Hardware vs. Online
SMS Gateways comparison
Hardware SMS Gateways and Online SMS Gateways are two options for businesses and organizations to send and receive SMS messages. Here we compare the key differences between these two options to help you determine which solution is best for your business needs.
What are the basic differences between
Hardware SMS Gateway and Online SMS Gateway
(service in the cloud)?
Hardware SMS Gateway
Fixed Costs 👍
Initial Investment 👎
Works Offline 👍
Sensitive data security & privacy 👍
Sentout speed 30 – 240 / min 👎
API integration 👍
Multiple features & automations 👍
Custom features 👍
Easily integrated via Email To SMS 👍
High security 👍
Sender ID cannot be changed 👎
Online SMS Gateway
👎 Pricing per each sent SMS
👍 No initial investment
👎 Doesn’t work offline
👎 Dependent on the provider’s security measures
👍 Doesn’t have limitations
👍 API integration
👎 Limited features & automations
👎 Does not offer advanced software integration/customization
👎 Some services have this in the offer, some do not
👎 Limited security
👍 Sender ID can be changed while making
Two-way communication impossible
Costs
Hardware SMS gateways are cost-effective compared to online SMS solutions for three reasons. Firstly, they save money by getting rid of monthly fees. Secondly, they are a one-time investment, unlike online services that need continuous payments, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Initial costs
Hardware SMS Gateway
Initial costs
Hardware SMS Gateway requires an initial investment for purchase and low usage cost.
Online SMS Gateway
No initial costs
Online SMS Service doesn’t need initial investment, and usage fee is included in the price of each sent SMS.
Recurring costs
Hardware SMS Gateway
Fixed costs
Hardware SMS gateway device uses your SIM card. This allows you to have a SIM contract with a carrier that best suits you and a reoccurring monthly payment.
Online SMS Gateway
Changing costs
Online SMS Gateway has a pricing per each sent SMS and subscription fee per phone number for incoming SMS.
Online calculator
Send mass SMS campaigns 3x cheaper
than online SMS gateways
SMSEagle hardware SMS gateway can be 3x cheaper compared to online SMS gateways. One-time payment grants you access to all features, there are no subscription fees and hidden costs.
Functions & features
Hardware SMS gateways outshine provide businesses with advanced features and automations without additional costs, offering a more comprehensive toolkit for communication needs. The dedicated nature of hardware gateways allows for easy customization to meet specific requirements, enhancing their functionality beyond the limitations often seen in online alternatives. Additionally, hardware gateways operate independently of the internet, ensuring messages are delivered even during network outages, providing an extra layer of reliability and functionality.
Requires Internet?
Hardware SMS Gateway
Works Offline
Hardware SMS Gateway uses UMTS/LTE modem(s) that allow it to function without an internet connection.
Online SMS Gateway
Can't work offline
Online SMS Service is dependent on a stable online connection.
Sending speed
Hardware SMS Gateway
Throttled Speed
Speed depends on the number of modems in the device and varies from 30-240 SMS/min. Can send 10,000 SMS in 42 min.
Online SMS Gateway
Doesn't have limitations
Online SMS Service offers high throughput > 2000 SMS/min.
API
Hardware SMS Gateway
API Integration
Hardware SMS gateway API is a software interface that allows applications to send and receive SMS from external systems or software.
Online SMS Gateway
API Integration
Modern Hardware SMS and Online SMS Gateways both offer API interfaces.
Sender ID
Hardware SMS Gateway
Two-way communication
Hardware SMS Gateway is capable of two-way communication allowing for improved to communication.
Online SMS Gateway
Sender ID change
Online SMS Service allows for ID change making two-way communication impossible.
Integration
Hardware SMS Gateway
Email to SMS
Integration
Email To SMS allows you to convert an email to SMS message (email to text). Hardware SMS Gateway usually offers built-in email-to-SMS functionality.
Online SMS Gateway
Varied Integration Availability
Email to SMS availablity varies for Online SMS Gateway (some services have this in the offer, some do not).
Features & automation
Hardware SMS Gateway
Multiple features & automations
Hardware SMS Gateway provides a wider range of features and automations as it’s software is constantly improved and updated
Online SMS Gateway
Limited features & automations
Online SMS services have limited ability to cater to specific needs.
Custom features
Hardware SMS Gateway
Custom features
Hardware SMS Gateway offers software customization. This allows to adjust the software to the specific needs of a customer like custom features/functions etc.
Online SMS Gateway
Non-customized
Online SMS services do not offer advanced software integration/customization
Security
Hardware SMS gateways offer heightened security compared to online SMS solutions. By keeping data within the organization’s premises, hardware gateways provide an extra layer of protection against data breaches and unauthorized access, addressing the top security concerns of businesses. This localized approach ensures a more secure environment for handling sensitive information, making hardware SMS gateways a preferred choice for businesses prioritizing the safeguarding of confidential data over online alternatives.
Security measures
Hardware SMS Gateway
High Security
Hardware SMS Gateway is installled in the organization’s premises. This allows control over access to the device.
Online SMS Gateway
Limited security
Online SMS Service is dependent on the provider’s security measures and internet connection.
Data Privacy
Hardware SMS Gateway
Sensitive data security
Sensitive data is kept on-prem avoiding 3rd party middlemen and external unauthorized access attempts.
Online SMS Gateway
Limited data security
Online SMS Service is dependent on the provider’s security measures and internet connection.
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