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What is the best Android app to send SMS from computer?

12

Options
Considered

392

User
Recs.

Jul 4, 2023

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

8 Options Considered

Best Android app to send SMS from computer	Price	Platforms	Publisher
88 KDE Connect	-	Linux, Android	KDE
83 Pushbullet	Freemium	Android / iOS / Web / Windows	Pushbullet
66 AirDroid	-	Android / iOS / Windows / Web	Sand Studio
61 MightyText	Free / paid	Android / Chrome / Safari / Firefox / Opera / IE	MightyText: SMS Texting w/ PC - Free SMS Messaging
-- Join by joaoapps	-	Android, Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome, Web	joaoapps

KDE Connect

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Top Pro

Open source

Top Con

Non-KDE desktops may have issues

MagicalUkanomitama's Experience

a great application for linux with seemless connectivity with your android device See More

Specs

Platforms:Linux, Android

Messaging systems:any

Top Pro

Almost zero latency for all functions

You have to see it to believe it, because it's always on the ball. Any network connection will have good days occasionally, but the absence of bad days is far more valuable. See More

Peter J. Mello's Experience

Declaration of bias: I'm a long-time KDE proponent, but I believe even if I weren't I would still feel just as giddy about KDE Connect. It's just so damned elegant, but not in the UI/UX way, rather on the protocol side. Using Bluetooth as the network layer is just so painless compared to WiFi, especially when my phone sits for awhile and kills that radio for battery life. The notifications arrive on the desktop before my phone stops buzzing, and when music is playing on the computer, the media controls also appear on the lockscreen of the phone so I can just wave my hand over it to wake the screen and skip/pause/repeat songs with a single tap with the phone still locked. The wireless input for keyboard and mouse work is similarly fabulous. This has all happened before the project hit critical mass; I can't wait to see what it looks like in another 12-18 months! See More

Top Pro

Lock screen and notification shade media remote controls

Picture this: You're coding like a man possessed, eyes and fingers both a blur in their own way. You want to skip a song and rather than interrupt your "flow," your left hand just floats over the phone laying next to the keyboard, instantly the screen glows to life and your finger taps the >> button without you even looking, all while characters were continuing to erupt into your text editor like so much nerdy diarrhea. ... Yeah, sometimes life really is that good... See More

Top Pro

Bluetooth > WiFi for these types of functions

Enough said. Of course it can fallback to a WiFi connection too, but it's best not to let it get that far in the first place. See More

Top Pro

Works perfectly with Gnome using the GSConnect extension

Top Pro

Best integration with linux

Especially with kde based distros. See More

Top Pro

Free and easy to work with

Pushbullet

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Top Pro

Superbly easy to use

After installing the Pushbullet application the set up process is as easy as it gets. Pushbullet will first ask you to sign in to your Google account. Then all you have to do is enable notification access and install the Chrome extension. See More

Top Con

Limited to sending 100 messages per month.

Recently they have limited the message reply function to 100 messages in one month. This includes SMS, WhatsApp Kik and more. That's about 3 SMS per day. See More

Kari Elaine Skinner's Experience

My primary reason for trying pushbullet is simply to be able to more easily type my text messages from my laptop instead of only ever using my cell phone. The 100 messages per month limit makes the free version basically useless if there is even one person (best friend, significant other, etc) that you text on a daily basis. Being able to send texts from my laptop is convenient, but NOT worth $5/month for me (or $40/year). I have switched to AirDroid and so far I'm loving it -- as far as I know the free version of AirDroid limits file transfer size, but not number of text messages. Plus the premium version of AirDroid is only $2/month (or $20/year). See More

Specs

Platforms:Android / iOS / Web / Windows

Publisher:Pushbullet

Messaging systems:SMS / MMS / Smart messengers

Top Pro

Free, ad-less

Pushbullet is free with no advertisements, but you can only send 100 messages through Pushbullet a month. See More

Top Con

Tried install on new Samsung Galaxy Tab A - Android ver 9 - Pushbullet does not support SMS.

