Clearstream vs Twilio
Twilio is a cloud communications software businesses use to build communication tools using its APIs. Clearstream is a texting software built for the church and trusted by many of the largest churches in the United States.
We have changed the way we've done ministry as a result of using Clearstream.
Their team solicits feedback, implements our suggestions, and clearly communicates best practices that translate into our success.
Clearstream has been a great care tool to help build community within Hillsong East Coast.
Clearstream has been an incredible partner in helping us reach and engage our community. Their team is responsive, proactive, and always willing to collaborate on creative solutions that help us communicate more effectively.
The customer service has been over and above exceptional.
Clearstream is an incredible tool that helps our attenders easily access resources, connects our staff with attenders, and offers unbeatable customer service.
The platform is easy to use, our onboarding was a breeze, and their customer service is incredible.
Clearstream has connected us more closely to our congregation. We are able to use this one tool to communicate to all of our ministry teams.
Clearstream has made it simple for us to keep our people connected. Whether it's a Sunday reminder or an event promotion, Clearstream helps us communicate with our church family wherever they are.
Clearstream has been a total game changer in helping us reach one more. The ability to connect broadly and then one-on-one allows us to reach many while also connecting personally.
Clearstream has been an amazing tool for our staff to keep in contact with our congregation. The customer service has been fantastic too!
Clearstream has become an essential part of our ministry toolkit. The platform has allowed us to engage with our congregation on a level that far surpasses anything else we’ve tried.
Rated 4.9 stars from 2,400+ reviews →
Customer Review
This was the easiest transition from one provider to another. Clearstream made this effortless on our part. The customer service has been over and above exceptional. This includes promptness to inquiries as well as customer support of our product.
When Clearstream is best
If you’re a church, Clearstream is going to be the best and most affordable option in nearly every case.
We offer a feature-rich SMS platform and API, with carrier compliance, automated workflows with conditional routing, team management, and multi-campus capability. And our product team is always pushing new updates.
We seamlessly integrate with Planning Center, Rock RMS, and CCB/Pushpay.
When Twilio is the best option
Twilio is a great SMS option for organizations that prefer to build a texting program from the ground up. Twilio’s primary use cases are alerts, notifications, reminders, or verification codes.
Twilio isn’t an SMS platform, only a set of APIs.
Clearstream is both.
Rock RMS Partner
If your church uses Rock RMS, Clearstream was the top-rated Rock Partner from Rock's 2026 survey, easily beating out Twilio and all other texting providers. Clearstream can replace Twilio as the SMS Transport in Rock, and we also have a direct 2-way integration with Rock. Schedule a Zoom call with our Rock experts to learn more.
From the Clearstream Blog
Comparing Twilio and Clearstream as a Rock Church
Better Pricing
Considering a short code with Twilio? Expect to pay a hefty $500/mo “short code service charge” on top of your monthly leasing fee. We don’t sneak in extra fees.
Twilio passes carrier message surcharges (about $0.0035/segment) to you, on top of your standard Twilio messaging rates. Carrier surcharges are included in your Clearstream monthly plan.
Twilio offers customer support plans. We give killer customer support free to every customer, regardless of what they pay.
Clearstream API
Most large churches using Clearstream find our full-featured platform plus our direct integrations are exactly what they need, but we do offer a robust, open REST API for your church to build on as well.
Native iOS & Android App
Manage all text communications in our native, bug-free mobile app. Need to message volunteers Sunday morning on the fly? Text individuals or a full list through the mobile app and respond to replies immediately.
Integrations
Clearstream integrates seamlessly with your favorite tools
We take our integrations seriously. Clearstream integrations are simple to set up, fully reliable, and they make the tools you use more powerful by working together.
Planning Center
View integrationRock RMS
View integrationCCB/Pushpay
View integrationBreeze
View integrationSlack
View integrationMailchimp
View integrationZapier
View integrationSimple
View integrationAPI
View integrationCompare Twilio to Clearstream
Migrate to Clearstream
Painlessly migrate your dedicated short code or A2P 10DLC numbers from Twilio to Clearstream.