As businesses look for better ways to connect with customers, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is becoming a popular solution.
RCS allows businesses to send interactive, media-rich messages directly to their customers, offering a more engaging experience than traditional text messages. Additionally, as per the research, RCS business messaging traffic will reach 50 billion messages globally in 2025, marking a 50% increase from 2024.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the top 10 RCS service providers that can help your business take advantage of this powerful messaging tool. Let’s explore their features, pricing, and more.
When choosing an RCS provider, consider your business’s specific needs, like the type of media you want to share or how important customer support is. Look for providers with easy integration and scalability options so your messaging platform grows as your business does. Test features before committing!
10 Best RCS Providers for Your Business
Let’s now explore the 10 best RCS providers for your business. These RCS messaging providers come with a different set of features and capabilities to help improve customer engagement and optimize support through rich, conversational messaging services.
1. ControlHippo
ControlHippo is a leading RCS service provider that helps businesses improve their communication by using RCS. With RCS, companies can send engaging, interactive, and media-rich messages directly to customers without needing extra apps. This makes customer interactions smoother and more effective. Features like typing indicators, read receipts and high-quality media sharing ensure better engagement and seamless communication.
- Interactive Elements
- Branded Messaging
- High-Quality Media Sharing
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Real-Time Interaction
- Support for Ecommerce Features
Pros
- Works with existing messaging apps; no extra downloads are needed.
- Enables engaging communication with media and real-time updates.
- Allows smooth communication across iOS and Android platforms.
Cons
- Requires RCS-enabled devices to use all features.
- Message delivery depends on carrier support.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: Free for up to 3 users.
- Bronze Plan: $20 per user/month (billed annually).
- Silver Plan: $28 per user/month (billed annually).
- Gold Plan: Custom pricing (contact for details).
2. ZixFlow
Zixflow is a comprehensive RCS messaging provider that enables businesses to send rich, interactive messages directly to customers’ default messaging apps. This service enhances customer engagement by incorporating features like high-definition images, videos, and action buttons into communications. By utilizing RCS, Zixflow allows companies to create more personalized and effective marketing campaigns.
- High-Quality Media Sharing
- Interactive Buttons
- Automated RCS Chatbot
Pros
- Enhances messages with rich media and interactive elements.
- Centralizes communications for efficient customer management.
Cons
- Full functionality requires RCS-enabled devices.
- Message delivery may depend on carrier support.
Pricing:
- Free: $0/month; includes essential features.
- Starter: $39/month (billed annually); adds WhatsApp & RCS channels.
- Growth: $74/month (billed annually); includes advanced automation.
- Business: $139/month (billed annually); offers full CRM access, engagement cadence, and dedicated account management.
3. Twilio
Twilio is a well-known RCS messaging provider that helps businesses communicate effectively with their customers using Rich Communication Services (RCS). This modern messaging platform enhances traditional SMS by enabling features like branded sender IDs, rich media, and interactive buttons. Businesses can deliver a more engaging and personalized experience, making it easier to build strong customer relationships.
- Branded Sender IDs
- Rich Media Support
- Interactive Buttons
Pros
- Enhances customer engagement with interactive messaging.
- Supports rich media, improving communication quality.
Cons
- Limited device and carrier support may affect message delivery.
- Rich content features are being rolled out in phases.
Pricing:
- Basic Messages (up to 160 characters): Priced the same as SMS.
- Rich Content Messages: Pricing varies; contact Twilio for details.
- Volume Discounts: Available as usage scales.
4. Sinch
Sinch is a top RCS messaging provider that helps businesses improve communication with customers through rich, interactive messages. Their RCS messaging service lets companies send secure, branded messages with images, videos, and other media, providing a more engaging experience than regular SMS. It’s designed to build trust, make communication easier, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Verified Sender IDs
- Larger File Sharing
- Read Receipts
Pros
- Helps businesses engage customers with rich, personalized content.
- Allows for secure and trusted communication with branded messages.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on all devices, mainly Android.
- Needs the recipient to have RCS-enabled messaging apps.
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at $0.0078 per message sent.
5. Infobip
Infobip is a leading RCS service provider that helps businesses communicate with their customers using rich, interactive messages. With Infobip’s RCS messaging service, businesses can send branded messages that include images, quick replies, and buttons. This makes it easier for customers to engage in meaningful conversations, boosting customer experience and improving communication efficiency. Infobip’s platform integrates easily with existing systems.
- Rich, branded two-way conversations
- High-resolution media sharing
- Interactive message templates
Pros
- Enables engaging, branded customer interactions.
- Supports high-resolution media sharing.
Cons
- May require technical integration efforts.
- Availability depends on carrier support.
Pricing
- Infobip offers customized pricing plans based on specific business needs and usage volumes. For detailed pricing information, it’s best to contact Infobip directly.
