SMS vs. Push Notification: Core Differences and Connections

When reaching out to customers, businesses come across different channels. Two of the popular channels are Push Notifications and SMS.

Both these channels are meant for sending messages and notifying customers. However, they have distinct features and are suitable for different purposes.

It’s necessary to understand why and when to use these channels to get maximum return. Let’s dive into the details and understand what these channels offer and compare Push Notifications vs SMS for better understanding.

Part 1: Push Notifications vs SMS: Key Differences

Quick Comparison: Push Notification vs SMS

Push Notifications are alerts or messages pushed by an application. It appears in the notification bar to notify the user, no matter whether the app is open, closed, in use, or idle. If the device is locked, the notification will still appear in the notification bar, which users can see later.

It’s necessary for the push notifications to have the app installed. It allows app owners to send push notifications to the devices without any charges. It’s completely free, and there is no opt-in required.

On the other hand, SMS refers to Short Message Service. It’s sent on phone numbers and requires opt-ins as per the local and international regulations. It has a maximum length of 160 characters and can convey messages to users instantly.

The sender only needs the phone number of the receiver. There is no need for the application on the receiver’s side. However, software or a tool is used to send SMS to bulk receivers. The SMS appears in the native messaging application, and its notification appears in the notification bar.

Part 2: Why Use Push Notifications?

A push notification is a straightforward and easy way to communicate with the audience. If the people have installed the application, it appears as a notification banner.

The notification appears as a banner. Undoubtedly, it has a lower open rate compared to SMS, but it appears on the main screen and is less ignored. Users are mostly likely to read the title or small message, and if they are interested, they might tap and read further in the application.

Push Notifications can be branded to a great extent . The notification appears with the app name and logo, which is excellent. It engages users through rich-media content, such as images, videos, music, etc. Once the user opens the app, there are limitless engagement options.

It does not require an explicit opt-in . Downloading the app is already a consent. Thus, app owners don’t need to worry about separate opt-ins. Secondly, there are no strict restrictions unlike SMS, so businesses can easily target their audience.

Part 3: When to Use Push Notifications?

Push Notifications can be used for various purposes. However, it surpasses SMS in some applications and works much better.

• App Engagement: If you want users to open the app and increase engagement on it, push notifications is the best option. It notifies the users and could compel them to open the app.
• Product Updates: Often, businesses prefer to share product updates, news, new features, and other information through push notifications. These are easy and quick and come into notice at a glance.
• Promotions: For special discounts and promotional deals/offers, push notifications are ideal. They grab the attention of the users and are most likely to get clicked.
• Feedback: Businesses often collect feedback using push notifications. It could be an app review, survey, feedback form, etc.
• Limited Budget: If the marketing budget is very limited, push notifications are suitable. There is no charge for sending push notifications, and it reaches the target audience. It saves money.
• Rich Media Content: If you want to send rich media content to your audience, push notification is the right way. Be it videos, images, and other content, push notifications direct users to the app where you can have any type of content.
• Bulk Messaging: When businesses need to send bulk messages or the same message to everyone, push notifications can be used.

Part 4: Why Use SMS?

SMS is an incredible channel for reaching customers because it has a massive open rate of 98% . That said, it’s highly likely to get the message opened. Therefore, businesses prefer SMS for their marketing campaign. Even if it is a costly option because of the SMS charges, it’s still a primary marketing channel.

Receivers mostly take a look at messages. Once delivered, the message is opened quickly. The chances of being ignored are less than other channels.

It does not require an internet connection. Receivers get messages on their phone numbers through cellular networks. The delivery is instant, which is why SMS is a preferred option when immediate delivery is needed.

Part 5: When to Use SMS?

SMS is used for more purposes and applications compared to push notifications. It’s more than a marketing channel.