Tried install on new Samsung Galaxy Tab A - Android ver 9 - Pushbullet does not support SMS. See More

ShojiVR's Experience

Best apps to send/receive sms and mirror notification from phone to PC See More

Top Pro

Does a lot more than send messages

Pushbullet also allows its users to push notifications, links, files, locations, and more to any of their devices or to other Pushbullet users. See More

Top Con

Customer Support is not responsive

AwareAshur's Experience

Tried install on new Samsung Galaxy Tab A - Android ver 9 - Pushbullet does not support SMS. See More

Top Pro

Cross device notification mirroring

Pushbullet can even sync notifcations with other Android devices. This helps prevent you from having to dismiss notifications more than once and allows you to always see your notifications no matter what device you're on. See More

Top Con

No OS X or Safari support for the foreseeable future

PushBullet will no longer support Mac OS X desktop or Safari extensions due to the "fairly annoying" approval process and other limitations. There are currently no plans to resurrect either one (source: PB developer comments on reddit.com/r/PushBullet). There ARE, however, open source apps for both available on PB's website. See More

SophisticatedEochaidMacEirc's Experience

hard to set up See More

Top Pro

Universal copy/paste

Copy text on PC,paste it on your Android device and vice versa. You need the windows app for this. iOS and OSX support coming soon. See More

Top Con

Group messages sometimes get sent to random phone numbers

Top Pro

Runs without Chrome open

As long as you enable "Keep Pushbullet running after I close Chrome" in the Pushbullet extension options, Chrome does not need to be open to receive notifications. See More

Top Pro

Almost no delay

Pushbullet is just as fast as its name suggests at pushing messages, notifications, links or files. See More

Top Pro

More information shown in the notification than other services

Pushbullet includes the sender's name, email address, unread count, subject, and a preview of the message all in the notification. See More

Top Pro

Chrome notifications act as a notification drawer

Pushbullet uses Chrome notifications to act as a running list of past notification that have not yet been dismissed. This is especially useful if you receive a lot of notifications or you are not at your computer when they are received. See More

Top Pro

Uses a Chrome extension for PC/Mac or a Windows application

Pushbullet is designed to use its Chrome extension although a Windows application can be used as well. The Chrome extension provides the best experience because any computer with a signed in Chrome browser will provide your Android notifications. See More

AirDroid

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Top Con

No MMS support

As of August 25, 2017, AirDroid devs are not working on MMS support but "will develop its feasible possibility and have an internal discussion about it." No group texts, no photos. See More

Top Pro

Supports cross-device notification mirroring

SMS and app notifications as well as incoming call notifications are mirrored on the connected devices. See More

MagicalXbalanque's Experience

Chrome extension Constantly disconnects from device. Have to reload/refresh, and very slow refreshing - 20-30 seconds. Uses over 1gb/month mobile data running in the background (I only use it on wifi, hence the 1gb monthly mobile data is when I'm off wifi, and not using it.) See More

Specs

Platforms:Android / iOS / Windows / Web

Publisher:Sand Studio

Messaging systems:SMS / MMS / WhatsApp (etc)

Top Con

Uses a large amount of mobile data while running in the background

Top Pro

Cross device notification mirroring

SMS and app notifications as well as incoming call notifications are mirrored on the connected devices. See More

Kari Elaine Skinner's Experience

The app for OSX seems great and syncs well with my Nexus 6P - everything seems to work well for me. The main thing I would like to see them do is add MMS support -- that would make this app PERFECT. I would consider upgrading to premium if that would include the MMS support. (I love being able to text the perfect gifs to fit the convo, ya know??) See More

Top Con

No browser extensions

Currently Airdroid doesn't have browser extensions that its competitor has. See More

Top Pro

It's a Swiss Army knife of cross-device functionality

In addition to SMS management and notification mirroring, it includes the ability to transfer files, URLs and clipboard, view through the camera lens of the Android device on another device, and completely control all functionality of a rooted Android device on a different device. See More

ShojiVR's Experience

will be perfect if it has browser extensions instead of only dekstop apps See More

Top Con

Incredibly heavy

This is a heavyweight option to get just SMS from PC. See More

Top Pro

Straightforward SMS manager

In addition to allowing you to send and see incoming messages using an intuitive interface on a computer, the app also allows you to manage contacts. See More

Top Con

Considerable delay when sending SMS messages via computer

Messages sent via computer can sometimes be delivered to the recipient with a delay of up to 10 minutes. Because of that holding a conversation might be difficult and it can needlessly drag out. See More

Top Pro

Allows direct control of the Android from PC

By hooking your Android phone to your PC via cable you can get a direct mirror of your phone screen on your PC which allows you to see and interact with notifications that can otherwise only be viewed or dismissed (Telegram, Signal). You can then do anything on your phone that you normally would by hand but using your mouse and PC. See More

Top Pro

Premium is cheaper than Pushbullet Pro

As of 23/11/2015, the price for Pushbullet Pro is $39.99 yearly/$4.99 monthly while AirDroid Premium is only $19.99 yearly/$1.99 monthly/$38.99 biennially. See More

