What Is SMS Messaging? Is it the Same as Texting?

SMS messaging was the first kind of texting invented and remains the simplest form of text messaging.

SMS stands for Short Message Service — it's called "short" because you're limited to 160 characters of text and nothing else. Key features of SMS messages:

• They're text-only: SMS messages can use letters, numbers, and symbols but can't include images, videos, or other media.
• You have a length limit, but you may not notice it: An SMS message can send up to 160 characters at a time. But many phones and carriers make that limit invisible to users by breaking apart and reassembling longer messages in the background so they look like one long text.
• They use the cellular network: You don't need to be connected to the internet or use mobile data, because SMS messages use your cell provider's network.

Here's what to know about SMS messaging and how it compares to other types of texting, like MMS messaging and RCS messaging.

Pros and cons of SMS messaging 

Is SMS messaging free?  

Yes, typically, SMS messaging is free. Most unlimited data phone plans include unlimited texting at no charge, but some prepaid phone plans and other cheap phone plans may have limits on how many you can send. Be sure to check the fine print of any plan you’re considering. And remember the length limit — a long text may look like one block, but each 160-character chunk transmits separately and can be charged as an individual text.

Also, be sure to understand your plan’s rules for texting across borders: what countries you can text to, whether you can text while traveling abroad, and what the fees you might incur. 

Note: Texts to 911 are SMS messages and are always free of charge. However, it's best to call 911 if you can because not every location supports text-to-911. The SOS mode on iPhones and Android phones (recent models) can help you connect to emergency services when there's no cellular coverage.

What other types of messaging are there? 

Because SMS messages can only hold text — and not a lot of it — they’re pretty limited. Fortunately, newer types of messaging have rolled out. 

What is MMS messaging? 

MMS messaging is a newer texting format (it's short for Multimedia Messaging Service). You can send longer messages and attach files like emoji, photos and videos, and web links — but it's only supported on smartphones. You can also have true group chats, where everyone can read and respond to messages.

MMS messages generally require a data connection, although they can go over Wi-Fi if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled. The length limit is much higher than with SMS: 1,600 characters. But networks limit how much data each MMS text can use, so don't expect to transfer massive amounts of content via a text.  

Like SMS, MMS messages are not encrypted, so someone could potentially intercept them. And as with any phone plan feature, be sure you understand any costs you might incur with MMS texting.   

What are RCS messages?  

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, a newer type of texting that has more functionality. You can send photos, videos, emoji and links, and have group chats. It also supports typing indicators and read receipts. But both devices must have RCS enabled, or the texts will send as MMS or SMS messages. 

RCS messages are sent over mobile data and Wi-Fi, so check details of your data plan. (Read more about how to use RCS messaging, including how to enable it in settings.)

What are Google Messages and iMessage? 

Android and Apple have apps designed for their users that enhance messaging capabilities. These are the default apps on most phones, but another messaging app might better fit you needs.

The Google Messages app on Android devices offers features such as high-resolution videos and photos, scheduled messages, spam protection and AI integrations. Texts between Google Messages users who are using RCS are end-to-end encrypted for privacy.  

Apple’s iMessage app allows sharper video and photos, text and message effects, stickers and handwritten messages. Messages between Apple devices are encrypted. (Using TextNow on an iPhone? Learn how to enable iMessaging.) 

SMS vs MMS vs RCS in text messaging  

The broad term “text message” covers a lot of ground. Here’s a glance at the various types of text messages:

Frequently asked questions about SMS messaging