plans and unused credits do not carry over to the next period. The SMS functionality can also be problematic, with instances of inactive campaigns still rolling out messages. 

6. Keap

Founded: 2001
HQ: Chandler, Arizona
Key info
Price: Starts at $29 per month
Free plan: No; Trial: Available
Support: Webinars, Community, Livechat, Email, Phone
Best for
Tracking and reporting SMS campaign performance
Pros
+ Keap provides small business owners with systems for growth and scalability
+ It offers secure tracking of text conversations without reliance on the phone.
+ Robust automation capabilities
Cons
– Does not support photos, videos, or gifs (MMS)
– Has limited integrations
– Pricing is higher than most other products on the market
Integrations
Zapier, TextMagic, Gmail
Pricing Model
Pro: $159 per month
Max: $229 per month
Ultimate; $279 per month

Keap is a CRM with text messaging features tailored to help marketers and salespersons automate their customer interactions and increase their SMS response rates. 

It triggers automated SMS based on customers’ actions and ensures your messages are sent as early as possible by leveraging the customizable templates and automatic options. These messages are personalized to increase engagement using tag segmentation and merge fields that are automatically filled with specific data from customer records.

Keap can also help you send bulk messaging campaigns and track their results through its reporting tools. Like other text CRM software on this list, it supports two-way communications with contacts so as you receive replies to your automated and bulk messages, you can continue the conversation one-on-one. 

Keap dashboard

This feature is available in Keap’s Pro and Max plans at $159 and $229 per month each. They come with 150 and 250 monthly text message credits after which you are charged $0.015 per text message. These credits do not roll over to the following month. 

With the base plan starting at $159 monthly, Keap’s pricing is on the high side and not a cost-effective option for small or midsize businesses. Still, you can try the 14-day free trial to try out its functions before making a decision. 

Keap’s SMS feature is only available in the US and Canada and is compliant with both countries’ prohibitions on contents like sale or promotion of controlled substances, debt and credit relief offers, secret shopper advertisements, etc. 

Keap contacts

It also complies with the opt-in and opt-out regulations by providing a clear way for your recipients to provide or revoke consent to receive your text messages. This ensures the deliverability of all your messages. 

One aspect that Keap CRM truly excels at, as we noticed while evaluating it, is user-friendliness. All its features are easy to set up and use, from sending trigger-based messages and bulk SMS to tracking conversations. 

Although Keap is designed to provide small business owners with a scalable CRM solution, its pricing is higher than most other products on the market, which arguably contradicts its aim of catering to small businesses. Additionally, it does not support photos, videos, gifs, or any MMS elements. This tiny detail can limit the versatility and appeal of your text messages for certain marketing strategies.

Wrapping up

As we conclude our exploration of the best CRMs for SMS and texting in 2024, we've offered you a comprehensive overview of the top tools in this space, each boasting unique capabilities such as text message automation, compliance with regulations, and two-way communication. What's next? We suggest diving into demos or free trials, and meticulously going through user reviews to identify the CRM that aligns best with your business requirements. This hands-on experience will provide a clearer understanding of each tool's features and user experience, aiding you in making a well-informed decision. In today's fast-paced business environment, the right CRM for SMS and texting can significantly enhance your communication strategies and keep you a step ahead. We hope this guide serves as a valuable resource in your search for the perfect CRM solution.

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Our Top Pick - Shape

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4.8/5 - from 2,000+ reviews

All-in-one software for marketing, sales, customer service, CRM, and operations. Improve communication and maximize your business.

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Please note: All pricing mentioned in this article is based on information available as of 04-02-2024 and sourced from the respective companies' public pricing pages. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying with the specific company for the most up-to-date details.