MightyText

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Top Con

High price that keeps increasing

Mighty Text Pro has doubled in price (from $39.99/yr to $79.99/yr) in the past few years. It jumped $20 in the past year alone. The most expensive of its competitors — PushBullet — is just as powerful for half the price. See More

Top Pro

Schedule SMS and MMS from computer

Joseph Greenbaum's Experience

Been a long time MT user. It's been great to have my texts backed up, and be able to search all texts from the computer. Scheduling is pretty awesome as well! See More

Specs

Platforms:Android / Chrome / Safari / Firefox / Opera / IE

Publisher:MightyText: SMS Texting w/ PC - Free SMS Messaging

Messaging systems:SMS MMS

File Size:Varies with device

Top Con

Problems with synchronisation

Not all messages are sent unless you enable the ping option, which drains battery. See More

Top Pro

Read and send texts from all your Android devices + Web

In addition to notifying of incoming messages, MightyText can be set up to mirror all Android notification on the desktop. See More

HonorableNona's Experience

The 79 dollar Pro version changed nothing for me after a five day trial. The software seemed to bully it's way into making continued use of the free version impossible. I am disappointed because I used to love using it. The company reimbursed me and for that I am grateful. See More

Top Con

Pro version - automatic renewal with NO notification

Subject says it all - tried it, and thought I cancelled. Surprised with a bill today. And no notification of price change. VERY slimy. See More

Top Pro

Backs up and syncs messages, notifications, contacts and media

MightyText syncs SMS and MMS as well as contacts and media from gallery between Android and web. See More

PhilosophicalGelos's Experience

I have been using this for many years. Sometimes it does not sync and summertimes it appear to send duplicates. I often can't get the desktop to sync with my Android desktop so I only see a phone number-the contact name does not crossover. I am a lifetime member. I contact customer service and I get nowhere. That's why I am looking on this forum. See More

Top Con

Doesn't support some popular messaging services

Signal, Telegram, Whatsapp is either missing or inconsistent. See More

Top Pro

Easy to get going as it uses your current phone number & SMS

MightyText uses SMS, so the people you message don't need to download the app in order for you to message them. This makes the transition from plain SMS to MightyText very easy and unlike Google Voice you keep your existing number. See More

RespectfulFaunus's Experience

The free version has served me well for the past year. I plan to upgrade to PRO this year when a change of my role will require more messages to be handled. See More

Top Con

Pro version required to access all features

Features like message scheduling, themes, contact lists, message templates and SMS/e-mail sync require a $5/month ($40/yr) subscription. See More

Top Pro

Gives useful desktop notifications from your phone

MightyText gives you desktop notifications for new texts and calls with the ability to quickly reply from your computer. There is also a really cool feature that shows you your current battery life on your phone as well as low battery alerts no matter where your phone is. See More

MotivatedNohochacyum's Experience

Had problems. And after I thought I cancelled I was surprised to find out I am still being billed. And cancelling is not easy. See More

Top Con

Does not sync all contacts when more than one Google account is present

When more than one Google account is present, Mighty Text syncs only the contacts of the main account. See More

Top Pro

Push links, files, maps, and more from computer to phone

Bill Anger's Experience

does not send multi-recipient texts to SMS+ users See More

Top Pro

Easy sharing of photos & videos from phone

Using the toggle to turn on the photo and video sharing feature allows for sharing of both file types easily. See More

KnowledgeableDziewona's Experience

Does not sync messages or photos now, bloody crippleware. See More

Top Pro

Easily schedule messages

Users can set up schedules for their messages for when they want one to go out but know they won't be close to their phone or just want to have a particular time to send something without having to do it at that specific time. See More

ShojiVR's Experience

Lot of issues such as send message failed, connection issues See More

Top Pro

Easily send group messages

Users can add multiple contacts to a group message that gets sent to all recipients at once when sent, which is great for times when a user is trying to coincide info with a bunch of people such as a group going out for the evening or work related exercises. See More

Top Pro

Supports a wide variety of SMS apps

MightText includes support for Hangouts (default SMS app for Android 4.4), as well as Textra, Chomp SMS, Hello SMS, Easy SMS, GoSMS. See More

Top Pro

Advanced SMS manager

"- Backup and syncing SMS Send photos and videos to the computer you’re connected to Text via tablet using MightyText’s dedicated tablet app" See More

Join by joaoapps

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Top Pro

Encryption

Ability to encrypt your pushes between devices. See More

Top Con

No Firefox addons

Developer is unable to create addons because of restriction in Firefox API. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome, Web

