What’s the difference? Comparing Business Messaging Channels: SMS vs RCS vs WhatsApp
Business messaging has evolved to incorporate rich media features. To compare how SMS messaging compares to the rich business messaging channels of RCS Business Messaging and WhatsApp Business API we’ve set out the key features of each.
SMS
- Message Type: Text only
- Character Limit: 160 characters
- Read Receipts: No
- Rich Media Support: No
- Interactive Buttons: No
- Branded Messaging: No
- Trust Marks: No
- Network Dependency: Works on any mobile network
- User Base: Global
- Cost for business: Generally low, per-message cost
- Opt-in (Consent): Required, managed by business – often via SMS or web form
- Buttons: No
- Carousels: No
RCS
- Message Type: Text, images, videos, carousels
- Character Limit: Up to 2000 characters or more
- Read Receipts: Yes
- Rich Media Support: Yes
- Interactive Buttons: Yes
- Branded Messaging: Yes, with custom branding options
- Trust Marks: Yes, verified business badge
- Network Dependency: Requires RCS-enabled mobile network and device
- User Base: Global but currently only available on Android mobile devices; Apple due to roll-out RCS Business Messaging in 2025.
- Cost for business: Variable per-message cost, depends on the mobile network provider; set-up fees.
- Opt-in (Consent): Required, managed by business – often via SMS or web form
- Buttons: Yes
- Carousels: Yes
- Message Type: Text, images, videos
- Character Limit: 4096 characters
- Read Receipts: Yes
- Rich Media Support: Yes
- Interactive Buttons: Yes
- Branded Messaging: Yes, with custom branding options
- Trust Marks: Yes, verified business badge
- Network Dependency: Requires internet connection and WhatsApp installed on device
- User Base: Over 2 billion users
- Cost for business: Higher fees for marketing messages than transactions; set-up fees.
- Opt-in (Consent): Required, managed via WhatsApp.
- Buttons: Yes
- Carousels: Yes
You will note that the rich business messaging channels offers significant advances for both how and what mobile communications can deliver to your target audience.
Now that you have an idea of the differences between the rich business messaging channels of RCS Business Messaging and WhatsApp Business API compared to the traditional SMS offering are you ready to take your business communication to the next level? Explore the possibilities of Rich Business Messaging with us and see how this innovative technology can benefit your business.
For more information visit our Rich Business Messaging page.
Megan Lagerwey