Twilio vs Bandwidth

by Gralio Mar 10, 2025

Twilio and Bandwidth are both cloud communication platforms, but Twilio offers a wider array of communication channels and features, while Bandwidth emphasizes reliability and direct carrier connections. Twilio suits businesses needing diverse communication options, while Bandwidth is better for those prioritizing call quality and direct carrier integrations.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 1565 reviews and 60 websites, saving 9 hours, 11 minutes of reading.

Twilio

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Bandwidth

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Twilio is a cloud-based communications platform that makes it easy for businesses to add phone calls, video calls, and text messages to their apps and websites. Using Twilio, developers can integrate various communication methods and features without needing to manage complex telecom hardware. Twilio is flexible and scales with your business needs, allowing you to pay only for the services you use.

Bandwidth is a cloud-based communication platform designed for businesses to add voice, text messaging, and 911 emergency calling features to their software and applications. They own and operate a global network for reliable call quality and offer tools to manage and automate your communication needs. Bandwidth is suitable for businesses of all sizes, but their client list includes well-known, global companies. They are recognized in the industry for their reliable service and global reach.

Summary

Main difference

Twilio offers a broader range of communication channels and features, including video, WhatsApp, and email, making it suitable for diverse communication needs. Bandwidth focuses on providing reliable voice, messaging, and 911 services, especially for businesses prioritizing call quality and direct carrier connections.

Relative strengths of Twilio (compared to Bandwidth)

Wider range of communication channels and features beyond voice and messaging.
Strong developer tools and API documentation for seamless integration.
Flexible pricing plans catering to various usage levels and budgets.

Relative weaknesses of Twilio (compared to Bandwidth)

Customer support responsiveness and account management can be inconsistent.
Complex and sometimes confusing onboarding for certain features like WhatsApp.
Pricing can be higher for specific services and regions compared to Bandwidth.

Who should use Twilio VS. Bandwidth

Twilio is a cloud communication platform empowering businesses to integrate calls, video, and messaging into their applications. Users praise the easy setup and robust API documentation. However, some have reported slow customer support and confusing account suspensions. Twilio offers flexible pricing based on usage.

Bandwidth is a reliable cloud communication platform ideal for businesses needing voice, messaging, and 911 features in their applications. Users praise the reliable call quality and helpful customer support. However, some find the interface cumbersome and billing unclear. Bandwidth offers competitive pricing and global reach, making it a strong choice for businesses seeking a robust communication solution.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
A versatile solution suitable for various sectors, including e-commerce, healthcare, and software.

Ideal for small to large businesses seeking reliable global communication solutions.
Best fit for Software, IT & Telecommunications; less suitable for Finance, E-commerce, Media & Entertainment, and Non-profit/Government.

Twilio and Bandwidth features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Cloud-based infrastructure

Supported

Twilio is cloud-based, requiring no complex setup or maintenance, and scales effortlessly.

Supported

Bandwidth offers cloud-based infrastructure with minimal setup and maintenance.
Platform-agnostic Connectivity

Supported

Twilio offers platform-agnostic connectivity through its APIs and direct-to-carrier integrations.

Supported

Bandwidth offers platform-agnostic connectivity and direct-to-carrier integrations.
Real-time communication integration

Supported

Twilio offers APIs and SDKs for integrating voice, video, and messaging into applications.

Supported

Bandwidth offers real-time communication integration via its WebRTC SDK, APIs, and other development tools.
SMS integration

Supported

Twilio supports sending and receiving text messages via its Programmable Messaging API.

Supported

Bandwidth supports sending and receiving SMS messages via its CPaaS platform.
WhatsApp integration

Supported

Twilio supports sending and receiving WhatsApp messages via its WhatsApp Business API integration.

Partially supported

Bandwidth supports WhatsApp via third-party integration.
API functionality

Supported

Twilio offers APIs for integrating various communication services into applications.

Supported

Bandwidth offers APIs for integrating communication features into applications.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.52

Rather negative sentiment

-0.33

Rather negative sentiment
Customer Service

-0.94

Strongly negative sentiment

+0.87

Strongly positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.25

Neutral sentiment

+0.64

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

-0.14

Neutral sentiment

+0.2

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.1

Neutral sentiment

-1

Strongly negative sentiment
Scalability

No data

No data

Twilio and Bandwidth Pricing

Twilio offers flexible pricing options with pay-as-you-go, volume discounts, and committed-use discounts. Their services span various categories, including alerts and notifications, marketing and promotions, sales and support, verification and identity, and builder tools and connectivity.