Publisher:joaoapps

Top Pro

Great developer

Created by the guy who maintains tasker and all the autoapps. He is very quick to respond to any issues and fixes them quickly. See More

Top Con

Ugly, Open Source Looking Interface

Top Pro

Chrome extension

Has a solid Chrome extension that has never lest me down. Easy to setup, easy to use, low on resources and VERY fast. See More

Top Con

Complex settings

Top Pro

Ad free and unlimited is a one time purchase as opposed to PushBullet's recurring membership fee

Join is $4.99 for the pro account, but it used to be donation based starting at $0.99. See More

Top Pro

Extremely reliable pushes on multiple devices (notifications, SMS, clipboard, and more)

Supports all of your devices and you can push anywhere, even to Mac. Text right from your computer. Receive mobile notifications on your desktop. Nice UI/UX. Talented, well-known, and trustworthy developer. See More

Top Pro

Share anything between devices

Share anything (text/clipboard, images, links, screenshots, etc.) and see everything you have recently shared from/between any of your devices. See More

Top Pro

Push files and they are stored in Google Drive

Any files you push are stored in your own Google Drive so you always have access to them See More

Top Pro

Integrates with Tasker

Integrates with Tasker for all sorts of crazy cool actions and options. See More

Top Pro

Locate your device

Another nice feature is the ability to locate all of your Join connected devices remotely (similar to Lookout or Google's Find My Device). See More

VZW Messenger+

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Top Pro

Device sync

If you install Messenger+ on your phone and another device it will sync you conversations. It's available on Android, iOS, Web and Windows. See More

Top Con

Does not show and/or relay all messages

The PC version does not always relay all messages that appear on the phone. See More

MethodicalTongoenabiagus's Experience

Setup my Verizon Cloud account on my phone and then downloaded this app onto my laptop. It took a little while for the device upload to the cloud to happen, but after it did my contacts all display correctly on the desktop app. See More

Top Pro

Customizable

It look nice and you can customize themes and notifications. See More

Top Con

Doesn't show contact names on PC app

You'll need Verizon's backup program for this. Won't sync Google contacts. See More

FerventKingu's Experience

Sometimes the Messenger+ web app ( https://web.vma.vzw.com/ ) runs sporadically, clocking for long periods of time. Verizon support does not seem to support that part of the app as you would expect a 'production' app to be supported. They might look first to the PC it is running on (understandable) but twice in 6 months the issues were resolved on the Verizon server side. Took multiple calls and a lot of user time to get them involved enough to resolve. Not worth the occasional and lengthy down times. See More

Top Con

Web app sometimes runs sporadically

Sometimes the Messenger+ web app ( https://web.vma.vzw.com/ ) runs sporadically, clocking for long periods of time. Verizon support does not seem to support that part of the app as you would expect a 'production' app to be supported. They might look first to the PC it is running on (understandable) but twice in 6 months the issues were resolved on the Verizon server side. Took multiple calls and a lot of user time to get them involved enough to resolve. Not worth the occasional and lengthy down times. See More

ProfessionalKuaFu's Experience

messenger bts v See More

Top Con

Sometimes it does not send MMS messages to users

This is very annoying, it works fine on the android version, but on the PC, it refuses complaining that the individual is not allowed to send/receive it. See More

SpiritedTeojusin's Experience

TERRIBLE! Will not sync... Multiple re-installs... I spent over an hour on the phone with Verizon trying to get it to work... Finally, the tech told me that they could not do anything more... I asked them what I should do next and she seriously told me I should go online and give bad reviews!!! So that's what I'm doing... This is a new version... The old one worked fine and I loved it! THIS ONE STINKS!!!!! See More

mysms

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Top Con

Highly unreliable service.

Doesn't send you your texts MANY TIMES. See More

Top Pro

Until recent google update you could use mysms from web and still use your favorite app on your phone like textra

Jim S's Experience

Simple to use. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, Windows, Chrome

Top Con

Ads

Unless you get the premium version, messages sent by web will randomly add "sent by mysms.com get it here" to the message. Totally random. See More

Top Pro

Unlimited messages

DignifiedWaramurungundi's Experience

I have the pro version. Highly unreliable service. Doesn't send you your texts MANY TIMES. Intermediate service. Can't send to groups as it advertises. See More

Top Con

Syncing is really hit or miss lately

Top Pro

pricing $10/year

James DeWinter (Philodemus)'s Experience

Easy to set up, easy to use, free and reliable. See More

Bill Anger's Experience

Very laggy on android app See More

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