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07.08.25
SMS is the simplest form of messaging. It stands for Short Message Service and is limited to text only and up to 160 characters. Key features of SMS messages:
Text-only: SMS messages can use letters, numbers, and symbols but can't include images, videos, or other media.
Length limit: Up to 160 characters can be sent at a time. However, many phones and carriers make the limit invisible to users by breaking apart and reassembling longer messages in the background.
Sent via 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.
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SMS messaging began the texting revolution
Sending and receiving texts feels like our primary way of communicating now, thanks to the ease of tapping out messages on the devices we all carry. Americans sent more than 2.1 trillion text messages in 2023 — that’s 67,000 per second — according to the wireless industry group CTIA.
SMS messaging was developed in the 1980s and came into wider use in the 1990s. (Texting trivia: The first SMS message said “Merry Christmas” and was sent Dec. 2, 1992, by a Vodafone engineer.)
At first, SMS texts could only be sent between people using the same cellular network. Texting wasn’t easy, either. Users had to use their phone’s number keypad to select letters, such as pressing 4 three times to type “I.” That slow process and the character limit led to abbreviations and spellings that hang around today, for example LOL and “ur.”
Is SMS messaging free?
Typically, SMS messaging is free. Most unlimited phone plans include unlimited texting at no charge, but some prepaid 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 to avoid billing surprises. And keep in mind that length limit! A long text may look like one block on your phone, but each 160-character chunk transmits separately and can be charged as an individual text if your plan limits the number of messages.
Also, be sure to understand your plan’s rules for texting across borders. Check to see what countries you can text to and whether there’s an added fee, and what it costs if you text while traveling in another country.
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.
TextNow Tip: Along with international texting, international calling usually requires payment. If you're a former Skype user looking for an affordable or even free alternative that will allow you to call & text internationally, check out the best Skype alternatives.
Pros and cons of SMS messaging
Pros
Cons
SMS messages can be sent between any two mobile devices — they don’t require a smartphone. Can send only text — not emoji, photos, video, gifs or web links.
Uses the cell network, not data, so you can text even when you don’t have an internet connection. Doesn’t provide full group-chat functionality, letting everyone see all responses.
The simplest and cheapest messaging system. Not encrypted, so messages are not protected from a third party intercepting them as they’re sent between devices.
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, which stands 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.
With MMS, you can also have true group chats, where everyone can read and respond to messages. Those 2.1 trillion messages sent by U.S. customers mentioned earlier are a blend of SMS and MMS 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, 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 use.
What are RCS messages?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, and it’s a newer method of texting that has more functionality than SMS and MMS. You can use RCS texting to send photos, videos, emoji and links, and for group chats. It also supports typing indicators and read receipts. Note, though, that 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.)
Only messages between like devices (Android to Android, or among Apple devices) are encrypted now, but encryption of messages between Apple and Android users is rolling out soon.
TextNow Tip: If your phone plan doesn't support RCS, or you're looking for something more secure, there are plenty of free texting apps you can use over mobile data or Wi-Fi as an alternative to stay in touch with loved ones.
What are Google Messages and iMessage?
Android and Apple have apps designed for their users that enhance messaging capabilities.
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.
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:
| Text message type | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS messaging | Uses the cellular network, not data. |
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| MMS messaging | Uses mobile data; can use Wi-Fi if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled. |
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| RCS messaging | Uses mobile data or Wi-Fi. |
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