EZ texting vs Podium

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, EZ Texting has become a leading SMS marketing platform, serving over 230,000 businesses across various industries, including retail, healthcare, and nonprofits. Acquired by CallFire in 2021, the company combines years of experience with innovative tools like AI-powered messaging, Shutterstock-integrated MMS, and automated drip campaigns—all designed to enhance customer engagement. They are praised for their intuitive dashboard and quick setup, which is accessible even for non-technical users. The platform offers advanced features such as AI Compose for message drafting, Team Inbox for collaboration, and compliance with TCPA/A2P 10DLC regulations. Pricing is flexible, though high-volume senders may find costs add up. However, while customers commend their ease of use and robust features, some note limitations in support channels and credit expiration policies as drawbacks. That said, with an A+ BBB rating and integrations with HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Zapier, EZ Texting remains a top contender in the SMS marketing space. Read our review to see if they may suit your SMS marketing needs.

Podium was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Lehi, Utah. They first entered the market as a communication and reputation tool for local businesses, then expanded into messaging, payments, automation, and text message marketing as more companies needed faster ways to reach customers. Their platform brings texting, reviews, webchat, and payments into one dashboard, giving teams a simple way to manage conversations and follow-ups. Key features include AI-assisted message creation, automated sequences, list-building tools such as QR codes and text to join, and the ability to send secure payment links by text. Customer feedback varies across platforms. Many users highlight the convenience of keeping all communication in one place and note that texting often leads to faster replies compared with email. Others mention concerns about pricing transparency, long contracts, and slower support responses. Podium holds a B rating on the Better Business Bureau website, and they have earned recognition on industry lists like the Forbes Cloud 100.