• Urgent Messages: When you want to deliver messages on an urgent basis, SMS is the right channel. The delivery is immediate, and the open rate is high. It reaches people in no time, so businesses can share news, such as change of policy, opening of a new location, etc.
• Personalization: SMS can be used to send personalized messages. It can’t be done with push notifications. Businesses can send SMS to one person, a specific group of people, etc. Personalization and segmentation are possible.
• Updates: Businesses can send updates using SMS. They can send updates of parcel delivery, ending of a sale, etc.
• Alerts: Weather alerts, travel alerts, fraud alerts, and other different alerts are sent through SMS. It is a faster channel to ensure urgent delivery.
• Confirmations: Businesses prefer to send payment confirmations, order confirmations, and other confirmation messages through SMS.
• Reminders: Often, reminders like appointment reminders, subscription expiry, medication reminders, etc. are sent via SMS. They are more likely to get opened and read.
• Authentication: For two-factor authentication, SMS is still used. It sends the OTP or message quickly to the receiver to authenticate the identity in no time.
• Marketing: SMS is also used for marketing purposes. Businesses can send bulk messages to their target audience about promotion deals, discounts, etc.

Part 6: SMS vs Push Notification: Which is Better for Your Business?

When it comes to reaching users instantly, both SMS and push notifications have their advantages—but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right channel can significantly impact user engagement and ROI. Let's break down how each works and when to use them.

# Push Notifications: Direct, Scalable, and Cost-Efficient

If your business has a mobile app, push notifications offer a smart and efficient way to engage users. These messages are delivered straight to people who have installed your app, making them highly targeted and timely.

One of the biggest advantages? Push notifications are highly scalable . Once integrated with the right service or platform, businesses can send as many notifications as needed—without worrying about per-message charges. This makes them especially attractive for teams that want to maintain regular contact with users without the overhead of traditional messaging costs.

However, there are limitations. Push notifications tend to have lower open rates and are often swiped away or ignored. They're also not suitable for urgent or highly personalized communication , since they generally appear the same to every user.

# SMS: Fast, Reliable, and Ideal for Urgency

SMS is a great channel for sending urgent and personalized messages . For authentication to marketing, it’s a versatile option. It has a very high open rate, which is why it offers better ROI. The messages are delivered instantly, and businesses can rely on them for urgent updates and quick messages for OTP, confirmation, etc.

Businesses should opt for SMS, but it requires a suitable budget. SMS charges vary from location to location. If they can afford it, they should try it. Secondly, businesses need to consider the restrictions, rules, and regulations of SMS marketing .

Keep in mind that SMS supports simple text-based messages. If you want to send rich media content, push notifications and other channels are suitable.

So, Which One Should You Use?

Ideally, businesses should opt for both. They offer distinct benefits and can be used for different purposes. But if the business does not have an app, the only option left is SMS.

No matter which channel you choose, you need a reliable and scalable platform—and that's where EngageLab comes in. It is a powerful omnichannel customer engagement platform that helps businesses connect with their audience through SMS, WhatsApp, Email, App Push, and Web Push—all from one place.

With its global SMS service , businesses can cover 200+ countries and regions. They can send messages in multiple languages to cater to a massive audience. It also offers real-time statuses and detailed reports.

For App Push Notifications , EngageLab offers 8 vendor channels and up to 40% UP. It has 7+ message styles and 10+ user grouping rules to reach the target audience. It also works on multiple time zones, supports multiple languages, and covers the globe through multi-data node selection.

In short, EngageLab makes it easier to engage customers—across the globe and across channels. It's the all-in-one platform that simplifies how you reach, convert, and retain users.

Conclusion

SMS and Push Notifications are both excellent customer engagement channels. Businesses can use them to reach their customers, but they both serve different purposes. Depending on the application, businesses have to choose the right option. EngageLab gives you the flexibility, reach, and insight to make every message count—whether it's a critical SMS or a timely app push.

Start connecting smarter today with EngageLab—your one-stop platform for global, multichannel customer engagement.

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