IN THE FIELD GUIDE
textbee
textbee.dev
Textbee is an open-source SMS gateway that uses your own Android phone to send and receive SMS messages via a REST API, dashboard, and integrations like n8n and Zapier. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional SMS gateways with no per-message fees and supports features like bulk messaging, message scheduling, and multi-device support.
THE PRODUCT, BEYOND THE PITCH
Editorially reviewed · Sources checked Sep 12, 2026
A good fit for
- Developers, startups, and small businesses needing a cost-effective SMS gateway without per-message fees.
Know the limitations
- Not suitable for very high-volume SMS needs requiring carrier-grade throughput like millions of 2FA codes per day.
What you can do
- Send time-sensitive OTP and 2FA verification codes to secure logins and accounts.
- Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery alerts that customers actually read.
- Send appointment reminders to reduce no-shows for clinics, salons, and services.
- Push critical system, weather, and on-call alerts immediately when they happen.
- Run opt-in marketing promotions, offers, and bulk campaigns from your own number.
Features
- Send SMS from any app with a single REST call without SDKs or vendor lock-in.
- Receive inbound SMS via webhooks or API for OTP verification, support inboxes, and two-way messaging.
- Bulk messaging to reach many recipients in a single API call for campaigns, alerts, and broadcasts.
- Reusable SMS templates with dynamic variables to send consistent messages faster.
- Advanced analytics showing delivery, volume, and performance with detailed reports.
Integrations
Not confirmed yet.
Platforms & data export
- Android phones running the free, open-source textbee app act as SMS gateways.
THE COST FOR YOUR TEAM
Go beyond the starting price.
Published plan prices for your team size and usage. Results update as you type. Taxes, currency conversion and unlisted add-ons are excluded, and anything the source did not state is called out rather than guessed.
Known monthly subtotal
$0.00/month
1 of 1 tools could not be priced with these inputs, so this is not the full cost.
| Tool / plan | Monthly | Per year | What this assumes |
|---|---|---|---|
Custom Flat subscription | By quote | — | Priced by quote — ask the provider for a figure. Contact the provider for a quote. |
A practical workflow
- Install the free, open-source Android app to turn your phone into an SMS gateway.
- Generate a secure API key from the dashboard with unlimited keys per account.
- Scan the QR code in the app or paste the key to enable the gateway.
- Start sending SMS immediately from the dashboard or API once setup is complete.
Based on the sources below. Editorial review does not imply hands-on product testing.
Alternatives to explore
Filter alternatives →Candidates based on category and primary feature. Check feature and pricing differences before switching.
Plan a switch from textbee →What changed
Changes to the facts recorded here, not a live scan of every vendor update. Save this tool to follow updates in your account.
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