6. Kaleyra
Kaleyra is a global communications platform offering businesses a variety of messaging services, including RCS, SMS, voice, and video. Their RCS messaging service enables companies to send interactive, rich media messages like images, buttons, and videos to customers. Kaleyra helps businesses improve customer engagement, build relationships, and provide better customer support using modern messaging features.
- Branded Messaging
- Rich Media Support
- Interactive Buttons
Pros
- Enhances customer engagement with rich, interactive content.
- Supports high-resolution images, videos, and other media.
Cons
- Requires customer devices to support RCS for full functionality.
- Limited end-to-end encryption compared to some messaging apps.
Pricing
- Kaleyra offers custom pricing based on business needs. For more information, businesses should contact Kaleyra directly for a quote.
7. Route Mobile
Route Mobile is a leading CPaaS (Communication Platform as a Service) provider that offers advanced messaging and communication solutions. Specializing in omnichannel services, it helps businesses connect with customers through SMS, voice, email, and RCS messaging. Its solutions aim to enhance customer engagement, streamline communication, and drive business growth. Route Mobile serves industries like healthcare, ecommerce, and banking with innovative and secure tools for better customer interaction.
- A2P Messaging
- 2-Way Messaging
- RCS Business Messaging
Pros
- Omnichannel solutions provide seamless customer engagement.
- SSecure and scalable messaging infrastructure for businesses.
Cons
- Pricing may vary based on the scale and customization needs.
- Some services require integration, which may take time.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: Contact for pricing.
- Custom Plans: Available for large-scale enterprises.
8. Gupshup
Gupshup is a messaging platform that offers Rich Communication Services (RCS) to enhance business communications. Their RCS messaging service enables businesses to send rich, interactive messages to customers, improving engagement and customer experience. With over 1 billion RCS users globally, Gupshup’s platform supports high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and interactive buttons, making it a valuable tool for businesses aiming to connect with customers effectively.
- Read Receipts
- Typing Indicators
- Interactive Buttons
Pros
- Supports high-resolution images and videos for better engagement.
- Offers read receipts and typing indicators for real-time communication.
Cons
- Requires both sender and recipient to support RCS.
- Availability may vary depending on the user's carrier and device.
Pricing
- Standard message fee: $0.001 per message.
- WhatsApp charges a conversation-based fee, billed at actuals.
9. MessageBird
MessageBird is a well-known RCS messaging service provider that helps businesses communicate with customers using rich, interactive messages. By using RCS technology, MessageBird allows companies to send messages that can include images, buttons, and other multimedia elements, making conversations more engaging. It offers global coverage, so businesses can reach customers anywhere. All in all, with MessageBird, companies can provide real-time, personalized interactions.
- Two-Way Messaging
- Multimedia Support
- API Integration
Pros
- Offers extensive global coverage for RCS messaging.
- Supports two-way communication for interactive customer engagement.
Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors.
- Some users report occasional delivery issues.
Pricing
- Starting at $0.008 per outbound SMS message.
- Free for inbound SMS messages.
- $0.50 per month for a dedicated number.
- $0.010 per LOOKUP + HLR request.
- $700 per month for a dedicated short code phone number.
Note: MessageBird does not offer a free trial, and there is a three-month contract period.
10. Vonage
Vonage is a leading provider of RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging solutions. RCS allows businesses to communicate with their customers in a more interactive and engaging way than traditional SMS. With features like high-quality media sharing, chatbots, and real-time support, Vonage’s RCS service helps businesses improve customer service and enhance communication. Their platform integrates easily with existing systems, offering secure, reliable messaging to keep customers engaged in a more personalized way.
- Interactive Chatbots
- Real-time Customer Support
- Personalized Messaging
Pros
- Allows sharing of high-quality media for better engagement.
- Uses chatbots to automate and improve customer interactions.
Cons
- Integration with existing systems can require technical expertise.
- Pricing details are not publicly available.
Pricing:
- Pricing is not available publicly. Contact Vonage for more details.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right RCS service provider is essential for improving customer communication and engagement. No matter if you’re looking for interactive messaging, high-quality media sharing, or personalized customer experiences, the 10 providers listed offer diverse features to meet various business needs. From pricing flexibility to easy integration and robust support, these platforms ensure smoother and more effective customer interactions. Carefully consider the features, pricing, and scalability of each provider to find the best fit for your business’s communication strategy.
Most of the leading carriers worldwide, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the U.S., support RCS messaging. In India, carriers such as Bharti Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone-Idea have adopted RCS.
In India, carriers like Bharti Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone-Idea support RCS. These networks offer advanced messaging features like group chats, high-resolution media sharing, and read receipts through RCS.
Yes, RCS is better than SMS for most users. It allows you to send photos, videos, and group messages, along with features like read receipts and typing indicators. It's like SMS but with more modern features.
Updated : December 31, 2024
Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.