Plans

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.52

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.33

See full Pricing page

Twilio and Bandwidth review insights

1404 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Easy setup and integration process for basic SMS and voice calls
Reliable SMS delivery in many countries
Comprehensive API documentation and SDKs
Flexible and customizable communication solutions for developers
Twilio Studio empowers non-coders to build automated workflows

Responsive and helpful customer support and account management
Easy-to-use website and portal for number management and ordering
Reliable call quality and network performance
Extensive global reach and coverage
Competitive pricing for voice and messaging services

Users dislike

Customer support response times can be slow, with delays up to several days
Account suspensions without clear explanations are frequent
Difficult and buggy onboarding process for WhatsApp integration
A2P 10DLC registration is cumbersome and confusing
High pricing for phone numbers in some regions

Non-intuitive interface and separate E911 portal are cumbersome
A2P SMS program rollout and management is unclear and inefficient
Hidden fees and lack of billing transparency
Inconsistent account management and communication
Limited number availability in some rural areas

Twilio and Bandwidth Ratings

G2

4.2/5

(474)
Capterra

4.5/5

(423)
TrustPilot

1.2/5

(161)
Glassdoor

3.6/5

(1832)

G2

4.5/5

(404)
Capterra

4.6/5

(103)

Company health

Employee growth

1% increase in the last year

2% decrease in the last year

Web traffic

10% decrease in the last quarter

6% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

March 2021 - $614M

March 2018 - $21M

How do Twilio and Bandwidth's onboarding processes for messaging differ?

Twilio's onboarding for messaging, particularly for WhatsApp, is reportedly difficult and buggy, while their general SMS/voice setup is considered easy. Bandwidth's onboarding process for messaging is deemed unclear and inefficient, specifically regarding their A2P SMS program, while their number management and ordering portal is easy to use. Therefore, while both have aspects of their messaging onboarding processes that users find problematic, the specific pain points differ.

Which product offers more intuitive number management and ordering tools?

Bandwidth offers more intuitive number management and ordering tools according to user reviews. While Twilio provides robust communication APIs and features, Bandwidth users specifically praise the ease of use of their website and portal for managing and ordering numbers. Conversely, some Bandwidth users complain about a separate, cumbersome E911 portal, but overall number management seems simpler than with Twilio.

What are the advantages of Twilio?

Twilio offers a broader range of communication options, including video, WhatsApp integration, and more comprehensive API options for developers seeking deep customization. Twilio's Studio platform also empowers non-coders to create communication workflows. While both platforms offer robust messaging capabilities, Twilio's wider communication feature set provides greater flexibility for diverse business needs.

What are the disadvantages of Twilio?

Twilio's disadvantages include slow customer support response times, frequent account suspensions without clear explanations, a difficult and buggy WhatsApp integration onboarding process, a cumbersome A2P 10DLC registration process, and high pricing for phone numbers in some regions.

Alternatives to Twilio and Bandwidth

Daily

Daily is a video and audio calling platform designed for developers. It provides building blocks for integrating real-time communication into websites and apps. Companies use Daily's building blocks to create custom video features like 1-on-1 calls, group meetings, webinars, and livestreams. Daily focuses on providing high-quality video and audio, with a reliable global network. They are known for their developer-friendly tools and detailed documentation.

Ozonetel CloudAgent

Ozonetel CloudAgent is a cloud-based call center software designed for businesses of all sizes that prioritize customer service. It offers a complete suite of tools including automated dialing, interactive voice response (IVR), and real-time analytics. Ozonetel integrates with popular CRM platforms and promises easy setup and cost savings. They stand out with a focus on AI-powered features like voicebots and intelligent call routing. Ozonetel is trusted by over 2,500 companies globally and boasts high customer satisfaction ratings.

Whereby

Whereby is a video conferencing platform that allows you to host and join video calls directly from a web browser, with no downloads necessary for participants. It offers two main products: Whereby Meetings for simple, branded video meetings and Whereby Embedded for integrating video calls directly into your existing platform. Both options provide features like screen sharing, recording, breakout rooms, and custom branding. Whereby focuses on ease of use, a streamlined user experience, and security, making it suitable for various needs including telehealth, virtual classrooms, and internal team communication.

OnSolve

OnSolve is a software company that provides cloud-based communication solutions for businesses and organizations. Their platform enables companies to send important messages to employees, customers, or the public across various channels like text, email, and voice calls. OnSolve focuses on helping organizations, especially in sectors like healthcare and government, manage critical situations, emergencies, and day-to-day operations more efficiently through reliable and timely communication.

Eseye

Eseye is a software company specializing in global IoT connectivity solutions. They help businesses connect and manage their IoT devices, like smart vending machines or EV chargers, across the world. Eseye stands out by focusing on getting the device connectivity right from the start, ensuring reliable operation. They offer a comprehensive platform for managing device connectivity, optimizing performance, and scaling your IoT project smoothly across different countries and networks. Leading companies like Amazon and Shell trust Eseye for their IoT needs.

Crexendo

Crexendo is a cloud-based communication platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a suite of features including VoIP calling, video conferencing, messaging, and call center solutions, all accessible from various devices. Crexendo emphasizes its reliability with a 100% uptime guarantee and focuses on user-friendly tools for easy management. They are recognized for their strong customer satisfaction ratings and offer integrations with popular business software. Their "VIP" platform aims to provide a complete communication solution for modern businesses.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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