66text vs SMSGate
A lightweight local and private SMS gateway or a complete messaging platform? Compare APIs, privacy, devices, campaigns, and SaaS features.
Choose SMSGate if
- You want a free, lightweight open-source gateway
- You need local, public Cloud, or private mode
- You need MMS, data SMS, or multiple SIM support
Choose 66text if
- You want campaigns and contact automations
- You prefer a ready-made PHP web platform
- You want to launch your own SMS SaaS
SMSGate Android app
SMSGate Android app screenshot from its official source repository.
66text dashboard
66text current dashboard and SMS delivery overview.
Key features comparison
| Feature | 66text |
SMSGate |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone as SMS gateway | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Self-hosted operation | ✅ Full web platform PHP, MySQL, and your server |
✅ Multiple options Local, Private, or Custom Gateway |
| Public Cloud option | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Send and receive SMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| REST API | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes Same core API across modes |
| Incoming message webhooks | ✅ Yes | ✅ SMS and MMS events |
| Multiple Android devices | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Cloud and Private modes |
| Multiple SIM cards per device | 🟠 Device dependent | ✅ Yes |
| MMS support | ❌ No | 🟠 Incoming MMS metadata |
| Bulk SMS campaign dashboard | ✅ Yes | 🟠 API and example web client Not a comparable campaign suite |
| Contacts and custom fields | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not advertised |
| Contact segments | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not advertised |
| Recurring and scheduled campaigns | ✅ Yes | 🟠 Scheduled messages Recurring campaigns not advertised |
| Welcome flows, auto replies, and RSS automations | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not advertised |
66text and SMSGate use cases
For a private local SMS API
SMSGate is a strong fit when an application should call the Android device directly on a local network without requiring an external server.
For SMS, MMS, and specialist integrations
SMSGate is better suited when you specifically need incoming MMS metadata, data SMS, SMPP integration, email-to-SMS, or its published client libraries and CLI.
For campaigns and contact workflows
66text is a better fit when the gateway must also manage contacts, custom fields, segments, bulk campaigns, recurring schedules, welcome flows, and automated replies.
For launching an SMS SaaS
66text includes users, plans, payments, taxes, invoices, and white-label controls for selling SMS access from your installation.
What to consider before choosing
Local privacy or web platform
SMSGate can run directly on a local network. 66text uses your self-hosted web backend to coordinate devices, customers, and campaigns.
Gateway toolkit or business workflow
SMSGate provides several gateway modes and integration tools. 66text emphasizes contacts, campaigns, automations, and customer management.
Build around open source or buy ready-made
SMSGate is free and flexible but may require development for a complete business UI. 66text provides that wider application under a commercial license.
Where SMSGate can be the better choice
SMSGate can be the better choice when you want free open-source software, direct local-device access, optional end-to-end encryption in Cloud mode, multiple SIM selection, MMS notifications, data SMS, SMPP, or email-to-SMS integrations.
66text is stronger when you want an installed business platform with a campaign dashboard, contact database, segmentation, automations, user management, and SaaS billing already connected.
Where 66text may not be the right choice
66text may not suit you if you only need a small local API, require MMS or data SMS, prefer Apache-2.0 software, or do not need campaign and SaaS features. It also requires your own compatible hosting, ongoing maintenance, and Android devices that remain powered and connected.
Additional features comparison
| Feature | 66text |
SMSGate |
|---|---|---|
| Open source code | ✅ Included with license | ✅ Apache-2.0 repository |
| End-to-end encryption | 🟠 HTTPS and self-hosted data control No separate message-level E2E mode advertised |
✅ Optional in Cloud mode |
| Official API client libraries | 🟠 REST API documentation | ✅ JavaScript, Python, Go, and PHP |
| CLI, SMPP, and email-to-SMS tools | ❌ Not advertised | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-language and RTL support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not advertised |
| User white label | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not advertised |
| SaaS-ready payments and subscriptions | ✅ 19 payment gateways | ❌ Not advertised |
| Docker support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Private Server |
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us via email if you have another question about 66text.
Need a SMSGate alternative?
Choose 66text if you want a self-hosted Android SMS gateway with campaigns, contacts, automations, and built-in tools for launching your own SMS SaaS.